It's about time this beast of a player had his own thread. Post notes, videos etc. about Ziggy here. I love him. He is my favorite DE in this draft, though not necessarily my top-ranked one. My notes on first seeing him: WHAT HE IS: DE Ezekial Ansah BYU (amazing ceiling. freak. perfect out of stance. explodes. speed. power. unrefined with upside. 3 years of football! Give me this guy!) This guy plays with such disruption and destruction that he is an O-line's nightmare. Diagnoses and instinctively figures out plays before anyone else. I can't imagine his upside, with his little experience, but speed and power. WHAT HE IS NOT: He lacks that quick first step to be a pure edge rusher. He is a perfect complement to Wake on the other end, as Ansah can play a power DE spot like Justin Tuck. A way more active, freakish, disruptive Odrick who will cause the sort of backfield havoc that leads to sacks, interceptions and fumbles. Great against the run, but also sniffs out screens, counters and deception plays. I can;t even talk about his negatives without coming back to how impressive a prospect this kid is. The right coaching and look out. That said, I don't know that he is a #12 overall investment with the slight risk factor of being raw still. I see him more in the 20-25 range and would love to see the Dolphins use their late second and high third to trade back up to nab Ansah if he is around at the end of the first. At the Senior Bowl, Ansah was lauded as the best player on the field in Monday's practice by DraftCountdown.com If this keeps up, I may want Ziggy at 12. I am convinced he will be a force in the NFL with the right coaching.
He's still my top choice at #12.... and I see no reason why he can't become a 10 sack guy. I don't think we'd have a problem rushing him from the outside and seeing success; I just think he hasn't been asked to do it enough to develop that aspect of his game or get a firm enough grasp on the position. With his talent level (build up speed, power, athleticism, agility, quick-twitch make up, outstanding leverage, intelligence, and strong & violent hands), there should be enough ways for him to eventually set up offensive tackles and keep them off balance/guessing that him not having an elite speed rush shouldn't hurt his overall pass rush ability. Ansah turning the corner (all videos timestamped): http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HpiOSwicEkk#t=268s Bending around right guard + athleticism to hit QB's arm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Aya0wRxQklU#t=59s Quickness around RT and hurdles the dive-blocking FB to bat down pass: http://www.youtube.com/watchfeature=player_detailpage&v=Aya0wRxQklU#t=101s Beats RT around the edge, gets held and pulled to ground: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Aya0wRxQklU#t=340s Ansah's burst to the QB: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HpiOSwicEkk#t=297s Ansah stalking the QB <power + agility + athleticism>: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8O4NawUsjtc#t=107s Ansah converting speed to power to inside spin move: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Aya0wRxQklU#t=327s Ansah in pursuit: <agility & closing speed> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=h9h5CJFMlt8#t=325s <agility & closing speed> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HpiOSwicEkk#t=179s <quick stop and redirect ability, great awareness> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=MFYELG3ItAk#t=59s <stop, redirect, and close> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8O4NawUsjtc#t=11s <stop, redirect, and violent sack> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8O4NawUsjtc#t=62s <awareness, agility, athleticism, and closing burst on TE screen> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Aya0wRxQklU#t=207s Ansah's power: <power + redirect> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=z-JxQlaxBHU#t=44s <power + athleticism> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HpiOSwicEkk#t=70s <power + quickness into backfield> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Aya0wRxQklU#t=189s Ansah's quickness of the line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=z-JxQlaxBHU#t=527s Ansah keeping his feet clean & getting his hands up (does this better than anyone in the draft): http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=z-JxQlaxBHU#t=123s http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=z-JxQlaxBHU#t=213s Ansah back-to-back goal line stops behind the LOS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=z-JxQlaxBHU#t=234s http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=z-JxQlaxBHU#t=246s Ansah playing in space: <dropping in coverage> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8O4NawUsjtc#t=284s <destroying a screen> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=GEe0b0bqmAI#t=68s <dropping into coverage> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Aya0wRxQklU#t=10s
So close Jordan and Ansah, both excellent prospects..both have high ceilings..super talented.. I really like the idea of Richardson, Jordan, and Ansah as options at 12.
I feel safer with Ansah TBH; plus he can start opposite Wake if needed, which Jordan can't. My realistic top 3 would be Ansah, Milliner, Richardson..... with Fisher jumping to #2 depending how FA goes.
Jordan weighs 225 and is exhaustingly trying to gain weight for the combine (goal of 250 IIRC). I personally don't touch guys like that at #12. Do you have tape on him at 250 to see how he carries it and if it affects his game? If the extra weight is important for his NFL future, do you know that he can keep it on for a full season? It's a recipe for a potential bust. For me, there are too many options at 12 to take a kid with the above question marks regardless of how good he may look at his current weight.
its so close for me with these three players, I think sheldon is the best of the bunch, but I just didn't notice to many problems with Jordan and his strength, this is a very unique player with pretty much unprecedented size/ movement skills..His body absolutely can handle twenty lbs.. '
I understand Jordan looks impressive.... but he's been in college 5 years and currently weighs only 225 after reportedly arriving at Oregon at 215. I simply would not entrust a #12 pick on the hopes he gains 25+ pounds, maintains it, and displays the same ability level at 250+ that he does at 225. There's too much unknown risk involved, and with a pick that high and guys like Ansah, Richardson, and perhaps Milliner & Fisher on the board, it's a risk I'd rather see another team take (just as the Bills did with Maybin).
Ansah has some risk too, being inexperienced in the game, but it's more the sort of risk that makes you say "If he's already this good, how good could he get??" Whereas Dion has the risk of not being able to physically cope with a full season of 310lb LT's. CK did point out that Dion plays stronger than his weight, though. I re-watched and have to agree there. Sheldon Richardson is a guy I can't get super excited about. I see him more as a DT in the 2008 Randy Starks mold once he takes two to three years to develop, mature and gain weight and strength. Really he is a 3-4 end actually. Of the three, Dion is too risky for me at 12 but will still go high (maybe before 12), Sheldon I don't see as an ideal fit for his talents and our scheme, and Ansah is the best fit with the best upside to risk ratio but I think his value is to be picked around 22. We either reach for him a bit, or likely miss out.
Here's a good article over at Matt Waldman's site. It was written by Jene Bramel. It's not as detail oriented as Matt's typical stuff, but it does highlight some concerns. http://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2013/01/22/ezekial-ansah-next-man-up-in-the-potential-vs-polish-debate/
They aren't similar at all. Dion Jordan is closer to Manny Lawson than Melvin Ingram, IMO. Melvin Ingram was a great pass rusher from multiple spots on the field that lacked prototypical size. Dion Jordan is an average to below average pass rusher that plays more standing up than down and is easily ridden out wide because he does not counter his speed rush.
I wish people would stop with the JPP comparison as a shortcut. JPP had an ability around the edge and quckness that Ansah doesn;t show on edge rush attempts. The similarity in people's minds is more about how a GM approaches risk vs potential (or as the article puts it polish-vs potential in the case of a raw player.) JPP was raw. Ansah is raw. That's as similar as they are though. I totally agree with the writer on his concern. Ansah lacks that explosive first step a great edge rusher has, and that's why he is slotted around 22 for me value-wise. But having Wake on the other side, and needing a strongside DE he is perfect for us... just not at 12th overall. I also have concerns with how, despite his track speed, he doesn't seem to change direction and accelrate on a dime. Not as bad as Damontre Moore, mind you, who corners like a stretch-limo.
That's being overly unkind to Dion. I think he is not as great a pass rusher as everyone seems to hype. I agree there. But I would not say he is a below-average one. Come on man. Agree that he's a two point stance guy. honestly, he worries me because I don;t see the complete package of necessary physical traits and football skills to play DE... nor does he tick all the boxes as an OLB. he has half of one and half of the other, but not in the way that makes me feel certain he can do either, let alone both, at a high level. Yeah, I love his potential but Dion scares me. No thanks.
I decided to look at the chances we will get Ansah, even if we wanted him, based on draft position and the needs of other teams. Teams Who Need A 4-3 DE (According To Drafttek Simulations) Badly Needs Detroit High Priority Atlanta Cleveland Jacksonville Miami Oakland One Of Several Needs Buffalo Cinci New England New Orleans NY Giants Could Use Seattle Tampa Bay I think Ansah moves into play once we get into the teens. Here is how I see the chances of him going at each spot. 12. Miami - Would be overdrafting based on his value. 13. Buccaneers - A possibility, as the Bucs could use a DE, but not a priority nor a vlaue. I doubt he goes here. 14. Panthers - No 15. Saints - Possible. The Saints could certainly use a DE, but have other needs too. 16. Rams - No. 17. Steelers - 3-4 Team. No. 18. Cowboys - 3-4 Team. No. 19. Giants - A good chance. I still feel Ansah's value is in the twenties, but he is the sort of player the Giants would develop, plus the Giants could use some re-stocking along that aging and injury-prone line. The Giants also value DE's highly in their organization. 20. Bears - No. 21. Bengals - Absolutely a possibility here. We are in Ansah's value sweet spot, DE is a need for Cinci, plus they play 4-3 with tall DEs who have power. Good chance this pick is Ansah. 22. Rams - No. 23. Vikings - No. Bigger needs. 24. Colts - See Vikings. No. 25. Seahawks - Seattle could use a 4-3 DE, but aren't hard up for one at the moment. This really depends on where their board stacks Ansah. If he is the highest value player on their board at this point, I could see them taking him, but I do not see Ansah as a particularly hoped-for target of theirs. 26. Packers - No. 27. Texans - I am tempted to say no, but I feel there is a chance the Texans will be tempted to get Connor Barwin some help. They looked toothless against Tom Brady and if they hope to make playoff pushes, they will need to do better along the defensive line. I'll say it would be a surprise, but I could see it happening. 28. Broncos - No. 29. Patriots - Belichick is smart, so if Ansah is still on the board at 29, he's a Patriot... unless an even better player has fallen. 30. Falcons - Another team that could really use Ansah's services. He could have helped along that line against Kaepernick, not to mention john Abraham is aging. This would make sense. 31. Ravens - No. 32. San Francisco 49ers - Not a need. Round Two (If he somehow falls) 33. Jags - Ansah finds a home in Jacksonville for sure if he's still available. They need him, and he'd be a good value. 34. Chiefs - No. 35. Eagles - Doubt it, though at this point, he may be picked by a team who doesn't need a DE just because he is a great value in the 2nd round. 36. Detroit - There is no way in hell Ansah would make it past Detroit. They need a DE, and he'd be an amazing pick in the second round. 37. Cinci - They would snap Ansah up here if available. 38. Arizona - No. 39. Jets - No... you would think, because 3-4. But it's the Jets. Who knows. 40. Titans - No. 41. Buffalo - Yes. It's a need. Ansah's a steal here. 42. Miami - Yes, for sure... but it's clear he won't make it this far. Things will change based on his Senior Bowl, combine performance, chalkboard sessions and interviews, and what teams do in Free Agency. Conclusion: There is a hard ceiling for Ansah once we hit the 20's. At 19 & 21 there are serious potential suitors. Possible homes for him at 25 and 27. And almost certainly he doesn't make it past picks 29 & 30. Clearly if the Dolphins want Ezekiel Ansah, they have only two choices: 1) use the #12 overall pick on him. IMO this would be a mistake. 2) Move back into the first round at the #18 spot. This is the Cowboys spot, so it helps that Jerry and Ireland have a relationship. This would cost us our 2a, 3a and either a player or another pick in next year's draft. A high price to pay. Dolphins picks (trade value): 12 (1200), 42 (480), 54 (360), 77 (205), 82 (180), 108 (78), 5th - 35, 6th - 20... Pick #18 = 900 points No matter how you look at it, I just don't see how we get Ezekiel Ansah. He won't be the right value where we pick and will be too expensive to trade up and get before he hits 'the gauntlet' in the 20's of the first round. It pains me to say it, because Ansah is my favorite defender in this draft, but I don't see Ziggy Ansah in Aqua & Orange.
Barry you would be a great GM league guy. Ur a type A personality. Give it a shot Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
As I said in a thread out in the mains, I've been searching for a good guy to compare Zeke Ansah to and could never remember who I was thinking of. Israel Idonije is the guy I was thinking of. Zeke Ansah reminds me a lot of Israel Idonije.
I actually think there is some similarity between JPP and Ansah, not spitting images or anything, but as far as size, length, athleticism, strength, hands, leverage, pursuit, and ability to disrupt behind the LOS, I think they're quite similar. The first step or two is what separates JPP, and I'd take a JPP minus the quicker first step in a heartbeat. Here's 2012 JPP (at 6'5 278): [video=youtube;M74lZ1afp10]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M74lZ1afp10[/video] How many sacks in this 2011 clip are from an outside speed rush? The majority aren't. Most of his sacks result from simply being a beast, which Ansah is IMO. [video=youtube;0GrV44sw5Wg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GrV44sw5Wg[/video]
Here's JPP's full 2012 highlight reel BTW . [video=youtube;y2KmYORTl7s]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2KmYORTl7s[/video] How does this group of paired plays compare? [JPP (a.), Ansah (b.) ] 1a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=0GrV44sw5Wg#t=126s 1b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=h9h5CJFMlt8#t=325s 2a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=0GrV44sw5Wg#t=138s 2b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Aya0wRxQklU#t=189s 3a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y2KmYORTl7s#t=357s 3b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=z-JxQlaxBHU#t=213s 4a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=M74lZ1afp10#t=126s 4b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=MFYELG3ItAk#t=59s 5a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y2KmYORTl7s#t=363s 5b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Aya0wRxQklU#t=101s 6a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y2KmYORTl7s#t=315s 6b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Aya0wRxQklU#t=207s 7a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y2KmYORTl7s#t=633s 7b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HpiOSwicEkk#t=70s 8a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y2KmYORTl7s#t=369s 8b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=h9h5CJFMlt8#t=266s 9a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y2KmYORTl7s#t=180s 9b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=h9h5CJFMlt8#t=283s (and the replay) 10a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y2KmYORTl7s#t=347s 10b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=h9h5CJFMlt8#t=325s 11a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y2KmYORTl7s#t=307s 11b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HpiOSwicEkk#t=179s 12a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y2KmYORTl7s#t=694s 12b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8O4NawUsjtc#t=62s 13a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y2KmYORTl7s#t=507s 13b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=GEe0b0bqmAI#t=68s 14a. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y2KmYORTl7s#t=864s 14b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=z-JxQlaxBHU#t=234s
Dude... I LOVE GM-ing, but it's too time consuming. I am 3/4 of the way through a full simulation of if I had been hired as Dolphins GM in 2008 to see exactly what roster we would have today. I went back into all my free agency target lists and draft target lists (I have these every year) and given who we had I decided who I would resign or let go etc. Lets just say the 2013 Miami Dolphins roster is very different than what Jeff Ireland put together. I also have empathy for Jeff Because I had a few draft misses, and most notably, despite badly wanting Gronkowski I was not able to maneuver to get him due to where he went in the draft, value and trade considerations (I do not allows self to justify any move with hindsight... After the fact it's easy to say we Gould have traded or whatever to get gronk, but at the time I would not have had that level of conviction about him to give up massive overvalue to get him.. Despite loving him.) So it's been a cool education on the tension between resources and getting players you want. In Ansah's case, it's kinda like Gronk. I want him a lot, but not enough to way overspend picks to get him.
Yes and no. I see some of what you are saying. I also see tackles being concerned and pressured by JPP's outtsde step so JPP can then get u dee their pads inside and shove them out of the way. His outside threat sets up his inside power because tackles are imbalanced when he lays into them. I don't think tackles I the NFL will give Ansah the same outside rush respect, and this they will not be as susceptible to being knocked off balance by a surprise bullrush or hump move inside. But Ansah is powerful and rangy like JPP and will track your *** down. Lol. He's almost half Tuck half JPP. I mean, who could complain about that? Tom Brady perhaps.
I think where they look similar is after the first two steps. Both have excellent second gears to pursue and close.
Notes from New York Times Senior Bowl Practice correspondent http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/24/senior-bowls-surprises-polarizing-prospects-and-small-school-standouts/ He says Ansah will be a polarizing player. Some love him, some have no interest. I agree, because in the wrong scheme he would not flourish, imo. For example, I think he'd be a misfit in the Steelers' 3-4. I think he'd be great in the Giants', Falcons' or Lions' four-front.
Just finished up watching 4 games of his - I'm coming later to games this season so apologies to all two of you who care what I say on this subject. I'll say this about Ansah - if Miami drafts him in R1, you don't make any improvement in 2013. If Ireland drafts him at 12 then he gets himself sacked. Simple as that. I have NO idea who sees Jason Pierre Paul in him. None. Unless it's people who never saw JPP play at South Florida. Because as raw as he was in terms of experience, what made him stand out was a very advanced array of pass rush moves, a great swim, a great push/pull and the ability to burst off the snap and bend and run the arc. Ansah can do none of that. He has no discernible pass rush moves at all other than a bullrush. He's strong and he's excellent against the run because he's relentless and he works hard, but as a pass rusher? No way no how. He doesn't come off the ball quickly, he doesn't flash any explosion and he shows no ability to keep his feet underneath him and bend round the corner. There's a reason they lined him up at DT when Van Noy played end and at NT on 3rd downs. And he gets his hands on a lot of passes. The reason why? Because he's so rarely threatening the pocket as a pass rush threat. What you're drafting is a more athletic Olivier Vernon. And as Todd rightly says, the player that CONSTANTLY flashes is Kyle Van Noy. No way should Ansah be an option at 12 unless Ireland kills free agency so well that you're picking for luxury. Listen, Cam Wake may be 31 but he's a late bloomer who seems to be getting better, not worse. So you're asking Ansah, with no rush ability to play against the left tackle down after down. Not happening. Athletic talent but not even on my board for pick 12.
That's what I see. I'm not sure if others will see the same, in fact I wonder if some 3-4 teams might be interested in him as an OLB, but I see a guy that isn't ready to make a big impact right away and might not ever be in certain areas. A more athletic Israel Idonije. I would draft Sheldon Richardson ahead of Zeke, to play the spot that Miami would have in mind. He's just as uniquely gifted, or at least nearly so, and more advanced in a football sense.
But nonetheless you projected him go #6 overall to Cleveland? That's a steep price to pay. Granted, the guy can play the run well, has great sideline pursuit and can bat down some passes. But he is one of the more inept pass rushers that I've seen in recent memory, just awful. The comparisons to JPP and Tuck gloss over this- I mean seriously, how can someone watch Tuck play DE, watch his pass rush and compare him to Ansah? It's precisely the combination of his athleticism, run defense , sideline pursuit AND one heck of a pass rush that makes Tuck a valuable commodity at DE. As per your comparison to Chandler Jones- same thing, I don't get it. Take away his serious pass rush and Jones is an intriguing defender and one heck of an athlete, not the force that he is- it's the pass rush ability that sets Chandler Jones apart. Ansah, at this point, offers limited skills. He's like a power forward in basketball that can play great defense and rebound but can't score- kind of like Joel Anthony for the Miami Heat. That's a top of my head metaphor, imperfect I know. But I'd be hesitant to pick Ansah at #26 much less #6. Talented, but a project and a 2nd rounder imo. And not for Miami because he doesn't match up well with our pass rushing needs and there will be too many other players available in the 2nd round who are better fits for us. Ansah lacks a burst and on top of that doesn't look like he has a clue what he's doing. A project in the works no doubt, but my guess is that he'll never be a particularly good pass rusher because of his lack of explosion and how lumbering he looks coming off the line- long strided track speed for sure, but very few signs of functional pass rushing speed. As has been said he might end up being one heck of a containment DE in the NFL, but for the Dolphins, for now, give me a pass rusher please.
I understand that, but you still have to project that the Browns see that much value in the prospect to make that call. Mike Lombardi or no Mike Lombardi, I just can't see it. Ansah has a gaping hole in his game- he's a nearly skillless, horrendous pass rusher with no signs of pass rushing burst or explosiveness. He's a lateral sideline tracker, a garbage play clean up guy, and he's quite good at that. But not top 10 good, and imo not 1st round good.
He's a 6'5" and 274 lbs guy that is capable of running like 10.9 in the 100 meters. He's ridiculously athletic and it's helped him make plays this year at BYU and in the Senior Bowl. I know for a fact teams are very split on him and some see him as a top 10 pick while others see him as a 2nd round guy. I think he will remind Michael Lombardi or Chandler Jones a little bit, and I think Lombardi might also still have a little bit of Oakland in him.
I like Ansah but the two biggest things i see are that hes not sudden or quick like jpp. His rush is strictly a bull rush with a few moves mixed in. Also he doesnt shed blocks well.
He is NOTHING like JPP and those two names should never be mentioned in the same sentence again!! He's a more athletic Kendall Langford minus 20lbs.
I don't see the Tuck one. Tuck was a far more fearsome rush threat. I don't see three double figure sack seasons and two All Pro seasons in Ansah's future. I really don't.
