Post by Lithfan on Jan 13, 2015 15:28:04 GMT -5
draftbreakdown.com/2015-shrine-game-east-team-rundown/
Day One of East-West Shrine Game practices was dampened by steady Florida rain showers, but Day Two’s weather was perfect for full pads. Too bad Mike Singletary runs the absolute worst practices I have ever seen. Inexplicably the former Niners head coach likes to line up offense vs. offense and defense vs. defense for long stretches of time. Observers were treated to offensive linemen lined up at linebacker, receivers at the corners and even quarterbacks at deep safety. It was easily the most frustrating aspect of either teams’ practices during my two days at St. Pete. But enough ranting. There were still plenty of good takeaways and players who stood out and warrant a second (or in some cases, a first) look. Here’s a quick rundown of my brief stint at college footballs annual mid-tier all-star game.
Darren Waller, out of Georgia Tech, has never been ultra-productive as a secondary receiving option in a triple-option offense, but he is an impressive looking player. At 6’6 and over 240 pounds, he’s built almost like a defensive end, and he’s nearly impossible for any of the DBs down here to cover. With his imposing frame and build-up speed, he’ll be one of the more talked about prospects down coming out of this week.
Georgia defensive back Damian Swann is a physical cornerback with a knack for getting his hands on the ball. On Day One he didn’t shy away from bigger receivers despite the fact that he has a fairly thin frame. Some of his contact may have drawn a flag in a game setting, but he wasn’t afraid to challenge his opponents. I believe Swann will test well and rise a bit throughout the draft process as teams determine that he can play either corner or safety, and help on special teams. Swann may not be a starter, but he has the tools to contribute to a solid defense.
On Day One, Louisville tackle Jamon Brown saw reps on both sides of the line, and displayed the combination of strength and nastiness that I had seen on tape during the season. While I didn’t see much of him on Day Two, several of my colleagues filled me in on his struggles. When I asked Real GM and Bleacher Report writer Jeff Risdon what Brown had the most problems with, Jeff answered “football.” Ouch. Regardless, I still have hopes for Brown as a late round draft value. He has a tall frame and long arms, and looks like a player who could develop into a starter on the right side or a swing tackle off the bench.
If I’m being charitable, quarterbacking down here has left something to be desired. Tyler Heinicke of Old Dominion was my favorite coming into the week, and he’s been the best in practices through two days. Heinicke is small, but he knows the position and he distributes the ball quickly. I’d like to bring him in as an underrated free agent and see if he could stick as a backup in the league. Georgia’s Hutson Mason had a good season statistically, but he couldn’t throw a spiral on Monday to save his life. Perhaps it was the wet conditions, or maybe he has small hands, or maybe it’s a combo of the two.
One of the most intriguing players this week is wide receiver Devin Gardner. Gardner has mostly played quarterback since midway through the 2012 season, but he was back to catching passes as he tries to make an NFL roster. I asked Emory Hunt of Football Gameplan, and he classified the Michigan product as a player who “looks the part at every position.” Gardner is about 6’4” and close to 220 pounds and he was able to beat defensive backs down the field. Unfortunately, he had some issues securing the ball. I think he’ll improve throughout the week as he shakes off the rust, and pick up some momentum. Gardner is a class act on and off the field so I’m rooting for him to get a chance to at least catch on as an undrafted free agent.
Coming into the week, South Florida receiver Andre Davis piqued my interest. Though he was limited to eight games due to an early-season chest injury, he still averaged over 16 yards per catch and hauled in seven TDs. Though he had some issues with the wet turf Monday, Davis has been the East’s best receiver.
Michigan State’s Keith Mumphery looks like the consummate slot receiver, but I came away wondering if he could run anything other than slants. He’s a spirited player who’s very hard on himself when he doesn’t make the catch. I expect him to get a rookie mini-camp invitation after the draft.
Lastly, defensive tackle Derrick Lott was the most impressive defender I saw on Tuesday. In team drills the offense double teamed him on a number of occasions and he still got easy pressure. Lott is 6’4” and around 300 pounds, and he’s worked his way onto my radar. I’m looking forward to digging up some game tape on him.
Day One of East-West Shrine Game practices was dampened by steady Florida rain showers, but Day Two’s weather was perfect for full pads. Too bad Mike Singletary runs the absolute worst practices I have ever seen. Inexplicably the former Niners head coach likes to line up offense vs. offense and defense vs. defense for long stretches of time. Observers were treated to offensive linemen lined up at linebacker, receivers at the corners and even quarterbacks at deep safety. It was easily the most frustrating aspect of either teams’ practices during my two days at St. Pete. But enough ranting. There were still plenty of good takeaways and players who stood out and warrant a second (or in some cases, a first) look. Here’s a quick rundown of my brief stint at college footballs annual mid-tier all-star game.
Darren Waller, out of Georgia Tech, has never been ultra-productive as a secondary receiving option in a triple-option offense, but he is an impressive looking player. At 6’6 and over 240 pounds, he’s built almost like a defensive end, and he’s nearly impossible for any of the DBs down here to cover. With his imposing frame and build-up speed, he’ll be one of the more talked about prospects down coming out of this week.
Georgia defensive back Damian Swann is a physical cornerback with a knack for getting his hands on the ball. On Day One he didn’t shy away from bigger receivers despite the fact that he has a fairly thin frame. Some of his contact may have drawn a flag in a game setting, but he wasn’t afraid to challenge his opponents. I believe Swann will test well and rise a bit throughout the draft process as teams determine that he can play either corner or safety, and help on special teams. Swann may not be a starter, but he has the tools to contribute to a solid defense.
On Day One, Louisville tackle Jamon Brown saw reps on both sides of the line, and displayed the combination of strength and nastiness that I had seen on tape during the season. While I didn’t see much of him on Day Two, several of my colleagues filled me in on his struggles. When I asked Real GM and Bleacher Report writer Jeff Risdon what Brown had the most problems with, Jeff answered “football.” Ouch. Regardless, I still have hopes for Brown as a late round draft value. He has a tall frame and long arms, and looks like a player who could develop into a starter on the right side or a swing tackle off the bench.
If I’m being charitable, quarterbacking down here has left something to be desired. Tyler Heinicke of Old Dominion was my favorite coming into the week, and he’s been the best in practices through two days. Heinicke is small, but he knows the position and he distributes the ball quickly. I’d like to bring him in as an underrated free agent and see if he could stick as a backup in the league. Georgia’s Hutson Mason had a good season statistically, but he couldn’t throw a spiral on Monday to save his life. Perhaps it was the wet conditions, or maybe he has small hands, or maybe it’s a combo of the two.
One of the most intriguing players this week is wide receiver Devin Gardner. Gardner has mostly played quarterback since midway through the 2012 season, but he was back to catching passes as he tries to make an NFL roster. I asked Emory Hunt of Football Gameplan, and he classified the Michigan product as a player who “looks the part at every position.” Gardner is about 6’4” and close to 220 pounds and he was able to beat defensive backs down the field. Unfortunately, he had some issues securing the ball. I think he’ll improve throughout the week as he shakes off the rust, and pick up some momentum. Gardner is a class act on and off the field so I’m rooting for him to get a chance to at least catch on as an undrafted free agent.
Coming into the week, South Florida receiver Andre Davis piqued my interest. Though he was limited to eight games due to an early-season chest injury, he still averaged over 16 yards per catch and hauled in seven TDs. Though he had some issues with the wet turf Monday, Davis has been the East’s best receiver.
Michigan State’s Keith Mumphery looks like the consummate slot receiver, but I came away wondering if he could run anything other than slants. He’s a spirited player who’s very hard on himself when he doesn’t make the catch. I expect him to get a rookie mini-camp invitation after the draft.
Lastly, defensive tackle Derrick Lott was the most impressive defender I saw on Tuesday. In team drills the offense double teamed him on a number of occasions and he still got easy pressure. Lott is 6’4” and around 300 pounds, and he’s worked his way onto my radar. I’m looking forward to digging up some game tape on him.
