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East-West Shrine Game/practices

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Itsdahumidity

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S'up people.

The East-West Shrine practices are going on this week followed by the game on Sat. 7pm est on espn2.


01/15/08

Frank Okam DT HT: 6-5 WT: 320 Texas proj rd: 2-3
"Looked like a beast most of the day. He kept his ground when needed and also split double teams, although he fell down afterwards on one occasion. Okam also sniffed out a screen on another play. Occasionally he played too high, which 6'5" DT tend to do. But most times he got into his man's chest and pushed him back into the QB. In fact, the coaches got after him a bit because he was putting his team's QB at risk too often."


Jerome Simpson WR HT: 6-2 WT: 190 Coastal Carolina proj rd: 3-4
"One of the most impressive players on the field. His speed, smoothness off the line, quickness in and out of cuts, and reliable hands were reminiscent of former San Jose State and current Green Bay Packer James Jones at this game last year. He's not as big as Jones, but Small school or not, he should make some money this week."


Donald Thomas OG HT: 6-4 WT: 292 UConn proj rd: 4-5
"Showed his nice combination of strength and athleticism today. Keilen Dykes tried a spin move on him, which had worked on others, but Thomas had none of it. He kept his feet moving and arms extended to keep Dykes spinning in place."


Dexter Jackson WR HT: 5-9 WT: 178 Appalachian State proj rd: 6-7
"The smallest guy on the field was also the most explosive. Coach Vermeil stopped one play before it began to ask Jackson to "check the tight end"…the receiver was covering him up, which would be a penalty. On the ensuing play, Jackson crossing over the middle from his slot position, snatched a bullet throw, and out-quicked everyone down a seam for the big play."


Curtis Johnson DE/OLB HT: 6-3 WT: 245 Clark Atlanta proj rd: 6-7
"Converting from hand-down to stand-up player should be possible with Johnson with his closing speed and strength. Lined up inside and outside, looking fairly comfortable in both places. Got kudos from his coach for the use of his hands inside. He can get off blocks with violent hand movements. Johnson even held his lane with a 300 pound O-lineman trying to push him out of it."

- http://www.nfldraftscout.com/

The rosters:

East - http://www.shrinegame.com/pdf/roster...cal_Roster.pdf

West - http://www.shrinegame.com/pdf/roster...cal_Roster.pdf
 
Hula Bowl recap notes from Pete Dymeck


DE/OLB Angelo Craig 6-5 235 Cincinnati (hopefully he can put on 10-20 lbs) - my words
was really my defensive MVP of the game. He is a powerful hitter. He forced a fumble, tallied 2 sacks, and looked incredible from the edge. He is set to be a 3-4 OLB or a 4-3 DE. He helped himself with his Hula Bowl performance. Remember this name.

WR Jabari Arthur 6-4 228 Akron
was my choice for offensive MVP of the game. He really helped his stock out with this one. He is big and physical, played well from the slot, showed that he had great hands, solid rapport with the QB despite a lack of playing time together.

LB/DE Marcus Howard 6-2 245 Georgia
is coming off of a great Sugar Bowl performance and helped himself out with a sack. I think he is very underrated and his stock should continue to rise through the NFL Combine and Pro Day workouts.

WR Marcus Fitzgerald 5-10 202 Marshall
is the brother of Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald. After dropping one pass early, he redeemed himself by showing that he can run a good route from the slot and making a tough, physical catch.

http://nfldraftguys.com/features/08 Hula Notes.php
 
Tuesday's Practice:

Donald Thomas OG
"His anchor and strength in various drills today, as well as scrimmages, was impressive. Exploded from his stance in combo block drills."


Dexter Jackson WR
"Once again he showed extreme quickness. Not surprisingly, the small receiver showed the ability to get down to grab a low pass. The only balls he doesn't catch with his hands are punts. He caught a few of those running forward, showing nice concentration."


Andrew Crummey OG 6-5 308 Maryland proj rd: 5-6
"Has played well this week. Quickly gets into his pass set at right guard. Got his hands up and extended his arms to take Keilen Dykes out of an inside run play during a scrimmage. Showed a nice anchor, as well, giving little ground in drills or scrimmages. He can get to the mike pretty quickly and negate him, as well."


Frank Okam DT
"One of the more inconsistent players in the country. Did not manage to keep his pads down nearly enough, which costs him his main strength…his strength. No leverage means he gets stonewalled or run out of the play. Looked almost nonchalant at times today."


Derek Lokey DT 6-2 288 Texas proj rd: 7-UDFA
"Appeared for the first time today and did what was expected. Using his short stature and great strength and leverage, he consistently held his ground against double-teams, making backs bounce outside. Absolutely wasted guards in one-on-one drills with initial quickness, hustle, and hands. Not to mention a nice spin move inside…"


J.J. Finley TE 6-6 258 Oklahoma proj rd: 6-7
"Monday Practice: Had one of the better practices of the day. Ran some outstanding routes today, chopping his legs and getting out quicker than expected. Also had a couple of excellent catches with arms extended. One came with DB Derrick Doggett draped on him (legally) and with the sideline coming into play. On another, he left DB David Roach in his dust, faking inside and heading outside to make the grab."

"Tuesday Practice: Again one of the top players on the field. Consistently caught the ball with extended arms, using his size to beat the jam and get separation. Also dominated his defensive end on the edge."


Ahtyba Rubin DT 6-3 320 Iowa State proj rd: 4-5
"Rubin is ascending up draft boards this year because of his inside presence. Showed a lot of power at times today, getting under the pads of guards and pushing the pocket."


Jesse Nading DE/OLB 6-5 260 Colorado State
"A tall, lean end who showed violent hands by beating Geoff Schwartz and Tyler Polumbus with rip moves all afternoon. Hustled and chased down plays throughout the day, as well."


Jameel McClain ILB 6-1 253 Syracuse proj rd: 7
"Shows potential as a real two-down run-stuffer. Absolutely explodes into the hole and has nice closing speed to bring down a RB. Likes to talk, but takes his work seriously. On one play, WR Paul Hubbard was walking through the defense getting back to the line late. McClain had called the coverage already, then McClain saw Hubbard walking through. He stared the lanky receiver down, like he was trying to steal the defensive signals. He's intense…"

- http://www.nfldraftscout.com/
 
Frank Okam's an interesting DT prospect if we don't draft one in the 1st round.
 
Wednesday's Practice


Jerome Simpson WR 6-2 190 Coastal Carolina
"This week has put him solidly into the third round of the draft. Dropped a couple out there today, but is still running smooth from the slot and outside. One of the more consistent and motivated run blockers out there, shadowing a safety across the field whenever necessary. Showed nice hustle getting down for a loose ball over the middle of the field, although LB Caleb Campbell almost got rolled up on in the process."


D.J. Parker FS 6-0 195 Virginia Tech proj rd: 3-4
"A bit undersized for a free safety, but Parker showed some of the better cover skills among the group today. He did not bite on a double move, staying low and transitioning well. He also displayed nice range by getting over on a deep ball and making the pick."


Trae Williams CB 5-10 193 South Florida proj rd: 4-5
"Had his most impressive practice today. Improved his backpedal quite a bit, staying down in it longer so he can quickly break on routes when the receiver cuts. Only a perfect Anthony Morelli short out throw kept him from picking one off early on. Shadowed his receiver on an out-and-up double move today, staying low and not turning his hips too early."


Lionel Dotson DT 6-4 288 Arizona proj rd: 5-6
"May get a look as a 3-4 5-technique (defensive end) because he's pretty clearly the quickest DT here and doesn't have enough girth to play on the nose or the 1-technique. In one D-lineman drill, he was asked to roll on the ground, get up, and chase down a ballcarrier. Dotson looked very smooth doing this, which just added to his solid showing the rest of the week."


Chris Harrington DE/OLB 6-5 268 Texas A&M proj rd: 4-5
"His motor is always on, whether in practice or games. He's quicker than expected off the snap, getting up quick into tackles during 1-on-1 drills and live play."



Charles Manu OT 6-3 305 Nevada
"Tough guy who needs some work moving inside from tackle. But he showed the strength in his hands and nasty streak, even in practice, that gives teams something to think about. HE can use his lack of height to his advantage, getting under taller players' pads to hold them off."


Chase Ortiz DE/OLB 6-2 244 TCU proj rd: 5-6
"This lean rush end is all hustle. Brings intensity on every play, and gets off the snap pretty quickly. Despite his lack of size he can violently rip his arms across his man's body to get around him. Someone will bring him in as a pass rush specialist and special teamer."


Geoff Schwartz OT 6-7 335 Oregon proj rd: 7
"Put together a much better effort today. He moved (and stayed on) his feet more, only getting ripped by an end (Chase Ortiz) once. He was impressive when drive blocking, getting his long, powerful arms extended and bringing his hips to push his man back."


Keilen Dykes DT 6-4 295 West Virginia proj rd: 6
"One of the few players that could potentially play multiple positions on the D-line…anything except a true pass-rushing 7-technique. Played nose tackle at WVU, doing very well there despite not being 350 pounds. Manages to get under the pads of guys, holding his ground, even at 6'5. He can also get his hands inside and rip to get off blocks and make a play. Also shows some penetrating abilities, with a strong inside swim move."


Ogemdi Nwagbuo DT 6-3 298 Michigan State
"A newcomer today, Nwagbuo is another tall DT looking for his chance to shine. Despite a lack of girth, he holds his ground well against the run. Got under his man's pads to push the pocket back a couple of times. He's a hustler who moves down the line, as well."


- http://www.nfldraftscout.com/
 
Caleb Campbell SS Army
"Army fans looking for safety Caleb Campbell in the East-West Shrine game today will be disappointed. Campbell tweaked his right hamstring during a sprint Wednesday and has opted not to play. Campbell isn't taking any chances....... 'I could pull it or tear it in the game,' Campbell said yesterday from Houston, site of the game. 'I'm being very cautious.' Campbell will participate at the NFL Scouting Combine, held Feb. 20-26 in Indianapolis."

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/
 
Lots of good info on quite a few players. Thanks for the heads up,bro. Keep these reports coming, they are greatly appreciated!
 
My observations from the game:

QB Josh Johnson from San Diego really has skills. He's 6-3 but has a 205 lbs slight build. He was clearly the best QB on the field tonight. Has a "over hand" throwing motion, and always keeps his shoulders parallel with the line of scrimmage. Also kept his eyes down field while in the pocket and only ran (picked up chunks of yards) as a last resort. Threw a 4th QT TD pass at goaline despite tight coverage (Jamie Silva). Johnson's Season & Career TD to int numbers: 'o7 = 43-1 and car = 113-15 He might sneak in the 3rd round.

Back to S Jamie Silva out of Boston College. This kid is an animal. He was everywhere. Had a nice open field tackle on Kevin Robinson in the 2nd QT. Silva was actually in on 3 consecutive plays. His motor never stopped. He's 5-11, 208 not very fast but Special Teams has his name written all over it.

WR Kevin Robinson of Utah ST had a solid game. Had a couple of nice grabs keeping the ball away from his body, but the highlight was his 72 yd punt return for a TD in the 1st QT. Seemed more quick than fast but he's doing something right because he has 8 career TD returns. Listed at 6-0 190lbs.

DT Frank Okam was okay, nothing to write home about. Made a nice stop in the 2nd QT. Was pushed back off the ball on another play but still managed to make the tackle. I don't think this game hurt his stock.

The other WRs just didn't get enough opportunities because the QBs not named Johnson & Keller were awful. Maybe QB Joe Flacco would have made a difference but he didn't play (he was a late add on to the Senior Bowl). Anyway, these are my short notes so if anyone else watched the game feel free to add.
 
Silva and O'Connel the San Diego State Qb looked good.

Langdon the DT looked pretty decent, and Aldridge made some plays as did Paul Hibbard the Wis. Wr.

Saw Larsen make two or three pretty decent plays including a nice tackle for loss.

Josh Johnson looked better then a Div I A Qb, he was more polished then one would think he would be. I would have loved to see him pass more then he did though, he can run well, but O'Connel did that as well.
 
Itsdahumidity said:
Padre31, I didn't pay attention to the Olines. Did anyone improve their draft positioning?
Click to expand...


There were so few plays made by either Dline that it is certain that more then one player bumped themselves up a bit, the passrush was missing, no tipped passes etc.

IMO, the Connecticut Guard Thomas will move up, and the VT Tech Tackle will as well....I'm terrible with names, but the Dline was frozen most of the game.
 
It's probably just me because I've only watched 2 of his games, but I think Okam would be a wasted pick. In the bowl game vs. ASU, he was easily handled by the ASU guard, I didn't see him dominate 1-on-1, he has no explosion off the ball, he's slow going down the line trying to get to the ball carrier, and when he was double-teamed, he got moved out of the gap.

In the game last night, again, he may be strong, but I saw no dominance, doesn't disengage for the tackle, and actually showed less effort than in the ASU game where he, at least, went down the field to try to help out whenever the runner got past the LOS.

I actually think the other UT DTs, Lokey and Miller, were much better 1-on-1 and against the double-teams. And I remember seeing Lokey, last night, anchor pretty good against a double team.
 
sam said:
It's probably just me because I've only watched 2 of his games, but I think Okam would be a wasted pick. In the bowl game vs. ASU, he was easily handled by the ASU guard, I didn't see him dominate 1-on-1, he has no explosion off the ball, he's slow going down the line trying to get to the ball carrier, and when he was double-teamed, he got moved out of the gap.

In the game last night, again, he may be strong, but I saw no dominance, doesn't disengage for the tackle, and actually showed less effort than in the ASU game where he, at least, went down the field to try to help out whenever the runner got past the LOS.

I actually think the other UT DTs, Lokey and Miller, were much better 1-on-1 and against the double-teams. And I remember seeing Lokey, last night, anchor pretty good against a double team.
Click to expand...

I agree with your assessment of Okam if we run a 4-3 next season. But if we draft him as a NT late 2nd early 3rd, I won't be upset. If this happens and once we get him in camp I'm confident the coaches & Parcells will kick his butt into becoming the dominate player he could be.
 
Week in Review:


Josh Johnson QB
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): QB Josh Johnson (San Diego): Raw and a bit wiry, but with more than adequate arm strength and accuracy. Also showed nice touch and very smooth, elusive running in practice and in the game. The ball came out of his hands poorly this week, but that doesn't appear on tape nor did it hurt him in the game."


Bernard Morris QB
"(Round 5, Early 6): QB Bernard Morris (Marshall): Real potential with NFL size and arm. The most consistently impressive quarterback in practices in terms of delivery and ball flight. Showed in both practices and games that he needs to work on his touch on short routes."


Kevin O'Connell QB
"(Round Middle 6, 7): QB Kevin O'Connell (San Diego State): Has the size and athleticism but needs to get consistency in his delivery, footwork, zip, and accuracy. So he's got some work to do before competing for a starting job."


_________________________________


Allen Patrick RB
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): RB Allen Patrick (Oklahoma): Runs as hard as anyone in the country, but scouts aren't sure he will always show up to play. Unfortunately, a "tweaked" knee took him out of the Shrine Game early. His work in practice was noticed, however."


_________________________________


Dexter Jackson WR
"(Round 5, Early 6): WR/KR Dexter Jackson (Appalachian State): Very quick slot receiver who may be an interesting return option. Showed nice hands on punt returns during the week. Ran too horizontally during the game, trying to make something happen. He'll get coached up to make the first guy miss and head upfield."


Jerome Simpson WR
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): WR Jerome Simpson (Coastal Carolina): Smooth small-schooler with a good chance at going in the top 100…teams won't sleep on him as they did New Orleans star WR Marques Colston. Won't shock anyone with his size or speed, but he runs good routes and catches everything thrown his way using his huge hands."


Paul Hubbard WR
"(Round 5, Early 6): WR Paul Hubbard (Wisconsin): Tall, speedy receiver who can use his size to his advantage and run solid routes. His inconsistent hands are just maddening to offensive coordinators, however."


Will Franklin WR
"(Round 5, Early 6): WR William Franklin (Missouri): Size-speed combo receiver who can be a deep threat. Didn't get to play in the game, but showed promise during early practices."


Jason Rivers WR
"(Round Middle 6, 7): WR Jason Rivers (Hawaii): Not remarkable in one any aspect of his game, Rivers simply runs the route he's supposed to and catches the ball more often than not."


Kevin Robinson WR
"(Round 5, Early 6): WR/KR Kevin Robinson (Utah State): Nice-sized target who showed nice hands throughout the week. In the game, he was willing to go over the middle to make a play and also a threat in the return game with a punt return TD. Robinson's successful as a returner because he runs tough, heads straight upfield, and has the vision to make the cut."


________________________________


J.J. Finley TE
"(Round 5, Early 6): TE Joe Jon Finley (Oklahoma): Solid all-around tight end, but average speed and inconsistent hands keep him from being a higher pick."


________________________________


Fernando Velasco C
"(Round Middle 6, 7): OL Fernando Velasco (Georgia): A strong punch and anchor could make him a solid center candidate for a power running scheme. Could also play a strong drive blocking guard. Improving his footwork in pass protection could make him a very good pro."


________________________________


Donald Thomas OG
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): OG Donald Thomas (Connecticut): Strong and athletic, he could run sub 5.0 40 and put up excellent strength numbers at the Combine, as well. Anchors well vs. bull rushers and can pull/trap. What's not to like?"


Andrew Crummey OG
"(Round 5, Early 6): OG Andrew Crummey (Maryland): Technically sound and athletic right guard who is a nice fit for zone-blocking schemes."


________________________________


Duane Brown OT
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): OT Duane Brown (Virginia Tech): Solid at everything, if not spectacular at anything. Strong anchor in pass protection and can block down to seal the edge. Struggles a bit with lateral movement to shadow speed rushers, which drops him to a mid-round pick."


John Greco OT
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): OT John Greco (Toledo): Tough right tackle who will start by year two, if not earlier. Has the strength to move inside, as well."


________________________________


Keilen Dykes DT
"(Round Middle 6, 7): DT Keilen Dykes (West Virginia): Another versatile lineman who could hand 3-4 DE responsibilities, as well as nose or 1-technique tackle duties. His ability to play with leverage and maintain his ground will be utilized by his drafting team."


Frank Okam DT
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): DT Frank Okam (Texas): Looks like a beast inside on some days, and disinterested on others. That inconsistency keeps him from breaking into the top two rounds."


Ahtyba Rubin DT
"(Round 5, Early 6): DT Athyba Rubin (Iowa State): Potential starting nose tackle, this run-stuffer takes up double teams and is athletic enough to chase down the line. Effort is inconsistent, possibly from a lack of stamina, but he'll be valued for his size."


Lionel Dotson DT
"(Round Middle 6, 7): DT Lionel Dotson (Arizona): Tall, quick penetrator who could be 3-4 DE or 4-3 DT."


________________________________


Kendall Langford DE
"(Round 5, Early 6): DE Kendall Langford (Hampton): Too thin to play DT as he did in college, but he improved all week in using his length and strength to pressure the quarterback from the power end spot. Was every effective with his bull rush during the game Saturday night."


Chris Harrington DE
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): DE Chris Harrington (Texas A&M): High-motor power end who can play three downs. Doesn't have a great initial burst, but can close and hustle."


________________________________


Curtis Johnson OLB
"(Round Middle 6, 7): LB Curtis Johnson (Clark Atlanta): Defensive end-turning-linebacker has real potential as a pass-rusher and special teamer, especially after a year in a pro strength and conditioning program."


Alvin Bowen OLB/At 220 lbs maybe Safety for us?
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): LB Alvin Bowen (Iowa State): "Ace' plays all out and talks all out. Showed a nice blend of toughness and athleticism in practices and the game. His pick late in the game showed his safety-like ability to get into his drop."


________________________________


Jonathan Goff ILB
"(Round 5, Early 6): LB Jonathan Goff (Vanderbilt): All-around player inside, stuffing the run and getting around in coverage."


________________________________


D.J. Parker FS
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): S D.J. Parker (Virginia Tech): Corner size and speed, safety mentality. A lack of size may keep him out of the top three rounds. Coach Frank Beamer enjoyed his guy making a play on special teams in the game, downing a punt inside the one during the game."


Michael Grant FS
"(Round 5, Early 6): CB Michael Grant (Arkansas): Press corner with size to handle larger receivers and hands to take advantage of QB's mistakes. Could go higher if he proves he has better-than-average speed."


________________________________


Jamie Silva SS
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): S Jamie Silva (Boston College): Small in stature, but Silva's football acumen is large. Even scouts are surprised at the plays he makes given his average athletic test results. Solid tackler who will be a beast around the line, in coverage, and on special teams."


Caleb Campbell SS
"(Round Middle 6, 7): LB Caleb Campbell (Army): Pros love his ability to play an in-the-box strong safety, even though he was used as a linebacker in college. He did not get to show much this week, but Campbell is certainly on teams' radars going into the spring."


________________________________


Dwight Lowery CB
"(Round Late 2, 3, or 4): CB Dwight Lowery (San Jose State): Good size and excellent ball skills, as shown in the game. Average straight-line and recovery speed will hurt his status. Needs to play off in a zone system, so the play is usually in front of him, to be fully effective."


Marcus Walker CB
"(Round Middle 6, 7): CB Marcus Walker (Oklahoma): Has the athletic skills to be a starter, but a lack of discipline and unreliable hands hurts his stock. He made an interception during the game by watching the QB…unfortunately, that gambling also gets him beat."


Justin Tryon CB
"(Round Middle 6, 7): CB Justin Tryon (Arizona State): Plays tough for his size, is smooth in transition, and makes plays on the ball. A solid candidate to play in the slot as a nickel back in the pros."

- http://www.nfldraftscout.com/index.php

























 
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