2012 College Football / 2013 NFL Draft

[BINGO]

Kenny Vaccaro - DB - Longhorns

NFL Films' Greg Cosell writes Texas S Kenny Vaccaro is a "multi-dimensional" safety.

"...Not only did he display the ability to play man-to-man versus wide receivers, he also was utilized as a deep safety, both in single high coverage and 2 deep shells," Cosell wrote about Vaccaro. "In those situations, he was both fluid and active in coverage, and aggressive playing downhill in the run game. He always pressed to the ball, and demonstrated sideline-to-sideline range with outstanding play speed and a reckless attitude. He showed explosion as a tackler with natural pop. Overall, I saw Vaccaro as a multi-dimensional safety with an expansive skill set and no physical shortcomings that would limit defensive coordinators."
Source: Yahoo! Sports

Apr 9 - 12:19 PM

 

[BINGO]

Finally some good news:


John Jenkins - DL - Bulldogs

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports Georgia NT John Jenkins visited the Tennessee Titans and will visit the San Francisco 49ers.

Jenkins is a wide body that could very much appeal to both teams. They are both looking to add girth on the defensive line and that's certainly what Jenkins offers at 338 pounds. They'll have some competitors though, as it appears that the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints have also shown interest in the Georgia nose tackle. He's expected to be a day two selection.
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Apr 9 - 1:00 PM

 

[BINGO]

Chance Warmack - G - Crimson Tide

CBS' Jason La Canfora reports the Detroit Lions could select Alabama G Chance Warmack No. 5 overall.

"Chance Warmack had very impressive visit with Lions. Not out of the question at all Detroit looks at the guard with that 5th overall pick," La Canfora tweeted. This is the first we've heard this sort of news, as the team has largely been mocked cornerbacks and offensive tackles with their pick. Warmack, however, wouldn't be a poor selection because he's the best guard in the draft and arguably the best player.
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

Apr 9 - 12:51 PM

 

[BINGO]

D.J. Hayden - DB - Cougars

ESPN's Kevin Weidl writes Houston CB D.J. Hayden is rising up draft boards.

"A torn vein in his heart suffered in a practice collision ended Hayden's 2012 season after nine games, but he was cleared medically at the NFL combine and reportedly ran a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day," Weidl writes. "Hayden (5-foot-11⅛, 191 pounds) is an easy mover in coverage, with quick feet and a rare burst to close on the ball, but his playmaking instincts are what set him apart."
Source: ESPN.com

Apr 9 - 12:29 PM



He really deserves to be a first rounder, but that heart thing scares the living crap out of me:

 

[BINGO]

Matt Elam - DB - Gators

NFL Films' Greg Cosell writes that NFL teams will view Florida S Matt Elam as a Bob Sanders type.

"In the base defense, he played both single high and 2-deep. It was not hard to like Elam. He was active, aggressive and competitive," Cosell wrote. "He covered, and he hit, with striking ability and force. He flashed explosive traits as an athletic and physical defender with multiple and interchangeable attributes to play effectively both in the box, and deep. The one concern, and it returns to what I discussed earlier, is man coverage versus tight ends. That’s where his lack of height comes into play. Elam is one of several players whose draft position I am anxious to see. Will teams see him as a Bob Sanders type player whose overall impact outweighs his potential coverage limitation? My guess is, yes."
Source: Yahoo! Sports

Apr 9 - 1:12 PM

 

[BINGO]

NFL Draft Blog
CB Hayden moving up the draft board
April, 8, 2013 3:03PM ET
By Kevin Weidl

As last-minute tape study and conversations with scouts from around the NFL continue, names of certain prospects continue to come up.

Some are gaining traction and solidifying their standing, while others are facing down questions about their skill sets and where they will eventually be drafted.

Here's a look at a big-name cornerback and three other players who are creating positive buzz, and four who are trending in the other direction, including a potential first-round receiver.



ON THE RISE

D.J. Hayden has the skills to get his hands on the ball in coverage.

Houston CB D.J. Hayden: A torn vein in his heart suffered in a practice collision ended Hayden's 2012 season after nine games, but he was cleared medically at the NFL combine and reportedly ran a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day. Hayden (5-foot-11⅛, 191 pounds) is an easy mover in coverage, with quick feet and a rare burst to close on the ball, but his playmaking instincts are what set him apart.

Hayden (61 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 4 INT in 2012) has great eyes in coverage and knows how to manufacture turnovers, which is something that holds a lot of value at the next level. His stock should continue to rise as scouts watch more tape, and many think he'll be gone by the end of the first round.

UCLA DE Datone Jones (80): He began building momentum during a strong Senior Bowl week, and Jones' tape shows a player who fits best as a 5-technique (DE) in a 3-4, but can also reduce to the interior at times and use his hands to win inside or outside. He also plays with a high motor, and scouts rave about his character, maturity and work ethic. Jones (6-3⅞, 283) approaches the game the right way, and it won't surprise me if he comes off the board in the top 40 overall picks.

California C Brian Schwenke (76): He moved from guard to center in 2012 and was not quite as effective inside, but Schwenke (6-3, 314) has the first-step quickness to gain initial leverage, and is able to anchor and maintain position. Throw in his versatility, and he has a good chance to come off the board before Day 2 is over.

Tulane QB Ryan Griffin (30): I've heard rumblings about Griffin recently and had a chance to watch some tape over the weekend, and he has some intriguing qualities. Griffin (6-3⅞, 216) lacks an ideal frame and arm strength, but he throws with accuracy and touch, and his excellent anticipation can help make up for his lack of ideal tools. He also shows the ability to make accurate throws when off balance.

Finally, Griffin has a strong field presence and great feel for situational football. He understands down and distance, when to take shots or check down and when to throw the ball away. His lack of arm strength means he's likely not a fit for inclement weather teams, but the New Orleans Saints are an interesting option.

Tulane runs a similar system to the one in New Orleans, and the Saints need a young backup after losing Chase Daniel during free agency. Griffin has a good baseline of knowledge for the Saints' offense, can throw with timing and rhythm and could be a fit as a late-round developmental pick.



FACING QUESTIONS

Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson (88): Even a casual football fan can see that Patterson has elite physical tools and the ability to make big plays with the ball in his hands, which has him in the first-round mix at this point. However, the more NFL personnel I talk to the more I hear worries about the steep learning curve he will face at the next level. He played just one year at the FBS level and has a lot to learn in terms of route-running, got mixed reviews on his interviews at the combine and there are concerns about his ability to quickly absorb an NFL playbook.

Patterson (6-1⅞, 216) is more of a playmaker in space than college teammate Justin Hunter, but Hunter is more savvy and loose as a route-runner, and is much more natural tracking the ball and going up to win one-on-one matchups downfield. Both Hunter and Patterson have had some drops (and there are concerns about Hunter's toughness), but Hunter has more overall traits that translate to the next level and more potential there. Patterson is likely to come off the board first, but I agree with those who feel Hunter is better equipped to succeed at the next level.

Louisiana Tech WR Quinton Patton (86): I'm getting hot and cold reviews on Patton when talking to scouts. Some think he is a solid No. 2 receiver in the NFL, while others see him as no more than a No. 3 guy.

Patton's tape shows a polished route-runner who is crafty within his stem to set up defenders and create separation. However, I have questions about his strength in traffic, and he doesn't always come down with contested catches he should make. Patton (6-foot, 204) flashes the ability to make a highlight-reel grab on occasion, but he also appears hesitant in traffic at times, with clear examples coming in the Houston and Texas A&M tapes.

He had a good week at the Senior Bowl and has a chance to be a first-round pick, but there is enough on his tape to wonder whether he would live up to such a high pick. I view him as more of a mid-second-rounder.

Georgia S Shawn Williams (70): There is a lot to like about Williams' physical nature and willingness to step up in run support, and he was an emotional presence on the field during his time at Georgia. However, there are questions about his ability in coverage, despite his 4.46 in the 40. Williams (5-11⅞, 213) is tight in the hips and limited in terms of range when aligned on the high point, and a player who was in the Day 2 conversation coming into the season could very well end up in Day 3 at this point based on what I'm hearing from scouts.

NC State CB David Amerson (69): His production (13 INTs in 2011) and size/speed combination had Amerson among Scouts Inc.'s highest-rated prospects coming into the season, but the 2012 season did not go well for Amerson.

There's no question Amerson (6-1, 205) has the length and speed for the position, but his tightness leads to issues transitioning out of his backpedal and out of breaks, and those problems were exposed in a big way against Miami and Tennessee last season. Scouts have also expressed some character concerns, which could eventually push Amerson into the Day 3 range.

 

[Yadahell]

Draft Rumblings - Risers & Fallers Around The NFL | National Football Post

 

[NinerSickness]

Does he have the frame to get to 240-245? or is he maxed out at 231? like does he have broad shoulders/frame that can accept 10 lbs in a pro lifting scenario and not lose the speed?

I don't know if he can add weight & not lose speed (not a lot of people can), but I definitely think he could get bigger without becoming stiff. He has a pretty bog frame.

Coincidentally, I just found a thread on ************ (from google; I've never seen the forum before) saying the exact same thing about the guy.

Mark Harrison-WR-Rutgers - ************.com Forum

 

[NinerSickness]

2013 NFL Mock Draft: 3 rounds worth of predictions - SBNation.com

A mock from SBnation from yesterday:

1. Kansas City Chiefs Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
2. Jacksonville Jaguars Geno Smith, West Virginia
3. Oakland Raiders Star Lotulelei, Utah
4. Philadelphia Eagles Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
5. Detroit Lions Ezekiel Ansah, BYU
6. Cleveland Browns Dee Milliner, Alabama
7. Arizona Cardinals Dion Jordan, Oregon
8. Buffalo Bills Tavon Austin, West Virginia
9. New York Jets Barkevious Mingo, LSU
10. Tennessee Titans Bjoern Werner, Florida State
11. San Diego Chargers Lane Johnson, Oklahoma
12. Miami Dolphins Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Xavier Rhodes, Florida State
14. Carolina Panthers Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee
15. New Orleans Saints Sheldon Richardson, Missouri
16. St. Louis Rams Kenny Vaccaro, Texas <--
17. Pittsburgh Steelers DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson
18. Dallas Cowboys Chance Warmack, Alabama
19. New York Giants Tank Carradine, Florida State <---
20. Chicago Bears Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
21. Cincinnati Bengals Jonathan Cyprien, Florida International
22. St. Louis Rams D.J. Fluker, Alabama <---
23. Minnesota Vikings Sharrif Floyd, Florida (lowest I've seen him ranked lately)
24. Indianapolis Colts Jarvis Jones, Georgia
25. Minnesota Vikings Arthur Brown, Kansas State
26. Green Bay Packers Manti Te'o, Notre Dame <---
27. Houston Texans Keenan Allen, California
28. Denver Broncos Damontre Moore, Texas A&M
29. New England Patriots Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Connecticut
30. Atlanta Falcons Desmond Trufant, Washington
31. San Francisco 49ers Jesse Williams, Alabama
32. Baltimore Ravens Menelik Watson, Florida State

Rounds 2 & 3 in next post.

 

[NinerSickness]

...continued:

Round 2


33. Jacksonville Jaguars - D.J. Swearinger, Safety, South Carolina
Gus Bradley likes long, athletic players in the secondary, and D.J. Swearinger fits the bill. The hard-hitting defensive back has the versatility to play multiple positions in the secondary at a high level.

34. San Francisco 49ers - Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers
I've given the 49ers Logan Ryan a few times in the first round, so this a nice value pick for a team in need of secondary help.

35. Philadelphia Eagles - E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State
E.J. Manuel isn't among my top five quarterbacks in this draft, but I don't make the picks. Manuel fits Chip Kelly's new offense and has upside. That may be enough for him to land at the top of the second round.

36. Detroit Lions - Robert Woods, WR, USC
The value at offensive tackle isn't the best, and the Lions have other needs to address. A threat across from Calvin Johnson is needed after Titus Young's flameout. Robert Woods is under the radar right now, but he's as reliable a route runner as this class has.

37. Cincinnati Bengals - Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
The Bengals need to find a threat at running back in this draft. Giovani Bernard is the best prospect in this draft and fits what the Bengals do on offense. He would be a threat out of the backfield as well.

38. Arizona Cardinals - Terron Armstead, T, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

After neglecting the offensive line in the first round, the Cardinals come back and land the athletic Terron Armstead in round two to bolster the trenches.

39. New York Jets - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
Mark Sanchez is not the answer at quarterback. Tyler Wilson is my second-ranked signal caller and would be a nice value pick for New York here. He could be the Week 1 starter.

40. Tennessee Titans - Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Johnthan Banks slides a bit due to the strength of this cornerback class. The Titans can't complain, though. After getting a pass rusher in round one, Tennessee bolster the secondary.

41. Buffalo Bills - Matt Barkley, QB, USC
The Bills signed Kevin Kolb, but that hardly fixes the quarterback situation. Matt Barkley has taken a beating in the last 12 months, but he's still worth a second-round pick for a team in need of quarterback help.

42. Miami Dolphins - Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State
Miami needs to add a young cornerback to the mix. With the amount of zone coverage the team plays, Jordan Poyer would be an excellent fit.

43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford
Tight end is enough of a need for the team to consider Tyler Eifert in the first round. They don't have a shot at him in this draft and get some value with Zach Ertz in round two.

44. Carolina Panthers - Sylvester Williams, DT, UNC
Would you look at that? The Panthers pass on a defensive tackle in the first round and still wind up with a solid prospect. The position is deep this year.

45. San Diego Chargers - Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

The Chargers need to add some talent at inside linebacker, and Alec Ogletree certainly brings plenty of that.

46. St. Louis Rams - Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
The Rams missed out on wide receivers in the first round but still wind up with a wide receiver with a high ceiling in Justin Hunter.

47. Dallas Cowboys - Matt Elam, S, Florida
Safety is a sore spot on the Cowboys' defense that needs to be addressed in the first two days.

48. Pittsburgh Steelers - Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
The Steelers need to add a running back in the 2013 NFL Draft, and I can't think of a better fit than Eddie Lacy.

49. New York Giants - Kevin Minter, LB, LSU
The Giants have a need at linebacker, but this is also a value pick. Kevin Minter could easily come off the board in the late first round.

50. Chicago Bears - Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State
The Bears beefed up the offensive line in the first round, now they need to find another weapon for Jay Cutler. Gavin Escobar is our top ranked tight end on the board at this point.

51. Washington Redskins - Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State
The Redskins' secondary will be a priority in this draft. Lucky for them, the depth at cornerback and safety should allow them to make a value pick in the second round.

52. Minnesota Vikings - Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech
The Vikings lost Percy Harvin, so wide receiver is a need, despite the addition of Greg Jennings. Quinton Patton doesn't have the physical tools of some other wide receivers in this class, but he is a polished player who can contribute right away.

53. Cincinnati Bengals - Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Datone Jones is a man without a natural position, so he could slide some. The Bengals can't complain about adding a player of his caliber, though.

54. Miami Dolphins - Eric Reid, S, LSU
Miami adds another talented player to a secondary that needs a few.

55. Green Bay Packers – Travis Frederick, C, Wisconsin
The Packers need to address the interior of the offensive line, and Travis Frederick has the versatility to play guard or center. He's the best center in this class.

56. Seattle Seahawks - Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
The Seahawks get a solid three-technique prospect provided they can keep him motivated.

57. Houston Texans - Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse
The Texans need to find a quarterback to eventually replace Matt Schaub. Ryan Nassib is too good a value to pass up here.

58. Denver Broncos - Jonathan Franklin, RB, UCLA
Jonathan Franklin isn't likely to make it out of the second round. The Broncos could use the help at running back. Knowshon Moreno is inconsistent, Willis McGahee is old, and Ronnie Hillman has largely been ineffective.

59. New England Patriots - Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia
The Patriots haven't had much success drafting wide receivers in recent years, but Stedman Bailey seems like a safe bet to succeed.

60. Atlanta Falcons - Margus Hunt, DE, SMU
A high upside pass rusher to groom under the veterans is just what Atlanta needs.

61. San Francisco 49ers - D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston
The 49ers get another steal thanks to the depth of the cornerback class.

62. Baltimore Ravens - Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech
The Ravens need a physical receiver after the departure of Anquan Boldin. Da'Rick Rogers falls because of character concerns, but he has first round talent.

Round 3


63. Kansas City Chiefs - Jamie Collins, DE/OLB, Southern Mississippi

The Chiefs are set at their starting outside linebacker spots, but adding depth with the best available player would be a good move.

64. Jacksonville Jaguars - Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn

The Jaguars will employ a "LEO" edge rusher similar to what Seattle uses. Corey Lemonier is a nice fit for that role.

65. Detroit Lions - Dallas Thomas, OT/G, Tennessee

The Lions were unable to address the offensive line in the first two rounds, but they get nice value with the versatile Dallas Thomas in the third round.

66. Oakland Raiders - Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee

The Raiders picked up Matt Flynn via trade, but they need to start developing a young quarterback.

67. Philadelphia Eagles - Bennie Logan, DT, LSU

The Eagles get anther piece for their new 3-4 defense.

68. Cleveland Browns - Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State

The Browns need to surround Brandon Weeden with weapons if he's going to be successful. Markus Wheaton provides a nice deep threat across from Josh Gordon.

69. Arizona Cardinals - Larry Warford, G, Kentucky

An absolute steal for the Cardinals, who are desperate to upgrade the offensive line in any way possible.

70. Tennessee Titans - Justin Pugh, OT/G, Syracuse

Even with the signing of Andy Levitre, depth is needed on Tennessee's offensive line.

71. Buffalo Bills - Nico Johnson, LB, Alabama

72. New York Jets - Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State

73. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern

74. San Francisco 49ers Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M

75. New Orleans Saints - Keith Pough, LB, Howard

76. San Diego Chargers - Zac Dysert, QB, Miami (Ohio)

77. Miami Dolphins - Phillip Thomas, S, Fresno State

76. St. Louis Rams - Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson

77. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jelani Jenkins, OLB, Florida

78. Dallas Cowboys - Bacarri Rambo, S, Georgia

79. New York Giants - Kyle Long, OT/G, Oregon

80. Miami Dolphins - Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

81. Minnesota Vikings - David Amerson, CB/S, NC State

82. Cincinnati Bengals - Quanterus Smith, DE, Western Kentucky

83. Washington Redskins - Shamarko Thomas, S, Syracuse

84. Indianapolis Colts - John Jenkins, DT, Georgia

85. Seattle Seahawks - Tyrann Mathieu, S, LSU

86. Green Bay Packers - J.J. Wilcox, S, Georgia Southern

87. Houston Texans - John Bostic, MLB, Florida

88. Denver Broncos - Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State

89. New England Patriots - Will Davis, CB, Utah State

90. Atlanta Falcons - Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

91. San Francisco 49ers - Shawn Williams, S, Georgia

92. Baltimore Ravens - Joe Kruger, OLB, Utah

93. Houston Texans - Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati

94. Kansas City Chiefs - Mike Glennon, QB, NC State

95. Tennessee Titans - Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

 

[I_am_1z]

If Logan Thomas only had recovery speed he'd be a really good CB, but since he doesn't, as you can imagine my opinion isn't very high of him.

And Hayden isn't my kind of ballhawk I'd put at CB, but at free safety I think he could be a more than impressive player. If Hayden was lingering in the late 3rd at (91) I'd would definitely feel pressured to take him despite the vein injury.

 

[RedneckNiner]

Jesse Williams in the first not to hot, Logan not exciting, Hayden kind of meh So not feeling that mock. Suprised to see DJ Swearinger go that early I a kind of hoping he is there for the Niners at their second pick in the second round.

 

[Dodub]

Matt Elam - DB - Gators

NFL Films' Greg Cosell writes that NFL teams will view Florida S Matt Elam as a Bob Sanders type.

"In the base defense, he played both single high and 2-deep. It was not hard to like Elam. He was active, aggressive and competitive," Cosell wrote. "He covered, and he hit, with striking ability and force. He flashed explosive traits as an athletic and physical defender with multiple and interchangeable attributes to play effectively both in the box, and deep. The one concern, and it returns to what I discussed earlier, is man coverage versus tight ends. That’s where his lack of height comes into play. Elam is one of several players whose draft position I am anxious to see. Will teams see him as a Bob Sanders type player whose overall impact outweighs his potential coverage limitation? My guess is, yes."
Source: Yahoo! Sports

Apr 9 - 1:12 PM

If Elam is between 6' and 6'2" then he is probably drafted in the first half of the 1st round. Too bad for him that he's a midget

 

[NinerSickness]

Based on where the WRs in this draft are projected, there are really only 2 WRs I'd want before the late rounds:

Ryan Swope & Clyde's boy Aaron Dobson.

The rest are in the mix with a bunch of prospects I like better. I really like Justin Hunter; like Eric Reid better. I like Patterson; like a bunch fo players better. I like Keenen Allen; like Hankins MUCH better. I like Hopkins; like a bunch of players better in the 25-40 range. I like Rogers; like Armstead, Bray, Amerson better.

I've seen Swope & Dobson ranked anywhere from the end of the 2nd to the 4th round. So if they're both 3rd round picks, either one would be great value.

The other WR I love is Mark Harrison in the 6th - 7th round. That's about it.

 

[BINGO]

Dion Jordan - LB - Ducks

Jacksonville Jaguars GM David Caldwell says there are two players the team "really likes".

Caldwell then said there are three or four more that the team is still looking through. It's tough to say which they could be, but one must imagine that Oregon LB Dion Jordan and West Virginia QB Geno Smith are in the running. Jordan fits as a LEO for the team whereas Smith would bring them perhaps a franchise passer that they've been lacking.
Source: Evan Silva on Twitter

Apr 10 - 9:02 AM

 

[BINGO]

Landry Jones - QB - Sooners

ESPN's Ron Jaworski listed Oklahoma QB Landry Jones in his top five players at the position.

There are very few individuals who also have this ranking as far as we've seen. Jaworski is known as a quarterback guru that particularly harps on arm strength, which may be a big reason why he likes Jones as much as he does. We respect his opinion on Jones, but we have doubts over his ability to be an NFL passer.
Source: NFL on ESPN

Apr 10 - 9:05 AM

 

[mem49er]

Landry Jones - QB - Sooners

ESPN's Ron Jaworski listed Oklahoma QB Landry Jones in his top five players at the position.

There are very few individuals who also have this ranking as far as we've seen. Jaworski is known as a quarterback guru that particularly harps on arm strength, which may be a big reason why he likes Jones as much as he does. We respect his opinion on Jones, but we have doubts over his ability to be an NFL passer.
Source: NFL on ESPN

Apr 10 - 9:05 AM

IIRC, Jaws usually harps more on accuracy, no?

 

[BINGO]

IIRC, Jaws usually harps more on accuracy, no?

Article says arm strength, you say accuracy, but when I watch Jaws break down QBs I tend to see him harp more on anticipation (at a spot than to the receiver) and reading coverages.

For instance, look how he analyzes our beloved bicep kisser:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8889691/nfl-playoffs-jaws-colin-kaepernick-qb-growth-potential

 

[BINGO]

Article says arm strength, you say accuracy, but when I watch Jaws break down QBs I tend to see him harp more on anticipation (at a spot than to the receiver) and reading coverages.

For instance, look how he analyzes our beloved bicep kisser:

NFL Playoffs - Jaws - Colin Kaepernick's QB growth potential - ESPN

I just realized it was an Insider article, so you probably was not able to read it:


Colin Kaepernick's high ceiling
If the 49ers keep him upright, Kaepernick could become the NFL's top QB
Updated: January 28, 2013, 12:43 PM ET
By Ron Jaworski | ESPN Insider

Given his arm strength, accuracy and mobility, it's no wonder Colin Kaepernick is the 49ers' starter.

When it comes to the NFL, there is a focus on immediacy -- the here and now. If guys can't hack it on one Sunday, they're replaced by the next. If a quarterback can control the game and guide his team to victory, he gets the nod the next week. Of course, that wasn't the case with San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith. And that is why the world was so surprised to see Colin Kaepernick stick as the Niners' starter even after Smith returned to health.

Smith was 6-2 as San Francisco's starter before he went down with a concussion in a game Nov. 11. With a 70.2 completion percentage, averaging nearly 8 yards per pass attempt, and a QBR of 70.1, Smith was having by far the best season of his career. Those numbers made coach Jim Harbaugh's move to Kaepernick something of an anomaly. But now, on the eve of the Super Bowl, we've all seen what Harbaugh saw in practices and training camps the past two seasons. In Kaepernick, Harbaugh has a young, athletic and savvy quarterback who has all of the tools to become the best quarterback in the NFL.

To be clear, Kaepernick has a lot to prove before he overtakes the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, but there is no question that he has the ability to do so.

I won't waste time further celebrating the physical traits that set Kaepernick apart as a rare talent at the quarterback position. We've all seen the powerful arm, the track-star speed and the pinpoint accuracy as he led the Niners to New Orleans. But I do want to note how few quarterbacks boast all of those attributes.

Think of the elite young quarterbacks to whom you'd compare Kaepernick. Cam Newton has similar size and speed, but Kaepernick's accuracy is superior both on tape and by the numbers (62.4 completion percentage in 2012 versus 57.7 for Newton). Robert Griffin III has the speed, the accuracy and the big arm, but he's 25 pounds lighter. Ditto for Russell Wilson, who stands five inches shorter than Kaepernick. Andrew Luck may have a very underrated running element to his game, but it doesn't compare to Kaepernick's breakaway speed.

When you add it all up, Kaepernick's physical tools alone make him a nightmare for defensive coordinators because of all the ways he can hurt you. Crowd the line and he can burn you with a deep ball. Spy him with a linebacker or safety -- that's one less man in coverage -- and Kaepernick still might beat him with pure speed alone. Play man-to-man underneath and he'll take off at a sprint as soon as the linebackers turn their backs. Drop everyone into zone coverage and he has the accuracy -- and the arm strength -- to find the windows.

I want to emphasize that last part because it's a big change in the way we've seen NFL defenses play lately. With offenses leaning more and more on the passing game, we've seen defenses use more and more defensive backs. Forget for a second that the athleticism of defensive backs has improved just as markedly as at any other position -- which it has -- and simply realize that more bodies in the secondary means less space for a quarterback to fit in the football.

The windows aren't staying open indefinitely; defenses are slamming them shut faster than ever before. You don't have wide open receivers these days unless someone has blown the coverage. That has put a premium on accuracy, but it also puts a premium on arm strength. You may have just a split second to fire a pass past the linebacker and defensive back sandwiching your receiver. I often hear arm strength questioned as a key attribute, and there have been times in NFL history where maybe it wasn't as vital, but modern quarterbacks have to have the mustard to strike when they have that split-second opening. Kaepernick has that ability.

Now that we've discussed how Kaepernick can hurt a defense in every way imaginable, how do you try to stop him? Essentially, defenses have to pick their poison.

I've spoken previously about how the one certain way to disrupt a quarterback is to hit him. Well, when you try to hit Kaepernick, he can hit back by way of a long-distance touchdown run. That was the big threat, and precisely what the Atlanta Falcons tried to avoid in the NFC Championship Game.

Take a look at the game film against Atlanta and you'll see one of the cleanest postseason pockets. The Falcons tried not to over-rush the passer. They wanted to stay disciplined, try to pen him in and make Kaepernick beat them with his arm. Well, he did.

Kaepernick completed more than 76 percent of his passes for 233 yards -- 11.10 yards per attempt, his best mark as a starter -- ran the ball just twice and earned a QBR of 92.6.

What has made Kaepernick so deadly is his ability in the pre-snap phase of the game. The 49ers have an excellent running game. And it's made all the better by Kaepernick's ability to run the Niners' backfield into optimal looks. Several times per game, I've seen the first-time starter audible his offense into and out of running plays to take advantage of the defensive schemes. Defenses have a tendency to play zone against him -- to guard against the run -- which makes the diagnosis a little easier, but still, it's uncommon to see this from a first-year starter.

Kaepernick must spend more time in the pocket and avoid taking big hits like the ones that sidelined RG III this season.

So what's standing in his way from becoming one of the league's best and climbing to the top of my Quarterback Big Board? Primarily, time and experience. That's it. But he also needs to stay away from the big hit.

After just one season, I put a rookie QB -- RG III -- into the top 10 of my Big Board. Now Griffin needs major knee surgery and I don't know how he'll stack up going forward. Every time Kaepernick -- or any QB -- breaks from the pocket, there is an enhanced element of risk. It's the reason I told ESPN Radio's Mike Greenberg last Friday that I'd take Luck as my franchise QB over Kaepernick and the other phenomenal young signal-callers. There is just less risk of injury for a pocket passer.

I believe that the ability of a QB to run is a terrific weapon in the modern NFL, but I don't believe it can be a go-to, primary element of an offense. I still believe that quarterbacks must develop as capable pocket passers. You have a wall of five guys (all weighing more than 300 pounds) to protect you. Throwing the ball is still more effective than running it. That's where the percentages are in a quarterback's favor. The read-option is a nice changeup, but it should definitely be the exception and not the rule.

Like most young quarterbacks -- including the big three of Luck, Wilson and Griffin III this season -- Kaepernick is being given a steady diet of simple reads. If receiver No. 1 isn't open, move to No. 2. If he's covered, tuck and run. We're not seeing five-receiver progressions from the 49ers, in part because they don't have to, given Kaepernick's running ability. But we will over time.

I believe that Kaepernick will develop into more of a pocket passer, which will help him make use of two of his great assets (his arm strength and accuracy) and alleviate some of the burden on his other great assets (his body and speed, both of which decrease with age). That development will help keep him healthy and keep him in the lineup -- and winning games -- for the 49ers. San Francisco will want to maximize his ability to help it win year in and year out, not squander it after a handful of seasons and multitude of downfield hits. If the Niners keep Kaepernick upright, he will flourish.

With his tools, the sky is the limit. And if he continues to refine his game, when we look to that sky in the years to come, I believe we'll see a shining star named Colin Kaepernick.


Ron Jaworski
NFL analyst / writer

 

[mem49er]

I just realized it was an Insider article, so you probably was not able to read it:


Colin Kaepernick's high ceiling
If the 49ers keep him upright, Kaepernick could become the NFL's top QB
Updated: January 28, 2013, 12:43 PM ET
By Ron Jaworski | ESPN Insider

Given his arm strength, accuracy and mobility, it's no wonder Colin Kaepernick is the 49ers' starter.

When it comes to the NFL, there is a focus on immediacy -- the here and now. If guys can't hack it on one Sunday, they're replaced by the next. If a quarterback can control the game and guide his team to victory, he gets the nod the next week. Of course, that wasn't the case with San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith. And that is why the world was so surprised to see Colin Kaepernick stick as the Niners' starter even after Smith returned to health.

Smith was 6-2 as San Francisco's starter before he went down with a concussion in a game Nov. 11. With a 70.2 completion percentage, averaging nearly 8 yards per pass attempt, and a QBR of 70.1, Smith was having by far the best season of his career. Those numbers made coach Jim Harbaugh's move to Kaepernick something of an anomaly. But now, on the eve of the Super Bowl, we've all seen what Harbaugh saw in practices and training camps the past two seasons. In Kaepernick, Harbaugh has a young, athletic and savvy quarterback who has all of the tools to become the best quarterback in the NFL.

To be clear, Kaepernick has a lot to prove before he overtakes the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, but there is no question that he has the ability to do so.

I won't waste time further celebrating the physical traits that set Kaepernick apart as a rare talent at the quarterback position. We've all seen the powerful arm, the track-star speed and the pinpoint accuracy as he led the Niners to New Orleans. But I do want to note how few quarterbacks boast all of those attributes.

Think of the elite young quarterbacks to whom you'd compare Kaepernick. Cam Newton has similar size and speed, but Kaepernick's accuracy is superior both on tape and by the numbers (62.4 completion percentage in 2012 versus 57.7 for Newton). Robert Griffin III has the speed, the accuracy and the big arm, but he's 25 pounds lighter. Ditto for Russell Wilson, who stands five inches shorter than Kaepernick. Andrew Luck may have a very underrated running element to his game, but it doesn't compare to Kaepernick's breakaway speed.

When you add it all up, Kaepernick's physical tools alone make him a nightmare for defensive coordinators because of all the ways he can hurt you. Crowd the line and he can burn you with a deep ball. Spy him with a linebacker or safety -- that's one less man in coverage -- and Kaepernick still might beat him with pure speed alone. Play man-to-man underneath and he'll take off at a sprint as soon as the linebackers turn their backs. Drop everyone into zone coverage and he has the accuracy -- and the arm strength -- to find the windows.

I want to emphasize that last part because it's a big change in the way we've seen NFL defenses play lately. With offenses leaning more and more on the passing game, we've seen defenses use more and more defensive backs. Forget for a second that the athleticism of defensive backs has improved just as markedly as at any other position -- which it has -- and simply realize that more bodies in the secondary means less space for a quarterback to fit in the football.

The windows aren't staying open indefinitely; defenses are slamming them shut faster than ever before. You don't have wide open receivers these days unless someone has blown the coverage. That has put a premium on accuracy, but it also puts a premium on arm strength. You may have just a split second to fire a pass past the linebacker and defensive back sandwiching your receiver. I often hear arm strength questioned as a key attribute, and there have been times in NFL history where maybe it wasn't as vital, but modern quarterbacks have to have the mustard to strike when they have that split-second opening. Kaepernick has that ability.

Now that we've discussed how Kaepernick can hurt a defense in every way imaginable, how do you try to stop him? Essentially, defenses have to pick their poison.

I've spoken previously about how the one certain way to disrupt a quarterback is to hit him. Well, when you try to hit Kaepernick, he can hit back by way of a long-distance touchdown run. That was the big threat, and precisely what the Atlanta Falcons tried to avoid in the NFC Championship Game.

Take a look at the game film against Atlanta and you'll see one of the cleanest postseason pockets. The Falcons tried not to over-rush the passer. They wanted to stay disciplined, try to pen him in and make Kaepernick beat them with his arm. Well, he did.

Kaepernick completed more than 76 percent of his passes for 233 yards -- 11.10 yards per attempt, his best mark as a starter -- ran the ball just twice and earned a QBR of 92.6.

What has made Kaepernick so deadly is his ability in the pre-snap phase of the game. The 49ers have an excellent running game. And it's made all the better by Kaepernick's ability to run the Niners' backfield into optimal looks. Several times per game, I've seen the first-time starter audible his offense into and out of running plays to take advantage of the defensive schemes. Defenses have a tendency to play zone against him -- to guard against the run -- which makes the diagnosis a little easier, but still, it's uncommon to see this from a first-year starter.

Kaepernick must spend more time in the pocket and avoid taking big hits like the ones that sidelined RG III this season.

So what's standing in his way from becoming one of the league's best and climbing to the top of my Quarterback Big Board? Primarily, time and experience. That's it. But he also needs to stay away from the big hit.

After just one season, I put a rookie QB -- RG III -- into the top 10 of my Big Board. Now Griffin needs major knee surgery and I don't know how he'll stack up going forward. Every time Kaepernick -- or any QB -- breaks from the pocket, there is an enhanced element of risk. It's the reason I told ESPN Radio's Mike Greenberg last Friday that I'd take Luck as my franchise QB over Kaepernick and the other phenomenal young signal-callers. There is just less risk of injury for a pocket passer.

I believe that the ability of a QB to run is a terrific weapon in the modern NFL, but I don't believe it can be a go-to, primary element of an offense. I still believe that quarterbacks must develop as capable pocket passers. You have a wall of five guys (all weighing more than 300 pounds) to protect you. Throwing the ball is still more effective than running it. That's where the percentages are in a quarterback's favor. The read-option is a nice changeup, but it should definitely be the exception and not the rule.

Like most young quarterbacks -- including the big three of Luck, Wilson and Griffin III this season -- Kaepernick is being given a steady diet of simple reads. If receiver No. 1 isn't open, move to No. 2. If he's covered, tuck and run. We're not seeing five-receiver progressions from the 49ers, in part because they don't have to, given Kaepernick's running ability. But we will over time.

I believe that Kaepernick will develop into more of a pocket passer, which will help him make use of two of his great assets (his arm strength and accuracy) and alleviate some of the burden on his other great assets (his body and speed, both of which decrease with age). That development will help keep him healthy and keep him in the lineup -- and winning games -- for the 49ers. San Francisco will want to maximize his ability to help it win year in and year out, not squander it after a handful of seasons and multitude of downfield hits. If the Niners keep Kaepernick upright, he will flourish.

With his tools, the sky is the limit. And if he continues to refine his game, when we look to that sky in the years to come, I believe we'll see a shining star named Colin Kaepernick.


Ron Jaworski
NFL analyst / writer

Thanks, Bingo. Reading that though, I'd say he values both. What sets Jaws apart, though, is a lot of times folks fall in love with the big arm and forget accuracy. Maybe that's how I should have phrased earlier.