How To Scout

[zodiak]

Dolfans

I am curious how do scouts go about grading players and projecting them into the NFL

We all watch the games but what is it we should be looking for,as an example I feel miami needs a pass rusher so when we watch say Texas play how should we be viewing #98 Orakpo?

We can see the results but what are the finer points to viewing a prospect?

 

[Ozfin77]

I'm no pro scout (although I wish I was!...lol), but in the case of a DE like Orakpo, I would guess they're looking at things like;

His overall motor and attitude - Is he relentless in pursuit of the man with the ball, or does he take plays off.
His ability to beat whichever OT he comes up against and what moves he makes to do so.
His ability to constantly get into the backfield.
His tackling ability.

I'm sure there are more, so I'm hoping a few more guys can put their thoughts down here too.

 

[P_lock]

If you want just a general look for what scouts look for, I've found that the ESPN draft site does a great job saying specifics for each position that scouts look for. (Can't link it, so just search espn nfl draft 2009 and just look at players through that)

But the finer points, I'd imagine seeing the overall progression of a player over the years, seeing how they react to different situations and players, analyzing their mechanics and whatnot (much like Ozfin said). Add in looking at games against quality players (like Orakpo vs. Oklahoma, Ohio State, Texas Tech, etc.), seeing if a DE can play the pass and rush, and also looking at a player's natural instincts (does he sniff out the screen; does he pursue the runner or stay in his gap).

 

[MAdolfan]

Well the NFL is all about SPEED! Depending on the position and lets use Orakpo as an example you judge by his speed, strength, quickness power and finesse moves. There was an article about him in ESPN and it shower him weight lifting and he puts up some SERIOUS weight. You look at how he plays against the best competition. So seeing how he does against the best tackles in the big 12. He has the body and frame. Now just watch film and see how he does it clutch situations and against the best competition.


against oklahoma he notched seven tackles, two sacks, four TFL, two pressures and a forced fumble versus No. 1 Oklahoma.....great!

What ive seen from him he is going to be a good pro.