I think both parties are growing and getting national exposure, so for myself, iam going to treat them as such.. This Dline situation has been driving me crazy..The points that UD Scout CK made about real possibilities of not signing Solai boils the blood..He mentions in the interview about the overtures of MCD, and how he might be taking precedent over Solai. Well, looking at how the staff last year moved starks to the nose, and if they resigned MCD, your looking at the nose position manned by two forceful versatile football players..can they afford to not sign Solai?, well if you have MCD and a Starks in there I would say sure, you can, but is that the best move?, considering how well Solai is coming into his own?. CK mentions somes backlash if Solai is not signed, and I agree, Ive been saying that I hope this doesn't turn ugly for us, and by ugly, I mean spending resources on 2 young true players, developing them into explosive players, and than losing one of them in their prime without compensation.. I mean lets break this down..If we let Solai go, we have Starks and MCD at the nose, with both players having the ability and skillset to flex out wide and demand some reps, so from that perspetive, it looks good.Now lets look at the end's, We got Langford coming into his own, a 6'6 295 lb tree stump that is ascending, and a 300lb 23 year old in Odrick that flashed real abilty in limited reps...That looks good from a starting lineup POV, because your getting your first round pick Odrick on the field, which imo is a must if your getting real value from your high draft picks. So there we have our 4 man rotation with 3 players having the diverse skillset to play all three positions.Their all young, and it looks nice on paper, and we've seen tangible evidence that this unit could play at a high level.. I can't fathom losing Solai, but shouldn't we start thinking about it as a reality and having a plan.. Lets look at the other perspective, and seeing what it looks like if Solai stays and MCD goes..Were looking at a starting lineup of Solai, Langford, and Odrick, with Starks being your ultra diverse player rotating at all positions..Iam just posing the question here, can you afford not to have Odrick in the starting lineup and look at that as the right pick in the first round if hes coming off the bench?, no, I cant, but, how does one justify our best dlineman over the past three years at 27 years old in Starks comin off the bench? I cant, so to me, there is a dilemma along our strongest unit. Do I hope that we can keep Solai, MCD, Langford, Starks, Odrick, while maybe looking to shop Merling once the CBA is resolved, Hell yeah I do, but keeping both Solai and MCD seems like its going to be a difficult proposition, but if Irish can make that happen,man, would we be stoked, and maybe some forgiveness and a new found respect for Mr. Irish. CK and the host Sick hypothesized about this scenario where if Solai was let go, the regime trading down and selecting A FREAKIN NOSE TACKLE like Phil Taylor... I wanted to let that marinate a little...lets just say... Iam not going to talk about that scenario for fear of breaking the rules on this site, and something in my hotel room.. Lets move on amicably shall we..They talked about Newton, and scenarios to aquire such a player, CK suggested his personal opinion, trade UP is something he would endorse even if it involved giving up next years 1st round pick..Now imo its probably gonna take a little more to move into the first slot because I feel if Carolina was smart, which is in question {see drafting Jimmy Claussen} they are gonna take a very hard look at the heisman winner..I would if I were them, Claussen is not the player they thought, and that franchise borders on being inconsequential at the moment, and he is a player that can excite everyone involved and has the talent to warrant the pick. Basically, imo, and I think most would agree, we have minimal chance at the player, because he's probably going #1, and I dont see Irish going there.. They talked about what we might do at 15...Mark Ingram seems to have a balance of excitement and hesitation from just about everyone involved..There is an underlining tone imo that CK feels he could get a comparable back in the later rounds and pick someone else at 15, thus getting a better deal in the long run...The tone I pick up from most, is that Ingram is the safe pick, but maybe not the right one..Imo, if he runs a 4.4, hes the right one..That speed factor may just close the gap on the thinking that you might get comparable production in the later rounds.. They talked about the option at qb with Ryan Mallett at 15...CK seems to think a lot of folks are looking over this athlete because of a few late night binges, and I cant speak for the UD scout but my instinct tells me that he would take the ladies man at 15, regardless of the perception, he seems to think its quite overblown...My question is, does the certain type of confidence this young man has the kind of confidence that is needed at the QB position on the NFL level..He is a cocky SOB, and maybe thats a good thing, however,too risky for my blood, and iam not looking for his skillset at QB.. My favorite part of the interview is when the scout talked about the lead that is in Chad Henne's feet, and the signs that Sparano has given us.Those signs point to wanting the skillset that I personally have been talking about all offseason..QB athleticism, escapability talent, footwork in the pocket, and the ability to make plays when the play breaks down.. I thought the ''lead foot'' characterization was spot on, the QB has been here 3 years and the feet have not caught up to the speed of the NFL game, the continued nervousness in the pocket, the inability to relax right before release, the funtional QB athleticism is missing..After 3 years, the game has not slowed down for the player, I pretty much think we all can agree on those specifics..I do agree with what the scout and the host talked about, I dont see Henne as the starter going into the year, for fear of how the team perceives the signs.. My personal plan for the position after looking at most of the prospects and free agents is, Sign Donavan Mcnabb, that would be my first choice, 2nd choice Carson Palmer {CK'S first choice} than I would look at several mid round prospects, I have CKAP and Tyrod Taylor in my mock, but also have some strong interest in Dalton, Stanzi and Yates.. I will add that the universal draft scout CK thinks that Vince young is a strong possibility because of our desires for athleticism at the position, the fact that he really knows our team for some reason, and the idea that we dont have to trade for the player. {I think we dont}.. It was a good show and interview, conducted by this witty funny man they call ''Sick'',who I might add has grown as a host, exponentially....good info, enjoyed it..Peace..
Limited ? What was it ? 5 plays ? Yeah that's limited alright. As for the rest DJ I agree with most of it, and agree 100% with the SICK comments, he is really doing a great job with his internet radio gig.
Good stuff DJ. Here's my $.02. IF we cannot re-sign Soliai, I would go with a four man line. That's what our talent on the DL would dictate. I'll leave it to Nolan to work out the details.
I don't like calling me a 'scout' because I'm really not. I have a great deal of respect for people that are actually scouts, which is one of the reasons I get so itchy (in other forums) when various people suggest that none of them have any clue what they're doing. Not trying to nitpick, just saying I don't like to be labeled a 'scout'...because I have too much respect for the life that real scouts lead, the amount of work they put in. I do want to make it clear that I am extremely flattered by the compliments and more than appreciative, though.
OK, you are now no longer "Tonto." Howzabout "The Lone Ranger?" If that's OK, you owe me a silver bullet, aka coors light. LOL
As for the subject I do find Ryan Mallett to be a little underrated at the moment because of the possibility that he partied a little too hard a few times and people found out about it. I think he's an ascending player with immense talent for throwing the football. His attitude comes off a little cocky at times especially on the field but at various points in Miami, other people have said they were turned off by Dan Marino's attitude both on and off the field, while we Miami fans ate it up. And his athleticism goes a little underrated. He's over 6'6" and 240 lbs but this is a guy that has dodged Von Miller in the backfield and then rolled out on him, escaping his clutches the way Colin Kaepernick could not in the Senior Bowl. Growth factor is pretty big. Is a guy still growing. I think that Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Mallett and Cam Newton...among the many reasons I've always maintained that they're the top three guys, the guys I would target in the 1st round, and the guys that should go in the 1st round...growth factor is a big part of that. The growth of Mallett from 2009 to 2010 was visible, finite, tangible...very REAL. The growth of Newton from first half of 2010 to second half of 2010 was also very tangible. The growth of Blaine Gabbert a little less so, and that's why I think his workouts are going to be important.
I loved the players college tape, so 5 reps is all I need Jake..besides Seymour he is the biggest defensive end in the NFL, with lightning quick hands, and versatility..
were gonna sign Solai SB...I can feel it...MCD is the man I really want to sign next..than you got some serious GM'n goin on.
I too have tremendous respect for the name..however imo, the only difference between you and them is them being able to spend more time on their job than you because they get paid, and you have to make a living doing other work..Theres no scout school CK, its all about the eye..How bout 'player analyst'' as your football career ascends?....Just a question..would you keep on the direction of UD considering the huge oppurtunities a vehicle like that could evolve into, or would you give it all up for a scout position with an NFL team.?
I mean I definitely agree that if I had the job and were to learn under the scouts properly I could probably do the work. But they lead a tremendously difficult lifestyle and put in a largely thankless day's work, often to have their opinions just swirled in a large morass and/or overruled by Directors and General Managers who can, at times, decide their opinion is five times as important based on a fifth of the tape viewing or research. I dunno. I'm already accused of thinking too highly of himself. Openly referring to myself as a 'scout' is not something I would do. I don't mean to criticize you for doing so but it does make me uncomfortable. I'm a writer. That's what I do. That's my function. "Analyst" is a decent way to put it, as well. "Draftnik" is a little informal but it fits, whatever it is I just want to emphasize there's a difference between me and a real scout.
I want to make it official in this thread...Ive been watching a lot of tape on my boy CKAP....I want him...I think hes the guy, Iam not worried about the hitch, because he gets it off very quickly, I actually think Hennes Release is more dangerous.. This kid is a better passer than runner..and boy can he run, and while he runs, his eyes are always downfield...I know a lot of folks disagree with me, but this dude is the real deal imo.. He has innate accuracy by the way..cant be taught..Hes got a very strong arm, cant be taught...Hes got serious QB athleticism, and the talent to escape when plays break down...cant be taught.. He can run versions of the spread offense big time...Hes 6'5 with a frames that's built to fill out, cant be taught...Has a very competitive streak in him...cant be taught...brought a nothing program into the national spotlight....who do you think did that...Dontay Moch?... Imo...the kid is gonna be a star.. The 2nd round pick must be recouped at all costs, if you have to move down in the draft to get it, than so be it..If you have to take him with your late first, than do it. Iam on the record.
CK, IMO, the lines of separation have been greatly blurred. Current "analyst" have close to the same info as scouts, and "some" do better with that info. You spend a lot of time in researching what you have to say. That being considered, your posts are much better than some scouts. JMO
we dont really get to see and read what real scouts say SB....for humility's sake, lets just say hes better than the other draftniks and pundits we read.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lone_Ranger Here's a little info CK. Gonna have to look up some parrot info fora better fit. ARRRRRRRRRRRGH!!! LOL
I hope we keep Soliai. He is a great NT. Odrick could be a player that never takes the field. His injury is serious and could keep him from playing a lot.
Mangini first caught the attention of Bill Belichick, under whom he would coach for nine seasons, as a 23-year-old ball boy with the Cleveland Browns. To me the biggest difference between an Analyst and a scout is knowing "what to look for" and understanding the game, the systems, and the intangibles....value driver that differentiates one player's ability from another. It all can be learned and you just need exposure to it. Many very talented scouts have been players or been around the game. IMO, you would do well.
As far as Newton being discussed on Sick's program...I will reiterate for the 10th time...Newton has a big mouth, and to me, part of an intelligent human being is knowing when to keep your mouth shut. Understanding what the word humility truly means, and abiding by it, is a form of intelligence imo...This putz just spoke in the third person. lol...Is There not a line that a player can cross, despite the ubertalent, where we have to draw the line, for me personally, there is, and hes so freakin close to it, its not funny..
I'm neutral on that. So many good players were good for the exact same reasons that they continued to open their mouths. Deion Sanders, being a great example.
Same here, I can see what Deej is saying, but to make anything out of it is a bit much, hell if "we" recall being 22 yrs old there was sure to be some dumb stuff coming out of our mouths..but no one was there to record it...
Well I hope you are right, it will help us tremendously with depth, and we could use a break.....my God we get so few of them with this franchise !
I had a mullett and use to rock z caverichis when I was 22, lol...Chicks and football was the only thing on my mind..
Getting back to Ryan Mallett for a second here...something I mentioned on the radio. I keep hearing it time and again... "When I hear Ryan Mallett interviewed, I cringe"...and I'm always left wondering...why? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFZpICtCE_w Tell me, where's the dumb, wigger, coke-sniffing, arrogant prick (all are labels I've seen placed on Mallett)...in that interview? Where is he? Because surely he wasn't the one that was on Dan Patrick's radio show that day sounding like an honest, sincere guy that spoke glowingly about Cam Newton, didn't hesitate to label Cam the best QB in the SEC, resisted Dan Patrick's trying to get him to say he's better than Newton, disagreed with the notion that college athletes need to be paid, and spoke honestly about not harboring any ill will toward Michigan. I guess I just didn't realize that so much of the country hears a deep Texas accent and immediately thinks "idiot". I absolutely think that's what it boils down to. For a few years recently my best friend was a guy that moved here temporarily from Texas, and I saw it all the time...people hearing him speak and basically treat him like an idiot. But, he's actually very smart, knows a ton of things, and was like a state champion in Chess, back in high school (insert joke here about what it took to be a state Chess champion in Texas). That kind of puts me off a little...it's like when I hear people swear how stupid Channing Crowder is...when in fact, Channing is probably more capable of intellectual feats than the person doing the insulting.
