Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The first full day of practices in pads was played under gray skies, with little wind and mild temperatures. No train fell, and the temp peaked at 58 degrees. This is good stuff for late January here in the Bay area.
Practices were lively and fast paced. Almost every player I spoke with commented on the pace of the practices, and the attention to detail by the pro coaches.
One of the higher ranked players went home this morning. Kentwan Balmer tweaked a hamstring, and at this venue any kind of injury puts a player on the shelf. No one wants to be responsible for turning a minor injury into a major one.
Morning North Practice
Dan Conner – LB, PENN State looked outstanding in practice all morning, whether doing positional drills, or participating in 7 on 7 drills. He is a natural athlete; more so than Paul Posluszny who was here last year from Linebacker U. His coordination and speed are impressive. He seems equally adept against the run and the pass. He looks like the best overall player here to me.
Jordy Nelson – WR, Kansas State has the most impressive combination of size, speed and hands of any receiver here. AT 6’2/215, he has little difficulty taking the ball away from defenders, when they occasionally stay close to him. His size and speed remind me of former Packer Bill Schroeder. But unlike trackman Schroeder, he is an NFL ready product. As other prospects, like Adarius Bowman, stumble a bit, Nelson moves up the rankings board. The former walk-on at KSU may be headed into the late Second Round in April.
Joe Flacco – QB, Delaware> continues to impress with his athleticism and potential, but Raider coaches are doing a lot of work with him on his footwork, and drop-back. He also seems to be having a bit of difficulty adapting to the speed of the D1-A CBs, and the overall speed of the All-Star caliber scrimmage. He was picked once, and had several other routes jumped on his late throws.
Terrence Wheatley – CB, Colorado may be the best CB inch-for-inch, and pound-for-pound down here. At only a touch over 5’ 9”, with only 29 ½” arms he may never be more than a Nickel Back in the NFL, but he will be a good one. He is a tough, physical little guy, who shows good ball skills. He should also be able to find a way to contribute on Special Teams on the NFL.
Speaking of “little guys”, Eddie Royal – WR/RS, VA Tech has been very impressive in a talented receiver group. He is quick as a hiccup, and shows break away speed if he catches a ball behind the DBs. He has shown very dependable hands and runs some pretty crisp routes. Hard to gauge return skills this week, but he piled up some big numbers for the Hokies during his career there.
Jordon Dizon – LB, Colorado is beginning to look like more than just a back-up LB and Special Teamer. He seems more athletic that I was led to believe. He also has good ball instincts and seems to be able to locate the ball well. He has good hands for a LB, and if in position to get to the ball will make the INT. And there has never been any question about his hustle, and desire.
Sedrick Ellis – DT, Southern CAL though not dominant consistently, still looks to be the best DL in Mobile. He is bullish, and quick. He still looks to me a lot like Warren Sapp. He can get penetration and out-quicks most of the interior OL. His ability is a little hard to gauge, because he is not being challenged by elite OL.
Time for a couple of general observations about the players on the rosters this year.
The OL and DL are fairly mediocre. There are some decent players, and some will make their mark in the NFL, but only Sam Baker seems like a legit candidate for the First Round, and late at that, come April.
Overall these rosters feature more speed, and quickness than in recent years, while the overall player size seems down this year.
Afternoon South Practice
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie – CB, TENN State continues to shine with his coverage skills and athleticism. He is slim, trim and quick to the ball. He has the speed to keep up with any WR on the field. This guy is really pushing to leave Mobile as a solid First Round candidate.
The same can pretty much be said of Leodis McKelvin – CB, Troy a superior athlete with good cover skills. He has lock-down potential. He shows well with his athleticism in drills and seems to have excellent speed, and quickness to turn on the ball. Haven’t seen it here yet but he did return three punts for TDs this past season.
Chris Williams – OT, Vanderbilt appears to be the most consistent and talented OL on the South squad. His size (6-6, 320) and quickness make his almost impossible to get around. He shows good drive on running plays. He seems able to keep the lighter, quicker DEs down here at arms length, literally. He still seems like a very early selection in Round Two.
Local favorite D.J. Hall – WR, Alabama seems to be a target of the ire of ‘Niners Coaches with his rounded patterns, and