Dolphins game notes

[CalamityX11]

if it leads to us winning now, yes, break the record.

yessir...

go for the record, it's not like people come realistically close year after year... like the superbowl, if you have the opportunity, make it count.

 

[BINGO]

NFL Draft 2013
Commentary
Pair of big names on the rise
Injury drops fast-rising DE, while TE class gets boost
Originally Published: December 5, 2012
By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.

The regular season has ended for the top prospects in the 2013 NFL draft class, so it's time to take a breath and look back at what we've seen over the past few weeks.

The impact of a recent injury stands out right away, with rising Florida State DE Cornellius Carradine falling down the board after suffering a torn ACL in his team's season finale. Meanwhile, fellow DE Dion Jordan of Oregon has dealt with a nagging shoulder injury but has still inched his way into the top 15.

Further down the board, Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert gives his position group a boost by cracking the rankings for the first time.

Elsewhere, the board is still without a running back. No wide receivers or quarterbacks are inside the top 20, and the only offensive players in the top 10 are linemen.

Here is a look at the entire list, with draft-eligible non-seniors noted with an asterisk:

 

[BINGO]

1. Star Lotulelei DT 6-3 320
Analysis: Lotulelei is the most complete defensive lineman in the class in terms of physical tools. He dominates interior offensive linemen with his blend of quickness and power. He shows strong hands, nimble feet and the ability to quickly discard blockers, and he has impressive lateral range. Lotulelei needs some polish as a pass-rusher, but his natural gifts are clearly a cut above.
Previously: 2

2. Jarvis Jones* OLB 6-2 242
Analysis: Jones is a steady performer on a defense loaded with NFL prospects. He is a good overall athlete and top-notch pass-rusher, has impressive range in pass coverage and against the run, and can line up all over the defensive formation. Durability concerns are behind him, and Jones has locked down a spot in the first few picks.
Previously: 1

3. Damontre Moore* DE 6-4 248
Analysis: He is a versatile prospect who can play outside linebacker in a 3-4, right or left end in a 4-3 and even move inside to rush the passer from the interior. Moore is quick and fluid as a pass-rusher, is able to hold up against the run and plays hard.
Previously: 5

4. Chance Warmack OG 6-2\ 325
Analysis: Warmack is a big, strong, nasty lineman with good smarts and athleticism. He shows awareness, is an easy mover in pass protection and has power as a run-blocker. The best guard I've evaluated in the past decade, Warmack is the rare interior lineman worthy of a top-10 overall pick.
Previously: 3

5. Manti Te'o ILB 6-1 248
Analysis: Te'o moves well in space for a player his size, displaying range and playmaking skills in underneath coverage and the ability to hold the point and deliver blows as a run-defender. He is a three-down linebacker with the kind of intangibles that teams seek in their defensive leaders.
Previously: 4

6. Luke Joeckel* OT 6-5¾ 306
Analysis: Joeckel has fared well against the likes of Alabama and LSU this season. His balance and ability to recover in pass protection stand out, and he takes good angles and is able to get to the second level in the run game.
Previously: 6

7. Barkevious Mingo* DE 6-5 240
Analysis: Mingo's production has not been as high as expected, but he has still been disruptive. His long frame, elite first step and outstanding speed for his size make him a major weapon off the edge. He also has great range and closing burst against the run, and shows plenty of upside.
Previously: 7

8. Johnathan Hankins* DT 6-3 335
Analysis: Hankins shows the size and strength to occupy multiple blockers against the run and doesn't back down at the point of attack. He can make plays with his effort as a pass-rusher.
Previously: 8

9. Sylvester Williams DT 6-2 320
Analysis: Williams dominated Virginia recently and is playing faster than ever after shedding weight and getting fully healthy. He shows the power to press blockers into the backfield, pop at the point of attack as a tackler, and instincts and quick hands to get off blocks.
Previously: 9

10 Bjoern Werner* DE 6-4 255
Analysis: Werner burst on the scene early in the season with improved pass-rush skills that complement his ability to set the edge against the run. His production has tailed off in recent weeks, but Werner's quickness and strong hands are impressive, and he can convert speed to power when rushing the passer.
Previously: 10

11. Jonathan Cooper OG 6-3 320
Analysis: Cooper's quickness, mobility, explosive power, good feet and balance all jump out on film. He has good awareness in pass protection and plays with an edge overall. Cooper is making a solid case as an early-first-round pick.
Previously: 11

12. Dee Milliner* CB 6-0¾ 197
Analysis: Milliner's instincts, recognition skills and discipline stand out, and he is reliable in run support. His overall game, including good top-end speed and short-area quickness, makes him the top-rated corner on the board.
Previously: 12

13. Johnathan Jenkins DT 6-4⅛ 363
Analysis: A massive two-gap nose tackle with a good combination of size, strength and short-area quickness to control the inside and occasionally contribute as a pass-rusher. Jenkins' range is limited, though.
Previously: 13

14. Dion Jordan DE 6-6⅛ 239
Analysis: Jordan has dealt with a nagging shoulder injury in recent weeks, but he is long and athletic and has explosive upper-body power despite his lean frame. He can rush the passer from a two- or three-point stance, holds up in space and has the versatility to play multiple roles along the front seven.
Previously: 17

15. Taylor Lewan* OT 6-7 302
Analysis: Lewan is continuing to use his length effectively while protecting the edge. He flashes the ability to drive defenders off the ball as a run-blocker and is a tenacious player who gets under the skin of defenders.
Previously: 14

16. Sam Montgomery* DE 6-4 245
Analysis: Montgomery is not as athletic as Mingo, but his power as a pass-rusher stands out, and he holds the point well against the run.
Previously: 15

 

[BINGO]

17. Kenny Vaccaro S 6-0½ 210
Analysis: Vaccaro has rare movement skills for a safety, showing balance, explosiveness and the ability to flip his hips and run with receivers. He has good instincts and solid ball skills in coverage.
Previously: 18

18. Alec Ogletree* ILB 6-3 237
Analysis: Ogletree is a raw prospect in terms of instincts, but he is a freakish athlete who chases plays from sideline to sideline and shows good potential as a pass-rusher. He needs to get more stout at the point of attack, though, and durability could be an issue.
Previously: 16

19. Corey Lemonier* DE 6-4 242
Analysis: Lemonier has continued to play at a high level despite clearly being the best player on his defense and getting extra attention from opposing offenses. He has an explosive first step and shows impressive closing burst, holds up well against the run and plays with a relentless motor.
Previously: 19

20. Eric Fisher OT 6-7⅛ 297
Analysis: Fisher has impressive length, is light on his feet and plays with balance when protecting the edge. He shows good footwork and the ability to hit moving targets when pulling, and appears to have the power to create movement at the point of attack.
Previously: 20

21. Ezekiel Ansah* DE 6-6 273
Analysis: Ansah has limited football experience but surprising versatility and instincts. He has lined up at nose tackle, five-technique DE and outside linebacker in BYU's 3-4 scheme, and his hand use and gap discipline are improving steadily. His rare combination of size, speed and natural athleticism are evident. He closes like a cheetah, has a 39-inch vertical jump and ran for the BYU track team in addition to trying out for the basketball team. Ansah is a raw prospect, but teams are taking notice of his skill set, athleticism and production.
Previously: 21

22. Geno Smith QB 6-2¾ 208
Analysis: Smith's stock has taken a hit in recent weeks because of inconsistency and some poor decisions. When he's at his best, though, Smith's confidence, footwork and mechanics all stand out, and that's what puts him atop this year's quarterback class.
Previously: 22

23. Sheldon Richardson DT 6-2⅞ 290
Analysis: Another prospect who is clearly the best on his unit and continues to play hard despite his team's overall struggles. Richardson can penetrate with a quick first step and has excellent straight-line speed, good range and power as a bull rusher.
Previously: 23

24. Justin Hunter* WR 6-4 205
Analysis: Hunter's smooth routes and body control on tape earned him a top-10 grade going into the season, but his production hasn't matched his potential and he has had some key drops. He remains the top receiver on the board, though, thanks to his size and overall physical tools.
Previously: 24

25. Cornellius Carradine DE 6-4½ 255
Analysis: Carradine was one of the fastest-rising prospects in the nation before tearing an ACL in the regular-season finale against Florida, and until there is more news on his recovery, his grade will remain on the fringe of the first round. Before the injury, he was displaying explosive upper-body power and the flexibility to bend the edge as a pass-rusher and the flexibility. Carradine can lock out blockers as a run-defender and play on either end of a four-man front.
Previously: 13

26. Kawann Short DT 6-3⅛ 325
Analysis: Short has been more consistent, shown better effort and played with explosiveness in 2012. He can penetrate and disrupt along the interior, giving himself a chance to be in the first-round mix.
Previously: 25

27. Matt Barkley QB 6-1⅞ 228
Analysis: Barkley is on the shelf with a shoulder injury, but before being hurt, his lack of elite size and physical tools were showing up more frequently. He made some ill-advised throws in the face of pressure, but overall he is a smart, accurate passer who can handle the blitz, and his ability to throw in rhythm would fit well in a West Coast offense.
Previously: 26

28. Keenan Allen* WR 6-3 206
Analysis: Allen has continued to produce as his team has struggled. He has a good combination of size and speed, excellent hands and solid body control. He lacks the elite speed to run past NFL defenders, but his size and strength allow him to win one-on-one battles down the field.
Previously: 27

29. Dallas Thomas OT 6-5⅛ 297
Analysis: Thomas needs to improve his overall awareness, but he fared well against early-round Alabama DT Jesse Williams earlier in the season. He has the versatility to line up at tackle or guard and possesses the size and strength to be effective in tight quarters.
Previously: 28

30. Zach Ertz* TE 6-6 249
Analysis: Ertz showed off his ball skills and body control in the Cardinal's upset win over Oregon, coming down with a jump ball in the back of the end zone for the game-tying touchdown late in regulation. He's a solid route-runner who can create mismatches with his size and separate from coverage, shows speed to stretch the seam and is an effective wall-off blocker.
Previously: 29

31. Johnthan Banks CB 6-2⅛ 185
Analysis: A tall corner with good length, Banks has quick feet and is at his best in press coverage. He flashes good ball skills and some punt-return ability, and he is active and willing in run support.
Previously: 30

32. Tyler Eifert* TE 6-6 250
Analysis: Eifert is adequate as a blocker, but he is an impact player in Notre Dame's passing game. His ball skills and body control allow him to catch passes without breaking stride and also pluck throws outside his frame. Eifert has the speed to work the seam and the competitiveness to go over the middle.
Previously: NR

Out of the rankings: West Virginia WR Tavon Austin


Todd McShay is the director of college scouting for Scouts Inc. He has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft since 1998.

 

[CalamityX11]

Oh Bingo, what are we going to do with you.....

 

[BINGO]

Oh Bingo, what are we going to do with you.....

Oh damnnn. Wrong thread

 

[CalamityX11]

Oh damnnn. Wrong thread

 

[ChrisPozz]

Do we really want Aldon to break Strahan's record? It may not matter too much because Aldon is going to get paid regardless, but putting "most sacks in a season" on his resume is going to give him a lot of ammunition when it comes to contract talks.

I don't necessarily think that by having that on his resume is going to boost his value up THAT much? I've never heard of such an instance before either in contract negotiations? I could very well be underestimating these tags players get when they break a record and what it does for their value, but I kind of doubt it's going to do a whole lot more for his value. Maybe it would help to hear some hard numbers of what people think it would do for him contract wise if he were to get the record, but again, I kind of doubt it would make THAT big of a difference?

 

[Bemular]

I don't necessarily think that by having that on his resume is going to boost his value up THAT much? I've never heard of such an instance before either in contract negotiations? I could very well be underestimating these tags players get when they break a record and what it does for their value, but I kind of doubt it's going to do a whole lot more for his value. Maybe it would help to hear some hard numbers of what people think it would do for him contract wise if he were to get the record, but again, I kind of doubt it would make THAT big of a difference?

The one value it certainly and immediately will increase is his endorsement value.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Do we really want Aldon to break Strahan's record? It may not matter too much because Aldon is going to get paid regardless, but putting "most sacks in a season" on his resume is going to give him a lot of ammunition when it comes to contract talks.

The one value it certainly and immediately will increase is his endorsement value.

That's fair. Edit: I don't know how the original question got lumped into my reply again. Sorry.

 

[Bemular]

That's fair. Edit: I don't know how the original question got lumped into my reply again. Sorry.

You must have hit the Multi-Q button somewhere along the way.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Press Pass: Colin Kaepernick

Press Pass: Jim Harbaugh

Coach's Notebook: Dec. 5

You said that penalties, obviously an issue, but offensively over the past two weeks, a lot of holding penalties have been called. What can you attribute that to? Are defenses showing more motion?
“Showing what?”

More motion.
“Oh, motion or movement. We have had some big ones that have really stopped some drives. Some of them were really, really were questionable, in our opinion. What can you do to correct it? Keep the hands inside, the hands were inside with [T] Joe Staley. Can run his feet more, that’s something we can do. We’re looking at it. There have been some big ones that have stopped drives or extended drives for the other team. That’s not the way we want to play. That’s not the 49er way of playing football.”

 

[ChrisPozz]

More accountability. Something that was mentioned after the game that he hadn't done enough of..

What makes that flip, and that obviously that’s a turnover, that’s a play you guys try to avoid, he makes that flip. What is it that you guys talk about right away and how much of a teachable moment is that for a coach to quarterback?

“Teachable in a lot of ways. We all have something to learn there. Like we said, I take the greater share of that responsibility. You don’t put your team in that position. That’s the responsibility of the head coach, to put them in the best possible position to be successful and win a game. But also, I think managing a bad play for Colin, that’s something that he’ll learn. The play we called in the huddle was a loser and we didn’t have an audible for that play. But also, once the play’s going bad to try not to make it any worse. It’s a good thing for him to learn, too."

 

[ChrisPozz]

Two solid questions in a row. I'm shocked. I like the first answer, too, where he didn't really say much.

When you talk to him, he’s usually kind of a quiet guy and doesn’t expand too much. When you’re doing film review with him, what are his emotions like, what are his reactions like? Does he talk a lot or get too high, get too low, what’s he like?

“The same that you see him. Very focused, very concentrated and competitive. He wants to, even in the film study, he wants to learn and get better and improve. But he’s on it. Communicates what he saw, what he was thinking.”

On the pitch play, it seemed like the snap was a little bit low, it wasn’t perfect. Has that been an issue on some of his mistakes this year, that he’s having to look down to get the ball and then looking up?

“That’s an issue. We want to improve that. It’s tough for a quarterback, even on a pass play, to go down below the knees to get a ball and then come up and get his eyes focused on where they need to be. So, we’re working on correcting that.”

 

[ChrisPozz]

Staley feels badly for Smith but supports Kaepernick | CSN Bay Area

 

[ChrisPozz]

Conference Call: Dolphins HC Joe Philbin

 

[ChrisPozz]

Conference Call: Dolphins DE Cameron Wake

 

[ChrisPozz]

Press Pass: Justin Smith

 

[ChrisPozz]

Justin Smith Remains A Force

 

[ChrisPozz]

49ers.com | Kaepernick, 49ers Ready to Rebound