Hard Count NFL Rookies of the Week: Oct. 15th, 2013

NFL Rookies of the Week:

Offense:

Very rare when you see the same number catches as touchdowns. His picture should be next to the football term, “Red-Zone Target”. Went undrafted by the Lions but turned out to be a great pick up for the team. Already in the early season, he has racked up 7 catches for 66 yards with 5 touchdowns!!! Wow! If you see him on the field then he is getting a touchdown. If you want to see his dancing, then check it out at OH NO HE DI’INT!

Defense:

I won’t hide from it, I have been the toughest critic of Ogletree. I felt like he was overhyped coming into the 2013 NFL Draft. Yes, he is very athletic but felt he was afraid to hit but he proved me wrong this week. He was flying all over the field with 10 tackles and getting an interception. Also took that interception 97 yard to the house. Hopefully he can keep it up week in and week out. Early in the season, he has 46 tackles with 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception. Ogletree has a chance to be a special player and playing along a great linebacker, James Laurinaitis. Could be a great 1-2 punch at the linebacker position.

Related articles

• Hard Count NFL Rookie of the Week: Oct 1st, 2013 (hcscouting.wordpress.com)

NFL Thursday Night Football: San Francisco 49ers vs St. Louis Rams

8:25 PM ET, September 26, 2013

Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO

Matchup to Watch:

49ers running game vs St. Louis front 7:

After the Rams gave up 175 yards to DeMarrco Murray on Sunday, they need to have short memory. Jeff Fisher, who is defensive minded coach, must have been disappointed by the performance. Now they have to face the 49ers who want go back to the running attack. Who will win?? It all depends on who wins in the rushing attack or rush defense.

Players to Watch:

San Francisco:

Safety- Eric Reid

Wide Receiver- Quinton Patton

St. Louis:

Wide Receiver- Tavon Austin

Linebacker- Alec Ogletree

 

 

#35 Eric Reid: 6’1 213,  LSU

1st round 18th pick, Position- Safety

Strength:                      

+  Knows how to break on the ball.

+  If he is part of a gang tackle then he will rip the ball out.

+  Really knows how to set the edge.

 

Needs Improvement:

–         Takes bad angles on tackles so he will miss out on some plays.

–         Does not have good football IQ and will get beat down the field.

–         Doesn’t wrap up when he tackles. He is always trying to go for the big hit.

 

#11 Quinton Patton: 6’0 204, Louisiana Tech

4th round 128th pick, Position- Wide Receiver

Strength:                                

+  Amazing in the open field. Can make a small play into a big one.

+  Have great hands. Catches everything that comes his way.

+  Can win any one on one battle. He is great for a guy his size.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Did play in a offense that was simple and no route progression.

–          Got to add some bulk so he can absorb contact

–          His blocking has to get better if he wants to help the run game.

 

 

 

#11 Tavon Austin: 5’8 174, West Virginia

1^st round 8^th pick, Position – Wide Receiver

Strength:                       

+  Does not drop the ball or fumble.

+  Not afraid to go over the middle.

+  He is quick twitch so he can use a double move.

+  Very good on kick and punt returns.

+  Was taught well on the sideline drill. Keeps two feet in bounds and controls the catch all the way through.

+  Bails his quarterback out in the scramble drill.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Not the best blocker on screens or running plays.

–          Gets knocked off his route if you get physical with him.

–          Bounces to the outside instead of following his blocks and taking what the defense gives him.

–          Stutters step too much instead of just taking what the defense gives him.

–          Needs to understand where the first down marker and gain the critical first down

–          Dos not understand when he is a hot receiver. Need to learn when a blitz is coming, that he is getting the pass fast.

 

 

 

#52 Alec Ogletree: 6’2 242,  Georgia

1^st round 30^th pick, Position – Linebacker

Strength:                       

+  Really good coverage skills he can cover a running back, tight ends and slot receiver.   Had tough task of covering Tony Gonzalez in week 2 and did a good job against him.

+  Can fly all over the field, has great speed to catch up to any play.

+  Blitz really well for a linebacker

+  Will strip for the football if he stands you up.

+  Makes athletic plays all over the field. like make a one handed interceptions.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Too much indecision when he is on the field.

–          Tackling skills are way below average.

–          Needs to take on blocks better if he wants to stop the run. He can’t even get off the block of a wide receiver.

–          Needs to attack the line of scrimmage when he sees run or screen.

 

 

Upset alert…..maybe????: Kent State Golden Flashes vs LSU Tigers

7:00 PM ET, September 14, 2013

Tiger Stadium, BATON ROUGE, LA

 

89^°FHigh

Partly Cloudy

Chance of rain: 10%

Wind: NNE at 6 mph

Humidity: 65%

 

Match up to Watch:

 

Dri Archer vs LSU Defense:

If you liked Tavon Austin last year then you will really like Dri Archer. He is as fast and elusive as the top 10 pick for St. Louis Rams. It will be intersting to see if Archer can show off his abilty against the great LSU defense.

 

Players to Watch:

 

Kent State:

Offensive Weapon- Dri Archer

Defensive Tackle- Roosevelt Nix

 

LSU:

Safety- Craig Loston

Defensive Tackle- Anthony Johnson

Guard- Trai Turner

 

 

 

 

 

#1 Dri Archer: 5’8 175

Senior, Position- Offensive Weapon

Grade: 88 Early 2^nd round grade

Strength:

+  The fastest guy on the field. Can out run anyone even Tavon Austin.

+  Only FBS player to have over 1,300 rush yards and over 500 receiving yards last year.

+  Hides the screen game really well so the defense can’t key on it.

+  Elusive. You need to get the ball in his hands in the open field and he can make something happen.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Needs to follow his blockers more, to be an effective running back.

–          Played in a simple offense so can he understand a NFL playbook???

–          Lazy route running. Relies on his speed too much.

–          If you get physical with him then you can knock him off his route.

–          Goes down after first contact

 

 

#5 Roosevelt Nix: 5’11 267

Senior, Position- Defensive Tackle

Grade: 67 Early 4^th round grade

Strength:

+  Has a good motor, flies all over the field to make a play.

+  He loves the game of football and shows his emotions on the field.

+  Defenses coaches have taught him well on stunt plays and he executes it.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Poor job in taking on the double team. Gets pushed back into the second level.

–          Needs to use his hands more to shed the block.

–          Must get his hands in the passing lane if he doesn’t create a pass rush.

–          Tackling skills are below average. Got to wrap up the ball carrier better.

 

 

 

#6 Craig Loston: 6’2 209

Senior, Position- Safety

Grade: 79 Early 3^rd round grade

Strength:

+  Comes down hill hard and fast. Gets into the backfield and stops the run.

+  Takes on blocks at the point of attack instead of waiting for the block.

+  Always takes good angels on tackles, putting himself in good position.

+  Can make plays in the open field after an interceptions.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Weak in man to man coverage and gets beaten down the field.

–          Way too high. Must bend his knees and keep his butt down throughout the play.

–          Dives at the feet instead of going through a ball carrier for the tackle.

 

 

#90 Anthony Johnson: 6’3 294

Junior, Position- Defensive Tackle

Grade: 66 Middle 4^th round grade

Strength:

+  Can get skinny and shoot in between the blockers.

+  Takes on the double team really and does not get pushed back into the 2^nd level.

+  His 4 point stance, is so low and explodes off the ball.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          Needs to use leverage better to be more successful.

–          Will stop his feet and can’t create much push.

 

#56 Trai Turner: 6’3 316

Sophomore, Position- Guard

Grade: 77 Late 3^rd round grade

Strength:

+  Works well on a double team and gets to the 2^nd level.

+  Knows how to finish off a block and gets them on the ground.

+  Will take a defender momentum out of the play.

+  Always keeps his legs chopping. Never flat footed.

+  Good understanding of blitz pick up and what his assignment is.

 

Needs Improvement:

–          His stance is a concern. Elbow is resting on his knees and is way too high.

–          Struggles to block at squaring up his block against the linebacker.

–          Must sustain his block better.

–          Can’t create much push on his own. If you are not the low man then you can’t win.

Preview of Preseason St. Louis Rams vs Denver Broncos

St. Louis Rams Rookie Scouting Report:

#11 Tavon Austin: 5’8 174, West Virginia

1^st round 8^th pick, Position – Wide Receiver

Strength:                                                Needs Improvement:

+ Does not drop the                         – Not the best blocker on screens

ball or fumble.                                     or running plays.

+ Not afraid to go                             – He gets knocked off his route very

over the middle.                                  easy.

+ He is quick twitch                           – Always bounce to the outside instead

so he can use a double                        of taking what the defense gives you.

move.

+ Very good on kick and

punt returns.

What to Watch for:

1. Does he show, he is worth a top 10 pick???
2. Is he given more targets???
3. Was he successful in the open field???

 

#52 Alec Ogletree: 6’2 242,  Georgia

1^st round 30^th pick, Position – Linebacker

Strength:                                                Needs Improvement:

+ Really good                                            – Needs to take on blocks better

coverage skills                                            and being effective against the

he can cover a                                            run.

running back, tight                                 – Too much indecision when he

ends and slot receiver.                             is on the field.

+ Can fly all over the field,                    – Tackling skills are way below

has great speed to catch up                   average for a linebacker.

to any play.

+ Blitz really well for a

linebacker

What to Watch for:

1. How was he against the run???
2. Does he get swallowed up by blockers???
3. Was he able to show off his coverage skills???

#67 Barrett Jones: 6’4 306, Alabama

4^th round 113^th pick, Position – Guard

Strength:                                                Needs Improvements:

+ Squares up the                                – Stops his feet when he makes

linebacker at the                                   contact with his block.

second level.                                      – Hands tends to grab outside

+ While playing center,                       the shoulder pads.

he made line calls and                     – Struggles to reanchor and

pointing out the defense.                  gets pushed back.

+ Can stay low throughout             – Not strong enough to drive

the play.                                               his block back.

What to Watch for:

1. How much did he play in the game?
2. Did he get pushed back a lot???
3. Did he play center or guard???

Denver Broncos Rookie Scouting Report:

#92 Sylvester Williams: 6’3 313,  North Carolina

1st round 28th pick, Position- Defensive Tackle

Strength:                                 Needs Improvement:

+ Very explosive off the ball                             – Can not take on double

and causes trouble for a slow                              team and gets himself

footed lineman.                                                    pushed back. He is too high

+ Tackling skills are above average.                    for goalline situations.

Wraps up and throws them down.                     – His motor is below average

If he can’t make a big play

then he quits or slow down.

–  work on getting his hands

up in the passing lane.

What to Watch for:

1. How was the run defense in the game
2. Does he give 110% on every play
3. Did the coaching staff do any stunt plays for him

#38 Montee Ball: 5’10 214,  Wisconsin

2nd round 58th pick, Position- Running Back

Strength:                                 Needs Improvement:

+ Great job at pressing the                                – Must improve in his pass

hole and forcing defenders                                 blocking if he wants to

into blocks.                                                             stay on the field.

+ His pad level is always lower                           – Must never expose

then the defenders.                                               the ball when diving

+ Has a nose for the endzone with                     for the endzone.

the record in NCAA for most touchdown

in a career.

What to Watch for:

1. Did he protect the quarterback when in pass protection
2. How many Yards After Contact did he gain
3. Was he used in the passing game

#36 Kayvon Webster: 5’10 195,  South Florida

3rd round 90th pick, Position- Cornerback

Strength:                                                      Needs Improvement:

+ Takes on blocks in the                                  – Fails in his trail technique.

screen game really well                                    If he gets beat then he has

+ Does a nice job of keeping                            no chance to recover.

outside leverage on run plays                         – Very poor tackler. Stops

+ Good football awareness.                               his feet when he attempts

Understands when to sit                                   to tackle.

on a route or give cushion.

What to Watch for:

1. Does he improve in jump ball situations
2. Was he a benefit against the run
3. Did he play and make an impact on special teams

#69 Quanterus Smith: 6’5 250,  Western Kentucky

5th round 146th pick, Position- Defensive End

Strength                                                        Needs Improvement:

+ Always using his hands,                                        – Head will get down at

keeping separation from                                           times and will get out

his blockers.                                                                 of control.

+ Uses leverage really well                                      – Must maintain outside

and putting O lineman on                                         leverage so he can prevent

their heels                                                                    big runs.

+ Rises up against tough                                          – Tackling skills are below

teams like Alabama.                                                    average. Takes poor angles

What to Watch for:

1. With Von Miller out, can he fill in and create a pass rush
2. Is he able to be effective in pass coverage
3. Did he play against first team offense

Alec Ogletree #30 pick for the St. Louis Rams

Position: Linebacker (should be safety)

Height: 6’3 Weight: 237 Arms: 33 1/2 Hands: 10 40 time: 4.70

So I am going to the NFL to submit a name change for the St. Louis Rams to the St. Louis Troublemakers or Jail Break. It seems fitting since they draft or get players who come out of jail like
Janoris Jenkins, Chris Givens, Trumaine Johnson and just adding to the list with Alec Ogletree. Jeff Fisher has been known to take players with red flags and turn them into success but there are times, he has fallen flat on his face. Pac-Man Jones was not the best moment for Fisher and the Tennessee Titans are still feeling the pain on the Kenny Britt pick. Now it’s not like they are taking players who are not talented because if you are going play for Jeff Fisher then you are going to produce. Cortland Finnegan has been playing under coach since 2006 and he has produce for him but also provided some headaches. So Mr. Ogletree, you have a great chance with a great coach……don’t blow it.

Ogletree was born in Newnan, Georgia. He was widely considered to be one of the top football prospects of the 2010 high school class. He was rated as the No. 22 recruit by Scout.com, the No. 29 recruit in the ESPNU 150,and the No. 40 player by Rivals.com. Had choice of over ten’s of other Division-1 schools including the University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Florida, Florida State University and Georgia Tech but he chose the Georgia Bulldogs. In his freshman year, he mostly played special teams and started 3 games at safety. In 2011 was when he switched over to linebacker. He lost six games with a broken foot but in his last 2 years at Georgia, only played 18 games at linebacker.

Strength:

+ Very fast. Has a good long stride.

+ Does a great job in coverage. Can cover a TE and RB.

Needs Improvement:

– Can not take on blocks. Gets knocked out of the plays.

– Takes very poor angles against the run. Allowed teams run all over his defense.

– Will bite so hard on a play action, will blow his assignment in coverage.

– Plays way TOO high. Needs to get in proper form and bends his knees.

– MAJOR red flags. Arrested in 2010 and then arrested again days before 2013 NFL combine.

– Does a poor job shedding blocks. Will rely on his speed too much so will try to go around blocks instead of going at it and shedding it

– Football IQ is very weak. Doesn’t understand where he needs to be.

Summary:

When everyone kept talking about Ogletree speed and his athleticism which he is but he is not a football player. I’m glad he can run fast but this isn’t track and field. This is football, where you have to hit players and take on blocks. Being a linebacker is a tough man position and Alec hasn’t shown any toughness. I would like him better at safety but he still wouldn’t be a first round pick. This is a MAJOR gamble by the Rams and Fisher. I hope it works out for them but I don’t see how it can.

 

Kyle Long #20 pick for the Chicago Bears

Position: Offensive Guard

Height: 6’6 Weight: 313 Arms: 33 3/8 Hands: 11

When you have a dad who is in the Hall of Fame in football and your brother was the #2 pick for the St. Louis Rams in 2008, there shouldn’t be any pressure when you are heading in 2013 NFL Draft. I would love to be in that house just one day…..”DAD! I am the best football player in the world” father replies “Son, you are not even the best player in this house and I was in a blockbuster movie called Broken Arrow. My best friend is John Travolta so until you are movie star like me then you have ways to go.” Yes in my head, the Long family has very BIG egos!

Kyle Long wasn’t even suppose to play football. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 23rd round ( a little foreshadowing) but didn’t sign and went to play baseball at Florida State but after one year at the school, he got into off the field problems and was kicked out. He then would attend Saddleback College and played football for the first time since high school. His first year on the defensive line but moved to offensive line the next year. He later transfer to Oregon University and played one year on the offensive line, started 12 of 13 games. He tried to get another year of eligibility but was denied by the NCAA.

Strength :

+ Great downhill blocker. Would be perfect for the zone blocking scheme.

+ Very athletic at the second level blocking. Moves the linebackers out of the play.

+ If he is locked on to you then you have no chance to get out of the block.

+ Does a good job in double team blocking.

+ Is a MAULER and knows how to finish off blocks.

+ At the senior bowl, he was asking a lot of questions to the coaches which is good for someone who is new to the position.

Needs Improvement:

– Not very smooth in the hips. Struggles in pulling.

– His feet are too choppy and long and exposes himself to a bull rush.

– Is so raw at the tackle position, more suited for guard.

– Needs to work on hand placement. Have to deliver it in the defenders chest, not outside.

– Weak at cut blocking. Cutting at their feet instead at their thighs.

– He gives the screen play way too early. Defenses will recognize that.

Summary:

I love watching Kyle Long play, just looks like he is just having fun. He has all the physical tools you would want in a guard. In the future, he could play tackle but that is a work in progress. Lets remember he has just played on offensive line for 2 years and only 1 year at the FBS level. Most of the work needs to be done of fundamentals but he has a great attitude and is very coachable. He is worth the pick and will be worth the wait Bears fans. Just FYI, if you have a twitter account then you should definitely follow Kyle Long @Ky1eLong

Tavon Austin #8 pick for the St. Louis Rams

Tavon Austin

Position: Slot Wide Receiver/ Kick Returner/ Punt Returner

Height: 5’9 Weight: 181 Arms: 30 Hands: 9 1/8 40 time: 4.34

Anyone remember Dante Hall??? You know the “Human Joystick”? He play 6 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and broke franchise records in,

Most career kick return yards (8,644),

Most career kick return touchdowns (6),

Most career punt return touchdowns (5),

Most career combined punt and kickoff return touchdowns (11),

Most career All-purpose yards (12,356),

Most kickoff return yards in a single season: 1,718 (2004)

Most All-purpose yards in a single season: 2,446 (2003)

He was a play maker for the Chiefs for a couple of years but he was traded in 2007 to the St. Louis Rams for 3rd round pick and 5th round pick. It didn’t work for the Rams though, they only had him after a year because of injury problems. The Rams have been looking for a play maker since the best show on turf.

Tavon Austin came to West Virginia University as a running back but was converted to wide receiver. He made small contributions his freshman and sophomore year but his junior year was when everyone saw this exciting player.  Austin had 100 receptions for 1,180 yards and eight touchdowns. He added 189 rushing yards on 18 carries and another touchdown. He also returned two kicks for touchdowns. In 2012, his numbers were ridiculous!!!

Receiving: 114 Receptions 1,289 yards 12 touchdowns

Rushing: 72 Attempts 643 yards 8.9 average 3 touchdowns

Strength:

+ Doesn’t drop the ball or fumbles the ball. Has good hands.

+ Not afraid to go over the middle.

+ Has quick twitch so he can use the double move or elude defenders

+ Very good on Kick or Punt returns.

Need Improvement:

– Not the best blocker on screens or running plays.

– He gets knocked off his route easily.

– Will bounce it to the outside instead of following his blockers.

– Can not take on press coverage.

– Keeps running to outside or backwards instead of taking what the defense gives him.

Summary:

We all can agree, Tavon Austin is a play maker but….is he a top 10 pick? I don’t think you take a kick returner or punt returner in the top 10. They keep talking about him as a wide receiver but i think he will be like Dante Hall or Devin Hester who play no factor in the passing game but are great returners. I keep hearing, “well this is a different NFL” well yes offenses are changing but the defenses are changing too. they are faster, stronger and hit harder. I hope i am wrong but i don’t see anything then a kick returner.