Monday, March 16, 2009

Path to the draft, 3/3/2009: Jason Smith pro day, Mark Sanchez, QB talk

Notes from the March 3rd show on NFL Network:

Quarterback talk:

Mayock’s top 5: Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman, Rhett Bomar, Pat White. The first three should come off the board in the first round. Stafford’s mobility has caught people off guard in a good way.

White will work out at QB and WR at West Virginia’s pro day. He’s intriguing the whole league, per Mayock, because he throws a beautiful ball and has the athleticism to take the “Wildcat” offense to the next level. Mayock feels White will have to be a “slash” type WR/PR/QB to be a pro. Questions about his college play are that he’s one of many QBs who worked exclusively out of the shotgun, and like another West Virginia QB we all know (AHEM), he’s soft-spoken and doesn’t stand out as a leader.

Nate Davis’ stock is dropping after coming in 10 lbs. heavy at the combine and not running or moving well. He’s still considered a third-round pick despite rumored learning issues. A QB who has to be developed; won’t come in and play right away.

Freeman’s stock is apparently rising. Davis cited his “intriguing”, elite arm and agility. He also interviewed very well. Minuses are that he’s slow at reading the field and shows questionable accuracy and decision-making. (Is that all? Actually, he sounds perfect for Scott Linehan up in Detroit.) Should come off the board late in the first round.

Big Dead draft needs: RB, LT, defensive line, LB. Their radio announcer stumped for Alex Mack at #31.

Mark Sanchez got the once-over from all three analysts.

Pluses: strong arm, quick release. Mobile in pocket. Good, vocal leader. Tough guy, had a good combine and can make every throw. Mayock calls Sanchez the safest QB to draft, emphasizing his competitiveness, work ethic and experience in a pro-style offense.

Minuses: Inexperience, just 16 starts. Wikipedia reveals a dismissed sexual assault charge against Sanchez as well as incidents with underage drinking, use of a fake ID and breaking a window at a frat party.

Charlie Casserly feels that Sanchez would be served best if he went to a team where he could ride the bench for 2-3 years like Aaron Rodgers or Matt Cassel.

Jason Smith pro day:

Measured 6’5”, 309. Only three teams sent offensive line coaches to his workout: Seattle, Cincinnati, Jacksonville. Not the Rams? Suggestion was that teams like the Rams would likely have Smith in for individual workouts. His arm length came in at a short 33 1/8, shorter than he measured at the combine. He struggled at the push and pull drill, leading Casserly to question his lower body strength and ability to handle the bull rush.

Casserly then left a stink bomb for Rams Nation with the opinion that NONE of the tackles in this year’s draft are true top ten draft picks.

All till next time.

No comments: