re: Who Is Your 3RD RD Pick? Any #59's still around?

The thing that I think gets overlooked with him is his lack of experience. He only played 3 games of HS football (sophmore year) due to being ineligible because of his grades. One year of JUCO, and two years of WVU.

He almost has a "Hargrove" type of feeling to him.

Elite level coaching could put this kid over the top in terms of production.

We'll catch up on him later.

Draft Wagner!

Bruce Irvin is one of the more interesting 2012 NFL Draft. He dropped out of high school, ended up earning his GED in 2007, and spent time in a juvenile detention center. He played football at Mt San Antonio Community College, then after de-committing from both Tennessee and Arizona State, he finally chose to attend West Virginia.
With the Mountaineers, he had 14 sacks in very limited play in 2010. So far in 2011, he only has 2.5 sacks as a full-time starter. The reality is that while his pass-rushing potential is on the elite end of the spectrum, he's a very raw prospect who has had very little coaching and practice. He is only in his second year with the Mountaineers and whoever takes a chance on him will need to groom him into their defense. The big concern now has to be why he has disappeared as a pass-rusher here in his second season. All the promise and hype he had entering the 2011 season is now dissipating.
Irvin won't show much on his game tapes, but scouts and general managers will like what they see at the combine, especially if he runs a sub-4.5 40.
Irvin projects as a first round prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft, but his stock may be on the decline.
Oct-31-2011
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A former high school wide out who dropped out of school because of his involvement in the street life. He got his GED in 2007 and attended junior college in 2009, instantly dominating the competition as a pass rusher. He ended up being Scout.com's number two ranked JUCO prospect.

He's simply a natural pass rusher. He lacks great size and looks a bit narrow through his hips/upper body, but he possesses an athletic build and can really coil up and fire out of his stance. He exhibits natural flexibility in his hips and keeps his base down well off the snap. Plays from a number of stances, but looks comfortable playing with his ball side foot back and exhibits an outstanding first step. He also keeps his base down off the ball, stays low and eats up a lot of grass quickly. Exhibits the speed to routinely threaten the edge, drop his pad level and turn the corner. However, it's his savvy as a pass rusher and change of direction skills that makes him a bear to block. He extends his arms well into contact and loves to reach the edge and re-direct, using his club to slip the block and accelerate quickly inside. Also, he knows how to set up blockers and slow play his pass rush, forcing them to over commit and lunge into contact as he displays impressive short area quickness in order to slip blocks. He gets a bit high when trying to slip, as he has a tendency to hop step toward the edge and lacks ideal power through contact. He can initially be stalled when engaged and lacks ideal power to simply overwhelm on the bull rush as he gets upright. However, when he keeps his pad level down and extends those arms he can create an initial snap.

You can see him turn his speed into power on his outside rush when crashing back inside, and he possesses good natural power in his upper body when working the club move as he can really jar tackles for his size at times. He's a glorified nickel rusher at this stage who isn't asked to play the run game often, but lacks the natural girth to anchor with his hand on the ground consistently at the next level. Nevertheless, he is an excellent run and hit guy with a great first step with "plus" range and works very hard in pursuit. Demonstrates a good motor and the fluidity to breakdown on ball carriers.

Impression: A gifted athlete who has the initial burst to routinely reach the edge. However, lacks ideal size and doesn't have a real sophisticated pass rushing repertoire. Is going to make the move to a 34 OLB at the next level and might need a little time. Reminds me some of the Chris Clemons/Chris Clemons.
01/08/12
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Athleticism:
Gifted athlete with a very quick first step. Is fluid and displays natural pass-rushing ability. Shows nice flexibility and the ability to bend around the edge. Has good range and can chase down plays from the backside. Needs to get stronger as he is a bit of a tweener.
Grade: 4.0

Instincts:
Raw athlete who hasn’t played on the defensive side of the ball for long but plays smarter than you’d expect. Does a good job of keeping contain and defends the option rather well. Reads the 3 step drop and gets his hands in the air to attempt to block the passing lane. Still learning the position but is on the right path.
Grade: 2.5

Point of Attack:
Severely undersized at the point of attack and cannot be counted on to defend the run at the moment. Lacks strength to take on and shed blockers in the run game. Gets pushed around easily as he lacks the strength to anchor. Can occasionally shoot gaps and make plays in the backfield as he beats lineman with his quickness. Plays in a situational type role at West Virginia where he can do what he does best, rush the passer.
Grade: 1.0

Coverage:
Almost never asked to drop in coverage as he plays end at West Virginia. Will likely make the transition to 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL so he must work on his coverage skills. Has the athleticism to hold his own but still has to learn the techniques to succeed.
Grade: 2.0

Pass Rush:
Rushing the passer is what he does best. Has a very quick first step and a dangerous speed rush. Shows the natural ability to dip his shoulder and has good flexibility. Lacks a wide variety of moves as his bull-rush is still weak as he has to gain lower body strength. However, displays violent hands on occasion and can extend his arms and shed blocks when rushing up field. Has a nice club move and does a good job of taking advantage of lineman going out wide on him to stop his speed rush, as he quickly cuts back inside. Still has to work on disengaging when originally stood up. Has a great motor and will chase down quarterbacks all over the back-field.
Grade: 4.0

Tackling:
Solid tackler but could do a better job of wrapping up. At times will just lunge with his shoulder to bring the ball carrier down. He’ll have a tough time doing that in the NFL especially since he’s already undersized. Has to finish more often in the back-field as more elusive quarterbacks can side step him as he doesn’t routinely breakdown and make a controlled hit.
Grade: 2.5

Intangibles:
Had a rough childhood where he was essentially making a living on the streets and was just another hood rat. Decided to turn his life around and got his GED. Walked on to a junior college where he excelled as a pass-rusher. Went to West Virginia and has become a tremendous pass-rusher and fan favorite. Has worked hard to get where he is now and seems very determined and motivated. Desire can be seen as he is relentless when rushing the passer. Has to stay out of trouble though or people will be quick to turn against him. Right now is limited as a player. Best projects to 3-4 OLB but has never played the position and coverage is still very foreign to him. At the same time would only be a situational pass-rusher in a 4-3. Whatever the case he’ll need some time to develop before he can make an impact consistently in the NFL.
Grade: 3.0

Outlook:
Irvin is a bit of a project. He has drawn some comparisons to Von Miller but Miller was a better athlete and much more polished. It’s why he’s having a tremendous rookie year in the NFL. Right now, Irvin is strictly a situational pass-rusher. I think he’s best suited in the 3-4 but he doesn’t rush from a 2-point stance often and he’d have to learn the linebacker position. He’ll likely be a situational guy for his first few years in the NFL but he has a lot of potential and pass-rushers like him are at a premium. Being on a team with great veteran leadership wouldn’t hurt as it will help him progress not only as a football player, but as a person.

quote:

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David's ability to seal the edge and excel in man-to-man coverage

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hmmm

go on....

A versatile, explosive athlete with a mighty motor who knows how to reach the quarterback. McClellin possesses a solidly put together frame with a strong upper body which maximizes his length into contact. He plays all over the Boise State defense. He will play with his hand on the ground, can stand up and rush from a two-point stance and will blitz from the inside as well. He exhibits an explosive first step off the ball both with his hand on the ground and standing up. He can also coil up into his stance, stay low initially off the football and threaten the edge with speed. He does a nice job timing up the snap count and is routinely one of the first lineman moving off the ball. McClellin doesn't waste any motion from a two-point stance either when threatening the backfield. His weight is consistently in his front foot and that generates a burst attacking the backfield. He also displays a real know-how of getting to the quarterback and he possesses a solid pass rushing arsenal. He isn't the most flexible of athletes, but will drop his pad level around the corner, sink his hips and turn the corner. He's balanced/fluidity laterally when working a counter off his speed rush. He gets a bit upright, but extends his arms well, is strong in the lower half working through contact and accelerates well through contact. Also, McClellin extends his arms well at the point, can initially create a pop to gain space and possesses a solid initial burst once he gains a step. He's clever when asked to stunt, disguises his intentions well and works endlessly toward the quarterback.

He also plays the run well for his size, is patient when taking on blocks, extends his arms well and has a violent set of hands. His combination of body control and hand strength allows him to keep himself clean into contact, fend off the block and work his way in pursuit. He is a solid anchor player who can run as well and will make plays off his frame. He likes to run around blocks more so in space and at times will take himself out of plays. Also, McClellin is often asked to drop off into coverage and is a solid athlete in man. He keeps his feet under him, exhibits some natural balance/fluidity in the hips and can re-direct and close on the football.

Impression: McClellin is a productive pass rusher with a big motor, good skill set and can get after the QB in a number of ways. Looks like a potential starter at the next level.
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Pros:
Has great versatility: Has lined up at DE, OLB, and ILB
Motor that doesn’t stop
Great team leader
Plays well against top competition
Great first step, or at least gets up the field quickly with timing
Changes direction very well
Violent hitter
Is fluid enough to be a good coverage guy in the N.F.L.with refinement
Decent size for a 34 OLB
Has been durable only missed time in his freshman season
Cons:
Can be overwhelmed in the run game
Might be more suited to play in the 3-4 defense
Will not be able to bulk up much more
Doesn’t possess elite athleticism

Player Comparison: Mike Vrabel
Round Projection: Late 2nd- Early 3rd

Summary:
McCellin is a do-it-all type of player. He has played DE, OLB, and ILB forBoiseState. He has performed very well versus VT from last season and Georgia this year. He never stops going towards the ball. His first step is dynamic. What surprises me is his ability in coverage. He changes direction well and his hip movement and foot agility are near elite. Every team could find a place for this guy but teams that value versatility would get the most out of him. Teams such as the Jets, Patriots, Steelers, Ravens, Giants, Packers, Lions, and 49ers.
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Big Board Ranks

Walter 55
DraftTek 129
PFT 76


Another that looks more 3-4 OLB-ish to me. Doesn't look like much value if any at #59. Maybe even a stretch. Jeff Charleston II?

not much input or feedback on these, whatchu say?

next up

RONNELL LEWIS DE/LB OKLAHOMA






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Thanks for all the info blues, heres my opinions:

I still like Lavonte David but Vinny Curry is prob a better pick as David may fall to us in the 3rd, which would be awesome.

Bobby Wagner could be a good pick up also. I like solid tacklers. I cant stand it when professionals lack the basic tackling skills.

Bruce Irvin - looks like a beast with those tats and dreads. Also, he is a hell of an athlete and i bet a vicious hitter. He spent time in Juvi. We could use a mean, big hitting, pass rusher so why not. I'd give him a shot. But i would make him wrap up, I hate the shoulder-lunge tackle.

Shea McClellin - I'm not a racist but i really dont want to see another white guy at OLB for our team. So no, sorry, but no. Unless he is going to be performing like Urlacher or Hawk, but im not gambling on that.

Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma - One of the few non-sec schools i respect each season. But if he isnt a pass rusher and has trouble getting past blocks to stop the rushing game, then I maybe wouldnt take him

scouting reports-

It was probably for the best that Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Travis Lewis decided to return to school for his senior year. The undersized prospect possesses a lean frame, but definitely passes the eyeball test. His instincts inside the tackle box are on point, flowing to the ball with quickness and explosiveness.
As a tackler, he'll need to improve breaking down and wrapping up. Lewis too often relies on impact tackles, where he'll simply throw his body into a ball-carrier. He needs to learn to wrap-up running backs from the waist down. Most NFL defenses will be hesitant to use him as a middle linebacker at only 227 pounds. He may be a better fit as a weak-side backer. In open space, he defends the pass well with natural ability to close the gap. Lewis can definitely make a play on the ball if it is thrown in his area.
At the next level, he's going to need to add bulk. He may have great instincts along with the football IQ to go with it, but he's going to have his hands full of big running backs and tight ends.
Lewis projects as a second to third round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
12/28/11
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Strengths:
Nice triangle numbers (height, weight, speed)
Deceptively strong
Highly instinctive
Love his hand use
Knows how to stack and shed blockers
Good job working through trash to get to ballcarrier
Very athletic and coordinated
Tough
Beast against the run
Intense playing style
Consistent
Sure tackler
Great agility and change-of-direction
Monster production going back to freshman season
Excellent closing speed
Good pass rusher
Versatile (4-3 SAM, 4-3 WILL, 3-4 ILB)
Good leader
Work ethic isn't a problem
Active football player; doesn't disappear
Love his overall skill set and talent
Good (not great) in pass coverage
Covers a lot of ground
True playmaker
Weaknesses:
Might lack some awareness in zone
Sometimes gets out of control
Could be a little more patient in gap discipline
Gets a little high in pass coverage
Needs to do a better job of protecting legs
Bites on play action a little too much
Summary: Travis Lewis is getting a lot of flack for something he shouldn't be getting flack for, and that's his play against the run. He's superb. He isn't 245 pounds, but you don't have to be to have terrific playing strength. I've seen him manhandle offensive linemen and make it look easy on tape. He's a sound tackler and as close to a sure thing as you are going to get for a 4-3 outside linebacker. He won't fit the 3-4 as an outside linebacker because he lacks the size and pure pass rushing talent for the position.
Lewis enters the year with a first-round grade on my board at No. 12 overall and could still move up. I love that he can play both the weakside and strongside in the 4-3 at a very high level, which makes him a very rare prospect.
Player Comparison: Lance Briggs. Briggs is the 4-3 linebacker everyone in the NFL wishes they had if they run that front. Lewis has a similar skill set and talent level.
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Lewis has good size, and is built more like a safety than a linebacker with long lean limbs and narrow waist. In terms of his skill set, Lewis is the most complete linebacker in the draft. He does a great job diagnosing the play, and if it's a run, break on the ball, clear through traffic and clear out the ball carrier. On a pass play, he keeps his butt low and does a really nice job in coverage. This is due in large part to his athleticism and speed. Lewis is also an excellent blitzer and is used a lot on run blitzes which accounts for some of his gawdy statistics. Compared to a player like say Sean Weatherspoon from Missouri, Lewis does not have the seasoning or experience that Spoon does. But on the other hand, Lewis is much faster and more athletic and able to do many more things on the field. If there's a knock on Lewis other than his lack of experience, it's in terms of his bulk and strength. He's very fit, but doesn't look to be a real big physical guy and you see that sometimes when teams run right at him. He wants to work around blockers rather than through them, and if you guess wrong you are chasing the play. Lewis is also pretty raw even with 2 years as a starter and there are just a lot of the finer points of things like man coverage, and blitzes that he can improve on.
Draft Status Lewis is only a redshirt sophomore but he may jump off the Sooners if he views it as a sinking ship. He's almost certainly one of the top two pure 4-3 OLBs in the draft, and if he can have a great offseason workout, could end up being the first linebacker off the board not named Rolando McClain. I'd say should he declare and run the way most think he will(in the 4.4 range) he's almost assured of a first round pick.
Final Analysis Lewis exploded on the scene as a Freshman. He showed his versitility but amassing not only great tackle numbers which you'd expect but TFL's, sacks, passes defended, quarterback hurries and interceptions. 3 down linebackers are a great luxury in the NFL, and along with his athleticism and tremendous potential his ability to stay on the field in passing situations makes him very valuable. And if he can play 8 pounds heavier without giving up his speed, he'd be even better off.
Reminds me of: Jon Beason, LB Carolina Panthers-Both guys are a little undersized and both very explosive athletes. Lewis like Beason looks to be a a 3 down backer who can defend the run and the pass equally well.
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A shorter, undersized backer who is a bit narrow through the hips, but possesses an athletic looking frame. Displays "plus" instincts inside when asked to read and react to the inside run. Does a nice job staying low when sliding laterally and absolutely explodes downhill when he finds the ball. Generates a natural burst and exhibits very good closing speed off his frame. Plays with proper leverage consistently, which allows him to routinely work his way free from blocks. Routinely is able to gain a step, absorb contact and fend off blocks through the play. Has the lower body strength and plays with the necessary leverage to even take on linemen in the hole. Extends his arms well, locates the football and for his size does an impressive job stacking and shedding at the point. Is only an average tackler, tends to go high into ball carriers and will slip off his fair share of backs. Doesn't breakdown as consistently as his athletic skill set would lead you to believe in space. However, has the range to routinely string out plays and close quickly in pursuit.

Is a natural athlete in space vs. the pass game. Possesses good coordination in his drop, keeps his feet under him and does a great job dropping his pad level and accelerating out of his breaks. Doesn't waste much motion when asked to click and close, stays compact with his footwork and generates good closing speed off his frame. Keeps his head on a swivel in zone coverage, feels routes around him and exhibits the fluidity to cleanly open up his hips and run. Exhibits good ball skills when he can make a play on the throw and has a knack for being around the football and coming down with key turnovers.
Impression: He's a bit undersized and doesn't tackle as well as you would like inside the box. However, he's a good run and hit backer who plays the run well and will be able to make plays vs. the pass game in the NFL. Looks like a day one starter to me as a 43 backer, either on the weak side or possibly in the middle.
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Out of mocks going beyond the 1st Rd he is one of the most commonly mocked to the Saints players.

On big board rankings-

NFP 52
Great Blue 72
DraftTek 87
Walter 73
PFW 65

I like the idea of Lavonte David, though I'm starting to see him go off the board before we pick. CBS has him as the #38 prospect in the draft and Walter's latest mock has him go in the top 40 as well. It would be great if he fell to us but we might end up looking more at Travis Lewis who might be around in the third, where we could be in a better position to move up and snag him early in the round.

I just see them starting move up some boards thanks to the Senior Bowl and it seems more and more unlikely that they fall as far as it would take to get to us.

That being said, there are a fair number of players in that range that should be able to make an immediate impact if we draft them.