Championship Subdivision Football | FCS Football | Stadiums | Blogs | Forums

Based on what my sources at the Shrine and my own film evaluations here are the players whose stock is changing over the last couple weeks:

RISING

OT/OG Will Rackley, Lehigh- He is showing what most figured that he is not a tackle at the next level but could be a very good guard. He bends well and is strong. Should be a solid 4th-5th round pick.

CB Justin Rogers, Richmond- He is really impressing people at the Shrine and looks more like a 5th round pick than a 7th round or PFA like many have him.

CB Korey Lindsey, Southern Illinois- Lindsey has looked pretty good out at the Shrine and should solidify himself in the 4th-5th round. A lot of folks abandoned his ranking when he didn't get an early combine invite but I won't. He is a legit mid round guy who will surprise some folks.

TE Julius Thomas, Portland State- He is raw but has so much potential and could be a shocking 4th-5th round pick and if he falls past that he will be a huge steal. His size, hands, speed, and athletic ability make him an ideal developmental project. Once he really learns the game and improves as a blocker the former basketball star could be a starter in the NFL.

FALLING

QB Pat Devlin, Delaware- Has struggled with making the throws needed in the NFL. Not impressing the folks I talked to. They like some things about him but his inconsistency at the Shrine practices and inability to win the NC game after being ahead has him more in the mid 5th to late 6th round range than the 3rd-4th like most media outlets have him.

DE Christian Anthony, Grambling State- I hate this for him. He went from a 4th-6th round prospect to someone who now likely won't even get into a camp. Teams know he had a heart attack and are concerned about the higher risk he could have another, the insurance settlement they would face if he had one while in camp, and the fact even if okay he would likely have a shorter career. No matter what he does in the postseason it would be surprising to see him even get a tryout based on what teams are telling me.

TOUGH TO GAUGE

CB Cortez Allen, The Citadel- He has flashed some athletic ability but struggles in coverage at the Shrine practices. He is smooth and fluid just like on his college tape but struggled in one on one drills and even had some reps where he would have been called for holding in games. There are things about him that make me say he is a tryout player at best and then traits that make him look like a 3rd round pick. He likely is looking at the average of the two as a 6th-PFA prospect.

Once again, two south Louisiana kids doing very well for themselves in Justin Rogers and Kory Lindsey...Rogers was a thin, undersized QB in high school who didn't run all that well and wasn't very highly recruited...Lindsey wasn't a burner either but was considered a much better prospect at the time...something about kids from this part of the world - they develop when given an opportunity, especially DBs.

Any word yet about Taiwan getting a combine invite?

East-West Shrine players make final case for NFL scouts
By Chad Reuter
NFLDraftScout.com
Jan. 19, 2011Tell Chad your opinion!

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Wednesday is really the last day players get to make impressions on NFL scouts before Saturday's East-West Shrine Game. Thursday and Friday are glorified walkthroughs, and most scouts will leave tonight or Thursday morning to being preparations for next week's Senior Bowl festivities in Mobile, Ala.

Once again, the players receiving the most attention were North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin and Delaware's Pat Devlin. Austin stood strong against disappointing offensive linemen Ryan Bartholomew (Syracuse) and Randall Hunt (Illinois) in run situations, as he did Tuesday. He flashed quick hands in one-on-one pass-rush drills, giving teams a glimpse of what his game could be with more polish after being away from the game for a full season. The time off affected his stamina; he lost steam late in practice.

Devlin is the most talented quarterback on either roster, standing tall in the pocket and delivering accurate passes to all levels of the field. His lack of velocity mirrors the average arm he shows on tape. He's still working on taking snaps from under center, but that should come with time since he worked in a pro-style system during his time at Penn State.
Pat had a bad first day but has picked it up since. I can't see how losing the NC would impact him considering the dropped balls during the game...That being said, there have been plenty of write ups that say he very much impressed the scouts. It all depends on the article and the team. Same thing happened with Joe. The scouts know Pat's physical abilities already...they are going to want to see how he handles an offense, how quickly he can master that offense, and how easy is he to coach...He'll great in that area. When all is said an done he'll be right around that 2nd-3rd MARK.

Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:Any word yet about Taiwan getting a combine invite?

He is suppose to be getting one. Has not received one that I know of yet.

2011 East West Shrine Game: East Team
by Alfie Crow on Jan 20, 2011 7:17 AM EST in 2011 NFL Draft

Tweet 2 comments Email Print
Carlos Osorio - AP

View full size photo »


The weather on Tuesday and Wednesday in Orlando, Florida was perfect for standing outside and watching football practice. Monday, practice was held in the Grand Ball Room of the hotel, which was rather hilarious. There were kids taking falls on the carpet and getting blocked into potted plants. Tuesday and Wednesday however, the weather was perfect. The East, coached by former NFL head coach Dan Reeves has a one up on it's West counterpart at a couple of positions.



On the offensive side of the football, the star the days I was present at practice was Delaware's quarterback Pat Devlin. Devlin couldn't really find his rhythm on the first day of practice, often missing his receivers deep down the field on over throws. That's to be expected however, learning to gauge the speed of your new receivers. Devlin came back on day two and looked much more crisp and was hitting his guys in stride. Devlin is far and away the best quarterback on the East team, well ahead of Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor and Navy's Ricky Dobbs.
I will get you some more if you'd like...this article is from today

HenZoneNation wrote:East-West Shrine players make final case for NFL scouts
By Chad Reuter
NFLDraftScout.com
Jan. 19, 2011Tell Chad your opinion!

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Wednesday is really the last day players get to make impressions on NFL scouts before Saturday's East-West Shrine Game. Thursday and Friday are glorified walkthroughs, and most scouts will leave tonight or Thursday morning to being preparations for next week's Senior Bowl festivities in Mobile, Ala.

Once again, the players receiving the most attention were North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin and Delaware's Pat Devlin. Austin stood strong against disappointing offensive linemen Ryan Bartholomew (Syracuse) and Randall Hunt (Illinois) in run situations, as he did Tuesday. He flashed quick hands in one-on-one pass-rush drills, giving teams a glimpse of what his game could be with more polish after being away from the game for a full season. The time off affected his stamina; he lost steam late in practice.

Devlin is the most talented quarterback on either roster, standing tall in the pocket and delivering accurate passes to all levels of the field. His lack of velocity mirrors the average arm he shows on tape. He's still working on taking snaps from under center, but that should come with time since he worked in a pro-style system during his time at Penn State.
Pat had a bad first day but has picked it up since. I can't see how losing the NC would impact him considering the dropped balls during the game...That being said, there have been plenty of write ups that say he very much impressed the scouts. It all depends on the article and the team. Same thing happened with Joe. The scouts know Pat's physical abilities already...they are going to want to see how he handles an offense, how quickly he can master that offense, and how easy is he to coach...He'll great in that area. When all is said an done he'll be right around that 2nd-3rd MARK.

I wouldn't put much stock into what that guy said. He is usually opposite on what the guys I respect say. While I think Devlin could move up I do think 2nd-3rd round right now is a bit high. The one thing he has going for him is that the QB class is weak but I have talked to several NFL scouts who told me Devlin is a mid-late round guy. Then also reading some folks who have a much better eye for talent on the internet seemed to agree. Here are some quotes from TFY Draft: Patrick Devlin QB Delaware

Tues: Really struggled to throw the ball. Passes float and wobble. Did not look good.

Wed: Another poor result. Rarely throws tight spirals. Accuracy downfield is not good.

On the national title game I'm just saying what I'm hearing. Yes he had a lot of dropped balls by receivers not only in that game but a lot of others the last two years but he also missed some open receivers and the team blew a 19-0 lead. One thing I don't like is how QBs get all the glory when they win and all the blame when they lose and folks are labeling Devlin as a guy who has not been able to win big games the last two years. And like you I think the receivers are more to blame than Devlin.

DT Austin, QB Devlin impress at Shrine practice
By Chad Reuter
NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
Jan. 18, 2011Tell Chad your opinion!

ORLANDO -- After a day of "practice" in a hotel ballroom -- players were forced to the makeshift field by weather -- the mere sight of outdoor practice was a welcome one for NFL scouts, agents and media assembled around the grass practice field outside of the Citrus Bowl.

Several prospects shined Tuesday, and a few haven't seen the light of day in months.

North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin, who began the 2010 season as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 2 ranked prospect, started off strong in one-on-one drills. He flashed quick hands and feet to bull-rush or run around mid-tier prospects such as Missouri State guard David Arkin.


Marvin Austin flashes quick hands and feet, but scouts might want to see more to consider him a top-50 prospect. (US Presswire)
Scouts are careful not to oversell the value of one-on-one drills, as defensive linemen such as Austin, University of South Florida's Terrell McClain, Penn State's Ollie Ogbu and Richmond's Martin Parker have an unrealistic amount of room with which to work in the drills. The quickness of Austin, McClain and Parker was evident. At the NFL level, most blocking schemes dictate offensive guards have blocking help from the center and even from tackles at times.

Arkin returned the favor to Austin during team drills, standing him straight up off the snap on multiple occasions. Austin did stand his ground and move down the line while engaged against the run during live scrimmage, once pushing Purdue tight end Kyle Adams aside to swallow the back coming into the hole. Though it was a solid practice, scouts might want to see more to consider Austin a top-50 prospect, especially considering he was so highly touted as a prep and expectations were through the roof entering the season.

Delaware quarterback Pat Devlin garnered preseason attention for both his talent and the natural comparison to former Blue Hen and current Ravens' Pro Bowl starter Joe Flacco. He was easily the most impressive passer Tuesday. His footwork and posture in the pocket was solid and he consistently delivered tight spirals. He was generally accurate, throwing a bit ahead of or behind his target, which is largely expected in an all-star setting, as quarterbacks and receivers lack timing based on unfamiliarity. Fellow signal-callers Tyrod Taylor (Virginia Tech) and Ricky Dobbs (Navy) had nondescript performances, generally connecting on short throws but failing to make any exceptional throws.

Devlin aiming to follow Flacco from Delaware to NFL By Bucky Brooks NFL.com
Analyst
Published: Jan. 18, 2011 at 09:50 p.m. Updated: Jan. 19, 2011 at 04:50 p.m. Liked: 12 | Comments: 25 Email Like Print Read Discuss

Friend(s) Email

Your Email
Send Email By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

LSU receiver Toliver catching scouts' eyes
N.C.'s Austin has lots to prove at Shrine Game
More Columns >

Unlock HQ Video HQ video delivered by Akamai




The college all-star game circuit provides small-school prospects with opportunities to display their talents on a big stage. Their performances in these games are critical in their overall evaluations because scouts finally get to see these standouts compete on the same playing field with major-college stars.

While some of these small-college players started their respective careers at Division I schools, they must still overcome the stigma of piling up gaudy production against lesser competition.

In this year's East-West Shrine Game (Saturday on NFL Network), Pat Devlin is vying to be the next small-college standout to emerge as a franchise quarterback.

East-West Shrine Game on NFL Network:
On Saturday, Jan. 22, NFL stars of tomorrow compete in the 2011 East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Fla. Coverage begins on NFL Network at 3:30 p.m. ET.

» NFL Network broadcast schedule As a star at Delaware, Devlin is following a similar path to his Blue Hen predecessor Joe Flacco. Both transferred from major colleges after failing to win the starting jobs at their respective schools (Flacco transferred to Delaware after losing the battle for the starting job to Tyler Palko at Pittsburgh, while Devlin left Penn State following his sophomore season after spending the year as Daryll Clark's backup), and guided Delaware to an appearance at the Football Championship Subdivision title game.

Devlin, who connected on 68 percent of his passes for 3,032 yards with 22 touchdowns and three interceptions, is regarded as a smart player with outstanding intangibles. He is an excellent decision maker who shows good poise and patience in the pocket. He gets the ball out of his hand quickly, and is fairly accurate. Although he doesn't possess a big arm, he compensates for this deficiency with good anticipation and touch.

In watching Devlin during his first workout, his poise and patience in the pocket stood out. He didn't appear rattled by rushers in close proximity, and repeatedly delivered the ball before the pocket collapsed. While most of his throws hit his receivers in stride, he had problems connecting on the deep outside routes, which require exceptional arm strength and velocity. Over the next few days, he must start to connect on those throws or scouts will view his arm strength as a liability that could hinder his ability to thrive on the next level.

The physical part of Devlin's game undoubtedly will be picked apart by scouts closely watching every attempt in individual and team drills, but evaluators will also pick the brains of the East's coaching staff to assess his ability to learn and retain a pro-like playbook. This will play a huge part in his evaluation as scouts attempt to determine whether he has potential to take information from the board to the field with minimal repetitions. With backups often receiving few opportunities during the practice week, this skill is essential for all quarterbacks set to enter the league.

Devlin left the big stage to become a star on the small-school level, but a solid week at the East-West Shrine Game could make him the next unheralded passer to emerge as a potential franchise quarterback candidate.



This is where Pat will shine...his one on one meetings. I also wouldn't be surprised if he worked with former UD and NFL QB Scott Brunner between the Shrine and the Combine. Scott worked with Joe and raised his stock from 5th to first. I'm not saying Pat is a first round pick...but with the amout of teams needing QB's and his skill levels...2-3rd is about right.

HenZoneNation wrote:DT Austin, QB Devlin impress at Shrine practice
By Chad Reuter
NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
Jan. 18, 2011Tell Chad your opinion!

ORLANDO -- After a day of "practice" in a hotel ballroom -- players were forced to the makeshift field by weather -- the mere sight of outdoor practice was a welcome one for NFL scouts, agents and media assembled around the grass practice field outside of the Citrus Bowl.

Several prospects shined Tuesday, and a few haven't seen the light of day in months.

North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin, who began the 2010 season as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 2 ranked prospect, started off strong in one-on-one drills. He flashed quick hands and feet to bull-rush or run around mid-tier prospects such as Missouri State guard David Arkin.


Marvin Austin flashes quick hands and feet, but scouts might want to see more to consider him a top-50 prospect. (US Presswire)
Scouts are careful not to oversell the value of one-on-one drills, as defensive linemen such as Austin, University of South Florida's Terrell McClain, Penn State's Ollie Ogbu and Richmond's Martin Parker have an unrealistic amount of room with which to work in the drills. The quickness of Austin, McClain and Parker was evident. At the NFL level, most blocking schemes dictate offensive guards have blocking help from the center and even from tackles at times.

Arkin returned the favor to Austin during team drills, standing him straight up off the snap on multiple occasions. Austin did stand his ground and move down the line while engaged against the run during live scrimmage, once pushing Purdue tight end Kyle Adams aside to swallow the back coming into the hole. Though it was a solid practice, scouts might want to see more to consider Austin a top-50 prospect, especially considering he was so highly touted as a prep and expectations were through the roof entering the season.

Delaware quarterback Pat Devlin garnered preseason attention for both his talent and the natural comparison to former Blue Hen and current Ravens' Pro Bowl starter Joe Flacco. He was easily the most impressive passer Tuesday. His footwork and posture in the pocket was solid and he consistently delivered tight spirals. He was generally accurate, throwing a bit ahead of or behind his target, which is largely expected in an all-star setting, as quarterbacks and receivers lack timing based on unfamiliarity. Fellow signal-callers Tyrod Taylor (Virginia Tech) and Ricky Dobbs (Navy) had nondescript performances, generally connecting on short throws but failing to make any exceptional throws.

That guy is going to say Devlin looks better than he does because that site has him rated very high and they don't want to look wrong. I'm just saying what NFL scouts and media whom I respect are saying. I'm not down there. My notes were what I was being told. I hated to hear it because I had Devlin as a 4th-5th round but some folks are saying he looks like a 6th-7th rounder. Plus Chad is not the one who writes their in depth scouting reports but Dave Te Thomas does. Chad is just a media guy trying to hype the guys they rated high heading in.

HenZoneNation wrote:Devlin aiming to follow Flacco from Delaware to NFL By Bucky Brooks NFL.com
Analyst
Published: Jan. 18, 2011 at 09:50 p.m. Updated: Jan. 19, 2011 at 04:50 p.m. Liked: 12 | Comments: 25 Email Like Print Read Discuss

Friend(s) Email

Your Email
Send Email By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

LSU receiver Toliver catching scouts' eyes
N.C.'s Austin has lots to prove at Shrine Game
More Columns >

Unlock HQ Video HQ video delivered by Akamai




The college all-star game circuit provides small-school prospects with opportunities to display their talents on a big stage. Their performances in these games are critical in their overall evaluations because scouts finally get to see these standouts compete on the same playing field with major-college stars.

While some of these small-college players started their respective careers at Division I schools, they must still overcome the stigma of piling up gaudy production against lesser competition.

In this year's East-West Shrine Game (Saturday on NFL Network), Pat Devlin is vying to be the next small-college standout to emerge as a franchise quarterback.

East-West Shrine Game on NFL Network:
On Saturday, Jan. 22, NFL stars of tomorrow compete in the 2011 East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Fla. Coverage begins on NFL Network at 3:30 p.m. ET.

» NFL Network broadcast schedule As a star at Delaware, Devlin is following a similar path to his Blue Hen predecessor Joe Flacco. Both transferred from major colleges after failing to win the starting jobs at their respective schools (Flacco transferred to Delaware after losing the battle for the starting job to Tyler Palko at Pittsburgh, while Devlin left Penn State following his sophomore season after spending the year as Daryll Clark's backup), and guided Delaware to an appearance at the Football Championship Subdivision title game.

Devlin, who connected on 68 percent of his passes for 3,032 yards with 22 touchdowns and three interceptions, is regarded as a smart player with outstanding intangibles. He is an excellent decision maker who shows good poise and patience in the pocket. He gets the ball out of his hand quickly, and is fairly accurate. Although he doesn't possess a big arm, he compensates for this deficiency with good anticipation and touch.

In watching Devlin during his first workout, his poise and patience in the pocket stood out. He didn't appear rattled by rushers in close proximity, and repeatedly delivered the ball before the pocket collapsed. While most of his throws hit his receivers in stride, he had problems connecting on the deep outside routes, which require exceptional arm strength and velocity. Over the next few days, he must start to connect on those throws or scouts will view his arm strength as a liability that could hinder his ability to thrive on the next level.

The physical part of Devlin's game undoubtedly will be picked apart by scouts closely watching every attempt in individual and team drills, but evaluators will also pick the brains of the East's coaching staff to assess his ability to learn and retain a pro-like playbook. This will play a huge part in his evaluation as scouts attempt to determine whether he has potential to take information from the board to the field with minimal repetitions. With backups often receiving few opportunities during the practice week, this skill is essential for all quarterbacks set to enter the league.

Devlin left the big stage to become a star on the small-school level, but a solid week at the East-West Shrine Game could make him the next unheralded passer to emerge as a potential franchise quarterback candidate.



This is where Pat will shine...his one on one meetings. I also wouldn't be surprised if he worked with former UD and NFL QB Scott Brunner between the Shrine and the Combine. Scott worked with Joe and raised his stock from 5th to first. I'm not saying Pat is a first round pick...but with the amout of teams needing QB's and his skill levels...2-3rd is about right.

This comment concerns me because GMs who see a QB that can't make all the throws will drop him down the board and they will slide on draft day. That's the thing I hate for Devlin is because he has the best poise, touch, intelligence, etc. of any of the senior QBs but his arm strength is not very good in their eyes and they all said he is struggling on throws you must make in the NFL. Because of that he is likely a backup and I don't think a team is going to take a QB they view only as a backup in the 2nd or 3rd round, do you?

"While most of his throws hit his receivers in stride, he had problems connecting on the deep outside routes, which require exceptional arm strength and velocity. Over the next few days, he must start to connect on those throws or scouts will view his arm strength as a liability that could hinder his ability to thrive on the next level."

Devlins accuracy and poise impresses the hell out of me. But for what it's worth, the exact same praises were being heaped on Matt Nichols last year during the shrine game and he went undrafted. And Matt can make all of the NFL throws.

The best NFL quarterbacks are smart and accurate above all else. To bad the scouts don't recognize that more.

Here's hoping your wrong. I don't know if the writer is saying that Pat will be a permanent back-up or being a back up for a few years behind an established Qb. I don't think Pat will just jump into a starting lineup like Joe did. I don't think he'll have too. There seems to be quite a few people there who are impressed with him from a variety of sources. I'm not discounting yours at all. Just from observing this from when Joe went through the college to pros rank....there were guys that loved him (height, arm, accuracy) and guys who hated him (staring down receivers, not reading defenses).

I look back QB's that had just terrible, terrible work outs in 2008 (Breener and Woodson) and there weren't many conflicting views about their performances...they were just terrible. I think the writer from NFL.com was on the money about how important the mental aspect of the game. Pat has a big upside to that.

On a side note...thanks for providing us with the information you do. It's great...keep up the good work.

Any word on MSU's Mike Person? Read that he got a combine invite but haven't heard much since.

HenZoneNation wrote:Here's hoping your wrong. I don't know if the writer is saying that Pat will be a permanent back-up or being a back up for a few years behind an established Qb. I don't think Pat will just jump into a starting lineup like Joe did. I don't think he'll have too. There seems to be quite a few people there who are impressed with him from a variety of sources. I'm not discounting yours at all. Just from observing this from when Joe went through the college to pros rank....there were guys that loved him (height, arm, accuracy) and guys who hated him (staring down receivers, not reading defenses).

I look back QB's that had just terrible, terrible work outs in 2008 (Breener and Woodson) and there weren't many conflicting views about their performances...they were just terrible. I think the writer from NFL.com was on the money about how important the mental aspect of the game. Pat has a big upside to that.

On a side note...thanks for providing us with the information you do. It's great...keep up the good work.

Yeah I hope he bounces back some. I am hearing conflicting stuff but many of these draftniks don't ever do their own homework and just copy others they talk to thus I think many of them try to lean towards what they hear rather than what they see. Perhaps because many of them aren't even sure what they see.

For example one draft writer was criticizing Cortez Allen saying he uses his hands too much. How is that bad to be physical? Some of them are not very bright at all.

CatBlitz22 wrote:Any word on MSU's Mike Person? Read that he got a combine invite but haven't heard much since.

Does not dominate or maul opponents but moves very well. Late round developmental type guy. 6th-PFA range.

That almost sounds like MSU's Jeff Hansen last year that was a free agent for the Chargers, Browns and now Titans. Hansen was one of the most athletic lineman in preseason on the Chargers offensive line and showed great technique but struggled to generate any sort of consistent push.

Teams value OT a little more since a lot of NFL teams will move college OT's inside to guards if they don't pan out.

SmallCollegeFBFan wrote:Yeah I hope he bounces back some. I am hearing conflicting stuff but many of these draftniks don't ever do their own homework and just copy others they talk to thus I think many of them try to lean towards what they hear rather than what they see. Perhaps because many of them aren't even sure what they see.

For example one draft writer was criticizing Cortez Allen saying he uses his hands too much. How is that bad to be physical? Some of them are not very bright at all.

Two words to emphasize my agreement.

MEL KIPER

I know you recall his scathing indictment of the Jaguars two years ago for picking Derek Cox early in the third round. Classic example of one of the "expert" analysts shooting off his mouth when he had no idea what he was talking about. Cox, of course, became an immediate starter for the Jags at one of the most difficult positions in football.

Tribe4SF wrote:

SmallCollegeFBFan wrote:Yeah I hope he bounces back some. I am hearing conflicting stuff but many of these draftniks don't ever do their own homework and just copy others they talk to thus I think many of them try to lean towards what they hear rather than what they see. Perhaps because many of them aren't even sure what they see.

For example one draft writer was criticizing Cortez Allen saying he uses his hands too much. How is that bad to be physical? Some of them are not very bright at all.

Two words to emphasize my agreement.

MEL KIPER

I know you recall his scathing indictment of the Jaguars two years ago for picking Derek Cox early in the third round. Classic example of one of the "expert" analysts shooting off his mouth when he had no idea what he was talking about. Cox, of course, became an immediate starter for the Jags at one of the most difficult positions in football.

Yes it is quite funny. Now I am not a Kiper fan but I will defend his statement a little bit and then wrap up by certainly laughing with you about how he shot his mouth off.

I will first say Kiper probably didn't know much about him and that was why he really thought Cox was overdrafted. I heard he had Cox in the 50-80 range at CB, can't remember where exactly. I had Cox in the 20s range as a 5th-6th round pick and did think they reached on him. Mainly because he didn't look as fast as he ran on tape but he played special teams and was a solid corner who put up a great workout.

The Jags even admitted to me they were reaching in hopes he would hit his potential quickly. As a rookie Cox struggled and really did not look like a 3rd round pick so in that instance Kiper was right. However, Kiper failed to really know enough to know Cox had a chance to be a very good one down the road and he has improved greatly.

I talked to a couple Jags players and a former college teammate of his in the NFL who told me how Cox has improved so much they thought and I agreed. He is not an elite corner yet, just average, but has become a decent starter and is still improving.

With all of that said while I just simply said I thought Cox was more of a 5th round caliber player at the time he was taken I myself did not shoot off my mouth like Kiper and many others by laughing at the pick. He was certainly draftable and I thought this was a case proving that if a FCS player is not at the Combine, an all-star game, or has an agent Kiper or McShay is tight with that he goes unknown.

In fact Kiper doesn't really do his homework. I have asked around and he doesn't call schools, collect coach's tape, or anything. He has a big group of interns who search the internet and create his massive lists and unless the player is rated high in the spring by the NFL or in a major postseason event they get lost in the shuffle and he never hypes them. And that is what happened with Cox. So it is funny that he shot his mouth off when really he had no clue who Cox was and just didn't want to admit it!

I know Oordt hasn't really been to any of these "All Star" events but I know he is headed to the combine

Any word on him sneaking into the 6th or 7th round as a pick, or is he looking like a PFA unless he has an dominant combine?

clenz wrote:I know Oordt hasn't really been to any of these "All Star" events but I know he is headed to the combine

Any word on him sneaking into the 6th or 7th round as a pick, or is he looking like a PFA unless he has an dominant combine?

He is playing in the NFLPA Texas vs. Nation Game coming up here soon. If he runs 4.5s at the Combine he has a good shot to go in the late rounds. I would say he is a borderline draft pick with the combine likely to dictate whether he is drafted or not.

bpcats wrote:That almost sounds like MSU's Jeff Hansen last year that was a free agent for the Chargers, Browns and now Titans. Hansen was one of the most athletic lineman in preseason on the Chargers offensive line and showed great technique but struggled to generate any sort of consistent push.

Teams value OT a little more since a lot of NFL teams will move college OT's inside to guards if they don't pan out.

The Titans tend to like FCS players it seems.....They have players from NDSU, EWU, UM and Mont. St. The player from NDSU is Nick Schommer, EWU Roos, UM Mariani(pro bowl) and now your MST guy.

clenz wrote:I know Oordt hasn't really been to any of these "All Star" events but I know he is headed to the combine

Any word on him sneaking into the 6th or 7th round as a pick, or is he looking like a PFA unless he has an dominant combine?

Oordt is playing in the Nation vs Texas game I believe. NDSU's CB Chris Gatlin is playing for Texas.

TheHerd wrote:

clenz wrote:I know Oordt hasn't really been to any of these "All Star" events but I know he is headed to the combine

Any word on him sneaking into the 6th or 7th round as a pick, or is he looking like a PFA unless he has an dominant combine?

Oordt is playing in the Nation vs Texas game I believe. NDSU's CB Chris Gatlin is playing for Texas.

I was surprised when I got the rosters and Gatlin was on it since he wasn't even named All-MVFC.

Smallcollegeguy, Have you heard anything at all about NDSU's Chris Gatlin? He is playing for Texas. I know he wouldn't be drafted, but any info you have heard on him or any other NDSU players would be appreciated. The only other Bison players that would have a shot are DT Gratzek, P Prelvitz and possibly LT Aarndt. Gratzek I believe should have been playing in one of these all star games.....the guy is a load and works his ass off!