SB Nation User Blog: CowboysRnumba1

Sleeper of the week series. 3-4 ILB/OLB

CowboysRnumba1 — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:34:26 -0000

OK...Some people may contend that a "sleeper" pick is a small school prospect that played at a high level, showed all the skills to translate to the next level, and has untapped potential to become a very good pro ball player.

Yet in reality, a sleeper can be on any roster, big school or small. He may even get post season awards, and be known by those who follow a certain conference, or school, but gets little or no recognition by the McShay's, Kiper's, or Mayock's. You'll seldom see them listed among the best at their position, even though they ourperformed all the big names in college at their respective positions.Some are then bypassed by the NFL Combine, thinking their skills don't warrant draft consideration, and aren't among the top 350 or so prospects. Jay Ratliff was an obvious draft year "sleeper", wasn't invited to the 2005 Combine, and played for an undefeated SEC powerhouse in Auburn.

That being said, I would like to introduce you guys to Nick Reed. 6'2" 245lbs.

Played DE at Oregon University. He hasn't been mentioned by anybody, scouting services give him no love or mention despite his amazing production at a big time college program.

This guy was a 1st team Walter Camp All-American at DE. He led the Pac-10 in sacks the past two seasons.Has more TFL than anyone in the country over that time, yet he's not invited to the Combine ? and not even considered a draftable prospect ? I sure had to investigate this guy..

Well respected NFL columnist Rick Gosselin chimes in with a nice write up :

UPDATED: http://nflblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/03/oregon-de-nick-reed-building-h.html

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/columnists/rgosselin/stories/022209dnspogosselin.2b18cff.html

I like what i've seen so far.I would also like to say that he was voted a 2 time Academics All- American award winner by ESPN, and you know we need smarter players so Wade doesn't need to "dummy down" the defensive plays and schemes.

Became only the second football player at Oregon to ever earn first-team All-America honors on the field (Walter Camp Foundation) and in the classroom (ESPN the Magazine), joining Steve Barnett (offensive lineman) from 1962 ... The two-time first-team Academic All-American and Draddy Award semifinalist led the country in fumble recoveries (5), ranked fourth (tie) nationally (1st in the Pac-10) in quarterback sacks (13.0), and tied for ninth in tackles for loss (20.0) ... The team’s ninth-leading tackler not only was awarded the Morris Trophy as the Pac-10’s top defensive lineman, he was voted by his teammates as the Ducks’ Most Outstanding Player ... Posting quarterback sacks in nine of his last 12 appearances, the two-time first-team all-conference pick equaled the school’s single-game record for quarterback sacks and surpassed the career pinnacle (29.5) ... His 20.0 TFLs tied for the fourth most in a single season (3.0 shy of the school record) and he finished his career second on the all-time list with 51.5 (1.5 short of the career leader)

http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3378&SPID=233&DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=177402&Q_SEASON=2008

OK...Now here is the reason this guy isn't being considered a top 3-4 LB prospect this season. There was questions about his top end speed, said to be in the 4.92 - 5.1 40 range....That's it, the guy doesn't time well in the 40 yard dash.

Well...I'm not one to place all my emphasis on recorded 40 times. I want football speed, Game Speed shows up on tape, How fast are you with pads on with a RB or QB in your sights ? How fast can you get off the ball snap ? Can you cover 10 yards in under 2 seconds ? ...That's all I care about when talking defensive front seven players.

Well fella's, he's put the critics to rest at his Pro Day.

http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/sports/9598380-41/story.csp

He ran a timed 4.71 in the 40 yard dash.

In fact, he outperformed pretty much every 1st round LB canidate not named Aaron Curry, in Combine skills events, timed speed, and put up a respectable 24 reps on the bench. He also did well in LB positional skills. He was the star at Oregon's Pro Day, even outperforming supposed first day Safety prospect- Patrick Chung in many events.

Reed measured in at 6-foot-1, 245 pounds and put up some impressive numbers in the drills:
40-yard Dash: 4.71
Vertical Jump: 31.5 inches
Bench Press Reps (225 pounds): 24
Broad Jump: 9.0 feet
Short Shuttle: 4.27
Three-Cone Drill: 6.96
60-yard Shuttle: 12.02

Just how good are those numbers ??

If Reed was at the combine, here is how he would have stacked up against the 11 inside linebackers:

40 yard dash: 4th (4.71)
Notables: Rey Maualuga (4.83), Brian Cushing (4.79), Darry Beckwith (4.77), Aaron Curry (4.56)

Bench Press: 6th (24)
Notables: Maualuga (23), James Laurinaitis (22), Curry (25), Cushing (30)

*40-yard dash and bench were the only tests done by all middle linebacker prospects at the combine*

Short Shuttle: 4.27
Notables: Jasper Brinkley (4.32), Laurinaitis (4.24), Cushing (4.22)

Three-Cone Drill: 6.96
Notables: Brinkley (7.03), Scott McKillop (7.00), Laurinaitis (6.93)

http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=500&ATCLID=3691710

Well...I'd be very interested in this guy, inside behind Bradie James, or outside backing up Spencer/Ellis....He is not Eric Walden...I can assure you.

YouTube Tape on this guy:

Check out the spin move while blowing past starting LT & LG of vaunted powerhouse USC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jSQBEh6vYc

Move seems to work well at Cal as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLqHcCmTYTA

Heck, even when the spin move is picked up, he throws the back away like yesturday's trash:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soWJEjtboPc&feature=related

Or, How bout this matador act he throws on Purdue's LT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I08dziivZto&feature=related

Shows burst, acceleration, and recognition skills here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jafEZK9XH70&feature=related

Shows his stuff coming from the left side, blowing past chip block:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmzUDbbOw-M&feature=related

He has shown to be stout at the line, shed blocks and stop the running plays: (clip has little D coverage, play mentioned is at :52 second mark, then that's it)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQO2Rn5FIh4&feature=related

He can play the run on the edge as well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBTWEmhqRS4&feature=related

Hey, sometimes the hit after the pass, is more important than a sack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFM3_YBsvnM&feature=related

Of course he'll have to play special teams as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1NwCQnugJw&feature=related

Sleeper of the week series. NT

CowboysRnumba1 — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:23:42 -0000

Well, As promised, I've searched around the world wide web to hopefully pull a late round gem from the depths of obscurity. I'm strickly looking for guys that fit our teams perceived need of depth at various positions. I'd have to say, Finding a run stuffing, gap clogging behemoth, that can take on two blockers would certainly be well received here. I have little info on this guy, but what little i've read appeals to me.

Hailing from the Baltimore, MD region, and a two way starter in high school, where he was a first team All-Metro recipiant, He certainly had the goods to play BCS Football.....But here's our guy:

Lonnie Harvey, Morgan St, 6'3" 345lbs. Nose Tackle

http://www.morganstatebears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1273&path=foot

This is his post high school first team all metro review:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/highschool/bal-sp.ofoot17dec17,0,3712821.story

Incredibly agile for his size, the four-year starter became motivated to raise his level of play after postseason clashes his sophomore and senior seasons with Hereford's Joe Akers, the standard by which many area lineman measure themselves.

A 6-foot-3, 305-pounder with muscular legs and a burly upper torso, Harvey's play was crucial to the success of the Red Storm's passing and rushing games. Harvey's footwork kept opposing linemen off balance and led to numerous pancake blocks.

Defensively, Harvey registered 103 tackles, 16 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and four fumbles recovered against Baltimore City rivals. He is considering schools such as West Virginia, Virginia Tech, North Carolina State, Boston College and Marshall.

He goes on to play at Morgan St.

I discovered this guy on http://www.DraftDaddy.com

Fomer Morgan State star Lonnie Harvey is a potential sleeper prospect, who has private workouts setup with the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts. He is about 6'4", 345 pounds and teams in need of defensive tackle depth could you utilize his services as a 3-4 nose or 4-3 defensive tackle (1 or 3 technique). Right now we have Harvey slotted as a solid free agent type prospect, but great workouts, coupled with a high demand (and lack of supply) for 3-4 nose tackle prospects, could slide him into the latter part of the 2009 draft.

Hey....Usually I'd dig a little deeper on guys like this, and get some info, hopefully he makes it to a Pro Day somewhere, as he's doing his private workouts for other teams ...I see him as a semi-priority type URFA signing to take a look at. Here is some very limited flm I can find on the guy, Look for #53 DT :

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=45411228

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=21521323&searchid=46d3a299-2456-4105-a0f1-78cd4d9c319c

My sleeper of the week series. 3-4 DE

CowboysRnumba1 — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:43:17 -0000

More than likely to a fault, I probably spend nearly half my awoken life browsing the web. Most of that time is spent blogging here on BTB, but I also venture off and check out transactions, other team needs, and daily sports news, trade rumors, etc. etc...My passion is, and always has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft.

From what I see, there are quite a few very knowledgable draft/player savvy guys on this site, which is why I come here to discuss football with mature, intelligent people that can share ideas, opinions, info that may not be found elsewhere.........I'm in no way the final authority on all things draft...My opinions and views of certain players may certainly differ from some of yours, and I repect that....But if I can enlighten just one reader, and provide interesting info that someone may appreciate, it's worth it to me.

I may totally disagree with rankings of a Mayock, McShay, or Kiper, but it doesn't make me wrong, or them right.....I have called out many many many gem prospects over the years, long before any one of them were on board, or even mentioned these players, (CB-Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, from last year for instance)......This is no exact science, and they have much much more time and resources invested than me. But I don't go jumping on the bandwagon of already established, nationally known players cuz that's too easy....It's going out on a limb, and finding totally unknowns, that possess NFL caliber measurables, and intangibles that seperates the good from the also rans.

I'm going to try some new things leading up to the draft this season. I've decided just producing a Mock Draft won't really cut it this year. We don't have two 1st rounders to speculate over, and up until just a few days ago, we had some glaring holes that could've had our first pick #51 overall going in a number of directions.We have way too many picks and variables to conclude just where we'll be picking, and how many picks we'll end up having.

I'm going to present a completely unknown player (to the average fan), that you probably never heard about (via media coverage), but has all the physical tools, ability, and athleticism to be an NFL player, and will more than likely go in the later rounds or completely undrafted, with no fan fare leading up to his selection. With a little time and developement, will become decent NFL player or even an All Pro. That's what I call a sleeper..

OK....I realize we just recently signed Igor Olshanski (great move... btw), and we have the likes of Spears, Ratliff, Hatcher, Bowen, and a lesser known in Dixon playing the DE position here in Dallas. Problem is, Spears will more than likely command as much money as Canty after this upcoming season, and franchising him is not an option. Bowen, if not signed to a long term extention will also test the free agent market after this season is over. Hatcher has yet stood up and grabbed a hold of a position that was his to take, and seems like a in the rotation, but won't be a starter guy. Ratliff we all know should be out at DE, but until we shore up the NT, that switch won't be happening. Dixon is a marginal talent, that may develope over the next year or two on the practice squad..,,,

I believe there are quite a few projected 3-4 DE in this upcoming draft, In fact, it's probably one of the deepest positions for 3-4 teams out there...These are guys maybe leaner, a bit taller, usually quicker DT's that will be considered for a switch outside to DE in a 3-4...There are very few 280lbs plus DE's that play in traditional 4-3 college defenses, as you all surely know...anyways......I was doing my daily rounds the other day, and came across this Pro Day evaluation of a D Lineman that I thought was so off the charts, I needed to share it with somebody...lol...Lucky You Guys...

The guy is Desmond Bryant- DE - Harvard University.

Only 22 career starts - 12 Sacks, 19 Tackles for Loss

All Ivy League

Ivy League takes no Dummy's- Majored in Psychology (this team needs smarts)

Recorded Best Bench Press of All Time at Harvard Football (520lbs)

6' 5"5/8 288lbs.- perfect size for 3-4 DE

11.5 inch hands - Would have rated biggest at NFL Combine-huge asset for DE

35.5" Arm Length- Would have rated longest at NFL Combine-huge asset for DE.

225lbs Bench - 35 times / with 35"+ arms? That is super human, best of Combine.

4.92 40 yard- 4th fastest time among D Linemen over 285lbs.

2.82 20 yard- same time as 2-3rd round prospect Dorell Scott, and better BJ Raji.

1.67 10 yard- better than 1st rd 3-4 DE Tyson Jackson.

31" Verticle Jump- 21/2" better than 1st round 3-4 DE Tyson Jackson.

9' 10" Broad Jump- Would have rated #1 Down linemen at NFL Combine.

4.45 20 yd Shuttle- Better than first day-QB-Stafford, WR Britt, TE-Casey, DE-Kruger

7.44 3 Cone- Better than 1st day prospects -

DT-Raji, OLB-Maybin, DT-Hood, DE- Ayers, DE- Gilbert, DE-Jackson, DE- Kruger

Workout Warrior or Once Hidden Gem ? That's the Question...

http://www.gocrimson.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9000&ATCLID=1603082

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=86605&draftyear=2009&genpos=DE

http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/03/10/sperry-bell-impress-in-position-drills-at-colorado-state/

Roy WANTS OUT .....TODAY !!

CowboysRnumba1 — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:32:16 -0000

Roy WANTS OUT .....TODAY !!

well, so much for us carrying any trade possibilities into the draft, Roy just wants out, and so do most people that call Dallas their team...

see ya dough boy..

The day has come for Emmitt to rest.

CowboysRnumba1 — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:05:13 -0000

Ok ok ok....I know I have busted on Emmitt Smith in the past for his articulate way of trashing the English language. He's loved by many, and laughed at by many more, but he'll always be our very own Cowboy.

Like I, and many others had predicted, Emmitt Smith two year run on ESPN has come to a close today. He will no longer be amusing us with his insight, and word bashing. In my opinion, he's got to be the worst analyst this football fan has ever seen. And one often wonders how he got a BS in Communications from the University of Florida.

We'll always love Emmmitt for what he's done on the field for this franchise, but his broadcasting career will be forever be a reminder for kids to stay in school, and pay attention.....

I will leave everyone with this little snip of Emmitt classics...farewell Cowboy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGT08DTk3NM

Hey, There's still another College All Star Game

CowboysRnumba1 — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:28:01 -0000

We got one last chance to check out some sleeper picks that may someday make an impact in the NFL. The Texas vs. The Nation All Star game will be played this Saturday on CBS, and there is a few prospects we may want to keep an eye on.

*note-

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. Mountain on CBS College Sports Network, formerly CSTV, which is found at Bresnan channel 411, channel 152 on Dish Network and channel 613 on DIRECTV.

Here is a listing of the entire All Star Game Roster:

http://draftdaddy.com/features/allstar.htm

There is some talent here for sure, and some may make a good impression in this game. The ones I'll be watching closely are :

Dorell Scott- Clemson- DT-6'4" 320lbs. 5.00 40 http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/scott_dorell00.html

Khalif Mitchell-Eastern Carolina-DE-6'6" 306lbs. 5.00 40

William Johnson-Michigan-DE-6'5" 290lbs. 4.85 40 -project 3-4 DE

Demonte Boldin-Tennessee-DE-6'5" 300lbs. 5.00 40 - high motor

Terrence Knighton-Missouri-DE-6'4" 291lbs. 5.10 40 -

Appleby-Virginia-MLB- 6'4" 250lbs. 4.70 40

Holtzclaw-E Michigan-MLB- 6'1" 246lbs. 4.70 40 http://www.emueagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1452&path=football

Britt Miller-Illinois-LB

Jamarca Sanford-Miss-Free Safety- 5'10" 200lbs. 4.55 40 http://www.olemisssports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=12787&SPID=737&DB_OEM_ID=2600&ATCLID=542708&Q_SEASON=2008

Stephen Hodge-TCU-Strong Safety- 6'0" 230lbs. 4.65 40 He made a nice leaping interception on one play, an ill-advised pass meant for the running back whom he had blanketed. Hodge shows good instincts in the box, jumping into the backfield to take on blockers and force running backs to turn inside for no gains. _Russ Lande, Sporting News

Reshard Langford-Vandy-Safety- 6'2" 218 4.60 40 http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/langford_reshard00.html

Marcus McClinton-Kentucky-Safety- 6'1" 210lbs. 4.50 40 http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mcclinton_marcus00.html

Here's some more players I feel we would have interest in the mid to late rounds or UFA practice squad material: Here's the hot names at practice:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11315279

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11307270

• OLB Lee Robinson (Alcorn State, 6-2, 249): He could challenge Owens as the top pick from this game because he's a physical specimen, and he can really play. Scouts value a guy like Robinson who can hold up a pulling guard in space but run with backs in coverage down the sideline. Alcorn State linebacker Lee Robinson is all of 6-2, 249, and appears destined to be a 3-4 inside linebacker to use his strength and athleticism. He continues to impress with his athleticism. Even at 249 pounds, he has the ability to track running backs in the flat and get to receivers in short zones. He's a guy who looks like Tarzan -- and plays like him, too. Of this week's participants, Robinson should be one of the first players drafted.

http://alcornsports.com/sport_m_football.php?act=players&id=408

• *OT Cornelius Lewis (Tennessee State, 6-4, 324): In today's one-on-ones, Lewis was unbeatable. The Florida State transfer moved his feet and extended his arms to prevent ends from getting anywhere near the quarterback. Although he could be moved inside, Lewis appears most comfortable at the left tackle spot.The top lineman on either side of the ball was Tennessee State left tackle Cornelius Lewis, a Florida State transfer who will probably move inside at the next level. He used his arm length and athleticism to hold up his man at the point of attack or direct him around the pocket in drills and scrimmages.

• ILB Frantz Joseph (Florida Atlantic, 6-2, 243): Whether in pads or just shells, Joseph made his presence felt in the box. He showed the strength necessary to get off of blocks and the awareness in zone to prevent running backs and tight ends from making yardage after the catch. Frantz Joseph was intense and ready to go today while his Nation teammates were chilling out before practice. He popped pads all day in the box and although he's not really fluid, he gets into position to make plays in coverage.

• OG T.J. Lang (Eastern Michigan, 6-4, 312): He lined up at tackle, guard and center during the week and won almost every battle. Lang locks up his man, consistently anchoring to prevent the bull rush. T.J. Lang moved inside for Monday's practice and proved he belonged, refusing to back down from anyone. T.J. Lang played left tackle for Eastern Michigan for the past two-plus seasons, but his play at left guard this week proves he'll be a solid NFL player at that spot. Strong at the point of attack, Lang can also get out in front of screens and dominate defensive backs at the second or third level.

• *OT Joel Bell (Furman, 6-7, 312): It's hard to ignore Bell's physically imposing frame. Defensive linemen found it difficult to get around his wide body and long arms, and his straight-line speed is obvious as he gets downfield to block. He'll be among the fastest tackles at the Combine.

• *CB Chris Owens (San Jose State, 5-10, 182): Scouts were buzzing about Owens as possibly the highest-rated prospect on the field. Some teams won't invest a high pick in a smallish corner, but a team will value the playmaking ability, fluid hips and short memory he demonstrated in El Paso.Tuesday's defensive star for the Texas squad was Chris Owens from San Jose State. He had at least two interceptions on the day, stepping in front of his man as if he'd heard the route called in the huddle. He has been the "other" corner opposite Dwight Lowery and Coye Francies the past two seasons, partially because of size (5-9, 182) but Owens' game should make his phone ring sometime on Sunday during draft weekend.

• *QB Curtis Painter (Purdue, 6-3, 222): Considering his high profile over the past three seasons, Painter should be the top quarterback coming out of this game. His arm strength is clearly the best of the group, and his accuracy -- while not great -- was also the most consistent. This year's quarterback class probably will be weak enough to keep Painter off the free-agent market.

• DE Pierre Walters (Eastern Illinois, 6-4, 269): Flashed pass rush off the edge and his size, occasionally violent hands and strength at the point gives NFL defensive coaches a good foundation for a developmental project. Has the size at 6-4, 269, to hold up on early downs but flashed good speed off the edge and an ability to spin or loop inside to get to the quarterback stepping up into the pocket.

http://media.www.dennews.com/media/storage/paper309/news/2009/01/30/Sports/Football.Walters.Will.Play.In.AllStar.Game-3605097.shtml

* WR-Stephen F. Austin receiver Dominique Edison is unquestionably the best receiver here. The 6-2, 199-pounder has sub-4.4 speed and displayed great hands throughout practice

* WR/KR-Jason Chery-Louisiana-Lafeyette-5'11" 195lbs. --->4.22 40<------

http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20090131/SPORTS/901310305/1006

There you have it..Sleepers will come from is game. Enjoy the game.

TMZ styled Romo talk

CowboysRnumba1 — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:09:18 -0000

TMZ styled Romo talk

Maybe Tony is starting to see the light...

Damn it ! Shanahan to be hired as new Kansas City HC.

CowboysRnumba1 — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 23:01:13 -0000

Well,

Reports are now coming out that Herm Edwards has been fired as HC of the Chiefs. Chris Mortenson reports that talks are in proccess with Shanahan to become new HC. It's not a done deal, but everyone knows how Mort likes to run with stories that are done deals.He also mentions if Shanahan doesn't sign on, that Chan Gailey may be an option to take over the HC spot.

I for one, was a big advocate to bring Shanhan in as either OC or HC, as I see him as a good mentoring coach for Romo,and runs a high powered offense that would be a good fit for our offensive personel.

Oh well...Wade gets by this hurdle for now.

The Emmitt Anthology

CowboysRnumba1 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:47:01 -0000

The Emmitt Anthology

Great Reading - Not so good grammer.

Ware negotiations begin

CowboysRnumba1 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:20:47 -0000

Ware negotiations begin

8 years / 98 million - 36 million signing bonus

That's my guess