Grading our players: LaAdrian Waddle

[lionstop1]

Use the grading scale I've provided below and from there, I will get the average score for each player after a day or two.

Rank 1-10 with 10 being the highest. Include percentages (.1.2.3.4.5) if you believe player is between certain levels.

Lets look at RT, LaArdian Waddle. How do we feel about this guy if the team chooses to move forward with him?

1- Bad player. Should not be on a NFL roster.
2- Tackling dummy or jock carrier.
3- Nothing more than a practice squad player.
4- Low level backup player.
5- Quality backup or role player with no starting potential.*
6- Starter but easily upgradeable.
7- Mid level starter, with potential as a high level starter.
8- High level starter, with All-Pro potential.
9- Consistent All-Pro player.
10- Potential Hall of Fame player.

 

[tpaulus_2]

I'll give Waddle a 6.5


He's got the potential to be very good (he's got the frame and arm length to dominate the pass rush), but injuries really hurt his development this year.


If he's healthy he's an even 7, imo, with room to grow. Big "if" though...

 

[lionstop1]

I'll go 6.2

I think theres some concern whether or not he can solidify RT. He could be pretty good but I think he has a low ceiling.

 

[Mebert]

I think he is a 6.2, but with growth room to the high 8's.

 

[Rollingthndr]

6.8

 

[tpaulus_2]

I'll go 6.2

I think theres some concern whether or not he can solidify RT. He could be pretty good but I think he has a low ceiling.

I'm not trying to be purposefully argumentative, but why do you think he's got a low ceiling? Imo it's just the opposite- he's got a high ceiling, but is still pretty raw...

 

[Old Lion]

6.5 but he had a pretty good sophmore slump. Coming off injury we will wait and see.

 

[lionstop1]

I dont really know. I know he needs more development but I dont see that nasty, mean side that guys his size are supposed to have.

 

[Quackerjacked]

I'd call him a 5.5 with 8.5 potential. He can be a road grader. When he bends he is great in pass pro. Maybe his feet never get quick enough and his ceiling is acutally more like a 7. Going off last year he played pretty well, but was injured a ton. Fox looked good, but was never really more than a backup due to his injuries If he was healthy last year and played like he did in limited time I would give him a 6.5.

 

[lionstop1]

One reason why I wanted to have these rating convos is to kind of sort out our needs and look at each guy individually. If most fans agree that a player is worthy of a starting role and has a high ceiling, theres no need to replace him.

 

[broncosmitty]

5.9.

I don't know which Waddle is real. The kid that didn't impress a single NFL team enough to draft him or the guy that held his own playing next to another rookie.

Coming out of a big program, with physical size like he has, why did no one take a shot? Injury concerns?

 

[Quackerjacked]

He has terrible feet. For the most part he uses his size to negate them. This is why he whiffs completely more than he has any business doing. Good offensive lineman are all about consistency. Dominating 75 percent of the time gets you fired if 10 percent of the time you whiff and cause a loss of yards.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

barely a 6.


You've got to remember Waddle came from a pass happy college, Tex Tech, where he only had to anchor or re-direct for minimal time as the qb was usually a 2, 3 or very quick 5 step and release. Waddle was able to use his height, long arms and wingspan to his advantage vs smaller, weaker and less talented college DE's than what he's facing now. He's far more of a finesse OT than a strong upper bodied RT, who also lacks the adequate strength to anchor and bull or maul his opponent. He has trouble being able to consistently sink his hips, due to his length and fire up off his stance with a violent hand punch. If he can improve his core and upper body strength, while also dedicating himself to have better technique as a RT then he may be able to slightly upgrade his potential long-term.

I could probably state the same for Lucas as he came from a zone read offense. He utilized his length as a college LT. I see more upside to Lucas than I do Waddle but they both need more developmental time.

 

[lionstop1]

Good stuff here guys.

 

[Coach_Ed_LPW]

I think he is a 6 but could be an 8 if he can stay healthy, which is a big if. He has the size....footwork can be improved and does usually with practice an PT.

 

[Dr. Evil-er]

Rookie year he looked like a guy that offered the potential to be a 9. Last year he looked more like a 4. Injuries certainly played a role so I can't put a grade on him. Crucial year for him coming up.

When do we get to Rob Sims so I can score a player with a 1?

 

[lionstop1]

Lol. Rob Sims is coming up.

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

if he's not on the roster, referrencing Sims, why bother with a by-gone, JMO.


mostly because I never want to see him in a Lions uni EVER AGAIN regardless of the situation

 

[LPinSLC]

I have a hard time grading Waddle. He(along with the rest of the line) looked pretty good last year but I still believe that had more to do with Stafford getting the ball out quicker. This year many lineman were having hard time due to scheme.

Not enough sample size for me. If injuries are going to continue to be an issue then a backup is all he should be counted on for.