SB Nation - Dannell Ellerbe

Arizona Cardinals Post Draft Coverage: Best Undrafted Free Agents

Hawkwind — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:19:30 -0000

Well the fire from the NFL draft weekend is still smoldering but today, and possibly the next couple of days, will center around the guys who did not get drafted. The Arizona Cardinals signed thirteen undrafted free agents and four of those guys are on the team right now including Ali Highsmith who was a prominent special teams player before hurting his knee midway through the season. The Cardinals could find some very useful pieces on this scrap heap but they'll have to work quickly because they're bidding against every other team in the league. We'll take a look at some of the notable names as well as update when any signings happen:

Here are some names that might ring a bell and will certainly be on the top of quite a few teams' wish list:

Linebackers: The Cardinals didn't draft an ILB for the second consecutive year but there are some notable names still available and with any luck, these guys might turn out even better than Ali Highsmith did last year. There are couple of outside backers at the bottom who might interest the Cardinals considering that they probably stash them on the practice squad and see how they look in a year once they learn the position.

Darry Beckwith (6'0, 234), LSU: Beckwith was thought be a third or fourth round pick at worse but his injury history and lack of great size or athleticism must have hurt him more than scouts thought.
Dannell Ellerbe (6'1 236) Georgia: Teams obviously thought that Ellerbe's breakout season in 2007 was overshadowed by three mediocre seasons. He'll have an uphill battle to make any team but he's got some athleticism and could be a factor on special teams.
Antonio Appleby (6'3 245) Virginia: He's nothing special in terms of production or athletic ability but a 3-4 team will pick him up for depth and his potential as a two down thumper.
Worrell Williams (5'11, 240) California: Williams is undersized but he's got experience in a 3-4 and the athleticism to be an NFL player.
Orion Martin (6'3, 262) Virginia Tech: Another former college DE who is probably best served switching to OLB, he's totaled 14 sacks over the past two seasons but ran a disappointing 4.89 at the combine.

Defensive Line: The Cardinals completely ignored the defensive line in the draft despite some concerns about the depth at defensive end and nose tackle. I'd be surprised if a couple of UDFA's aren't some wide bodied defenders.

Chris Baker (6'2 326) Hampton: Off the field problems forced him to leave Penn State and most likely are the biggest reason that's he field phone calls today instead of packing for an NFL team already. He's got the talent (16.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks) to play in this league but will need soem guidance.
Mitch King (6'1, 280) Iowa: King played defensive end, tackle and even linebacker while at Iowa and could project at either end or linebacker in the NFL. His tweener status probably kept him from being drafted by he's a versatile defender who carried a mid-round grade from some scouts.
Everette Pedescleaux (6'5, 305) Northern Iowa: The Cardinals were rumored to have brought Pedescleaux in for a visit before the draft and he'd offer some depth and athleticism at the defensive end spot.

Offensive skill positions: While the Cardinals might be stacked at running back after the selections of Wells and LSH, it wouldn't hurt to add another body to man the practice squad. Any receiver with some return potential might also be intriguing as should any balanced tight end.

Jeremiah Johnson (5'9 209) Oregon: He was never really a featured runner but he totalled over 2,000 yards at Oregon and averaged over six yards per carry. He's also got experience returning kicks.
Ian Johnson (5'11, 212) Boise State: Johnson ran surprisingly fast at the combine (4.46) but his long list of injury is concerning.
Devin Moore (5'9, 191) Wyoming: Moore's size hurts his stock but his athleticism is amazing and he could help a team as a third down back and kick returner.
Kory Sheets (5'11, 208) Purdue: Another smallish back with outstanding speed (4.47) who doubles as a back and return man.
Marlon Lucky and Arian Foster (5'11, 216 & 6'1, 215): Both Lucky and Foster were starting backs who ran disappointing 40's and failed to establish themselves as NFL material but seven rounds of waiting might just be the motivation that they needed.
Quan Cosby (5'9, 196) Texas: He's small and old for an NFL rookie (26) but he is faster than he timed (4.57) and was a successful punt and kick returner at Texas.
Jeremy Gilchrist (5'9 176) Hampton: Gilchrist is tiny and was neutralized by double teams after totaling over a 1,000 yards in 2007 but his six punt return touchdowns in the past two years is hard to ignore.
Ryan Purvis (6'3, 254) Boston College: A physically limited tight end whose senior production drastically dropped off with Matt Ryan gone, but he's physical, willing blocker who had over 50 reception in 2007.
Jared Bronson (6'4, 254) Central Washington: Bronson's a decent in-line blocker who has also shown the ability to stretch the field (17.9 yards per catch in 2008).

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There are countless other guys we could mention but that's a small taste. Who else would you like to see the Cardinals take a look at? What positions still need the most help?

Arizona Cardinals Potential Draft Picks: Inside Linebackers

Hawkwind — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:00:16 -0000

About the month ago it looked like the Arizona Cardinals were solid at inside linebacker with Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes as the starters and Victor Hobson and Ali Highsmith providing depth. At that time the biggest need on the inside might have been another developmental player for depth but nothing about the inside linebackers suggested that the position was a pressing need. That warm, fuzzy feeling quickly faded though when Dansby fired his agent and spoke publically about looking forward to making a splash in free agency next off season. While it's still possible for Dansby to agree to a long term extension, it certainly won't happen before this weekend and with that in mind the Cardinals must enter the 2009 draft with the possibility of needing a starter at ILB in 2010.

The Cardinals don't have to push inside linebacker to the top of their needs list but it has become a position that we can not afford to neglect. Since we've over looked the entire position until now in ROTB's draft preparation, here's a look at the crop of talent that should be avaliable in the middle to late rounds.

Darry Beckwith (6'0 234): Beckwith has been a productive linebacker during his time at LSU where he was a three year starter and two time 2nd team All-SEC linebacker. He's got experience inside and outside but most scouts project him on the inside at the pro level. He didn't disappointed some with 4.79 forty and 26.5 vertical jump but he improved on his forty (4.65) at LSU's pro day to ease some concerns about his athleticism. He's not a great athlete and injuries are big concern but when healthy, he's one of the better linebackers in the country. Questions abound about Beckwith's potential in the NFL but he sounds like a solid football player who didn't wow scouts in the 'pre-draft' workouts. Projected Round: Late 2nd to late 3rd

Compares to: Gary Brackett (Indy)

Pros - Beckwith has a good sized frame that could still be bulked up without a loss of quickness or agility. He's a decent athlete who makes plays from sideline to sideline and makes plays in pursuit. He's at his best when playing down hill against the run where he's aggressive and physical. He's a reliable tackler who's capable of getting off blockers, sifting through traffic and making plays. He flashes some explosiveness as a hitter and knows his limitations and roles within a defense.

Cons - Injuries are the biggest concern with Beckwith as he's missed time in each of the past three seasons with knee and shoulder injuries. He's also shorter than your typical linebacker and isn't overly strong or fast. Beckwith isn't a great pass rusher either and he's not totally comfortable in coverage.

Jasper Brinkley (6'1, 249): Brinkely burst on the scene in 2006 when he transferred to South Carolina from Georgia Military College and totaled 107 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. His 2007 season ended just four games in after a knee injury and his 2008 season he simply didn't look like the same player. Some scouts suggest that he played overweight while some speculate that he simply wasn't 100%. Two years removed from the surgery though Brinkley has been rising up the charts with some impressive workouts. His 4.72 forty at the combine was among the best at his position and his 35.5 inch vertical helped prove that the explosiveness is back in his game. If Brinkley can recapture the form that he displayed in 2006, he could be a steal in the middle of the draft provided that he stays healthy. Projected Round: 3rd

Compares to: Larry Foote (Pittsburgh)

Pros - With prototypical size and strength for the position, Brinkley brings a unique combination of size and athleticism to the table. He's a reliable tackler who is capable a delivering a monster blow. He's got solid short area quickness and has the ability to work through trash and find the ball carrier. He's very solid against the run and a good pass rusher with a solid burst to get to the quarterback.

Cons - Brinkley's abilities as a run defender and pass rusher do not extend to coverage where he looks stiff and uncomfortable in space. He doesn't play as physical as his size and strength would suggest and he needs to rely on his size advantage instead of trying to slip blocks. His instincts and awareness are still in the developmental stages and he can be fooled by misdirection or play action.

Gerald McRath (6'2 230): Few linebackers have put up the numbers of McRath over the past two seasons (276 tackles), but his lack of size projects his as a 4-3 outside linebacker. He's good athlete but looks like a strong safety instead of linebacker and his play is too soft for a 3-4 inside backer. Projected Round: 3rd to 4th

Compares to: Micheal Boley (formerly of Atlanta)

Jason Phillips (6'1, 239): Phillips isn't a 'wow' player but he gets the job done and is the only player in Mountain West Conference history to earn first or second team honors in all four seasons that he played. He surprised scouts when broke off a 4.69 forty at the combine but he also tore a meniscus in his left knee while at the combine. He's still on crutches but claims that he'll be ready for the start of training camp. Regardless of how quickly he's able to return to full strength Phillips should have a solid career based on his work ethic and dedication to the game. Projected Round: 4th

Compares to: Monty Beisel (formerly of.....well you know)

Pros - He's got a solid frame that's perfectly suited for an inside backer in the 3-4. He plays to contact and is able to shed blocks quickly and work through trash to find the ball. He combines great instincts, a solid football IQ and a non stop motor to make plays that other backers wouldn't and he's got the power to deliver big hits. He's at his best when playing downhill against the run but he can also hold his own on coverage. He's got decent ball skills and is able to read the eyes of opposing QB.

Cons - Phillips doesn't have great height and he's certainly not the best athlete. His lack of lateral quickness prevents him from making plays sideline to sideline and he doesn't have the athletic ability to overcome his own mistakes when he over pursues or is fooled. He can be an decent blitzer but his repertoire is limited to a powerful bull rush and when he gets too aggressive he'll whiff. Basically his lack of athleticism narrows his margin for error on the field.

Dannell Ellerbe (6'1 236): Ellerbe is a perplexing prospect because he's had one great season (2007) and three highly mediocre seasons. His breakout year in 2007 saw him move to the inside backer spot and flourish to the tune of 93 tackles, 12 for loss and 4.5 sacks. In his other three seasons combined he's managed just 55 tackles, nine for less and four sacks. His senior season in 2008 was hampered by a knee injury that completely knocked him out of three games and limited him in several others. He's played all three linebacker spots but his best play has come when on the inside. He also didn't do a full workout at the combine because of a torn chest muscle but he did break off an impressive 4.64 at his pro day. He also got into some off the field problems in 2006 but heading into this past season his stock was much, much higher than it is now. Projected Round: mid 4th to late 5th

Compares to: Bart Scott (formerly of the Ravens)

Pros - Ellerbe has a well built frame that should be able to add some bulk without effecting his athleticism. He's got above average straight line speed and solid quickness and acceleration. He's physical in the running game, showing the ability to take on and shed blocks while maintaining his aggressiveness. He's an explosive hitter when the meets the ball carrier and the quickness to beat blockers to the play. He's a good pass rusher and one of the better cover linebackers in the country. He gets deep into his drops, looks comfortable in space and has shown the ability to bait quarterbacks by reading their eyes.

Cons - He's a tad undersized, especially for a 3-4 backer, and he too often relies on his athleticism to make plays instead of playing within the system. He can miss some tackles when trying to go high for a big hit. Overall his lack of consistent productivity combined with an off the field incident in 2006 (DUI) have hurt his stock.

Scott McKillop (6'1 245): McKillop is another 'lunch pail' guy taken from the same mold as Jason Phillips. McKillop took over as the starter in 2007 and all he did was total 288 tackles, 27.5 for loss and seven sacks over the past two seasons en route to back to back first team All-Big East teams and the 2008 Big East Defensive Player of the year award. As expected, he didn't turn anyone's head working out in shorts and a t-shirt (4.79 forty) but his abilities are apparent when you watch tape on him. Teams will have to decide if his productive college career will translate to the speed of the NFL game. Projected Round: 5th round

Compares to: Zach Thomas (formerly of Dallas)

Pros - McKillop is an extremely hard worker with a ton of football intelligence. He's got great instincts on the field and is a solid tackler. He moves well in trash and always seems to find himself around the football. He has shown some ability to handle his own is shallow zones and can pick up a receiver or tight end coming across the middle. He was team leader at Pitt and extremely productive.

Cons - McKillop's game is limited because he does not have great athletic ability. He has trouble chasing down plays from behind and needs to get stronger to take on NFL lineman. He can really get into trouble when he gets too aggressive as he doesn't have the speed or quickness to compensate. He doesn't have very good ball skills and isn't doesn't offer much as a pass rusher.

Antonio Appleby (6'3 245): Appleby has been overshadowed by the likes of Chris Long and Clint Sintim but his size and physicality is a big reason why Virginia's 3-4 defense was successful. He's been a three year starter averaging 67 tackles, five for loss and just over a sack per season. Of all the linebackers in the draft, he's got the most experience in the 3-4 and some scouts even suggest he could contribute immediately despite his mid-to-late round draft grade. Projected Round: late 5th to early 7th

Compares to: Eric Barton (Cleveland)

Pros - Appleby has prototypical size and build for a 3-4 inside backer with above average athleticism for his size. He's a tough, physical player who's got the upper and lower body strength to handle even the biggest linemen. He's also has good lateral agility to avoid blockers and work his way to the ball where he's a solid tackler. He's a decent blitzer and can hold his own in coverage on a limited basis.

Cons - Despite his strength and power, Appleby can struggle to disengage from blocks once the defender latches on and his instincts and football IQ leave something to be desired. His motor can be inconsistent and some scouts project him as strictly a 'two-down' player.

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As you might expect there are some other guys on towards the bottom of the list that we didn't mention, such as Nick Reed (Oregon), Frantz Joseph (Florida Atlantic) and Josh Mauga (Nevada) but the present list paints a pretty solid picture. It's pretty clear that if the Cardinals want to target an ILB in the middle to late rounds, there are some interesting names out there especially considering nothing is expected from them in 2009. Who stands out to you and who's name did we miss?

Four Round Mock Draft Has Chiefs Picking OLB, G, ILB

Joel Thorman — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:40:34 -0000

Mel Kiper has his latest mock draft up which includes four rounds. There are so many factors that make a four round mock draft pointless except for the purpose of educating ourselves on the players the Chiefs could or should be keying in on according to the pundits.

Without further ado, here's who Kiper says the Kansas City Chiefs will be selecting in the first four rounds of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Round 1 (3) OLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest

NFL Draft Scout Profile

NFL Combine Results

Heard of this guy? On Arrowhead Pride, 66 stories, 170 FanPosts, 52 FanShots and 1,766 comments says you probably have.

Round 3 (67) OL Andy Levitre, Oregon State

NFL Draft Scout Profile

NFL Combine Results

6'3", 305 pound left tackle in college, Levitre's projected to play on the interior of the offensive line mainly because of his short arms. He's got plenty of experience and versatility having started his final 35 games at every position except center.

Why he'll be a Chief....Versatility (but not in the Kris Wilson sense). He can fill a need at either guard position and can provide depth at either tackle position if needed.

Round 4 (102) ILB Daniel Ellerbe, Georgia

NFL Draft Scout Profile

NFL Combine Results

The Chiefs got a look see at the 6'1", 235 pound linebacker when they attended the Georgia Pro Day last month. He played inside at Georgia and projects to play inside in the NFL.

Why he'll be a Chief...Hampered by injuries in 2008 caused his stock to fall so the Chiefs could be banking on an injury-free pro career and select him in the fourth round as a nice value pick. Plus the LB position is a major area of need for the Chiefs.

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The possibility of the Chiefs picking Levitre and Ellerbe remains very low based solely on the sheer number of external factors that go into play with the actual NFL draft. Nevertheless, Kiper's latest four round mock draft helps educate us on the some of the players outside of the first round.

Would you be satisfied with these players after the first four rounds?

Arizona Cardinals vs. Karlos Dansby: Will this Battle Effect the Draft?

Hawkwind — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:22:51 -0000

At the end of last week we were slipped the hope that the Arizona Cardinals and franchised-linebacker Karlos Dansby were making progress towards a new deal, but just as Red warned up in Shawshank, hope isn't always a good thing:

"Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane."

As the week as has unfolded, we've learned that Dansby fired his agent over the weekend and he has doubts that a long term deal will be negotiated. He's gone on to say that the two sides were never close to getting a deal done and has mentioned that he's looking forward to making a 'splash' in free agency next year:

"It's an uncapped year next year and I'm mentioned among the better linebackers in the league as far as the guys who are going to be up next year also," Dansby said. "So why not show what I've got? I'm up for the challenge. Make a splash, man."

So where does that leave the Cardinals and what options do they have?

As with most scenerios in this league there doesn't seem to be an easy answer. It's still possible that the two sides could reach a long term deal, although if I'm the Cardinals I wouldn't hold my breath on any 'hometown discounts.' Obviously Dansby will have to hire a new agent before the two sides can resume talks so it's probably fair to say that a deal won't be reached before the draft. It's also possible (notice I said possible and not probable or certainly not likely) that the Cardinals could trade Dansby. It's rare that 'franchised' players are tagged, Matt Cassel not with standing, but unless the Cardinals could secure another linebacker or a pick in which they could draft a backer who could start as a rookie in the trade, I highly doubt this is being considered among the Cardinals front office.

With all that being said, it's beginning to look like the Karlos Dansby will play the 2009 season under the tag for a second consecutive season and become a free agent next off season. Whether or not the NFL is uncapped or not in 2010, the Cardinals will be bidding for his services against every other team that is hungry for a very good linebacker. So does the uncertainty of Dansby's future change the Cardinals draft plans in 2009?

Since I'm sure someone is thinking, "wait, wait, wait....Can't we just tag him for a third consecutive season?"

And the answer is yes, the Cardinals can slap the franchise tag on Dansby next off season but instead of paying him the average of the top 5 paid linebackers, they'd pay him the average of top 5 players in the league (regardless of position). In that case we'd be talking about a figure north of $16 million and I don't think the Cardinals are wiling to go there.

So that leaves the Cardinals looking ahead at the 2010 season with the possibility of a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. Now they could always wait to cross that bridge when they get there or they could look at some of the middle linebackers who might be available in the middle rounds this season with the hope (there's that word again) that they'd be able to step into the starting lineup in 2010.

Darnell Ellerbe (6'1 236) - Georgia: Ellerbe's a tad undersized and often relies to much on his athletic ability, but is very aggressive and capable of a big hit. He's one of the better linebackers in the draft in coverage and an above average blitzer for an inside backers. He's played all three LB spots at Georgia so he's got some versatility but he's also got some injury concerns. Projected Round: 3rd
Scott McKillop (6'1 245) - Pittsburgh: McKillop's not the best athlete by any means but he still manages to get the job done (288 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks over the past two seasons). He's got great instincts and is a solid tackler with a non stop motor. He didn't wow anyone at the combine or pro day but that was expected. Projected Round. Projected Round: 4th
Jasper Brinkley (6'2 250) - South Carolina: Brinkley's got great size, bulk and athleticism for a man of his size but teams will have to decide if they're getting the 2006 version or the 2008 version. In 2006 he racked up 107 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and five sacks but he hurt his knee in 2007 and hasn't looked the same since. In 2008 he managed just 65, 5, 2.5, respectively. When fully healthy he's an athletic 'thumper' with punishing tackling skills and plus pass rush chops. Projected Round 4th - 5th
Frantz Joseph (6'2 243) - Florida Atlantic: Joseph is an productive as they come with 285 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in the past two seasons, but his upside is limited. Most scouts consider him a two down player as he's physical tackler who plays best when working down hill. He'll have to improve in coverage to become an every down backer. Projected Round: 5th
Jason Phillips (6'1 236) - TCU: Phillips biggest problem is that he tore a meniscus in his knee and will miss some, if not most, of the 2009 season, but that could play into the Cardinals plans. Phillips isn't a great athlete but he's extremely tough and has great instincts. He has a non stop motor and is a leader on the field. He's not as tall as some would prefer though and he needs to get better in pass coverage and blitzing. Projected Round: 5th - 6th

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That's just a taste of some of the guys who could fill a Dansby void in 2010 but we may be getting ahead of ourselves. Do you think Dansby will resign either this year or next year? Does the possibility of an uncapped season help or hurt the Cardinals chances?

ILB, Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia

Jeremy Bolander — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:18:58 -0000

ILB, Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia

At A Glance
Position 1: Inside Linebacker	Height: 6-1
Position 2:	Weight: 236
Class: Senior	Age:
Projected Round: 3rd	40time: 4.63

Combine/Proday Results
Bench Reps: X	Vertical: 35
20yd Split: X	Broad Jump: 9'13"
10yd Split: X	20yd Shuttle: 4.23
3 Cone Drill: 7.00

Pros: Well-built athlete with the frame to add additional mass. ... Versatile defender with experience at all three linebacker positions.

Cons: A bit undersized for the traditional inside linebacker position.

Styg's Broncos Fit: In a 4-3 Dannell projects clearly as a SAM, which can be difficult to find, but he has the tenacity around the line of scrimmage, and the versatility in coverage to play well at LILB and LOLB in a 3-4. He has a good frame and can add another 10 lbs of mass with no sacrifice, and at that higher weight could be an intimidating run-stopping force. Has great hips, and is physical with receivers around the line. Terrific body control, very fluid in motion and has good balance and lateral movement. A recent knee injury makes him a wait-and-see prospect, and past character concerns make a stock-drop very plausible. As a versatile backup, with experience at each LB position, and the ability to drop effectively into coverage, as well as a sure special teams performer, Ellerbe would be a great pickup in the right round. If he checks out medically, three stars will be the going price.

Around MHR:

Around SBNation:

From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft:

A versatile player, Ellerbe has started at all three linebacker positions for Georgia. Has good instincts and reads plays quickly. Solid athlete with good lateral agility. Shows good effort in pursuit. Quick to play the run and fill gaps. Ellerbe closes quickly on pass plays. Adept in pass coverage. Sticks on the hip of an opponent. Does a nice job reading a quarterback’s eyes so he can make a play on the ball in the air.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

he Georgia Bulldogs have been clobbered by the injury bug this season and Ellerbe was not immune to it. The linebacker sprained a knee in a loss to Alabama and missed the next game, but he is back in action now. That's good news for the 'Dawgs, who reaped the benefits of having Ellerbe all season long in 2007. He led the team in tackles with 93, playing in all 13 games and making 11 starts. [see more...]
Redshirted in 2004...Worked as a backup in 2005 and 2006...Took over a starting job in 2007, leading the Bulldogs in tackles while seeing action at all three linebacker positions and earning 2nd Team All-SEC honors...Has a disappointing senior season but was severely hampered by a knee injury...Was suspended for three games in 2006 after being arrested and charged with a DUI, underage possession of alcohol, theft of an automobile and giving false information to police...Could project to the middle or weakside at the next level...Carried a lofty grade heading into the 2008 season and might be getting misevaluated based on his senior film...Talented player with an intriguing set of physical tools who has the ability to be a starter and excel in the right situation. [see more...]
exploded onto the scene in 2007, going from a backup weak-side linebacker who finished the 2006 season with seven total tackles to a second-team All-SEC pick in leading the team with 93 tackles and finishing second with 12 tackles for loss. He started at each of the three linebacker positions in 2007 and was credited by some for having a similar lightning rod affect on the Georgia defense that running back Knowshon Moreno had on the offense. Ellerbe's 2008 season was a complete reversal. A knee sprain knocked him out of three games and limited him in many others and Ellerbe finished with only 33 tackles. Ellerbe popped off the film in 2007, but with only one season as a standout, NFL clubs will hesitate to invest anything higher than a middle-round pick. [see more...]
Possesses a well-built frame with good lower body mass. An impressive downhill tackler with good instincts and gap recognition inside. Is quick to recognize run/pass and has a fluid drop and compact back-pedal. Is very fluid in space and can flip his hips and turn to run with tight ends down the field. A gifted pass defender who is tough to beat down the seam. [see more...]
“It was a good opportunity to prove myself to them (the scouts) that still had questions about my knee,” Ellerbe said. “It’s close to being 100 percent. That was the first time since I came back from injury that I didn’t even need the knee brace.”

Ellerbe suffered the injury during the Bulldogs’ 41-30 loss to Southeastern Conference rival Alabama in the fourth game of the season. He believes the injury was a result of a dirty play by one of the Crimson Tide offensive lineman. Ellerbe said the Alabama player hit him with a cut block, while he was attempting to tackle the ball carrier. [see more...]

The 2009 NFL Draft: ILB Prospects

Dane Noble — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:25:30 -0000

One of the most exciting positions on the football field, this year's class of inside linebackers includes a few names that will be known for years to come. When you ask people to name the first thing they think of when you mention the Chicago Bears, more often than not they will start spouting off the long lineage of inside linebackers: Bill George, Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, Brian Urlacher.

Who will be the successor to Urlacher when he hangs up the cleats? Is it someone that is already on our roster, or is it someone we will find in the college ranks? Let's take a look at the top ILB prospects in this year's draft:

Rey Maualuga, USC, 6'2", 255 lbs

Follow me inside for more...

Maualuga is head and shoulders above the other ILB prospects in this year's draft, and one of the best ILB prospects in many years. Constantly compared to Ray Lewis, Maualuga is incredibly intimidating, and an absolute monster on the football field. Definitely a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker.

Strengths: Big hitter, great blitzer, explosive, intelligent, instinctive

Weaknesses: Quiet, can be too emotional/aggressive

Draft Projection: Early 1st round

Video Highlights: Pops when you click it.

James Laurinaitis, Ohio State, 6'3", 240 lbs.

Laurinaitis is another immediate-impact ILB in this year's NFL draft class. He is incredibly tough, and is great in the box. Was the emotional leader for the Buckeyes, and like Maualuga, is incredibly intimidating.

Strengths: Big motor, great against the run, instinctive, fast, athletic

Weaknesses: Not explosive at times, can miss tackles due to pursuit angles

Draft Projection: Late 1st Round/ Early 2nd

Video Highlights: New window for this one too

Darry Beckwith, LSU, 6'0", 235 lbs.

Beckwith is an explosive ILB who saw his stock rise significantly at the Combine. With a 40 yard dash time of 4.55 seconds, one of his obvious strengths is his quickness. I have seen Beckwith play in person numerous times, and in person he reminded me a lot of Brian Urlacher, making plays from sideline to sideline.

Strengths: Speed, instincts, big hitter/tackler, versatile (played both Mike and Will at LSU), and speed (yes it is worth listing twice).

Weaknesses: Pass coverage, height

Draft Projection: Late 2nd/ Early 3rd

Video Interview: Guess what this does?

Jason Phillips, TCU, 6'1", 235 lbs

Jason Phillips is a hard-working LB from TCU. He has great speed, and has the mentality of a solid ILB. He will benefit from NFL coaching, as he has some things to work on before becoming an elite linebacker in the NFL.

Strengths: Speed, ability to diagnose plays, has a mean-streak, big heart, tough.

Weaknesses: Size, athleticism, strength.

Draft Projection: 3rd Round

Video Highlights: Here.

Other note-worthy names:

Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia

Gerald McRath, Southern Miss

Scott McKillop, Pitt

GeauxBears' Sleeper pick:

Stanley Arnoux, Wake Forest, 6'0", 232 lbs.

Arnoux is under-sized for an ILB, but saw his stock rise greatly during the combine. He is very quick, explosive, and a natural playmaker. Arnoux would be an excellent 5-6 round pick.

Players should stop using the press when complaining about the franchise tag

Kirkendall — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:36:23 -0000

The NFL Combine is this weekend, which means a guy will rise and/or die by his 40-time being a nanosecond faster than the next guy. Ironically, if you perform better in the combine than the guy that put together an All-American season, some would rate the two similarly. In my mind, it's an overrated exercise. Players do not wear pads, have no reason to worry about contact, and the intellectual issues of football are limited to interviews; much of which isn't accurately reflective of the player.

That's not to say it's totally pointless; a vertical, for instance, can point out a guy's ability to go up for the football. However, to take the combine as a source of scouting more than the player's history on the field, or even the relative All-Star games, would be a stretch.

+ Deadline to Remember: February 19 at 4 p.m. is the deadline in which teams can franchise free agency players. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is the most deserved on the Bengals roster, however, he's also the most unlikely. Cedric Benson and Shayne Graham are popular speculations.

On Monday, the Giants slapped the franchise tag on Brandon Jacobs, making him the third player franchised this season so far; quarterback Matt Cassel and punter Michael Koenen. However, players like wide receiver Antonio Bryant, defensive end Julius Peppers (who will demand a trade), safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, offensive tackle Jordan Gross, cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dunta Robinson and running back Darren Sproles could be franchised.

Players don't want to be franchised because of the risk of being hurt and losing out on the money. Stacy Andrews is testament to this, as is any senior that returns, gets hurt, when he could have been a top-five pick in the NFL draft as a junior. Let's be a little realistic for a moment rather than playing in the reality exclusive football world.

Why do players worry about this when guys like cops, firefighters, and even our military have equally, if not ten times more concern about their health for a incalculable fraction of an NFL player's pay? We're not suggesting that the players are pay too much -- that's an old argument that most of us agree on. However, stop complaining about it to the press. "Oh, I'm going to be franchised and will only make $9.88 million. Boo-hoo."

Case in point:

"(The Franchise Tag) keeps you from doing everything you want to do," said Seattle Seahawks left offensive tackle Walter Jones, who had the franchise tag applied for three consecutive years before finally reaching a long-term contract agreement. "It restricts your opportunities and potential. It does create some hard feelings. It's not what it was meant to be if you ask me from personal experience."

After being given the franchise tag for three straight seasons, which in essence makes him one of the highest paid offensive tackles in the NFL, Jones was given a seven-year, $50 million contract with $20 million guaranteed. During those seasons he was franchised, Jones made $17,734,000 million ($4,920,000 in 2002, $5,734,000 in 2003 and $7,080,000 in 2004). That's $5,911,333 a season.

No, we're not players. We just don't know how any of this affects players. All I know is that I make enough money to get by the week, and like most of you, are considered expendable at a moment's notice placing any of us on the statistic of over 11 million unemployed.

I'm not criticizing how a man makes his money -- just stop reminding us about it. And stop thinking you're getting PR sympathy by whinning about it and protesting that you won't go to camp and earn the money. All right, I'm stepping off my soap box now.

+ The Bengals pick a WR in the second round? The Bengals select Everette Brown, Defensive End at Florida State, says Scout.com. However, it's the second round pick of Darrius Heyward-Bey, Wide Receiver from Maryland, that has us scratching our head. The logic? The Bengals will lack a play-maker when Houshmandzadeh departs. We're not one to bring up trivial matters, but I've never thought of Houshmandzadeh as a play-maker -- that's always been Chad Johnson's designation. If he would be considered the receiver that picks up short third down conversions, and generally the most dependable receiver on the team, then I agree.

However, what's generally negated when describing Houshmandzadeh his intelligence and football knowledge. That's his forte.

+ A complete four rounds. The Football Expert has the Bengals selecting Andre Smith in the first round, center Alex Mack in the second round, running back Donald Brown in the third round and inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe in the fourth. This is probably the most realistic scenario for the Bengals in terms of positions that they'll likely address.

Again, we know that they lack a pass rusher. We just don't think they'll go after one this draft because of the money tied up to two other pass rushers.

More.

Dave points out that John Thornton's website, bengalscentral.com, is up for sale. However, right now it redirects to his new website AllProBlogger.com.

Ol' boy Jon Kitna could return to Detroit. I say come back to Cincinnati, sign the rest of your career as a backup to Carson Palmer. What do you say, ol' boy?

Paul Daugherty and Chick Ludwig agree that it's time to let both Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson go.

If Cedric Benson's "checked past off the field" is another way of saying he wasn't found guilty of anything, then yea, Tom Marino is correct.

2009 NFL Draft--Manning the Middle: Inside Linebackers, Ranked for Denver

Jeremy Bolander — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:55:29 -0000

We all know how much help Denver needs on the defensive side of the ball, and ILB where only DJ and Larsen have more than a snowball's chance of remaining on the team, will be a high area of concern.

This draft crop features a host of desirable candidates, a number of tweeners, a few injury risks, and a whole rank of late-round, high-potential standouts.

I found it harder to look at ILBs this year across the board, as I ran into more instances of "surrounding talent" questions than I have in the past. It takes some time to separate a LB from the play of the defensive line, and it is particularly hard to separate an ILB from the line play and of his outside helpers. What I do like is there is something for everyone in this class, whether you want a smart, technically oriented LBer or a headhunter with rare explosiveness. But this is an ILB class that tapers off strongly, before hitting a late-round glut of developmental guys with good-to-great instincts and some major pluses, from the kid with tremendous intelligence to the 47 game iron-man.

I like Denver's chances to get what they need at ILB, including their great position for targeting the cream of the crop, and their multiple late-round selections where they have multiple choices with the same kind of upside.

Let's check out the rankings:

ILB-Rey Maualuga

1st

Rey Maualuga, USC: Maualuga's motor is great, but not unheard of, and his sideline-to-sideline speed makes him very versatile, but there are several LBs with good speed. What Maualuga does bring however, is a rare burst of explosiveness when closing on the line. He has the power of a top DT bundled into the frame of an ILB. One drawback is his recklessness, as he seems to sacrifice awareness for explosion, which could lead to gap trouble. His tackling also suffers for this, as he sometimes gets his head down and loses track of his target. As a base formation run stopper he could provide significant upgrade to Denver's defense, and with his average hips but excellent feet, he should be able to contribute in coverage as well. He has a chance to contribute inside on almost any down, which makes him a tremendous value. In fact, the only formation I can think of where he would be the odd man out is a straight base 4-3, where he is responsible for the line calls.

ILB-James Laurinaitis

1st

James Laurinaitis, Ohio State: If ever there were an aristocrat of the LB position, James is it. What he brings to the game is an above average LB instinct, with a workmanlike attitude and a dedication to the craft. He uses his hands very well, understands zone coverage and has adequate hips and feet to cover his responsibilities. Where he shines is in the tactical department, baiting QBs, evading offensive blockers. He is excellent at technically defeating blocks and he can contribute in sideline-to-sideline pursuit with his knack for finding the ball and keeping his legs clean. If there is a knock against Laurinaitis, it is that he comes across as a more cerebral MLB and less of a pure athlete. Questions about his ability to adjust to the physicality of the NFL, and what that would mean to his already lackluster production, make him a top prospect to consider, but at five stars, not six.

ILB-Darry Beckwith

2nd-3rd

Darry Beckwith, LSU: This prospect is all about the "upside". With only limited exposure to the LB position Beckwith managed to accrue some good production. But unfortunately, beneath the production are a tidal wave of concerns. He was rarely used as a blitzer, and really doesn't have ideal size. He was kept back in zones much of the time, and though his feet are good (he has played RB and WR before) his hips are below-average, and as a result he would often try to take up position in his zone too early. His offensive pedigree is evident in his speed and terrific ball skills but he lacks the physicality sought in a run-stopping ILB. Factor in some character concerns, including a brush with the law, and Beckwith, despite the obvious athleticism, just doesn't bring enough to the Denver Broncos' table. 3 stars.

ILB-Scott McKillop

3rd

Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh: This tenacious and intelligent prospect has a lot about him to like, and reminds one of Denver's own Spencer Larsen. McKillop has tremendous production to go with his intangibles however, and still has upside, having only two very consistent years as a starter under his belt. By far McKillop is primarily an instinctual player, but he has great intelligence, and he shows patience and efficacy in executing MLB duties. Not a tremendously strong player, he tends to wear out opponents rather than overpower them, including being a drag-down type of tackler. But he doesn't shy away from making contact, and he has a rare knack for sniffing out the play. Protects his body well from trash, and keeps his feet in any situation. Where he really shines is situational awareness. When match-ups send him to the slot he knows to get his hands on the receiver early and often, disrupting the routes, and when he is protecting the first down he has a great awareness of the markers and doesn't let routes press to close. If he can show adequate strength at the combine his stock should rise, but any professional program should bring out the best in McKillop, in physicality and adding strength.

ILB-Gerald McRath

3rd-4th

Gerald McRath, Southern Miss: This player has value from a basic versatility standpoint, and he has very surprising numbers, which indicate a high level of production. But when I look at him, I don't see traits that suit Denver well. He lacks strength and explosiveness, and has the build of a defensive back, but poor coverage awareness and tight hips indicate the transition would be a tough one. Has a lot of hustle, which contributes to his production, but doesn't have the speed to compensate for mistakes that take him out of the play. He is a very athletic player, however, and may project better to WLB for some team running a 4-3. He is also a secure tackler, and takes smart angles. In the final analysis McRath would project as a versatile backup and special teams contributor, with enough athleticism to compete for spot duty on the outside of the LB corp. He is worth targeting, but would have to fall pretty far in the draft to warrant being taken as a one-star choice.

ILB-Dannell Ellerbe

4th

Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia: In a 4-3 Dannell projects clearly as a SAM, which can be difficult to find, but he has the tenacity around the line of scrimmage, and the versatility in coverage to play well at LILB and LOLB in a 3-4. He has a good frame and can add another 10 lbs of mass with no sacrifice, and at that higher weight could be an intimidating run-stopping force. Has great hips, and is physical with receivers around the line. Terrific body control, very fluid in motion and has good balance and lateral movement. A recent knee injury makes him a wait-and-see prospect, and past character concerns make a stock-drop very plausible. As a versatile backup, with experience at each LB position, and the ability to drop effectively into coverage, as well as a sure special teams performer, Ellerbe would be a great pickup in the right round. If he checks out medically, three stars will be the going price.

ILB-Jason Phillips

4th-5th

Jason Phillips, TCU: Mostly a backup candidate, Phillips does a little of everything, including long-snapping. He is a physical tackler, and an adequate coverage player in zone. He doesn't have the speed or quickness to hang with receivers in man coverage, but he does do a good job of keeping his eyes in the backfield and his awareness up. Can play a little too aggressively, and can expose gaps, and he doesn't have the athleticism or quickness to make up for errors or pursue laterally. He can, however, continue to grow and add bulk, and as a defensive role player and backup, he could have value. If he falls far enough he could be a valuable consideration for immediate special teams contribution, and a handy backup and heir apparent to the long-snapping position. One star.

ILB-Worrell Williams

5th-6th

Worrell Williams, Cal: DJ's little brother is long on athleticism and short on instincts. Legitimate speed, quickness and balance, coupled with experience at multiple LB positions make him worthy of a long look, but outside of more brotherly intrigue on the defense, there doesn't look to be a lot of draw with this pick. He is undersized, not nearly as productive as you would like a pure athlete ILB to be, and he has awareness issues in coverage. One star, mostly for upside.

ILB-Antonio Appleby

6th

Antonio Appleby, Virginia: This is one of the few late round ILBs that I think has the potential to actually start for Denver. He has terrific size at 6-4, 243, and he played in a primarily 3-4 alignment in college, starting for three years, so the experience is there. He is stout at the point of attack,an excellent wrap-up tackler, though he can sometimes try too hard for the big hit. Against the run he is every bit as effective as Maualuga in the 1st round, but he lacks Rey's explosive first step and pent up power. Appleby's closing speed leaves something to be desired, but he is an experienced and effective blitzer, who knows how to use his hands to stay clean, and doesn't lose a lot of momentum shooting the gap. Tight hips and only marginal feet make him a liability in coverage however, and he doesn't have the quickness to stay with WRs or even most TEs. But this late in the draft his run-plugging ability is a rarity, and he could provide immediate two down help.

ILB-Jasper Brinkley

7th

Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina: I really love this prospect, and I think Denver should take a long, hard look at him. He is a prototype for the 3-4, at 6'2", 260lbs, and he brings more than adequate physicality with those measurables. After an early transfer from a military college, he managed amazing production as a sophomore only to lose his entire junior season torn ACL injury. He managed to return partway through the 2008 campaign, but couldn't duplicate his earlier production. He isn't really a coverage backer, but he can drop back, with decent feet. He needs to work on his hand placement and possibly include some explosiveness training in any rehab he does. Watch for his "jump" scores at his pro day to see if he is getting back to his sophomore levels in these areas. At his sophomore levels of production, he could be a three star prospect. As it is he needs to check out medically. One star for a bundle of possibility and potential.

ILB-Dominic Douglas

7th-FA

Dominic Douglas, Mississippi State: racked up production in college, but won't produce those kinds of numbers in the NFL. But if you dig into this kids game, you see a lot of potential. He isn't the biggest body, but his frame can take more weight, and he already knows how to uncoil and deliver punishing hits. Excellent technique, especially in the lower body. Does a fantastic job of getting and keeping low, and knows how to win battles in the trenches. Needs to learn to trust his strength in taking on blockers, but this isn't much of a knock, because he instead relies on superb hand technique to separate from defenders, and release from blocks. Has a great attitude and can bring leadership to the defense, and to special teams, where he could make an immediate contribution. Not very quick feet, but good hips for his size. He can turn and run enough not to be a liability, and he can drop quickly enough to cover medium downs. Has experience calling the defense from the field. A lot to like here.

ILB-Maurice Crum

7th-FA

Maurice Crum, Notre Dame: Sure and steady, great football intelligence, and hallmark leadership define this rare two-time captain for the Irish. There is a pedigree here, as Crum's father was an All-American LB for Florida. He is a solid all-around contributor, he made most of the line calls and defensive adjustments and he has experience at each of the LB spots. He is also quite tough, playing through a chronic back injury, which will need to get cleared medically before a team takes a risk on him. He doesn't quite have an ideal fit, being just undersized enough not to be ideal for stuffing the run inside, yet not quite fast enough to be able to hold his own in coverage on the outside. What coverage ability he does have should be suitable for inside-backing. Not a physical prospect, and hesitates when taking on blockers, including chip-shot RBs. Endurance is questionable.

ILB-Morris Wooten

FA

Morris Wooten, Arizona State: Wooten is a capable inside defender with good build and size. He is a very aggressive player, leaving cut-back lanes open and preferring the hit over the solid wrap-up tackle. Enjoys getting into blocks and discards them violently, and is tenacious in pressuring the pocket. His pass-rushing skills earned him extra reps in nickle passing downs, where he moved to DE in order to pressure the backfield. Questionable coverage skills, but has decent feet. Denver could look at him late for last chance potential at backup ILB.

ILB-Daniel Holtzclaw

FA

Daniel Holtzclaw, Eastern Michigan: MAC attack! Terrific size and stunning durability with 47 straight games at MLB and no injuries. He is very instinctual, looks good mixing it up around the line, and knows his job and the jobs of the layers around him. A hard worker, with a tremendous work ethic, he is a player who did everything he could to help EMU win games. No doubt he would be higher up the list with a few more W's under his belt, but expect him to be one of the first CFAs signed in the hours after the draft.

A look at middle linebacker prospects

VanRam — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:45:33 -0000

The Rams have some clear needs at key positions as they head into the draft. What are those needs and what are some potential names who could emerge as the next generation of players anchoring a brand new Rams team? I thought it would be useful to run down some key names ahead of the combine at each position of need. Today, a quick overview - with links - of the top MLB prospects in the draft.

Aaron Curry, Wake Forest, 6'3", 241 lbs

Curry's a first rounder, and probably the top LB in the draft. There are a few mock drafts out there that even project the Rams to take him with the #2 pick. It's more likely that they'd have to trade down to get him, but for now, he's a top 10 pick. Here's an overview at Mocking the Draft. The scouting report at Walter Football puts him as a strongside LB in a 4-3 and middle LB in a 3-4, which probably doesn't make him the best fit for the Rams.

Rey Maualuga, USC, 6'3", 254 lbs

We've talked about Maualuga here in the wake of his strong showing at the Senior Bowl. He's probably the best pure MLB for a 4-3 (or a 3-4) in the draft. There are questions about his ability in coverage, and this scouting report wonders if he's not slightly hyped.

James Laurinaitis, Ohio State, 6'3", 243 lbs

Walter Football calls him the "top pure 4-3 inside linebacker" in the 2009 draft. He's a likely a top 15-20 pick, meaning a trade down if the Rams really fancied him anchoring their middle for years to come.

From here, the rankings get a little confusing as so many draftniks use the ILB definition from a 3-4 defense. As you can see from these lists at Walter Football and Mocking the Draft, the next tier of LBs ranked are a little small to play MLB in a 4-3. It's worth remembering Beckwith, Ellerbe and Phillips to see how they check out at the combine and what they weigh in at.

A couple more names to keep an eye on, could be potential middle round steals.

Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina, 6'2", 257 lbs

You want size, this guy has it. This scouting report says he could be a ready-made starter in the NFL, capable of "dropping running backs in their tracks."

Scott McKillop, Pitt, 6'2", 240 lbs

A little on the small side, but he's smart, a good tackler and a "blue collar" player that could be a real hit with fans who've watched their team play at something less than perfect lately. Here's a report that predicts he could go in the 2nd round, but might not have the size for a 4-3 scheme.

Daniel Holtzclaw, Eastern Michigan, 6'1", 245 lbs

This guy could be a mid-round steal. Voted a second team All American, he had more than 230 tackles over the last two seasons. Add some bulk, and he could be a real find for the middle.

That's a look at some of the top MLB prospects and some potential picks for the mid-rounds. This draft has been called a good one for linebackers, so I'm sure there's a few more we're missing here. Help me fill this list out.

Don't forget our draft project. Take a prospect you think could help the Rams and write him up, whatever you want to say about him. Tackle Box got us started with DE Larry English.

Florida Gators 49, Georgia Bulldogs 10

T Kyle King — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:31:05 -0000

There are several ways of looking at this, all of which presently are vying for the upper hand in my head and heart. These are they:

It’s Just a Game: With the exception of the couple of since-banned Gator trolls whose immediate reaction to the game was to visit this weblog, sign up for user accounts, and post cheap taunts because they’re the sorts of pathetic people who would rather make others feel badly than celebrate events that make them feel well (and who very much represent the exception to the rule, as the Florida fans who have been visiting and commenting here for the past week generally have been impassioned fans yet fine people), we all have much more important things in our lives than football. We have families who care about us; in many cases, we have wives and children whom we love; some of us even have birthdays tomorrow. This is an event that needs to be placed into perspective.

Any Win Over the Gators is a Fluke: 1997 was just one of those days when everything went right. 2004 was just one of those years when we caught Florida at a low point. I thought last year was a turning point. It wasn’t. The Saurians simply own us and any Bulldog win in Jacksonville has to be filed under the heading of "even a broken clock is right twice a day." They’re just better than us and they’re never not going to be, even when we occasionally catch them on a bad day and luck into a win.

It Really Is Difficult to Get Ready for Two Big Games in a Row: It’s hard to remember this now, but, at the time, the games at Arizona State and L.S.U. were big games. Playing your first road game outside the South in more than four decades is a big deal. Hanging 52 points on the Bayou Bengals in Death Valley is a big deal. No team could be expected to be at its best in back-to-back games of such significance. This schedule truly was too tough for any team to tame.

We All Saw This Coming a Mile Away: I told you before that I’d had a bad feeling all week long, but I rationalized my way out of it. My son, who is a mojo savant, gave me all the warning signs and I refused to heed them. Earlier in the week, he and I were playing a game that required us each to check off items on a list, so he had to go get each of us a pen. He reached into his box of markers and pulled out two of them. They were orange and blue. When I asked whether he had one that was red, he checked and replied, "No, but there’s a pink." I knew then it was a done deal, but I didn’t want to admit it to myself. When I looked at the numbers, I saw this datum and quickly looked away in denial: the last time Georgia beat L.S.U. in Baton Rouge one week prior to playing Florida (in 1952), the Gators beat the Bulldogs 30-0. It was always going to be a rout. We were never winning this game. We were never even going to be in this game.

This Whole Thing Is Sick, Twisted, and Weird: We’re grown men with real lives. Tying any part of our emotional well-being to what an anonymous group of 18- to 22-year-olds does over three and a half hours on a Saturday afternoon is silly, strange, unseemly, and sad. We tell ourselves it’s for the glory of our state, but that argument holds little water when our favorite players are from New Jersey and Texas. The idea that anyone invests himself in these games is, at best, bizarre, and very well may be utterly indefensible. The fact that we care at all, much less this much, may be a warning sign that we all need professional help.

There’s Always Next Year: Losses in 1992 and in 2000 felt like the end of the world because we came into those seasons knowing this was our shot, and that, if it didn’t happen then, there was no telling when it might all come together again. The beauty of the Mark Richt era is that, while we all hope every year that it will be this year, we know that there’s always next year. Like Florida State under Bobby Bowden, Nebraska under Tom Osborne, and Penn State under Joe Paterno, Georgia under Mark Richt wins consistently enough that, eventually, that special season will happen. Matthew Stafford, Mohamed Massaquoi, and Knowshon Rockwell Moreno won’t win a national title this year, but there’s no particular reason why Logan Gray, A.J. Green, and Caleb King can’t go win one next year.

We Are Not an Elite Team: There are perhaps five really good teams in college football and we aren’t one of them. We’re going to beat a mediocre Kentucky team, a bad Auburn team, a vastly overrated Georgia Tech team, and a middling Big Ten team in a meaningless Sunshine State bowl game to finish 11-2 and ranked No. 10 in the final A.P. poll. We’re going to have another nice successful season to set alongside all the other nice successful seasons and we’re never going to have the breakthrough that makes the Stewart Mandels of the world treat us with respect.

I Need to Find a New Hobby: I hear stamp collecting can be really soothing. I could spend my autumn Saturdays going out into the woods with a gun and hunting a variety of edible game. If I devoted the time I put into writing this weblog to writing fiction instead, I’d have a novel knocked out in no time. Surely, there has to be something less anguishing than this.

The Suck Explanation (Situation-Specific): This sucks.

The Suck Explanation (Team-Specific I): We suck.

The Suck Explanation (Team-Specific II): We suck against Florida.

The Suck Explanation (General Philosophical): Everything sucks. This sucks because it is a part of the larger all-encompassing universal suckage.

The Suck Explanation (Call to Action Edition): Fire [insert object of your blame here]!

The John Blutarsky Solution: Start drinking heavily.

The Orson Swindle Solution: Start swearing profusely.

One Possible Religious Explanation: Steve Spurrier’s father was a minister. Danny Wuerffel operates a Christian charitable organization. Tim Tebow is the son of missionaries and a professing believer. Urban Meyer was named for a pope and he was Notre Dame’s first choice for a head coach. The game was played on All Saints Day. God is on the Gators’ side.

Another Possible Religious Explanation: Mark Richt is a devout Christian, too. God doesn’t care about college football.

Yet Another Possible Religious Explanation: Mark Richt is a devoted servant of the Lord, just as Moses and David were, but he is being punished for the celebration. It fell to Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, it fell to Solomon to build the Temple, and it will fall to Mike Bobo to win the national championship.

A Final Possible Religious Explanation: The Gators won exactly nothing for the first 85 years of their football history. They went from being nobodies to being nationally prominent overnight. There was no rebuilding process, no gradual upward incline, just mediocrity, awfulness, mediocrity, awfulness, a good season, probation, mediocrity, mediocrity, mediocrity . . . boom! Incessant sustained excellence! That’s a deal with the devil if ever I saw one. Sooner or later, Satan is going to show up at the end of a Florida-South Carolina game to drag Urban Meyer’s and Steve Spurrier’s immortal souls shrieking into the underworld. With any luck, it will happen on a Raycom telecast, ‘cause I bet Dave, Dave, and Dave could really do that justice.

This Sets Up Next Year Quite Nicely: We are now officially off of everyone’s radar screen. This is 2004 all over again; expectations were high, they were not met, and everyone expected 2005 to be a rebuilding year. Instead, it produced an S.E.C. championship and, but for a particularly ill-timed injury to D.J. Shockley, it might have produced a national title, as well. This year’s injuries will build depth for next year, Stafford and Moreno now have a powerful incentive to return next season, the Gators will pay us no mind next fall after having put us so decisively in our place this year, and we’ll be able to come into the season ranked No. 15 and catch some folks napping.

O-Ver-Ra-Ted!: The preseason No. 1 ranking was completely bogus. One close loss might have been explained away with the injuries to Trinton Sturdivant, Vince Vance, Jeff Owens, and Dannell Ellerbe, but top ten teams simply do not play whole halves of football as atrocious as the first 30 minutes against Alabama and the last 30 minutes against Florida.

It Really Wasn’t as Bad as the Final Score Indicated: Although the margins were dramatically different, Georgia actually was whipped much more soundly by ‘Bama than by the Gators. The former was out of reach early and the second-half comeback was entirely cosmetic; when the ‘Dawgs looked like they were going to claw back into it and the Tide needed a touchdown drive to put the game away for good, they got it without breaking a sweat. In Jacksonville, Georgia trailed 14-3 at the half due to a variety of bad breaks, including two missed field goals, a dropped touchdown pass, a Florida first down which the replay clearly showed was short of the marker, and an interception negated by a bizarre personal foul penalty against a player who was being egregiously held. The halftime score easily could have been 13-7 in Georgia’s favor and the game only really started to get out of hand after an interception that should have been negated by a penalty against the defensive back which went inexplicably uncalled. Bad luck and blown calls set up a blowout in a game in which the Bulldogs moved the ball as effectively as the opposition.

At Least We’re Not Michigan: It could be a heck of a lot worse and this posting could be nothing but pictures of kittens.

Without necessarily renouncing, repudiating, or disputing the validity of any or all of the above, I think the mindset that most closely summarizes where I am now is this:

It’s Still Great to be a Georgia Bulldog: I was Bulldog born and Bulldog bred and, when I die, I’ll be Bulldog dead. My team is my team, win or lose, and, sometimes, it’s just not your day. Mark Richt is still 79-21 after his first 100 games and his all-time record against the five current S.E.C. coaches who have won national championships (Phillip Fulmer, Urban Meyer, Les Miles, Nick Saban, and Steve Spurrier) is 13-11 . . . and that’s not even counting his 4-3 record against Tommy Tuberville, who led Auburn to an unbeaten season, or his 6-0 record against Chan Gailey, who won a national championship in a lower division with Troy. Yes, there needs to be accountability; yes, we lost to two eventual B.C.S. bowl champions (we’ll find out on the first Saturday in December which one will win the national championship game and which one will win the Sugar Bowl); for now, we need to tip our caps to the Gators, who were the better team on Saturday, congratulate them on their impressive victory, and take a moment to relax so that our reactions are measured, prudent, and reasonable even in the face of adversity and disappointment. MaconDawg, SavDawg, DavetheDawg, and RocketDawg seem to have gotten us off to a good start.

Go ‘Dawgs!

SB Nation - Dannell Ellerbe

Arizona Cardinals Post Draft Coverage: Best Undrafted Free Agents

Arizona Cardinals Potential Draft Picks: Inside Linebackers

Four Round Mock Draft Has Chiefs Picking OLB, G, ILB

Arizona Cardinals vs. Karlos Dansby: Will this Battle Effect the Draft?

ILB, Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia

ILB, Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia

Around MHR:

Around SBNation:

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

The 2009 NFL Draft: ILB Prospects

Players should stop using the press when complaining about the franchise tag

2009 NFL Draft--Manning the Middle: Inside Linebackers, Ranked for Denver

2009 NFL Draft Coverage-Merry Draftivus!!

ILB-Rey Maualuga

1st

ILB-James Laurinaitis

1st

ILB-Darry Beckwith

2nd-3rd

ILB-Scott McKillop

3rd

ILB-Gerald McRath

3rd-4th

ILB-Dannell Ellerbe

4th

ILB-Jason Phillips

4th-5th

ILB-Worrell Williams

5th-6th

ILB-Antonio Appleby

6th

ILB-Jasper Brinkley

7th

ILB-Dominic Douglas

7th-FA

ILB-Maurice Crum

7th-FA

ILB-Morris Wooten

FA

ILB-Daniel Holtzclaw

FA

A look at middle linebacker prospects

Florida Gators 49, Georgia Bulldogs 10