Q&A with Tyvon Branch
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, April 27th, 2008 at 11:58 am in Oakland Raiders.
Media conference call with Raiders fourth-round draft pick Tyvon Branch:
Q: Were you surprised when the Raiders called?
Branch: I hadn’t really been talking to them much. They called and expressed some interest, called to ask if my numbers were right, that was really when I talked to them.
Q: How do you think you’ll be used? Corner, safety, does it matter?
Branch: I really don’t know. I played both in college so it’s easy for me to transition from either position. I really don’t know what position they want, I’m going to come in and work, and they can put me wherever they need me.
Q: Did kick returns, did you do coverage as well?
Branch: Yeah, I did all the cover teams.
Q: Is that your ticket to the NFL at this point?
Branch: I really don’t know how they want to use me. I’m definitely a big special teams guy. I really like being on special teams. If they put me out there, I’ll go to work.
Q: Played more corner, are you comfortable with diagnosis back there and making calls on checkdowns?
Branch: At my school, I did a lot of the checks on defense and what I learn a defense I try to learn it from the whole secondary, to linebacker, how everybody fits, so making checks won’t be tough for me.
Q: With Nnamdi Asomugha, DeAngelo Hall at corners, do you suspect you’ll get some time at free safety or crack the lineup there?
Branch: I haven’t really gotten a chance to check out the lineups, and I’m just going to come in and work. If things work out, then they work out, and if they don’t, I’m going to work regardless.
Q: Traded up to get you, like the fact that you were a guy they were targeting?
Branch: I mean, it feels good just to be drafted. The fact that they traded up, it just feels good to be drafted to tell you the truth.
Q: Who gave you the call, who did you talk to?
Branch: I got a call from my secretary at first, I think. Then I talked to the head coach, then I talked to the position coach, and then I talked to the special teams coach. So I got a chance to talk to a bunch of guys.
Q: How did you feel after the combine, you ran one of the fastest times?
Branch: You know, I know I have the speed, and one of my best assets is my speed. I knew I was going to get out there and run good. I just wanted to open up some eyes at the combine.
Q: How does doing so much tackling in coverage on special teams help you as a tackler in the secondary?
Branch: We do a lot of tackling drills at my school, and I played linebacker (phone cuts out) for me.
Q: Your legal issue a few years back, something you write off to being young, and was it something the Raiders even asked about?
Branch: They never really asked me much about it. Character is real big. It’s a mistake. I learned from it. I bounced back. I graduated early so it really didn’t affect me much, but it was something I really learned from.
Note: In 2005, Branch was the driver of a car in which a passenger fired a pellet gun at a woman’s car in a parking lot. Branch was arrested along with four teammates and performed 50 hours of community service.
Q: When will you be out here, for the minicamp?
Branch: Yes.
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April 27th, 2008 at 11:59 am
nope
April 27th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
He has a secretary?…
April 27th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
carl nicks is gone
April 27th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Here is the only place our day two picks can compete:
http://cache.eb.com/eb/image?id=95537&rendTypeId=4
April 27th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Damn, there goes Nicks. Seems like I keep saying; “Damn there goes…”. We better step up on the next pick.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
TT - WHat’s your eval on Erin Henderson?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Assassin…
who would you let do the returns then? Rhodes? JLH? Bowie?
Either Bowie or JLH will be gone, not Branch IMO
April 27th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
DAMN, DAMN, DAAAAMN! Goff gone.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
goff’s gone……
April 27th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Wait a minute, the Raiders called and asked if his numbers were correct? As if they didnt watch any tape on him and were going to go on numbers alone?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Branch will Return Kicks with JLH
April 27th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Darrell Robertson, Tommy Blake, Johnny Dingle, Chris Harrington, Athyba Rubin, Keylen Dykes, Lionel Dotson…..
April 27th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I defintely think Branch was drafted for Returns as well as ST’s tackles. If it’s not Branch then I will be disappointed with the pick. I think he brings value at the return game, probably moreso than Carr did, and Carr broke all of our KR records. The problem with Carr is he couldn’t take it to the house. Hopefully Branch can.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Who is our next pick????????
April 27th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Ali highsmith
April 27th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
GOFF!!! Nice pick, NY.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
assassin, henderson’s an athletic specimen, has the size, strength and speed to play any LB position
April 27th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Sounds like a halfway decent kid, with some goodS-teams skils and a good DB. so we’ll see
April 27th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
henderson is also a passionate football guy and a possible team leader
April 27th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Steve Justice is my guess
April 27th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Oliverthizz, I was thinking the same thing. I think it was sort of small talk, though.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
robertson or blake………….COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Maybe we can sign and trade Nnamdi for a 6th rounder???
April 27th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
My guess for the Raiders next pick is Ezra Butler.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
9 draft picks selected from the college world power USC
April 27th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I’m going to say either Richardson OT (Clemson) or Kirk Barton OT (Ohio St.)
April 27th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Man I really wanted Nicks, he is going to be a beast and a solid book end on offense.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
What pick #’s do we have left?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Next pick:
DeJuan Tribble CB BC
Why the fk not?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
maybe we go with Sullivan at (C)?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
just 226 after thius
April 27th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
we’re up…….
April 27th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Washington might steal Roberston right now as they’ve gone heavy on Offense thus far.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Well, he’s there for the taking.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
He’s a young Newberry, but looks older.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Raiders select, Marion Jones, yes, a convict, but a really fast convict.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
The Raiders still have done nothing to improve their run defense this off season. Note- Their run defense is the worst in football.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
????
April 27th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
LoL …
I thought WE took the punter!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Trevor Scott DE fromBuffalo
April 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Trevor Scott? Oh well, at least he’s a DE. Or is he a DE/OLB tweener?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Jerry,
Who on the board has the fastest 40 time regardless of position? That’s our target.
After a productive draft last year under Kiffin, clearly Al is back in charge.
Pathetic.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
good choice.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
MY FAVOITE PLAYER IN THE ENTIRE DRAFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(after McFadden)
April 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
got anything on this guy TT?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Thank you, great pick.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
I know some of the Nation picked Trevor Scott in there mock draft
April 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
There’s your Dlineman folks!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
he played TE his first two years at Buffalo but moved to DE where he’s been a freak ever since
April 27th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Finally, now we have 4 DE’s, was getting worried.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
We will literally have to score a touchdown on every single drive to win even 8 games, with this type of defense…So, what happens if we don’t score on every drive? 4-12, and we scapegoat Kiffin. I admire those of you that can be optimistic about this. I just hope your optimism is based on reality and not on things you’ve done playing Madden…
April 27th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Someone give me something
April 27th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Trevor Scott failed to find his spot on offense at Buffalo and shifted to the defensive line by head coach Turner Gill as a junior. The move was made to help a depleted front wall, but not even the coaching staff expected the instant results Scott produced.
Scott led the team in both quarterback sacks and tackles behind the line of scrimmage in both his junior and senior campaigns. Despite playing just two seasons on defense, he ranks third in school history with 19 sacks.
At Potsdam Senior High School, Scott was twice named an All-Northern selection while playing tight end and outside linebacker. He earned two letters and was twice named team captain. The squad’s MVP as both a junior and senior, he was also a Watertown Daily Times first-team selection. He added four letters in track and field and two in basketball.
Arriving on Buffalo’s campus in 2003, Scott spent the season as a red-shirt on the scout team. He appeared in eleven games in 2004 as a reserve tight end. He had a 42-yard catch and excelled on special teams while also brief action on defense, posting six tackles (four solo).
As a sophomore, Scott appeared in seven games as a reserve tight end, missing the Bulls’ final three contests after breaking two bones in his back vs. Ohio University. He finished with eight receptions for 55 yards (6.9-yard average) while also making two tackles.
Scott was an instant success at right defensive end in 2006. His nine sacks were the most by a Bull since Buffalo joined the Division 1-A ranks in 1999. He also led the team with 13 ½ stops for losses and totaled 45 tackles (29 solo). He added five pressures with a fumble recovery, as he also deflected a pass and blocked a kick.
As a senior, Scott earned All-Mid American Conference second-team accolades. He shifted to left end, starting all 12 games. He collected 46 tackles (25 solo), as he led the team again with 10 sacks, ranking second in the MAC and 16th in the NCAA. His 15 stops behind the line of scrimmage was a team high, as he added seven pressures and a pass breakup. He recovered one fumble and caused three others.
In 41 games at Buffalo, Scott started 24 contests. He recorded 99 tackles (59 solo) with 19 sacks for minus 136 yards, 28 ½ stops for losses of 163 yards and 12 quarterback pressures. He caused three fumbles and recovered two others, returning one 17 yards. He also broke up two passes, blocked one kick and had nine receptions for 97 yards (10.8-yard average).
Analysis
Positives: Has very little body fat and a frame to carry another 10 pounds of bulk without the added weight affecting his quickness … His lean frame and timed speed might be a better fit for strong-side linebacker at the next level and he has experience at that spot from his high school days … Has a very quick and sudden straight-line burst to surprise offensive tackles … High-motor type who lacks good change-of-direction agility, but takes good angles to shorten his path in pursuit of the quarterback … Has rare speed for a defensive end, but lacks the bulk to defeat bigger blockers up front … Has that initial step to gain advantage, but needs to stay lower in his stance to prevent from getting washed out on the play … Outstanding competitor with a high motor and a good leader-by-example type who pushes his teammates … Shows good effort on coverage units and has the straight-line speed to get downfield to break up the wedge … Struggles when playing head-up on a blockers, but is more effective chasing down inside ball carriers than he is working through trash … Not really naturally strong, but is adequate at using his hands to shed … Plays with consistent effort and when he “pins his ears back,” he is difficult to mirror … Showed improvement as a senior in attempts to knife through and penetrate, but he struggles to disengage when blockers attack his body … Makes plays moving down the line and with added experience, he showed better vision when attempting to sift through traffic … Not an explosive tackler, but shows adequate wrap-up ability, as he does a good job of breaking down in space … Won’t punish a ballcarrier with his hits, but uses his hands well to hold on until help arrives … Has adequate up field speed to come off the edge and showed improved hip wiggle and shake as a senior, but it is still a work in progress … Has the short-area burst to collapse the pocket, adjusting on the hoof to catch the quarterback from behind … Has good timing, arm reach and extension to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage.
Negatives: Has a very thin lower-body frame, lacking the leg strength to anchor and hold ground at the point of attack … Bit high-cut and top-heavy, having added over 25 pounds of muscle to his frame since 2006, but he is a bit high cut and does not show the sudden change-of- direction agility you expect from a blitzer … Plays too high and shows stiffness in his ability to redirect … Has only adequate hand usage and is still learning how to extend and punch with them to keep blockers off his body … Still a new to the defense and quarterbacks have had success fooling him with misdirection plays … Has only adequate initial quickness off the ball … Doesn’t always play to his timed speed and gets engulfed often by interior blockers on the bull rush … Not effective working in-line vs. the run due to his lack of size and playing too high in his pads … Struggles to shed blocks from physical tight ends … Is adequate as a wrap-up tackler, lacking explosion and pop on contact … Has marginal functional strength as a tackler playing on the line and might be a better fit in the second level as a linebacker … Shows some up-field speed, but is not a quick-twitch athlete … Has trouble keeping his hands inside his frame or generating a strong enough punch to prevent long-armed offensive tackles from locking him up and riding him away from the play … Gets knocked to the ground when he fails to protect his legs from cut blocks … His hips and legs are too underdeveloped for him to improve his lower-body strength enough to be a down lineman at the next level … Must stop ducking his head when charging into the pocket on the pass rush, as he loses balance when doing so … Needs time to adjust to a potential move to linebacker and lacks a great feel for route progression, showing some hip stiffness in transition getting back to cover the short-area receivers.
Compares To: DAVID BOWENS-New York Jets … Scott is better served as a rush end or strong-side linebacker in a 3-4 alignment. He lacks bulk and strength, especially in his lower body, to take on and defeat offensive linemen. He lacks sudden change-of-direction agility and is best getting to the quarterback when he slips blocks — he’s not going to win any battles with his hands or raw power. He is still a work in progress learning the technique of playing defense, so a coach that will preach patience is a good fit for this late-round project.
Injury Report
2004: Sat out the Akron contest (10/09) after suffering a concussion the previous week vs. Central Florida (10/02).
2005: Suffered L2/L3 transverse process bone fractures in his back vs. Ohio University (10/29), missing the team’s final three games vs. Miami, Ohio (11/05), Kent State (11/12) and Eastern Michigan (11/19).
Agility Tests
Campus: 4.54 in the 40-yard dash … 1.53 10-yard dash … 2.59 20-yard dash … 4.19 20-yard shuttle … 6.84 three-cone drill … 33 ½-inch vertical jump … 9′9″ broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 32 times … 405-pound bench press … 530-pound squat … 330-pound power clean … 32-inch arm length … 9 ½-inch hands … Right-handed … 20/42 Wonderlic score.
High School
Attended Potsdam (N.Y.) Senior High School, playing football for head coach Jimmy Kirka … Twice named an All-Northern selection while playing tight end and outside linebacker … Earned two letters and was twice named team captain … The squad’s MVP as both a junior and senior, he was also a Watertown Daily Times first-team selection … Added four letters in track and field and two in basketball … Says his greatest athletic experience was catching the game-winning touchdown and two-point conversion in the final 30 seconds of a high school game to win by a point.
Personal
Sociology major who hopes to enter law enforcement when his playing days end … Son of Leah and Mike O’Leary … Born Trevor John Scott on 8/30/84 … Resides in Potsdam, New York.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Did you guys see that FB from West Virginia lol, what a nutjob. Who picked him? Schmitt was his name I think.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
any OT’sor Center’s left?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
trevor scott
April 27th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Trevor Scott
April 27th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
athletic FREAK at DE
April 27th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Chefs are building it right.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Practice squad…wow, I am pumped.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Laugh if you want, but he is comparable to Vernon Gholston
April 27th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Strengths:
Has a large frame with room to get bigger…Real good athlete with above average speed…Aggressive with a non-stop motor…Very quick off the edge…Hard worker with terrific intangibles…A real beast in the weight room…Has some special teams potential…Offers some versatility…Very productive….Still has quite a bit of upside.
Weaknesses:
Did not play against top competition…Doesn’t have the bulk that you look for…Is not very strong or physical…Still very raw in terms of his technique…Questionable instincts..Not stout at the point…Poor run defender..May not have a true position.
Notes:
Was a backup tight end the first two years of his college career and finished with 9 receptions for 97 yards…Could also project to outside linebacker or tight end at the next level…An extremely intriguing developmental prospect who will likely be a project but certainly has some tools to work with…Best fit may be as a 3-4 OLB.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Im excited about Arman. Big time excited he is fast and physical and has a much better chance of being succesful at the next level than a lot of second round picks like Deasean Jackson, he will be blown off the ball
April 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I dont know what to say. Hmmm, Go Raiders? I guess. Im speechless. YA KNOW?!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I am pleased with this pick
April 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Why not take Robertson from GA Tech. Guess that’s why they are the coaches and I’m not. (Scratching my head)
April 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Wow, an offensive line convert…who we’ll likely never even sign. Like I said, we’ve done nothing to improve our run defense this off season.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
TT: we gave away washington and have not addressed our needs at ot. you said there would be o-line at this point in the draft. what are we doing? how would you spin this draft at this point?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
But do we use him as DE or LB? Both?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
As silly as it sounds, we need to get back into this round or next. Plenty of talent left at LB, C, and WR.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Well, close again, I had us taking either Richardson or Barton, Chiefs just took Richardson.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Anybody know anything about this DE Scott?!?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
i’ve been praying for scott for months
April 27th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
# oliverthizz Says:
April 27th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Laugh if you want, but he is comparable to Vernon Gholston
……
Oh, I’ll laugh, and only because Gholston isn’t anything to write home about, either. This draft was muffed the second we passed on Dorsey.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Trevor Scott
POSITIVES: Speedy college pass-rusher who plays with a great deal of intensity. Shows good first-step quickness, fast off the edge, and immediately changes his angle of attack or redirects to the action. Makes plays down the line, shows ability in space, and rarely off his feet. Works hard to make plays.
NEGATIVES: Slow shedding blocks, easily knocked from his angle of attack, and handled at the point by tight ends. Must learn to play within himself rather than just mindlessly rushing up the field.
ANALYSIS: Scott has been a terrific pass-rusher at Buffalo the past two seasons. He causes a lot of disruption in the opponent’s backfield. He offers size as well as growth potential, yet he must start to do the little things better to have any chance of sticking on a roster.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I say with one of those picks in the 7th, we take Bowman from Oklahoma St. Big guy, just a head case. Why not?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
“Bench pressed 225 pounds 32 times” With that speed and height????!!!!!!
WOW!!!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Trevor Scott played TE for three seasons at Buffalo before switching to DE as a Senior. However, in that one season he was able to accumulate 45 tackles, 13.5 TFL’s, 9 sacks, 1 PBU, and 1 blocked kick.
He was not invited to the combine but had an incredibly strong performance at his pro day running a 4.54 40 yard dash, 32 bench press reps, a 33.5 inch vertical leap, 4.19 short shuttle, 6.84 three cone (very fast), and performing very well in linebacking position drills.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Assaissin…
Carr only has the records, because he was returner for so long, his avg would have him fired after just one season in every other franchise…
Branch is a super upgrade!! and cheaper
April 27th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Scott will no doubt make this team.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
You got your pick Tommy.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Hey Tommy Trojan, Can’t wait to get my Scott Jersey!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
i’d say day 1 was an A+, before scott, day 2 was a C, now it’s a B, I’ll call this draft an A- or B+ overall at this point, but I know many will disagree……..
April 27th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I say we take JR’s cousin in the 7th round with Robert Jordan. Very underrated and ran a sub 4.4 at his pro-day. He was a bigger then both Hawkins and Jackson and a better route runner. Gonna be a steal.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Well totell the truth… we wont know anything till pre season. mmmmmm…..speachless.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
#73 - Forget that post. I see the info on him thanks!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Tommy Trojan Says:
April 27th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
i’ve been praying for scott for months
__________________________________________________
What? Man, after listening to you trying to put a positive spin on these shite day two picks, I have to believe that the Raiders actually pay you to be here to try and paint a positive picture on every egg Al Davis lays.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Kevn, I don’t see any weight lifting competitions on our schedule this year. Just football games.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
78. Thats what I was saying, this guy is a poor mans Gholston, AND more importantly, goes all out every play, unlike Gholston.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
he’s only played DE for two years, so imagine the untapped potential
April 27th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Dakota, you’re just now figuring that out?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
TT…
you have been praying for Scott for months? well you never stated it, didn’t you want Robertson?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Nice pick by the Falcons taking my boy Thomas Brown. Like that guy a lot, hard runner, just not as good as Knowshan Moreno.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Whiners might get Robertson
April 27th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
well said LMN. One thing I love about Kiffin is his recognition of the importance of Special Teams. He’s made a point to improve this area and all three of the last picks could essentially end up on special teams if needed.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Tommy Trojan does work for the team. He’s already made that clear. Getting his analysis on picks is like getting an analysis on the Iraq War, from someone in the Bush Administration. It’s like getting O.J.’s opinion on who killed Nicole and Ron.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Mel Kiper had nothing to say on trevor scott. he just skipped right over him on the list of recently picked. Pretty bad when not even Mel knows who you are…Like Dakota said, were drafting a hell of a practice squad.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
LMN, look at any of my mock drafts, he’s always there as one of my late round picks, i wanted robertson, and still do, but scott has much more potential
April 27th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Injury Report
2004: Sat out the Akron contest (10/09) after suffering a concussion the previous week vs. Central Florida (10/02).
2005: Suffered L2/L3 transverse process bone fractures in his back vs. Ohio University (10/29), missing the team’s final three games vs. Miami, Ohio (11/05), Kent State (11/12) and Eastern Michigan (11/19).
Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
NFLN wont even talk about our picks,lmao!
April 27th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Some of these scouting reports contradict each other. One says not very strong, another says 32 reps on the bench press? I’ve read scouting reports on other players with the same type of discrepricies.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Assassin, I doubt Kiffin has had much to do with this year’s draft. I don’t see any signature kiffin acquisitions from either free agency or the draft. This is all Al Davis. Come on…a DB named “Branch” when we’re in dire need of run stoppers is the dead giveaway…
April 27th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Dakota- with our desperate needs at ot, what the hell do YOU think we’re doing? i am mystified/disappointed am i wrong? i think we gave away washington, by the way…
April 27th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Dakota- Except for Shields which is a classic Davis pick, you have to admit the draft is alright so far.
Cable has to have told Kiffin he’s fine with what he has.
Kiffin’s upgrading the special teams. Before we were extremely slow and are now poised to be even better.
Trevor Scott could be good for depth at DE.
For all we know we could be signing a veteran (you earlier pointed out Grady Jackson) for the D line.
I wish Shields would’ve been Tony Hills, but that’s my only beef on this draft so far.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Brilliant, The Committee, I guess we should disregard measurables altogether, then.
The bench press denotes……wait for it…… strength? In itself, it’s not THAT telling of a stat, but combined with his other numbers (e.g. forty time and his height), and we can at least discern that he’s a unique physical specimen. And, since he’s a sixth round pick, that’s the kind of thing we ought to be considering.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
” Not effective working in-line vs. the run due to his lack of size and playing too high in his pads … Struggles to shed blocks from physical tight ends ”
Trevor Scott - Had trouble with blockers in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. Can’t play the run versus college scrubs. Yeah, we’ve addressed the run D problem.
If our D-line didn’t stink so bad, he would be a first round cut in preseason.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
NO OL, NO DL, NO LB… I gotta step away.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Coinman, we have blown day two, but I will feel better about the defense if we can grad Grady and either Spikes or Colvin.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Kevn, unless the guy can’t bench press the freaking bar, I’m not worried about it. I want to know what kind of football player someone is.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Scott is a high motor extremely gifted athlete, who finally fills a dline need. Thank you. A lotta upside to this guy.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Dakota- do you think we’ll do more in the free agent market, then, or are we just getting ourselves in trouble for the coming season?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
all of these last three guys are tough and fast and play special teams while we coach them to play their positions - we need some big fat guys in the trenches to train for 2009, but i have a feeling we can get some of these guys in Free Agency as well - this seems to be such a deep draft that lots of good guys will be availabke in free agency - these picks - especially the special teams / speed - all seem like kiffin and Al compromises - not typical Al
April 27th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
i know that many of you are still thrilled with mcf, but i have to ask: who will do the blocking? or am i supposed to just sit back and assume that cable is going to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear?
April 27th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
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April 27th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Trevor Davis = Shawn Johnson (04)
April 27th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
It’s incredible the number of experts on this site. I may not agree with the logic the team is using but at least you have to examine that before you can evaluate the draft. The team is expecting Kelly to be the huge difference maker in the run defense. In essence getting him back from injury is the equivalent of drafting Dorsey or Ellis. So why make a draft pick at the position? I think they will see which veteran between Warren and Joseph will be part of the roation behind Sands and Kelly. We have been complaining about Swiegert and his poor tackling for 2 seasons. Now you have Wilson back there along with the change of position for Huff. Branch could be a huge upgrade as a nickle back and backup safety. Tackling was a huge problem for the team last year especially in the secondary where 5 yard runs can turn into touchdowns. Now you have a solid hitter to add to the mix. With Scott you have a possible replacement or backup for Williams at outside linebacker or a rush end. Another player who is considered a very good and sure tackler.
April 27th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
At offensive line the team obviously believes that Cable can turn Kwame Harris into a solid starting tackle and are hoping for growth with Henderson and McQuistan. Once again these are young players who all in theory can improve with solid coaching and a player friendly zone blocking system. Well before the draft Cable said that the majority of highly rated lineman would not fit the systems requirements. They feel there is already enough talent on the team to work with.