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NFL Draft Buzz
January 17, 2012
Shrine Buzz: Unknowns stepping up
Scouts Inc.
Coaches and scouts like the all-star setting because it gives them a chance to see prospects in a different light. Everyone is adjusting to a new supporting cast and often a different scheme, and the various drills and one-on-one matchups create a more level playing field for judging players.
For the players, there are always those under-the-radar prospects who relish the chance to prove themselves against a higher level of competition, and this year's East-West Shrine game has seen five players seize the opportunity and step up their games.
Here's how they break down, in no particular order.
Shaun Prater is beginning to raise his stock. Iowa CB Shaun Prater
He has just average size (5-foot-10⅛, 185 pounds), but Prater has good speed and some quickness. His interception production tailed off late in his career as teams threw away from him, but he handles himself well in space and is rarely in a bad position. Prater knows how to read quarterbacks and read routes, anticipates well and has the body control to recover from the rare false step. He can also contribute in the return game, and Prater is giving himself a chance to get into the later portion of Day 2.
Coastal Carolina CB Josh Norman
There are some concerns about focus and attention to detail, but Norman (6-3, 203) looks the part and is expected to run in the 4.5-second range in the 40-yard dash. He moves well for a bigger corner, and has a good feel for the game for a small-school prospect. His fluidity and strength give Norman some versatility, and after entering the week with a free-agent grade it won't surprise me to hear his name in the midround conversation when all is said and done.
Iowa OT Markus Zusevics
He's limited athletically, but Zusevics shows good strength and technique at the point of attack. He was one of the most powerful offensive linemen on either roster today, and like so many other Iowa linemen who have played for head coach and line guru Kirk Ferentz, Zusevics is fundamentally sound. He knows how to re-sink his hips after initial contact, and can steer defenders while driving them back. Zusevics is boosting his late-round stock with his performance this week.
Western Kentucky RB Bobby Rainey
Not many people realize Rainey was second in the FBS in rushing yards per game (141.3) in 2011, and while he stands just 5-8, he weighs 208 pounds and is a tough inside runner. Defenders have a hard time locating him behind the offensive line, and that showed up during team goal-line drills today. Rainey also caught 36 passes last season and has experience returning kicks, and that kind of versatility could make him attractive as a valuable reserve in the later rounds.
Fresno State WR/RS Devon Wylie
Durability is an issue after a foot injury helped limit Wylie to just three catches in 2010, but after entering 2011 completely off the radar he finished the season with 56 receptions and showed some flashes as a playmaker. I've been encouraged by his ability to hold up against better competition this week, with Wylie using his speed and quickness well, and also adjusting to the ball effectively. He's also creative in space, and can use his body control to get himself out of confined areas and into the open field. He's something of a poor-man's Wes Welker, and as a slot receiver who can help out in the return game Wylie could come off the board early on Day 3.
January 17, 2012
Shrine Buzz: Unknowns stepping up
Scouts Inc.
Coaches and scouts like the all-star setting because it gives them a chance to see prospects in a different light. Everyone is adjusting to a new supporting cast and often a different scheme, and the various drills and one-on-one matchups create a more level playing field for judging players.
For the players, there are always those under-the-radar prospects who relish the chance to prove themselves against a higher level of competition, and this year's East-West Shrine game has seen five players seize the opportunity and step up their games.
Here's how they break down, in no particular order.
Shaun Prater is beginning to raise his stock. Iowa CB Shaun Prater
He has just average size (5-foot-10⅛, 185 pounds), but Prater has good speed and some quickness. His interception production tailed off late in his career as teams threw away from him, but he handles himself well in space and is rarely in a bad position. Prater knows how to read quarterbacks and read routes, anticipates well and has the body control to recover from the rare false step. He can also contribute in the return game, and Prater is giving himself a chance to get into the later portion of Day 2.
Coastal Carolina CB Josh Norman
There are some concerns about focus and attention to detail, but Norman (6-3, 203) looks the part and is expected to run in the 4.5-second range in the 40-yard dash. He moves well for a bigger corner, and has a good feel for the game for a small-school prospect. His fluidity and strength give Norman some versatility, and after entering the week with a free-agent grade it won't surprise me to hear his name in the midround conversation when all is said and done.
Iowa OT Markus Zusevics
He's limited athletically, but Zusevics shows good strength and technique at the point of attack. He was one of the most powerful offensive linemen on either roster today, and like so many other Iowa linemen who have played for head coach and line guru Kirk Ferentz, Zusevics is fundamentally sound. He knows how to re-sink his hips after initial contact, and can steer defenders while driving them back. Zusevics is boosting his late-round stock with his performance this week.
Western Kentucky RB Bobby Rainey
Not many people realize Rainey was second in the FBS in rushing yards per game (141.3) in 2011, and while he stands just 5-8, he weighs 208 pounds and is a tough inside runner. Defenders have a hard time locating him behind the offensive line, and that showed up during team goal-line drills today. Rainey also caught 36 passes last season and has experience returning kicks, and that kind of versatility could make him attractive as a valuable reserve in the later rounds.
Fresno State WR/RS Devon Wylie
Durability is an issue after a foot injury helped limit Wylie to just three catches in 2010, but after entering 2011 completely off the radar he finished the season with 56 receptions and showed some flashes as a playmaker. I've been encouraged by his ability to hold up against better competition this week, with Wylie using his speed and quickness well, and also adjusting to the ball effectively. He's also creative in space, and can use his body control to get himself out of confined areas and into the open field. He's something of a poor-man's Wes Welker, and as a slot receiver who can help out in the return game Wylie could come off the board early on Day 3.
