Pacman Yes, T.O. No

The announcement came last Thursday that Adam "Pacman" Jones signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. This is not a shock as the Bengals are known to take risks with players that other teams have deemed "damaged goods".

Jones is probably better known for his season long suspension in 2007 and his numerous run-ins with the law than he has been for his on the field accomplishments in the NFL.

If someone who didn't even play last season and has a questionable legal past like Jones can get an NFL job, what does that say about the playing future of wide receiver Terrell Owens?

The Bengals brought Owens in for a visit in early March and was very close to signing him but ended up signing the younger Antonio Bryant to a four year contract.

Adam Jones understands one thing that Owens doesn't. Your only monetary worth as an employee is what someone is willing to pay you. Jones most likely took a deal at the league minimum and was given playing incentives to increase the total amount of the contract. Owens, and his agent Drew Rosenhaus, reportedly want at least 5 million dollars for Terrell's services this next season.

The reality is Owens is a 36 year old who is coming off his worst season since 1999. He turned the 49ers locker room on its head and tried to create dissent amongst his teammates in Philadelphia. Then there was his  Romo-Witten writing secret plays on table napkins incident in Dallas. T.O. was quiet last season in Buffalo, but if he would have spoken up, would anybody have listened to him anyway?

Adam Jones has had his problems off the field, but by all accounts has been a decent "locker room" guy. Owens, like Barry Bonds, will never shake the reputation as a locker room cancer and still believes he is an elite player. The Bengals obviously felt that Jones was worth the risk and Owens wasn't. "Pacman" seems to realize this is his last chance to play in the NFL. It seems that Owens last chance may have come to pass.




Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
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San Francisco 49ers 2010 Draft Review

The Niners' theme of the 2010 NFL Draft was "power". They started off by selecting two of the best run blocking offensive linemen in the draft. Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati are physically talented enough to start immediately. Taylor Mays, Navarro Bowman, Anthony Dixon, and Nate Bynam could all make major contributions at their respective positions. The Niners' draft was focused and showed they wanted NFL ready players so they could compete for a playoff berth for the first time since 2002. 




Round 1, Pick 11

Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

Ht: 6’ 5” Wt: 323

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  With Joe Staley not working out at left tackle, the Niners felt they needed to solidify the left tackle position.  Davis is an excellent technician that can dominate if he can stay in shape.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Possesses the size, agility and functional playing strength to man the left tack- le position, but his immaturity raises questions about his commitment and ability to maintain success after a big payday. Has potential to excel as a run blocker and emerge as a very solid pro if he learns what it means to work and takes the game more seriously.

NFL projection: Top-15 pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Davis is a true 3^rd year junior who does not consistently block up to his talent level.  He started at guard as a true freshman and finished college career in 2009 as Rutgers’ left tackle.  There is little doubt in my mind that Davis has the physical talent to be a very productive LT in the NFL with the size and strength to physically control/dominate man when he blocks aggressively.  However, he does not play with good hand use or aggressiveness on every snap, which hinders his consistency of production.  Overall, Davis’ on field production is more of a 2^nd or 3^rd rounder, but the reality is that he is a young player with great physical talent who has improved every year at Rutgers.  While his lack of aggressiveness is an issue, I have no doubt about his competitiveness, which leads me to believe his areas of inconsistency will improve as he gets older and matures.  His combination of elite athleticism, excellent natural strength and inconsistent production reminds me a ton of current Ravens’ OT Michael Oher and I believe Davis can become an even better NFL OT than Oher given time to mature and develop

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Davis’ inconsistent technique, reputation as an underachiever and trouble staying at his ideal weight won’t help his draft stock.  In fact, his strength and weight may make some teams project him to right tackle or even guard – where he could excel if he matures early in his career. 

Round 1, Pick 17

Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho

Ht: 6’ 5 1/8” Wt: 331

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Iupati is one of the best guard prospects to come along in many years.  San Francisco is looking to build their offensive line for the future and have made themselves into the front runners for the NFC West title.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A powerful, big-boned interior force, Iupati stands out on tape. Will be the first guard drafted and offers versatility to one day play either tackle position. Combination of size, brute strength, movement skills and arm length should enable him to dominate as a road-grading left guard for years to come.

NFL projection: First-round pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Iupati is not a well known prospect by the public, but many in the NFL are very excited about him because big, extremely strong guards with good athleticism who block with aggressiveness, intensity and passion are very tough to find.  He definitely needs to block with good technique more consistently to maintain his high level of production in the NFL and to improve in pass pro.  Overall, I think Iupati is going to grade out well on film, but will not shine at the Combine, which may lead to him sliding into the 3^rd round, but in time he will end up becoming a very good starting guard in the NFL. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  While all of his 34 career starts came at left guard, some feel his ultimate pro position could lie outside at offensive tackle or even as a defensive tackle.  Some teams noted his multidimensional skills at the Senior Bowl, where he was a standout in practices and dominated when he lined up at guard.  He has a unique combination of size, strength and quick feet. 

Round 2, Pick 49

Taylor Mays, S, USC

Ht: 6’ 3 1/8” Wt: 230

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Mays is an old-fashion, in-the-box type safety almost like an extra linebacker.  Though he doesn't have the coverage skills that NFL teams covet now, he is a excellent teammate and hard worker.  If the Niners use him properly, he can help this defense instantly.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Throw out the stopwatch and eye- popping 40-time at the Combine — the tape of Mays playing to his speed does not exist. Can start readily in NFL like he did in college and get away with his lack of instincts in the pros because of his rare recovery speed, but lack of instincts, intelligence and toughness will always leave teams wanting more. Enamors with his measurables but disappoints with his play, and will need more than straight-line speed and a flash hit to become more than a serviceable starter in the pros. Will be overdrafted and underperform.

NFL projection: First-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Mays has the natural ability to rate out as one of the real stars of the pre-draft work out circuit.  With four years of film for scouts to grade, his over aggressiveness as a senior won’t prove catastrophic to his final grade.  His performance in 2009 might have knocked him out of the top 10, but his blend of size, speed and explosive hitting make him a first-round lock and immediate impact rookie. 

Round 3, Pick 71

Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State

Ht: 6’ 0 ½” Wt: 242

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  San Francisco continues to draft for value.  Bowman was considered worthy of a high pick but off field concerns and injuries derailed him.  He could come in and make an impact in SF's defense next to Patrick Willis.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Athletic, field-fast, run-and-hit “Will” linebacker who persevered through adversity to be a very productive player in college. Has starter-caliber athletic ability, range and tackling skills and would fit best in a one- gapping 4-3 alignment. Projects as a three-down, two-phase player which adds to value.

NFL projection: Second-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  On the field, few players in this draft come downhill faster and explode into their tackles as well as Bowman does.  Even fewer have gone through the adversity he has over the past three years (including injuries and a 2007 arrest for his role in a flight at a party).  If given a clean bill of health by doctors and strong recommendation by his Penn State coaches, a team might look past Bowman’s lack of height, troubled past and injury history to select him in the early rounds of the draft.

173.)  San Francisco 49ers
Anthony Dixon, RB, Mississippi State
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 233

  

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Lack of elusiveness caused Dixon to drop this far.  An excellent change of pace and short yardage back, Dixon could stick on a team if he learns how to pass block and runs with the physicality he's capable of bringing.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Even though Dixon looks like a pure power back, he had 52 catches for 317 yards and four scores over his career, providing his versatility.  He emerged as a team leader in 2009 while rushing for a school-record 1,391 yards.  He leaves as Mississippi State’s all-time leading rusher with 3,994 yards and is viewed as a potential bell-cow back.

182.)  San Francisco 49ers
Nate Byham, TE, Pittsburgh
Ht:  6' 4" Wt: 268

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Byham is another tight end brought in for his blocking capabilities and could help SF out in the two tight end formation. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Byham’s lack of quickness will downgrade him into the second half of the draft, but his versatility makes him a valued commodity to teams needing a solid backup to help move the chains and get the ground game going.

206.)  San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Williams, WR, Arizona State
Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 188

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Williams is a good athlete but his size is a concern and the 49ers have quickly become very deep at the wide receiver position/returner. With the trade for Ted Ginn, df I have a hard time seeing a roster spot for Williams on the 49ers.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  The son of White Sox GM Ken Williams, Kyle was drafted by Chicago in the 47^th round of the 2006 amateur baseball draft.  He opted to focus on football, starring as a return man and finally emerging as a regular starting receiving in 2009.  Following a strong week at the Texas vs. the Nation all-star week, he looks the part of a slot receiver/return specialist.

224.)  San Francisco 49ers 

Phillip Adams, DB, South Carolina State

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 182

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Adams continues the run on valuable returners in this round.  Small school experience and lack of top end speed kept his stock down, but his ball skills and open field creativity can translate to the NFL level.  

  

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 7, Pick 223 - 228

223.)  Carolina Panthers

R.J. Stanford, DB, Utah

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 180

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Stanford is a good prospect as far as speed and size is concerned.  His actual on the field ability is in question.  Perhaps Carolina thinks with pro-coaching Stanford could become a contributing cornerback and special teamer.

GM Jr’s scouting report:   RJ Stanford’s lack of size and strength, as well as poor technique, will certainly scare some teams away, but his speed will convince others to take a second look. His height/weight combo his ability to be physical with bigger receivers in man coverage, and his choppy pedal causes him to lose ground quickly on the flip. However, he has the speed to recover and undercut the route on most receivers. He is at his best in zone coverage, as he does an excellent job of reading the QB and accelerating to the play in front of him. While these traits make him look like a good candidate for a cover 2 team, he will need to improve his competitiveness against the run in order to round out his skill set and see significant time on the field. As a rookie he projects as a dime back who should be a contributor on special teams. If he can improve his technique and strength level significantly, he could develop into a solid nickel back, capable of filling in at #2 against smaller receivers who are more his size. He has a lot of work to do to prove himself, but with such a premium placed on speed, RJ is worth a late round pick.

224.)  San Francisco 49ers 

Phillip Adams, DB, South Carolina State

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 182

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Adams continues the run on valuable returners in this round.  Small school experience and lack of top end speed kept his stock down, but his ball skills and open field creativity can translate to the NFL level.  

  

225.)  Denver Broncos

Syd'quan Thompson, CB, California

Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 186

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  One of the players that made a name for himself at the Senior Bowl, Thompson is an extremely instinctive corner but lacks the top end speed to play the outside receivers.  The Broncos could use him as a nickel or corner back this season because he is very smart and will find his way onto the football field.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   An undersized, feisty, throwback-type slot defender and punt returner with exceptional heart and football character, Thompson does not meet height-weight-speed standards but maximizes his ability and stands out on tape. Better football player than athlete who will make it hard for a team to cut him.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

226.)  St. Louis Rams

George Selvie, DE, Southern Florida

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 252

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  After a spectacular sophomore season, Selvie disappointed his last two college years.  Selvie is a good straight-line rusher but does not  have the size and strength to out muscle tackles and can be blocked too easily.  If he can show his early college form, Selvie could earn a spot on the Rams' roster.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Very tough, upright tweener who is most known for his superproductive sophomore season and does not get enough credit for how strong and tough he is for a lightweight plugger. Lacks the athletic ability and bend desired in a rush linebacker and lack of size could be limiting as an every-down defensive end. However, he does play big for his size with enough leverage and grit to stick as a 4-3 base end despite his lack of bulk.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

227.)  Houston Texans 

Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 226

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Dickerson's issue is he's oversized for a receiver and much too small to be a full-time tight end.  The Texans need to have a plan to use him as a receiver/blocker that lines up wide of the offensive tackle.  Dickerson can be more than successful if used properly.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Found a home at H-back as a senior after being shuttled between positions his first three years and has shown big-time flashes of potential. Possesses the vertical speed to stretch the seam and athletic ability to mismatch linebackers on crossing routes. Exceptional Combine performance and rare top-end speed will enhance value but is still raw as a route runner and will need to be used on simple routes where he does not have to make sharp cuts to be most effective. Has ability to factor situationally immediately.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

228.)  Cincinnati Bengals

Reggie Stephens, OL, Iowa State

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 333

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Stephens is a versatile lineman.  He has played all three interior line positions and started for three plus seasons at Iowa State.  His pass blocking footwork needs to be coached up, but he's a good run blocker.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 6, Pick 180 - 184

180.)  Jacksonville Jaguars
Deji Karim, RB, Southern Illinois
Ht:  5' 11" Wt: 205

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Jacksonville is in need of depth at running back, and Karim is an adequate addition.  He may have been brought him to play special teams.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Functional runner who takes what a defense gives him but has few standout traits and could struggle to translate his production to the pro level.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

181.)  Chicago Bears 
Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan
Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 230

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An intriguing prospect with some upside, LeFevour has a lot of work to do on his mechanics and needs to learn the nuances of the pro passing game.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Although LeFevour’s average arm strength and lack of experience in a pro-style offense will be detriments to his draft stock, scouts are intrigued by his size and athletic ability.  

182.)  San Francisco 49ers
Nate Byham, TE, Pittsburgh
Ht:  6' 4" Wt: 268

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Byham is another tight end brought in for his blocking capabilities and could help SF out in the two tight end formation. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Byham’s lack of quickness will downgrade him into the second half of the draft, but his versatility makes him a valued commodity to teams needing a solid backup to help move the chains and get the ground game going.

183.)  Denver Broncos
Eric Olsen, C, Notre Dame
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 306

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Olsen joins the parade of new Broncos with high character and effort.  A smart player who could work his way in to the starting line up eventually. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Olsen has significant experience at guard, and was named the team’s top lineman after being charged with just one sack allowed last season.  Although not an elite athlete, Olsen’s nastiness and versatility will endear him to NFL offensive line coaches and could land him a spot in the first 150 selections. 

184.)  New York Giants
Adrian Tracy, DE, William and Mary
Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 248

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Tracy is an undersized developmental project that was dominate in the conference in which he played.  Needing to gain strength and understanding of the pro-game, Tracy is a long shot to make the team but could develop into a rotational defensive end.  

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 6, Pick 170 - 174

170.)  St. Louis Ram
Fendi Onobun, TE, Arizona

Ht: 6' 6" Wt: 252

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Rams take a flier on the potential of Onobun's pass catching ability.  Another development prospect, he might not see regular playing time for several seasons.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Raw, developmental, pass-catching tight end with enough upside for a good, patient coaching staff such as that of the Patriots or Packers to take a chance developing.

NFL projection: Priority free agent. 

171.)  Atlanta Falcons
Shann Schillinger, S, Montana

Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 199

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Schillinger fits the mold of the over-achiever that the Falcons have made their theme for this 2010 Draft.  A free safety, who lead his team in tackles last season, Schillinger will try to latch on to the Falcons' roster as a special teams contributor. 

172.)  Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brent Bowden, P, Virgina Tech

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 202

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Bowden needs to work on his hang time so his coverage team can catch up to the returners, but Bowden is definitely an NFL level punter. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Allowed three punt-return touchdowns as a junior but posted a strong senior season and has a chance to earn a job.

NFL projection: Priority free agent. 

173.)  San Francisco 49ers
Anthony Dixon, RB, Mississippi State

Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 233

  

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Lack of elusiveness caused Dixon to drop this far.  An excellent change of pace and short yardage back, Dixon could stick on a team if he learns how to play special teams and runs with the physicality he's capable of bringing.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Even though Dixon looks like a pure power back, he had 52 catches for 317 yards and four scores over his career, providing his versatility.  He emerged as a team leader in 2009 while rushing for a school-record 1,391 yards.  He leaves as Mississippi State’s all-time leading rusher with 3,994 yards and is viewed as a potential bell-cow back.

174.)  Washington Redskins
Dennis Morris, TE, Louisiana Tech

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 265

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Morris is an undersized tight end so he may be moved to H-back or full back to make the most of his talent.  A player who has good hands and is hard to bring down, Morris has the opportunity to latch onto a team as a run blocking pass catching specialist.  

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 3, Pick 91 - San Francisco 49ers - Navorro Bowman

Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State

Ht: 6’ 0 ½” Wt: 242

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  San Francisco continues to draft for value.  Bowman was considered worthy of a high pick but off field concerns and injuries derailed him.  He could come in and make an impact in SF's defense next to Patrick Willis.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Athletic, field-fast, run-and-hit “Will” linebacker who persevered through adversity to be a very productive player in college. Has starter-caliber athletic ability, range and tackling skills and would fit best in a one- gapping 4-3 alignment. Projects as a three-down, two-phase player which adds to value.

NFL projection: Second-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  On the field, few players in this draft come downhill faster and explode into their tackles as well as Bowman does.  Even fewer have gone through the adversity he has over the past three years (including injuries and a 2007 arrest for his role in a flight at a party).  If given a clean bill of health by doctors and strong recommendation by his Penn State coaches, a team might look past Bowman’s lack of height, troubled past and injury history to select him in the early rounds of the draft.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.