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Mike Detillier is a sports talk guy in Louisiana. He does a show here with Bobby Hebert called 'Saint on the Bayou' and is a pretty well respected football mind in these parts. He makes a draft book every year and here was his write ups on the guys we got. This is put out before the draft I'm not saying he's right, just some information that you may not already have that I wanted to share with my Phellow Phins. Enjoy!
Ryan Tannehill - (He had him ranked as the third best QB in the draft)
Ryan's father, Tim, played QB at Texas Tech. Ryan was regarded as one of the top dual-threat QB's in the nation when he came out of Big Spring High School in Texas. He passed for 1,258 yards and he rushed for 617 yards as a high school senior. Ryan selected A&M during the recruiting process and he was redshirted in 2007. In 2008 Tannehill started the season at QB, but he was switched over to the wide receiver position and he led the team and set A&M freshmen records with 55 receptions for 844 yards and he caught 5 touchdowns. Ryan was the back up QB for the Aggies in 2009 and he ended up earning honorable mention All Big-12 Conference honors as a receiver catching 46 passes for 609 yards and 4 scores. He also completed4 of his 8 passes for 60 yards as a sophomore. Ryan started out the 2010 season at wide receiver, but he ended up being inserted into the starting lineup and he was the starting QB for the final 6 games of the season. Ryan completed 152 of his 234 passes for 1,638 yards, a school record 65% completion rate, 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions as a junior. He also rushed for 76 yards and 1 score and he caught 11 passes for 143 yards and 1 score in 2010. Tannehill completed 327 of his 531 passes for 3,744 yards, a completion rate of 61.6%, 29 TD's and 15 interceptions in 2011. He also rushed for 306 yards and 4 scores as a senior. Ryan suffered a broken foot working out at the IMG Football Academy right before the 2012 Senior Bowl and he is close to being 100% as of press time.
Very intelligent young man, who has outstanding athletic skills and the courage and heart to be a top-flight team leader. He has a strong football gene in him and he understands every little aspect of playing the game. Very accurate passer from the pocket and Ryan in very efficient in the short-to-medium areas of the field. He throws a very catchable pass and he has good touch on his throws. Tannehills sees the field well and he has really upgraded upon his ability to read and recognize coverages better downfield. Does a nice job setting up strong in the pocket and with poise making the correct read downfield. Ryan does a good job hitting receivers in stride and he can put the ball in tight spots out on the field. Ryan has very good escapability sills and he does a nice job buying time with his quick feet. Very mobile athlete who has excellent running skills and bieng a former receiver he is very elusive. I really like Ryan's quick set up skills in the pocket and he will freeze defenders with his hard 'pump' fakes. Does a very good job finding secondary receivers downfield. Ryan is a smart , technically sound athlete, who is getting much better with his reads downfield and he is a a relentless worker off the field. Sometimes Ryan is a little too tough for his own good and he takes some hard shots downfield. Must learn to slide or hit the turf and not take the hard hit. Has a thin build and he must physically get stronger to take the pounding of the NFL. Need to set his feet under him a bit better and not throw the ball off balance. When he throws off balance his passes sail on him. He also has a tendancy to throw the ball off his back foot. Ryan will aslo stare down receivers sometimes and in the NFL this will lead to an increased rate of interceptions. He has really worked at recognizing the different coverages thrown at him and making the right choice downfield, but he still needs work in this area. NFL teams will want to thoroughly check out his broken foot.
I am a big fan of Ryan and he is a far better pro prospect in my eyes than Christian Ponder was when he came out of Florida State and the Minnesota Vikings used and early 1st round pick on him. He is a tremendous overall athelete, who has gotten to be a much more accurate downfield passer and he does an excellent job carrying out and selling the play-action fakes. Tannehill will be the first QB in the modern era of Texas A&M to be selected in Round 1. Tannehill reminds me alot of former Oakland Raiders All-Pro QB Rich Gannon.
Jonathon Martin (He had him ranked as the third best OT in the draft)
Martin was considered a second-tier offensive tackle prospect when he came out of Harvard-Westlake High School in North Hollywood, CA. He was ranked as the 52nd overall player in the state of CA as a prep senior and he originally commited to UCLA. Martin changed his mind and he signed on with Stanford and was redshirted in 2008. Jonathon played in 13 games and he started 11 at left tackle for the Cardinal as a redshirt freshman. Martin won honorable mentionAll Pac 10 Conference honors in 2009. In 2010 Martin earned 1st team All Pac 10 Conference honors starting 13 games at left tackle. In 2011, Martin started all 13 games for the Cardinal and he wond 1st team All Pac 10 Conference honors and 2nd team AP All-American accolades. Was a finalist for the 2011 Lombardi Award, given to the best lineman in college football. Martin was part of an offensive line unit that allowed only 18 QB sacks over the last 2 seasons. (WOW) Jonathon announced in early January that he was giving up his senior season of college football to turn pro early.
Jonathon is an experienced pass protector on the left side and he has been a starter each of the last 3 seasons. Martin has excellent size, above average foot movement skills and lateral quickness, and he is a skilled technician. Martin bends his knees well and he plays the game on balance. Knows how to use good positioning skills and he is a good leverage/angle style blocker. Gets good movement with his drive blocks and he stays low and gets under the pads of an opponent. Shuffles and slides his feet to counteract the movement of a defensive end and he knows how to use his long arms well to sheild the QB from defenders. Fine technician as a pass protector. Jonathon has excellent size and he knows how to use his big body to the fullest. Excellent worker and he spends alot of time watching film on an opponent. Lacks super quick initial movement skills and he must use techniques to defeat his man at the left tackle slot. Has a tendency to lunge out and lose his excellent body balance skills when trying to pick up that key block. Needs some overall work on his technique and set up skills as a pass protector, especially in his hand extension and his ability to steer defenders quicker to the edge. Might be best suited to play on the right side, if he can get stronger and develop more power as a run blocker. I like Martin's intelligence, his hard work and dedication to the game and he already is a good technician. Jonathon needs to get stronger overall and Martin really needs to work with a speed/flexibility coach to aid his cause as a pass protector in a league full of speedy pass rushers, but the talent is there for him to develop into a very good left tackle with some refinement with his overall game.
Martin should join Kwame Harris-2003 (49ers), Bob Whitfield-1992 (Falcons), Brian Holloway-1981 (Patriots) and Gordon King-1978 (Giants) as first round pick offensive linemen from Stanford since 1967.
Olivier Vernon (He had him ranked as the 16th best DE in the draft)
Vernon was regarded as one of the elite defensive end prospects in the Sourh and Rivals.com ranking him the 16th best defensive end in the nation as a prep senior at American High School in Miami, FL. Vernon signed on with Miami (FLA.) in 2009. He played in 11 games and started 2, and Vernon was in on 25 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. In 2010 Vernon recorded 6 sacks and 10.5 tackles for losses as a sophomore. In 2011 Olivier was suspended for 6 games after the NCAA found out he had accepted impermissible benefits from a prominent Hurricane backer. Olivier palyed in 6 games and he started 3 in 2011 and he was in on 18 tackles, 3.5 tackles for losses, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Olivier announced in early December that he was giving up his senior season of college football to turn pro early. Vernon ran a 4.80 40 yard dash time at the NFL Combine and he did 31 reps of 225 pounds. Olivier is a tremendous overall athlete and someone that has shown glimpes of being a standout pass rusher, but he was never able to totally piece the puzzle together as a collegian player.
Vernon has a cat-quick initial move off the snap and excellent closing speed to the QB. He has really upgraded his ability to use his arms and hands effectively to defeat his opponent at the point of attack. Displays very good body balance and control skills. Well-coordinated athlete who moves fluidly from side to side. Vernon is a great athlete, but he has never been a great player out on the field. Has a bit of a hot and cold motor, but when the mood is right he has been something close to special. Has trouble at times getting off of blocks when he can't get his arms and quick hands on an opponent right off the snap. Vernon needs to learn how to anchor down stronger and diagnose plays run away from his quicker. Very strong athlete in the upper body, but sometimes he doesn't play up to that strength level Olivier has flashed the pass rush skills and foot speed to develop into a really good prospect, but the light never fully came on in college and he will need the right defensive line coach to fine tune his tremendous athletic skills in the pros. The ultimate "potential" prospect.
Michael Egnew (He had him ranked as the 5th best TE in the draft)
Micheal was a three sport standout at Plainview High School in Texas. He caught 34 passes for 587 yards and 5 touchdowns as a prep senior. He also excelled in basketball and track and field. He finished 2nd in the state in the long jump (24-4) and also was a top triple-jumper (best of 43 feet) in track. Egnew signed on with Missouri over Purdue and TCU, and he was a reserve tight end in 2008. He caught 4 passes for 22 yards as freshman. In 2009 Michael saw action in all 13 games and he caught 3 passes for 25 yards. In 2010 Egnew won consensus 1st team All-American and 1st team All Big-12 Conference honors. He caught 90 passes for 762 yards, averaged 8.5 per catch and scored 5 TD's as a junior. He was voted the team MVP as a junior. In 2011 Egnew earned 1st team All Big-12 Conference honors after catching 50 passes for 523 yards, averaged 10.5 yards per catch and he scored 3 touchdowns. Measured in at the 2012 Senior Bowl with a 70 3/8" wingspan and at 251 pounds. Egnew ran a 4.62 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine and he did 21 reps of 225 pounds.
Egnew has excellent height and he is avery efficient pass catching threat over the middle. Michael has very good eye-hand coordination and he catches the ball cleanly out in front with his hands. Adjusts well to poorly thrown passes and he has 1st rate body balance skills. Michael has very good concentration skills and he will take the hard hit when trying to make the grab. Excellent runner after the catch and he has those long legs that eat up alot of turf after the reception. Is quick to get into and out of his cuts and breaks downfield. Has the foot speed to blow the top off of deep coverage sets. He seldom lined up inside and he has a very thin build. Will need to get stronger and get more power in the lower body to help out as a run-blocker. Needs work on reading and recognizing coverages quicker and using his hands better to defeat tight coverage sets. Flex tight end who excels in the pass catching area of the game and he has that basketball background also.
Lamar Miller (He had him ranked as the 2nd best RB in the draft)
Miller was considered one of the elite runnig back prospects in the nation when he came out of Killian High School in Florida. He was ranked as the 10th best running back prospect in the nationby Rivals.com and he also earned Parade Magazine All-American honors after rushing for 1,749 yards on 217 carries and he scored 22 TD's. He rushed for 1,126 yard on 154 carries and scored 12 TD's as a junior. Lamar signed on with Miami (FLA) and was redshirted in 2009. In 2010 Miller played in 11 games and started one. As a redshirt freshman Millerrushed for 646 yards on 108 carries, he averaged 6 yards per rush and he scored 6 TD's. Miller caught 11 passes for 96 yards in 2010. In 2011 Miller earner 2nd team All-ACC honors. He rushed for 1,272 yards on 227 carries, averaged 5.6 yards per carry and he scored 9 TD's as a sophomore. He rushed for over 100 yards on seven differenet occasionsin 2011 and Miller became the first Hurricane runner to rush for 1,000 yards since 2002. Lamar also caught 17 passes for 85 yards and he scored one TD in 2011. Following the 2011 season Miller announced that he was giving up his years of college eligibility to turn pro early.
Lamar is a tremendous overall athlete with great foot speed and acceleration. Miller has another gear to kick into out in space and he is a silky smooth openfield runner. Lamer has very good field vision and cutback skills. He does a nice job following blocks and quickly getting through an open hole. Elusive back with quick foot movement skiils and the ability to make the first man miss. Has worked hard to upgrade his overall strength, but he still needs work in this area. Lamar is avery good receiver coming out of the backfield and he displays sure hands and 1st rate eye-hand coordination. He adjusts his body well to poorly thrown balls. Lamar is more of a speed/finesse runner than one noted for his rugged inside running skills. He needs to physically get stronger and run with a lower body balance. Lamar runs a bit upright and absorbs some very tough shots downfield. Has a tendency to want to take a play to the outside instead of getting what he can inside. He runs hard and he fights for extra yardage, but he needs to get his body stronger to tkae the more physical contact at the next level. He also needs to secure the ball better in traffic. Miller will need some work on his pass protection skills and techniques. Very smooth, one-cut get up the field in a flash type runnerand he certainly has big-play skills, but he needs to show he can take the punishment given to a back in a 16 game season and work harder in the weightroom to accomplish this goal. Lamar has a chance to join Willis McGahee-2003(Bills), Edgerrin James-1999(Colts), Cleveland Gary-1989(LA Rams), Alonzo Highsmith-1987(Houston Oilers), and Ottis Anderson-1979(St. Louis Cardinals) as first round halfbacks from Miami (FLA) since 1978. Lamar ran a 4.4 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Josh Kaddu (He had him ranked as the 12th best OLB in the draft)
Josh was a fine all around athlete at Vacaville High School in California. He excelled in football, basketball, and track. He recorded 92 tackles as a prep senior. Josh signed on with Oregon and was scheduled to redshirt in 2008, but the Ducks needed help on special teams and he played in 5 games, and was in on 5 tackles. In 2009 Josh played in 7 games and started 1 before sustaining a broken left foot and he missed the final 6 games of the season. He was in on 21 tackles, 4 tackles for losses, and 1 QB sack as a sophomore. Josh started 13 games at the strongside linebacker spot for Oregon in 2010 and recorded 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 QB sacks, and 2 pass break ups. In 2011 Kaddu earned 1st team All-Pac 10 accolades in 14 starts at the strongside linebacker spot. He was in on 50 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 QB sacks, and 2 pass deflections as a senior.
Well built strongside linebacker prospect who has good size and he moves around the field with great ease. Josh has good foot speed and range. Does a nice job fighting through heavy football traffic and getting into the thick of the action. Strong head-up tackler. Agressive player in pursuit and he does a nice job chasing down plays from the backside. Has flashed some pretty good pass rush moves and leverage skills. Very physical player at the point of attack and he has bettered his skills in using his arms and hands to work around blockers. Has the temperment to be a good special teams performer. Josh needs to physically get stronger, especially in the upperbody. Has above average instincts and sometimes he is a little hesitant to make that dtrong direct move up the field. Josh also needs to upgrade his pass coverage skills and footwork on reverse. Does not have a good feel for reading routes and he will get pulled out of position when he is guessing. Kaddu has excellent size and he can cover a lot of ground out on the field in run support, but he needs to add a power element to his game and also upgrade his pass coverage skills. Seems to get better each time he hits the field and with some refinement in his overall game Kaddu could develop into a good starter at the strongside spot.
B.J. Cunningham (He had him ranked as the 16th best WR in the draft)
BJ was a top all around athlete at Westerville South High School in Ohio. He caught 45 passes for 770 yards and 9 TD's as a prep senior. Cunningham was also a top prep basketball player and he was selected the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division Player of the Year in 2005-06. (Is that the longest name for an award ever?! ~ Me) He also participated in soccer and in track and field at Westerville South. BJ signed on with Michigan State and was redshirted in 2007. In 2008 BJ saw action in 13 games, started 12, and he caught 41 passes for 528 yards, and 31 of them resulted in first downs. In 2009 BJ started 10 games and he caught 48 passes for 641 yards and 4 scores. In 2010 Cunningham earned honorable mention All Big-Ten Conference honors and he caught 50 passes for 611 yards with a career best 9 TD catches. In 2011 Cunningham earned 2nd Team All Big-Ten Conference honors and he was voted team MVP by his teammates. He caught 79 receptions for 1,036 yards and he scored 12 TD's as a senior. he finished his Spartan career as the school's all time leader in receptions (218) and receiving yards (3,086) and ranks 2nd in touchdown catches with 25. BL had a superb week of work at the 2012 East-West Shrine practive sessions. He also caught 2 passes for 26 yards and caught a 17 yard touchdown pass in the contest. BJ ran a 4.59 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine and he posted a 31.5 inch vertical leap.
BJ is a very physical and productive end, who knows how to work the short to medium range areas of the field as a receiver. He is a very good post-up performer who will use his big body to the fullest to sheild defenders away from the ball. BJ has very sure hands and he looks the ball in well before taking off downfield. He has 1st rate eye-hand coordination and he is a physical player fighting off "press" coverage sets. Cunningham has excellent leaping and timing skills with the ball in flight and he will just pluck the ball cleanly over a defensive back. BJ catches the ball at the high point and he will fight for the ball in a crowd. BJ is a very strong openfield runner and while he is no speedster, he will fight off defenders and bake big plays downfield by breaking tackles. Solid downfield blocker. BJ lacks great foot speed and openfield acceleration. Cunningham is a good route runner, but he will need some work on refining his route running skiils and his ability to get into and out of his cuts and breaks quicker. Cunnigham is not a very elusive openfield runner, but he is someone that will just try to run you over in space. I really like BJ and despite not having sprinter's type speed Cunningham is a very effective threat on 3rd down conversion plays and in the redzone.
Kheeston Randall (He had him ranked as the 22nd best DT in the draft)
Kheeston was regarded as one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the state of Texas when he came out of Kelly High School. He was mentored by former NFL lineman Frank Middleton, who was an assistant at Kelly. He posted 50 tackles and 11 QB sacks as a prep senior. He also excelled in basketball and Kheeston competed in track throwing a shot put. Randall signed on with Texas and he played in 8 games in 2008. He recorded 2 tackles and one pass deflection as a freshman. In 2009 Fandall played in 14 games and started 10. Kheeston was in on 23 tackles, 3 tackles for losses, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble as a sophomore. In 2010 Kheeston started all 12 games at defensive tackle and he earned honorable mention All Big-12 Conference honors. He recorded 39 tackles, 13 tackles for losses, 1 sack, 3 pass deflections, and 2 blocked kicks as a junior. Randall earned 2nd team All Big-12 Conference honors as a senior. In 2011 Randall was in on 34 tackles, 5 tackles for losses, 1 sack, and 8 QB pressures. Kheeston ran a 5.00 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine and he did 28 reps of 225 pounds. He also measured in with 33.75" arms.
Kheeston has a long, real lean build and he does a solid job clogging up the inside rush lanes. Moves well for a big man and he has good lateral foot speed. Randall has long arms and huge reach to get around offensive linemen. Strong player in the upper body. Kheeston lacks great pass rush skills and he is a bit stiff to change directions quickly. Does not get off the line of scrimmage quickly and he gives up too much body for defenders to get their pads under. Solid run defender and he flashes good athletic skills, but he is not a real strong inside pocket pusher as a pass rusher.
Rishard Matthews (He had him ranked as the 28th best WR in the draft)
Rishard's uncle, Clarence McZiel, ran track at Lamar. Matthews was a standout football player and basketball performer at Saddleback High School in California. He originally verbally committed to Oregon, but he had some grade issues and ended up at Santa Ana College in California in 2007. He sat out the 2008 season due to focusing on his academics. Rishard ended up at Bakersfield College and he was an all-state JUCO performer as a sophomore and he recorded more than 1,000 yards in all-purpose yardage as a receiver and return man. Matthew signed on with Nevada in 2010 and he became an instand impact performer. Rishard played in 14 games and he started 12. He caught 56 passes for 879 yards, averaged 15.7 yards per catch and scored 5 TD's in 2010. He also returned 5 kickoffs for 91 yards and he brought back 25 punts for 244 yards in 2010. He earned 2nd team All WAC honors as a junior. Matthews earned 1st team All WAC and got named to some All-American teams in 2011. As a senior he caught a WAC leading 91 passes for a WAC best 1,364 yards, averaged 15.0 yards per catch and he scored 8 TD's. He also returned 23 punts, averaged 13.3 yards per run back and he brought one punt back for a score in 2011. Matthews ran a 4.62 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine and he did 20 reps of 225 pounds.
Matthews had good size, he is sure-handed and he displays excellent body balance and control skills with the ball in flight. Very athletic end who has quick feet and he has fluid movement skills downfield. Rishard has excellent body adjustment skills to poorly thrown balls. He looks the ball in well and he has very good eye-hand coordination. Understands where he is out on the field and he does a nice job with his positioning skills. Rishard runs with excellent power after the catch and when he goes up for passes in traffic. He also has good run after the catch vision. Solid punt returner and he has a burst in the openfield. Rishard needs to learn how to get off the snap cleaner and quicker. He will also need some work on refining his pass routes and running them sharper. He will round off his routes when getting into and out of his cuts and breaks. Rishard needs to also upgrade his downfield blocking skills. Rishard is a very well put together end, who has good hands, he is football smart and he is a very good short to intermediate end for the pros. He lacks that great pull away dimension and he is still learning th efiner points of route running, but he is quite talented.
Bonus!! I saw we signed Derek Dennis as an UFA so I figured I'd throw him in there too!!
Derek Dennis (He had him ranked as the 15th best OG in the draft)
Derek's cousin, Curtis Kelly plays basketball at Conneticut and another cousin, Dexter Coakley, was a standout college football player at Appalachian State and he was a standout linebacker in the NFL for 10 seasons with both the Dallas Cowboys and the St. Louis Rams. Derek played offensive guard, tight end and defensive end at Trinity Pawling High School in New York. He also was a standout athlete in basketball and lacrosse. He averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game in basketball. Derek signed on with Temple and he played in all 12 games and started 10 at right offensive guard in 2007. Dennis had 6 starts for Temple and he started at left guard and left tackle as a sophomore. In 2010 Derek played in all 12 games and he had 2 starts at right guard, one start at left guard, and four start at left tackle. Derek started all 13 games in 2011 at left tackle for the Owls.
Derek has some strong athletic genes flowing in him and he really excelled at the college level as a run blocker. He gets that big body moving quickly and he is quite a drive blocker. Very powerful blocker at the point of attack. Knows how to use that big body well and he does a good job walling off defenders from getting hard inside penetration. Has really upgraded his pass blocking skills, but he needs some work on his overall techniques and hand usage. Works better in small quarters than out in space. Has trouble with the speedy pass rushers when he can't get his hands on them quickly. Tough, real gritty inside performer, who excels as a run blocker, but for him to take that next step to start at the NFL level he needs some improvement as a pass protecting technician and with his body balance skills.
Hope you enjoy it and gain some knowledge on our newest Dolphins. I scanned over alot of the other reviews and he's not as kind as he was overall with our guys. Seems like we picked up some pretty good prospects. My apologies for any typos, I haven't typed this much since college. I'm going to go ice down my hands with a couple beers.
Ryan Tannehill - (He had him ranked as the third best QB in the draft)
Ryan's father, Tim, played QB at Texas Tech. Ryan was regarded as one of the top dual-threat QB's in the nation when he came out of Big Spring High School in Texas. He passed for 1,258 yards and he rushed for 617 yards as a high school senior. Ryan selected A&M during the recruiting process and he was redshirted in 2007. In 2008 Tannehill started the season at QB, but he was switched over to the wide receiver position and he led the team and set A&M freshmen records with 55 receptions for 844 yards and he caught 5 touchdowns. Ryan was the back up QB for the Aggies in 2009 and he ended up earning honorable mention All Big-12 Conference honors as a receiver catching 46 passes for 609 yards and 4 scores. He also completed4 of his 8 passes for 60 yards as a sophomore. Ryan started out the 2010 season at wide receiver, but he ended up being inserted into the starting lineup and he was the starting QB for the final 6 games of the season. Ryan completed 152 of his 234 passes for 1,638 yards, a school record 65% completion rate, 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions as a junior. He also rushed for 76 yards and 1 score and he caught 11 passes for 143 yards and 1 score in 2010. Tannehill completed 327 of his 531 passes for 3,744 yards, a completion rate of 61.6%, 29 TD's and 15 interceptions in 2011. He also rushed for 306 yards and 4 scores as a senior. Ryan suffered a broken foot working out at the IMG Football Academy right before the 2012 Senior Bowl and he is close to being 100% as of press time.
Very intelligent young man, who has outstanding athletic skills and the courage and heart to be a top-flight team leader. He has a strong football gene in him and he understands every little aspect of playing the game. Very accurate passer from the pocket and Ryan in very efficient in the short-to-medium areas of the field. He throws a very catchable pass and he has good touch on his throws. Tannehills sees the field well and he has really upgraded upon his ability to read and recognize coverages better downfield. Does a nice job setting up strong in the pocket and with poise making the correct read downfield. Ryan does a good job hitting receivers in stride and he can put the ball in tight spots out on the field. Ryan has very good escapability sills and he does a nice job buying time with his quick feet. Very mobile athlete who has excellent running skills and bieng a former receiver he is very elusive. I really like Ryan's quick set up skills in the pocket and he will freeze defenders with his hard 'pump' fakes. Does a very good job finding secondary receivers downfield. Ryan is a smart , technically sound athlete, who is getting much better with his reads downfield and he is a a relentless worker off the field. Sometimes Ryan is a little too tough for his own good and he takes some hard shots downfield. Must learn to slide or hit the turf and not take the hard hit. Has a thin build and he must physically get stronger to take the pounding of the NFL. Need to set his feet under him a bit better and not throw the ball off balance. When he throws off balance his passes sail on him. He also has a tendancy to throw the ball off his back foot. Ryan will aslo stare down receivers sometimes and in the NFL this will lead to an increased rate of interceptions. He has really worked at recognizing the different coverages thrown at him and making the right choice downfield, but he still needs work in this area. NFL teams will want to thoroughly check out his broken foot.
I am a big fan of Ryan and he is a far better pro prospect in my eyes than Christian Ponder was when he came out of Florida State and the Minnesota Vikings used and early 1st round pick on him. He is a tremendous overall athelete, who has gotten to be a much more accurate downfield passer and he does an excellent job carrying out and selling the play-action fakes. Tannehill will be the first QB in the modern era of Texas A&M to be selected in Round 1. Tannehill reminds me alot of former Oakland Raiders All-Pro QB Rich Gannon.
Jonathon Martin (He had him ranked as the third best OT in the draft)
Martin was considered a second-tier offensive tackle prospect when he came out of Harvard-Westlake High School in North Hollywood, CA. He was ranked as the 52nd overall player in the state of CA as a prep senior and he originally commited to UCLA. Martin changed his mind and he signed on with Stanford and was redshirted in 2008. Jonathon played in 13 games and he started 11 at left tackle for the Cardinal as a redshirt freshman. Martin won honorable mentionAll Pac 10 Conference honors in 2009. In 2010 Martin earned 1st team All Pac 10 Conference honors starting 13 games at left tackle. In 2011, Martin started all 13 games for the Cardinal and he wond 1st team All Pac 10 Conference honors and 2nd team AP All-American accolades. Was a finalist for the 2011 Lombardi Award, given to the best lineman in college football. Martin was part of an offensive line unit that allowed only 18 QB sacks over the last 2 seasons. (WOW) Jonathon announced in early January that he was giving up his senior season of college football to turn pro early.
Jonathon is an experienced pass protector on the left side and he has been a starter each of the last 3 seasons. Martin has excellent size, above average foot movement skills and lateral quickness, and he is a skilled technician. Martin bends his knees well and he plays the game on balance. Knows how to use good positioning skills and he is a good leverage/angle style blocker. Gets good movement with his drive blocks and he stays low and gets under the pads of an opponent. Shuffles and slides his feet to counteract the movement of a defensive end and he knows how to use his long arms well to sheild the QB from defenders. Fine technician as a pass protector. Jonathon has excellent size and he knows how to use his big body to the fullest. Excellent worker and he spends alot of time watching film on an opponent. Lacks super quick initial movement skills and he must use techniques to defeat his man at the left tackle slot. Has a tendency to lunge out and lose his excellent body balance skills when trying to pick up that key block. Needs some overall work on his technique and set up skills as a pass protector, especially in his hand extension and his ability to steer defenders quicker to the edge. Might be best suited to play on the right side, if he can get stronger and develop more power as a run blocker. I like Martin's intelligence, his hard work and dedication to the game and he already is a good technician. Jonathon needs to get stronger overall and Martin really needs to work with a speed/flexibility coach to aid his cause as a pass protector in a league full of speedy pass rushers, but the talent is there for him to develop into a very good left tackle with some refinement with his overall game.
Martin should join Kwame Harris-2003 (49ers), Bob Whitfield-1992 (Falcons), Brian Holloway-1981 (Patriots) and Gordon King-1978 (Giants) as first round pick offensive linemen from Stanford since 1967.
Olivier Vernon (He had him ranked as the 16th best DE in the draft)
Vernon was regarded as one of the elite defensive end prospects in the Sourh and Rivals.com ranking him the 16th best defensive end in the nation as a prep senior at American High School in Miami, FL. Vernon signed on with Miami (FLA.) in 2009. He played in 11 games and started 2, and Vernon was in on 25 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. In 2010 Vernon recorded 6 sacks and 10.5 tackles for losses as a sophomore. In 2011 Olivier was suspended for 6 games after the NCAA found out he had accepted impermissible benefits from a prominent Hurricane backer. Olivier palyed in 6 games and he started 3 in 2011 and he was in on 18 tackles, 3.5 tackles for losses, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Olivier announced in early December that he was giving up his senior season of college football to turn pro early. Vernon ran a 4.80 40 yard dash time at the NFL Combine and he did 31 reps of 225 pounds. Olivier is a tremendous overall athlete and someone that has shown glimpes of being a standout pass rusher, but he was never able to totally piece the puzzle together as a collegian player.
Vernon has a cat-quick initial move off the snap and excellent closing speed to the QB. He has really upgraded his ability to use his arms and hands effectively to defeat his opponent at the point of attack. Displays very good body balance and control skills. Well-coordinated athlete who moves fluidly from side to side. Vernon is a great athlete, but he has never been a great player out on the field. Has a bit of a hot and cold motor, but when the mood is right he has been something close to special. Has trouble at times getting off of blocks when he can't get his arms and quick hands on an opponent right off the snap. Vernon needs to learn how to anchor down stronger and diagnose plays run away from his quicker. Very strong athlete in the upper body, but sometimes he doesn't play up to that strength level Olivier has flashed the pass rush skills and foot speed to develop into a really good prospect, but the light never fully came on in college and he will need the right defensive line coach to fine tune his tremendous athletic skills in the pros. The ultimate "potential" prospect.
Michael Egnew (He had him ranked as the 5th best TE in the draft)
Micheal was a three sport standout at Plainview High School in Texas. He caught 34 passes for 587 yards and 5 touchdowns as a prep senior. He also excelled in basketball and track and field. He finished 2nd in the state in the long jump (24-4) and also was a top triple-jumper (best of 43 feet) in track. Egnew signed on with Missouri over Purdue and TCU, and he was a reserve tight end in 2008. He caught 4 passes for 22 yards as freshman. In 2009 Michael saw action in all 13 games and he caught 3 passes for 25 yards. In 2010 Egnew won consensus 1st team All-American and 1st team All Big-12 Conference honors. He caught 90 passes for 762 yards, averaged 8.5 per catch and scored 5 TD's as a junior. He was voted the team MVP as a junior. In 2011 Egnew earned 1st team All Big-12 Conference honors after catching 50 passes for 523 yards, averaged 10.5 yards per catch and he scored 3 touchdowns. Measured in at the 2012 Senior Bowl with a 70 3/8" wingspan and at 251 pounds. Egnew ran a 4.62 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine and he did 21 reps of 225 pounds.
Egnew has excellent height and he is avery efficient pass catching threat over the middle. Michael has very good eye-hand coordination and he catches the ball cleanly out in front with his hands. Adjusts well to poorly thrown passes and he has 1st rate body balance skills. Michael has very good concentration skills and he will take the hard hit when trying to make the grab. Excellent runner after the catch and he has those long legs that eat up alot of turf after the reception. Is quick to get into and out of his cuts and breaks downfield. Has the foot speed to blow the top off of deep coverage sets. He seldom lined up inside and he has a very thin build. Will need to get stronger and get more power in the lower body to help out as a run-blocker. Needs work on reading and recognizing coverages quicker and using his hands better to defeat tight coverage sets. Flex tight end who excels in the pass catching area of the game and he has that basketball background also.
Lamar Miller (He had him ranked as the 2nd best RB in the draft)
Miller was considered one of the elite runnig back prospects in the nation when he came out of Killian High School in Florida. He was ranked as the 10th best running back prospect in the nationby Rivals.com and he also earned Parade Magazine All-American honors after rushing for 1,749 yards on 217 carries and he scored 22 TD's. He rushed for 1,126 yard on 154 carries and scored 12 TD's as a junior. Lamar signed on with Miami (FLA) and was redshirted in 2009. In 2010 Miller played in 11 games and started one. As a redshirt freshman Millerrushed for 646 yards on 108 carries, he averaged 6 yards per rush and he scored 6 TD's. Miller caught 11 passes for 96 yards in 2010. In 2011 Miller earner 2nd team All-ACC honors. He rushed for 1,272 yards on 227 carries, averaged 5.6 yards per carry and he scored 9 TD's as a sophomore. He rushed for over 100 yards on seven differenet occasionsin 2011 and Miller became the first Hurricane runner to rush for 1,000 yards since 2002. Lamar also caught 17 passes for 85 yards and he scored one TD in 2011. Following the 2011 season Miller announced that he was giving up his years of college eligibility to turn pro early.
Lamar is a tremendous overall athlete with great foot speed and acceleration. Miller has another gear to kick into out in space and he is a silky smooth openfield runner. Lamer has very good field vision and cutback skills. He does a nice job following blocks and quickly getting through an open hole. Elusive back with quick foot movement skiils and the ability to make the first man miss. Has worked hard to upgrade his overall strength, but he still needs work in this area. Lamar is avery good receiver coming out of the backfield and he displays sure hands and 1st rate eye-hand coordination. He adjusts his body well to poorly thrown balls. Lamar is more of a speed/finesse runner than one noted for his rugged inside running skills. He needs to physically get stronger and run with a lower body balance. Lamar runs a bit upright and absorbs some very tough shots downfield. Has a tendency to want to take a play to the outside instead of getting what he can inside. He runs hard and he fights for extra yardage, but he needs to get his body stronger to tkae the more physical contact at the next level. He also needs to secure the ball better in traffic. Miller will need some work on his pass protection skills and techniques. Very smooth, one-cut get up the field in a flash type runnerand he certainly has big-play skills, but he needs to show he can take the punishment given to a back in a 16 game season and work harder in the weightroom to accomplish this goal. Lamar has a chance to join Willis McGahee-2003(Bills), Edgerrin James-1999(Colts), Cleveland Gary-1989(LA Rams), Alonzo Highsmith-1987(Houston Oilers), and Ottis Anderson-1979(St. Louis Cardinals) as first round halfbacks from Miami (FLA) since 1978. Lamar ran a 4.4 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Josh Kaddu (He had him ranked as the 12th best OLB in the draft)
Josh was a fine all around athlete at Vacaville High School in California. He excelled in football, basketball, and track. He recorded 92 tackles as a prep senior. Josh signed on with Oregon and was scheduled to redshirt in 2008, but the Ducks needed help on special teams and he played in 5 games, and was in on 5 tackles. In 2009 Josh played in 7 games and started 1 before sustaining a broken left foot and he missed the final 6 games of the season. He was in on 21 tackles, 4 tackles for losses, and 1 QB sack as a sophomore. Josh started 13 games at the strongside linebacker spot for Oregon in 2010 and recorded 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 QB sacks, and 2 pass break ups. In 2011 Kaddu earned 1st team All-Pac 10 accolades in 14 starts at the strongside linebacker spot. He was in on 50 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 QB sacks, and 2 pass deflections as a senior.
Well built strongside linebacker prospect who has good size and he moves around the field with great ease. Josh has good foot speed and range. Does a nice job fighting through heavy football traffic and getting into the thick of the action. Strong head-up tackler. Agressive player in pursuit and he does a nice job chasing down plays from the backside. Has flashed some pretty good pass rush moves and leverage skills. Very physical player at the point of attack and he has bettered his skills in using his arms and hands to work around blockers. Has the temperment to be a good special teams performer. Josh needs to physically get stronger, especially in the upperbody. Has above average instincts and sometimes he is a little hesitant to make that dtrong direct move up the field. Josh also needs to upgrade his pass coverage skills and footwork on reverse. Does not have a good feel for reading routes and he will get pulled out of position when he is guessing. Kaddu has excellent size and he can cover a lot of ground out on the field in run support, but he needs to add a power element to his game and also upgrade his pass coverage skills. Seems to get better each time he hits the field and with some refinement in his overall game Kaddu could develop into a good starter at the strongside spot.
B.J. Cunningham (He had him ranked as the 16th best WR in the draft)
BJ was a top all around athlete at Westerville South High School in Ohio. He caught 45 passes for 770 yards and 9 TD's as a prep senior. Cunningham was also a top prep basketball player and he was selected the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division Player of the Year in 2005-06. (Is that the longest name for an award ever?! ~ Me) He also participated in soccer and in track and field at Westerville South. BJ signed on with Michigan State and was redshirted in 2007. In 2008 BJ saw action in 13 games, started 12, and he caught 41 passes for 528 yards, and 31 of them resulted in first downs. In 2009 BJ started 10 games and he caught 48 passes for 641 yards and 4 scores. In 2010 Cunningham earned honorable mention All Big-Ten Conference honors and he caught 50 passes for 611 yards with a career best 9 TD catches. In 2011 Cunningham earned 2nd Team All Big-Ten Conference honors and he was voted team MVP by his teammates. He caught 79 receptions for 1,036 yards and he scored 12 TD's as a senior. he finished his Spartan career as the school's all time leader in receptions (218) and receiving yards (3,086) and ranks 2nd in touchdown catches with 25. BL had a superb week of work at the 2012 East-West Shrine practive sessions. He also caught 2 passes for 26 yards and caught a 17 yard touchdown pass in the contest. BJ ran a 4.59 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine and he posted a 31.5 inch vertical leap.
BJ is a very physical and productive end, who knows how to work the short to medium range areas of the field as a receiver. He is a very good post-up performer who will use his big body to the fullest to sheild defenders away from the ball. BJ has very sure hands and he looks the ball in well before taking off downfield. He has 1st rate eye-hand coordination and he is a physical player fighting off "press" coverage sets. Cunningham has excellent leaping and timing skills with the ball in flight and he will just pluck the ball cleanly over a defensive back. BJ catches the ball at the high point and he will fight for the ball in a crowd. BJ is a very strong openfield runner and while he is no speedster, he will fight off defenders and bake big plays downfield by breaking tackles. Solid downfield blocker. BJ lacks great foot speed and openfield acceleration. Cunningham is a good route runner, but he will need some work on refining his route running skiils and his ability to get into and out of his cuts and breaks quicker. Cunnigham is not a very elusive openfield runner, but he is someone that will just try to run you over in space. I really like BJ and despite not having sprinter's type speed Cunningham is a very effective threat on 3rd down conversion plays and in the redzone.
Kheeston Randall (He had him ranked as the 22nd best DT in the draft)
Kheeston was regarded as one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the state of Texas when he came out of Kelly High School. He was mentored by former NFL lineman Frank Middleton, who was an assistant at Kelly. He posted 50 tackles and 11 QB sacks as a prep senior. He also excelled in basketball and Kheeston competed in track throwing a shot put. Randall signed on with Texas and he played in 8 games in 2008. He recorded 2 tackles and one pass deflection as a freshman. In 2009 Fandall played in 14 games and started 10. Kheeston was in on 23 tackles, 3 tackles for losses, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble as a sophomore. In 2010 Kheeston started all 12 games at defensive tackle and he earned honorable mention All Big-12 Conference honors. He recorded 39 tackles, 13 tackles for losses, 1 sack, 3 pass deflections, and 2 blocked kicks as a junior. Randall earned 2nd team All Big-12 Conference honors as a senior. In 2011 Randall was in on 34 tackles, 5 tackles for losses, 1 sack, and 8 QB pressures. Kheeston ran a 5.00 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine and he did 28 reps of 225 pounds. He also measured in with 33.75" arms.
Kheeston has a long, real lean build and he does a solid job clogging up the inside rush lanes. Moves well for a big man and he has good lateral foot speed. Randall has long arms and huge reach to get around offensive linemen. Strong player in the upper body. Kheeston lacks great pass rush skills and he is a bit stiff to change directions quickly. Does not get off the line of scrimmage quickly and he gives up too much body for defenders to get their pads under. Solid run defender and he flashes good athletic skills, but he is not a real strong inside pocket pusher as a pass rusher.
Rishard Matthews (He had him ranked as the 28th best WR in the draft)
Rishard's uncle, Clarence McZiel, ran track at Lamar. Matthews was a standout football player and basketball performer at Saddleback High School in California. He originally verbally committed to Oregon, but he had some grade issues and ended up at Santa Ana College in California in 2007. He sat out the 2008 season due to focusing on his academics. Rishard ended up at Bakersfield College and he was an all-state JUCO performer as a sophomore and he recorded more than 1,000 yards in all-purpose yardage as a receiver and return man. Matthew signed on with Nevada in 2010 and he became an instand impact performer. Rishard played in 14 games and he started 12. He caught 56 passes for 879 yards, averaged 15.7 yards per catch and scored 5 TD's in 2010. He also returned 5 kickoffs for 91 yards and he brought back 25 punts for 244 yards in 2010. He earned 2nd team All WAC honors as a junior. Matthews earned 1st team All WAC and got named to some All-American teams in 2011. As a senior he caught a WAC leading 91 passes for a WAC best 1,364 yards, averaged 15.0 yards per catch and he scored 8 TD's. He also returned 23 punts, averaged 13.3 yards per run back and he brought one punt back for a score in 2011. Matthews ran a 4.62 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine and he did 20 reps of 225 pounds.
Matthews had good size, he is sure-handed and he displays excellent body balance and control skills with the ball in flight. Very athletic end who has quick feet and he has fluid movement skills downfield. Rishard has excellent body adjustment skills to poorly thrown balls. He looks the ball in well and he has very good eye-hand coordination. Understands where he is out on the field and he does a nice job with his positioning skills. Rishard runs with excellent power after the catch and when he goes up for passes in traffic. He also has good run after the catch vision. Solid punt returner and he has a burst in the openfield. Rishard needs to learn how to get off the snap cleaner and quicker. He will also need some work on refining his pass routes and running them sharper. He will round off his routes when getting into and out of his cuts and breaks. Rishard needs to also upgrade his downfield blocking skills. Rishard is a very well put together end, who has good hands, he is football smart and he is a very good short to intermediate end for the pros. He lacks that great pull away dimension and he is still learning th efiner points of route running, but he is quite talented.
Bonus!! I saw we signed Derek Dennis as an UFA so I figured I'd throw him in there too!!
Derek Dennis (He had him ranked as the 15th best OG in the draft)
Derek's cousin, Curtis Kelly plays basketball at Conneticut and another cousin, Dexter Coakley, was a standout college football player at Appalachian State and he was a standout linebacker in the NFL for 10 seasons with both the Dallas Cowboys and the St. Louis Rams. Derek played offensive guard, tight end and defensive end at Trinity Pawling High School in New York. He also was a standout athlete in basketball and lacrosse. He averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game in basketball. Derek signed on with Temple and he played in all 12 games and started 10 at right offensive guard in 2007. Dennis had 6 starts for Temple and he started at left guard and left tackle as a sophomore. In 2010 Derek played in all 12 games and he had 2 starts at right guard, one start at left guard, and four start at left tackle. Derek started all 13 games in 2011 at left tackle for the Owls.
Derek has some strong athletic genes flowing in him and he really excelled at the college level as a run blocker. He gets that big body moving quickly and he is quite a drive blocker. Very powerful blocker at the point of attack. Knows how to use that big body well and he does a good job walling off defenders from getting hard inside penetration. Has really upgraded his pass blocking skills, but he needs some work on his overall techniques and hand usage. Works better in small quarters than out in space. Has trouble with the speedy pass rushers when he can't get his hands on them quickly. Tough, real gritty inside performer, who excels as a run blocker, but for him to take that next step to start at the NFL level he needs some improvement as a pass protecting technician and with his body balance skills.
Hope you enjoy it and gain some knowledge on our newest Dolphins. I scanned over alot of the other reviews and he's not as kind as he was overall with our guys. Seems like we picked up some pretty good prospects. My apologies for any typos, I haven't typed this much since college. I'm going to go ice down my hands with a couple beers.
