LikeUntoGod
The Oracle
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/news.cfm?id=B4627DDE-C20F-C6FB-2F8605082B998F74
Name: Drew Atchison
Position: Tight End
Number: 87
Height/Weight: 6-6, 247
Age: 23
College: William & Mary
NFL Exp: Rookie
How Acquired: FA-'08
Hometown: Charlottesville, Va.
Fitting In: With all the talent at the Cowboys tight end position, Atchison's biggest battle may just be the one for the practice squad. Atchison will have to outperform Rodney Hannah, last year's practice squad tight end, to secure a spot on the seven-man practice team.
So Far: Atchison has caught the ball well at times, but will need to demonstrate more athleticism to secure a spot on the Cowboys roster. He has worked with All-pro tight end Jason Witten, though, who has taught Atchison a lot about being an NFL player and having a great work ethic.
Best Asset: Intelligence. While Atchison isn't the most athletic player on the field, he's had his head buried in the playbook and seems to already have a good grasp on the offense. He can play any one of three tight end positions and believes the coaches have taken notice of his studious approach to the game.
You Should Know: Atchison enjoys watching a good chick-flick sometimes. He recently just finished "Sweet Home Alabama" and is looking forward to his next tear-jerking film.
A Mouthful: "My signing bonus was a $5 dollar foot long." - HBO's Hard Knocks.
http://nfldraft.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?sport=1&player=378537&type=scoutingreport#scouting
The good: This big, athletic tight end completed a short career at the Division I-AA level after walking on for the 2005 season. He has definite growth potential to bulk up to over 260 pounds with strength training. As a receiver, he has natural hands and a build along the lines of a basketball player. As a route runner, he looks smooth and shows good body control. He is able to extend and adjust for the errant pass.
The bad: His lack of bulk and functional strength limits him as a blocker, which makes him a developmental project in that area. He relies on finesse and walling off a defender, but he has weak hands and only average footwork to sustain his block the full play. He needs extensive technique and strength development in that critical role.
Outlook: This probable late pick or high-priority free agent may need a season or two on the practice squad to mature as a pro tight end prospect. Atchinson has definite upside potential as a receiver, but he must improve as a blocker and complete the necessary strength training to develop into a complete performer.
http://www.tfydraft.com/player_info.php?draftID=6999
Name: Drew Atchison
College: William & Mary
Conference: D-1AA
Number: 0
Position: TE
Draft Year: 08
Year: 4Sr Height Weight Round 40 Rank O Rank 6-6 245 FA 4.70 0
Bio
Posted career numbers of 34/475/6 as a senior when he became a full-time starter. Played five games with the first team as a junior and totaled 12/183/2.
Positives
Effective pass-catching tight end best as a short or intermediate-range target. Quickly releases into routes, immediately gets to top speed and nicely adjusts to the errant throw. Displays outstanding focus, concentration and makes the difficult reception with defenders draped on him. Exposes himself over the middle, takes a big hit yet holds onto the pass. Nicely uses his frame to get positioning on defenders and snatches the ball from the air. Blocks with good knee bend and pad level.
Negatives
Marginal blocker who shows limited strength and gets minimal movement at the point of attack. Must improve his route running. Not a tight end that creates mismatches in the secondary.
Analysis
Atchison is a solid pass-catcher with reliable hands and a sense of timing. He offers potential as a third tight end in a west coast system.
Name: Drew Atchison
Position: Tight End
Number: 87
Height/Weight: 6-6, 247
Age: 23
College: William & Mary
NFL Exp: Rookie
How Acquired: FA-'08
Hometown: Charlottesville, Va.
Fitting In: With all the talent at the Cowboys tight end position, Atchison's biggest battle may just be the one for the practice squad. Atchison will have to outperform Rodney Hannah, last year's practice squad tight end, to secure a spot on the seven-man practice team.
So Far: Atchison has caught the ball well at times, but will need to demonstrate more athleticism to secure a spot on the Cowboys roster. He has worked with All-pro tight end Jason Witten, though, who has taught Atchison a lot about being an NFL player and having a great work ethic.
Best Asset: Intelligence. While Atchison isn't the most athletic player on the field, he's had his head buried in the playbook and seems to already have a good grasp on the offense. He can play any one of three tight end positions and believes the coaches have taken notice of his studious approach to the game.
You Should Know: Atchison enjoys watching a good chick-flick sometimes. He recently just finished "Sweet Home Alabama" and is looking forward to his next tear-jerking film.
A Mouthful: "My signing bonus was a $5 dollar foot long." - HBO's Hard Knocks.
http://nfldraft.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?sport=1&player=378537&type=scoutingreport#scouting
The good: This big, athletic tight end completed a short career at the Division I-AA level after walking on for the 2005 season. He has definite growth potential to bulk up to over 260 pounds with strength training. As a receiver, he has natural hands and a build along the lines of a basketball player. As a route runner, he looks smooth and shows good body control. He is able to extend and adjust for the errant pass.
The bad: His lack of bulk and functional strength limits him as a blocker, which makes him a developmental project in that area. He relies on finesse and walling off a defender, but he has weak hands and only average footwork to sustain his block the full play. He needs extensive technique and strength development in that critical role.
Outlook: This probable late pick or high-priority free agent may need a season or two on the practice squad to mature as a pro tight end prospect. Atchinson has definite upside potential as a receiver, but he must improve as a blocker and complete the necessary strength training to develop into a complete performer.
http://www.tfydraft.com/player_info.php?draftID=6999
Name: Drew Atchison
College: William & Mary
Conference: D-1AA
Number: 0
Position: TE
Draft Year: 08
Year: 4Sr Height Weight Round 40 Rank O Rank 6-6 245 FA 4.70 0
Bio
Posted career numbers of 34/475/6 as a senior when he became a full-time starter. Played five games with the first team as a junior and totaled 12/183/2.
Positives
Effective pass-catching tight end best as a short or intermediate-range target. Quickly releases into routes, immediately gets to top speed and nicely adjusts to the errant throw. Displays outstanding focus, concentration and makes the difficult reception with defenders draped on him. Exposes himself over the middle, takes a big hit yet holds onto the pass. Nicely uses his frame to get positioning on defenders and snatches the ball from the air. Blocks with good knee bend and pad level.
Negatives
Marginal blocker who shows limited strength and gets minimal movement at the point of attack. Must improve his route running. Not a tight end that creates mismatches in the secondary.
Analysis
Atchison is a solid pass-catcher with reliable hands and a sense of timing. He offers potential as a third tight end in a west coast system.
