Senior Bowl: Impressions at Halftime

Tim Tebow - QB (Florida)
Tebow ran a little no huddle on the opening drive to try to catch the North defense off guard. Tebow was quick to check down to his tight ends and backs (where have I seen this before?), and missed on a skinny post, underthrowing his receiver. On his second drive, Tebow did a good job moving the offense and got the South on the board to knot the game at 3-3. Tebow was not impressive in limited work, but watching a Florida game or two, Tebow seems to improve as the games wear on.

Offense
Nobody has done anything to really stand out head and shoulders above everybody else. However, I want to see what LeGarrett Blount - RB (Oregon) does at the combine in terms of 40-time, short shuttle and position drills, especially catching the ball. He is a solid 6'1" 245 and could be a nice complement to Mr. Jerome Harrison. Eric and I have been proponents of adding more physicality to the Browns. Who better than Blount? Blount scored the North's first TD rushing off LT and leaping into the end zone from about the 5 yard line. It will be interesting to see whether his incident at Boise State will affect his draft stock.

Speed is crucial at the next level. Dexter McCluster - WR/RB/PR/KR/MD/JD/LLM/ESQ/CPA (Ole Miss) and Jacoby Ford - WR (Clemson) absolutely have it. Ford burned most of the North defenders on a reverse in the first quarter and the Dolphins coaching staff on the South have had McCluster do a little bit of everythign in this game.

Mike Mayock has repeatedly pointed out how heralded guard/tackle prospect Mike Iupati out of Idaho has good footwork but lacks a strong punch and has a propensity to hold. This concerns me as a team possibly in the market for his services. He comes from a small school and may have gotten away with it there but it will not work in the NFL.

Defense
Dan Williams - DT (Tennessee) was dominant in the interior of the defensive line for the South team, consistently commanding double teams and was able to collapse the pocket, pressure the QB and knock down a pass or two at the line of scrimmage.

Brandon Graham's - DE/OLB (Michigan) opened eyes this week and his dominance in practice has carried over to the game as he has beaten just about every tackle hes faced. He's been living in the backfield creating pressures and even registering a sack, an impressive feat considering the Senior Bowl rules prohibit blitzing (only 4 man rushes are allowed). We need someone like this at OLB.

Sean Weatherspoon - LB (Mizzou) looks like he is a real playmaker. He was all over the field and even covered the quick McCluster one on one on a swing route out of the backfield.

Taylor Mays - FS, has drawn a lot of criticism for not making enough plays this year at USC. He has all the physical tools and his problem in my opinion is that hes always trying to go for the home run. On the first or second play of the game he went for a knock out punch going full speed at a RB and missed allowing the North to pick up extra yards. Mays made up for this by picking off a pass in the end zone, keeping points off the board.

Looking forward to seeing more plays made in the second half!

Quick Hits from the Senior Bowl

Senior Bowl practices are going on this week in Mobile Alabama. This week is the first chance NFL teams get to really see the top senior prospects. Here are a couple quick hits about some prospects working down there.

Brandon Graham - DE/OLB Michigan
Was on Sirius NFL Radio with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwin and seems like a great kid. The guys on Movin' the Chains love workout numbers and asked Graham about his 225 bench press. Graham insisted he would not tell, so they started the lower or higher game. 30? "Higher," said Graham. 35? "Higher." 40? If you can do 40 I'll come shake your hand. Graham replies, "Well, come down and shake my hand." Great stuff. From all reports, Graham is a force rushing the passer and has good speed on the outside. He's not big but at 6'1 265, he has great explosion. Look for him to be off the board well before the Browns pick in round 2.

Tony Pike - QB Cincinnati
Pike has not looked very good so far in practice. While his measurables are ideal, he is not spinning the ball well, resulting in wobbling passes that don't always get to their target.

Mike Iupati - G Idaho
This young man is playing really well and has the largest reach of any lineman in Mobile.  (Same) He is looking like a first round prospect as well, and could raise his stock if he is seen as a LT.

Sean Weatherspoon - LB Mizzou
Has been the vocal leader of the North Squad's defense. Apparently he is all over the field and making plays.

Taylor Mays - S USC
Mays has all the measurables to be an impact player in the NFL. In DB drills he has looked really good. He displays good range and is physically overmatching these receivers.

More to come later...

SUPERBOWL!!!!