Minnesota Vikings to Acquire DE Jared Allen

Okay. . .quick disclaimer before I do this here. . .

I have no link to this.  It's coming from something that was said by Michael Smith on ESPN's NFL Live.  I'm checking on ESPN's site for some sort of link to said video, but I've yet to find it, and NFL Live isn't re-running on ESPN television until the wee hours of the morning.

So, again, we could call this an REO Speedwagon rumor. . .as in "heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend who. . ."

(Yeah, REO Speedwagon. . .I went there.)

Anyway, Michael Smith has said on NFL Live that Jared Allen to the Vikings is "virtually a done deal."  It's said that the deal will be for Minnesota's first rounder this year (#17 overall) and the third round pick they've received from the Denver Broncos (#73 overall) in exchange for Allen, who would sign a long-term extension.  The Vikings originally offered #17 this year and their second rounder in 2009, but it appears that the Chiefs want picks THIS season.

Now, I don't want to jinx anything here. . .but so help me, if this goes through. . .

NOW WE ARE SO HAPPY, WE DO THE DANCE OF JOY!  DA DA DA DA, DA DA DA DA! (Picture courtesy of TVGuide.com)

Jared Allen led the NFL last season with 16 sacks.  He did this in 14 games, having served a two-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.  He also did this lined up along side of two guys in the middle named Ron Edwards and Alfonso Boone.  You might remember Boone from his time in Chicago. . .then again, nobody would be surprised if you didn't.

Jared Allen on the fast track in Minnesota lined up next to the Irresistable Force and the Immovable Object for 16 games?  Ummmmmm. . .yes, please!  After all, we got to see first-hand what Jared Allen is capable of last year.  In the first game back from his suspension, Allen had 8 tackles, 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and basically spent his entire afternoon abusing Bryant McKinnie in Kansas City's 13-10 victory at Arrowhead Stadium.

I will be freaking ecstatic if this deal happens.  Somewhere, Aaron Rodgers is curled up in the fetal position, sucking his thumb.  I can't imagine what he'll look like after this trade happens.

More on this tomorrow when I have more time to digest it.  Enjoy the rest of your Thursday, ladies and gentlemen.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.dailynorseman.com/story/2008/4/17/223823/653

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Trading for Jared Allen: Myths, Facts, and
Reality

It's funny how much can change in two months.  If you go back in time to the 15th of February I advocated trading for Defensive End Jared Allen.  In those days I was expecting Allen to sign his franchise tender and he'd cost the Jaguars two first round picks to go for him.  Yet I still called for it, declaring that the Jaguars were in no-mans-land at the 26th spot and with Allen we would without a doubt pick even higher next year.  

It turns out that Allen might not cost two first round picks after all.  Allen is visiting with the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in hopes of working a trade.  The Chiefs, much to their fans dismay, are entering full on rebuilding mode, overpaying Allen just isn't a smart move for the franchise.

Unfortunately for the Jaguars, there seems to be little chance that a trade would occur to bring Allen to Jacksonville.  While the price is now less than two first round picks, he would still merit at least a first and a third round pick.  For Jacksonville to enter into the sweepstakes, they'd have to make their package more valuable than the Vikings or Bucs, considering that we're almost ten picks behind the purple people eaters and six behind Tampa, it'd mean having to sweeten the deal even further.  I don't know if a 1st, 3rd, and 5th would do the trick.  Let's say, hypothetically, that the Vikings offer a 1st and 3rd (27th and 82nd picks).  That's worth about 1175 points.  Jacksonville's first, third, and fifth (using the highest in each round) is only worth 969 points.  Even if it's Tampa Bay that we're competing with, their first and third is worth about 1025 points, we'd still be short.  The only way we could get close to beating the offers from these teams would be to include our 2nd round pick,  which would be absolute draft suicide.  

Before you raise your pitchforks and call me a hypocrite for advocating spending two firsts on Allen but not a first and a second, hear me out.  My logic on spending our firsts is based on the fact that we're so far back that there's not a huge amount of difference between the late first round talent and the second round talent.  We can trade our first and still get a solid starting player out of the second round, particularly if we decide to trade up in the round.  Having several third and fifth round picks makes movement very likely.  Same would be true next year, if we were without a first round pick.  Unfortunately, trading both our first and our second, as it would likely cost to get Jared Allen would probably render most of this draft to a group of development players, not exactly what we need to make a big run.  While getting a "sure thing" out of Jared Allen is good, we've still got other needs that a solid second round pick can fill.  

However, we should be very excited at the prospect of Minnesota picking up Jared Allen, mainly because that's one less team with a clear need at defensive end off the board.  It increases the possibility that Phillip Merling is available for the Jaguars, though it does not guarantee it.  It also takes away a talented player from the AFC, not that the Chiefs were any real threat to anyone this year.

There is another way, possibly, to get Jared Allen without having to sell the farm.  That would involve trade talks falling apart with the Vikings and Bucs, and the draft coming around to the Jaguars.  If there was one of the top offensive linemen still on the board, and the Chiefs were unable to draft one with the 5th overall pick, there could be a bit of leverage there for the Jaguars to make a move.  

The odds of that, no matter how good it sounds, are slim to none.

What about Jason Taylor?

I'm glad you asked.  If anyone should be upset at this development it's Jason Taylor and Bill Parcells.  If Jared Allen is worth any combination of 1st and 3rd round picks, Jason Taylor's cost is falling.  Nobody in their right mind would pay nearly as much for a 34 year old defensive end after a 26 year old goes for (possibly) a 1 and a 3.  

Or on the flip side, a 2nd round pick by itself sounds pretty reasonable, or maybe a 3rd and two fifths.  

eh

I know I should get a little excited at there even being a possibility of Allen being on the market, but I just can't do it.  Too many variables, too many outside factors that we can't compete with.  It just dosen't feel like the Jaguars can get in on it without costing the farm.

Unless, that is, we play into the rumor that LT Khalif Barnes is on the trade block, that might entice KC a little bit.

Your thoughts?

-Chris

Read The Full Article:
http://www.bigcatcountry.com/story/2008/4/17/205529/120

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Dallas Cowboys offer Barber deal for $30 million

Marion Barber made it to the Pro Bowl last season without starting a regular-season game. Now, he's looking for a big payday. The Cowboys have held preliminary talks with the running back's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, according to multiple sources, and...

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http://www.cowboysfootballblog.com/2008/04/dallas-cowboy-2.html

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Draft a receiver Not so fast

The calls for the Eagles to draft a wide receiver never really go away. Since taking Donovan McNabb No. 1 in 1999, the Birds have yet to complement him with a great receiver, with the single exception of 2004. And...

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http://www.eaglesfootballblog.com/2008/04/draft-a-receive.html

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Bears' Dvoracek eyes healthy return

If Dusty Dvoracek were coming out of college this year, the Bears would like to think he'd be a first-round pick.

More likely, he'd be a medical liability who wouldn't make it onto some teams' boards. But the Bears believe he's a first-round talent, as good as almost any defensive tackle they could get in the draft, even if injuries his first two seasons have made him a question mark. Coupled with Tommie Harris' knee issues and contract status, it's worth wondering whether the team should invest in the position early in the draft given the lack of depth. Continue

Read The Full Article:
http://www.bearsfootballblog.com/2008/04/bears-dvoracek.html

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Sooners Pick Up Another Verbal Commitment

Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes

Wort commits to OU over LSU, A&M, Miami and others: New Braunfels linebacker Tom Wort decided he couldn't wait any longer. After taking informal visits to three college campuses, Comal County's reigning Defensive Player of the Year announced Wednesday morning that he was committing to play college football with the Oklahoma Sooners. "It was a big day for me today," he said. "I've been talking with (New Braunfels head football coach) Caniford and my family about this the last couple of days. I couldn't stop thinking about my visit to Oklahoma and I made my decision a few days ago. "So this morning I pulled the trigger and decided to go to Oklahoma." Wort, a 6-0, 210-pounder, transferred to New Braunfels from Rhode Island last spring and impressed New Braunfels coaches right off the bat. Wort was the District 26-4A and Herald-Zeitung's top player on a unit that allowed just 244.2 yards per game. He led the Unicorns with 199 total tackles, 104 solos and included 11 for losses. He caused four fumbles, hauled in three interceptions, and recorded five pass breakups, three hurries, four sacks and 16 "big hits." Among the other schools courting the junior were USC, Florida, Nebraska, Miami and Maryland. (The Herald-Zeitung)

Texan picks OU over LSU, A&M: The Oklahoman

Related:
Oklahoma Sooners Recruiting


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http://www.gnextinc.com/ousoonersblog/2008/04/sooners-pick-up-another-verbal.html

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2008 Offseason Story Ideas

I just wanted to throw this up for any suggestions people might have since things will quiet down following the draft.  Here's a list of posts you'll see between now and training camp.  Any other suggestions are welcome as well.

1. Review of each player drafted and potential impact.

2. The return of "Know Thy Enemy," looking at all of the 49ers 2008 opponents.

3.  Another prediction of the season before training camp.

A lot of ideas come to me as I'm reading other football sites (particularly Barrows and Maiocco).  However, if anybody has things they'd love more info on, I'm all ears.  I'll have more time this summer, which means more time to research every possible random topic we can think of.  Obviously everybody is welcome to put together there own diaries if they come up with a quality topic, but if you don't have time to do the extra research, I'll be happy to take the bull by the horns.  This is as much your site as mine, so any ideas are welcome.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.ninersnation.com/story/2008/4/17/161347/948

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The Thursday Falcon News Wrap

We're jumping right in this morning with some wide-ranging Falcon type news.

1. Mark Bradley of the AJC is advocating the drafting of Matt Ryan, calling him the best pure college passer he's ever seen. Most Falcons fans in the comments disagree with him.

I don't blame Bradley for advocating for a guy he likes, and at least he's not going to throw a level-10 hissy if they go in a different direction. I'm just failing to understand why Ryan, a guy with not-stupendous arm strength and decision making, is worth the gigantic amount of money it'll take to get him at the #3 spot. Sign me up for Flacco or Brohm, please.

2. Jimmy Williams is being a huge question mark again. After walking away from minicamp, there were no sightings of our much-maligned safety over the next two days. My best guess is that he was told he'd be working as the #3 free safety in camp and decided to take off. Mike Smith is handling it more diplomatically than I would, but it's clear that Jimmy needs to shape up or get the hell out of Flowery Branch.

3. The Falcons (years ago, now) got Chauncey Davis and Michael Koenen to sign tenders. Davis likely should've gotten more run last year as Jamaal Anderson flailed around uselessly on the field, but Anderson should still get every chance to start this year. Davis makes a capable third end, if nothing else.

Koenen, of course, is a strong-legged, far-punting, ass-kicking machine who needs to be kept around. Not a difficult decision for the Falcons, I think.

4. I picked up DT Kentwan Balmer with my latest pick in the SBN Mock; you can check it out over at Mocking The Draft. While we've all seen that guy who explodes his senior year and turns out to be a total failure at the NFL level, I think Balmer can be a younger, less fragile Rod Coleman within two years. I can't pass that shit up.

5. Because I love all of my readers, I've secured both days of the NFL Draft for live-blogging. If you want lazy, half-assed analysis and rude comments on other teams' picks, you're going to want to listen to my drunken rantings on April 26 and 27. How's that for an ad pitch?

Read The Full Article:
http://www.thefalcoholic.com/story/2008/4/17/12943/6751

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Better Know a Draft Prospect: Defensive End
Quentin Groves

The least you should know about Quentin Groves...

Height

6-3

Weight

259 lbs

40 Yard Dash

4.53

20 Yard Dash

2.62

Bench Reps

30

3 Cone

7.31

Compares To:

DeMARCUS WARE-Dallas: " Much like the Chargers' Shawne Merriman and Ware, Groves has that explosive quickness and outstanding suddenness to wreak havoc in the backfield. He is a perfect fit for a hybrid outside linebacker/rush end position in a 3-4 defensive scheme and like Merriman and Ware, he could thrive if allowed to play in a stand-up position. He was having a banner senior campaign before dislocating several toes, but with his balance and body control, along with lateral movement, he should have no problems adjusting to playing off the line. With so much emphasis on pressuring the pocket and getting to the quarterback in the NFL, there is no other player in this draft that can match Groves' pass rushing ability."

Fun Fact Interview

Growing up, who was your favorite NFL player and why? I am imtrigued by Reggie White because of what he stands for off the field.. In college, what player hit you the hardest? Who was the recipient of your best hit? John Parker Wilson received some of my hardest hits. I haven't really been hit hard. What TV-show marathon will keep you on the couch all day? Law & Order What celebrity would play you in the movie version of your life and why? Denzel Washington would play me because he is a legendary actor.. What is one thing your teammates don't know about you? They don't know I play the drums. What reality TV show would you like to be on and why? I would be on Survivor because its man versus nature. What's your proudest moment in football? Proudest moment off the field? Winning fifty games as a senior class; Getting married to my lovely wife Treska. When you play Madden, what team do you use? Do you put yourself on the team? I play with all the teams. Who has been the biggest influence on your football career and how? My wife because she encourages me to be the best every time I go onto the field.

Better Know a Draft Prospect: Auburn Defensive End Quentin Groves

Introduction

If you've been paying attention, you know I've rejected the premise that for the Jaguars to have a successful draft that they must take a defensive end in the first round.  There is depth in the draft, though it's not without limitations.  The deeper talent comes with a price, either in development or in type, and there is no assurance that they'll become a contributor.   What if the Jaguars do go defensive end in the first round?   It's my opinion that there are only four clear cut "first round" talents at defensive end.  Vernon Gholston, Chris Long, Derrick Harvey and Phillip Merling, all four should be gone before the Jaguars pick at 26.  Gholston and Long are gone in the top five, Harvey and Merling get picked up by Carolina, Quentin Groves, Potential First-Round Draft Pick

Minnesota, or Tennessee.  The next "tier" of talent has Quentin Groves, Calais Cambell and Lawrence Jackson, in that order.   They're second tier talents for a reason, Groves is probably a better 3-4 outside linebacker than 4-3 defensive end, Campbell has his own issues of motivation and performance, Lawrence Jackson is a better run stuffing right defensive end than pass rushing left end, and isn't really what the Jaguars need.

But maybe I've got the whole thing wrong.  I've said for weeks now in various venues that there isn't a true 4-3 defensive end in this draft that the Jaguars can get their hands on.  Worse, I've downplayed players based on a traditional idea of what a 4-3 end looks like, assuming that if a player isn't tall and big, they won't be picked.

Let's go a little further outside the box and take into account Jack Del Rio and the Jaguars' tendency to draft players that are big and fast, rather than traditional players based on position.  It's why we have Matt Jones, it's why we have Brian Smith, and it's why I think the first round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars could be Auburn's Quentin Groves.

Why Quentin?  He's fast, deadly fast, with a relentless desire to crush quarterbacks or hit running backs.  He brings speed to the table that the Jaguars have lacked on their defensive line and is the equivalent of a guided missile in the pass rush.  Drafting Quentin means that every down he's on the field is a chance for a hit on the quarterback, though with some liability in the running game.  Should he prove himself a threat, he should start to see double teams, hopefully opening someone else up on the defensive line for some intense quarterback pressure.  Remember, Quentin is a little undersized to play 4-3 defensive end, but there's another legendary pass rusher in our own division that's got the same knock, and that's Dwight Freeney. Where Freeney uses his speed to set up a spin move, Groves combines his quickness with a club and rip move that blasts through the offensive line and right into the backfield.   Without implying that Groves is better than Freeney, not by any stretch, the good thing about his moves is that it's much harder to draw him away from the play like you'll see happen to the Colts end.

Here's what Quentin Groves thinks about Quarterbacks: You can't hit them in practice. You have to stay off them. They don't do too much running. "I don't like quarterbacks, period. I don't know why."

Utilizing Quenting Groves on the Jaguars defense is just the sort of versatile player that will allow our new Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams to use his imagination a bit as he schemes our defense.  Without igniting the infamous "Jaguars switch to a 3-4" debate, as a situational move, Quentin would be a devastating outside linebacker.  Even with his hand down, he'd bring huge speed on our line, something that we know Del Rio loves.

Is it a risk?  Absolutely, in a worst case scenario the Jaguars would have yet another designated pass rusher that's a liability against the run and only used on obvious passing situations.  He'll be a good pro, but he's a player that has to be used correctly, though I can only imagine what Gregg Williams would do with the guy.  

Video Killed the Scouting Report

Quentin Groves, by the Numbers

Quentin Groves is 6'3 and 259 pounds, built into a "Has a lean, yet athletic frame with a V-shaped torso, tight abdomen, good muscle tone, thick thighs and calves and a very long arm reach to keep blockers off his body or extend for the thrown ball outside his frame".   He ran a 4.53 40-yard dash at the combine is one of the fastest for his size and his quickness/burst in the 10-yard split is an impressive 1.57 seconds.  Though he's considered "smaller" for a defensive end, his 30 bench reps, 29.5 inch vertical jump and 10' broad jump all indicate that he's explosive with the burst required to surprise an NFL offensive lineman.  We've learned through our experience with Maurice Jones-Drew that a lack of height is no reason to slight a player, Quentin finds himself with a bit of a leverage advantage, though I wouldn't call him short by any means.  A concern with Groves is his weight, it fluctuates, as he was down to 249 at his pro-day, though an NFL weight room and conditioning coach should correct that.

At Auburn, Groves was a quarterback missile.  2007 saw him lead the NCAA in quarterback pressures with 23, he had three sacks, and seven stops for losses for a net of -59 yards.  He's also surprisingly strong against the run, breaking down the film shows that he allowed 59 yards on the ground on 35 running plays his direction.  Third down is where Quentin excels, stopping 28 drives with 3rd down stops, 6 of which were on the goal line.  The only thing that stopped Groves all season were the dislocated toes he injured against Florida.  He missed two games and when he returned, switched from left defensive end to left outside linebacker.

His career stats are impressive, considering the SEC offensive linemen he faced.  26 total sacks, 38 pressures, 8 fumbles caused, 75 solo tackles, 45 assists, and even a 13 yard kickoff return.

Notable Quotables

On his pro-day performance: I showed I could drop. I showed I could catch. I showed I could do the defensive line drills," he said. "Where do I go from here? I just pray I get drafted as high as possible."

On what position he'd play in the NFL:My thought is I will do what the coaches want me to do. If they want me to play linebacker, 4-3 end, play the slot, whatever. The same goes in the NFL, I will do whatever an NFL team wants me to do. As far as what I like, I like showing off in space and rushing the passer.

On Who he would be for a day, if he could be anyone: "It would be Jesus. I would like to see what its like to have the weight of the world on your shoulders. I would love to have some of his experiences and to be able to persevere like he did."

On the best thing about Greenville Mississippi, his home town: "The catfish at some of our restaurants. They claim they serve some of the biggest steaks in the country, too. I love my mama's cooking, though. I guess the food in general is the best thing about my hometown."

3-4, 4-3, Just where does Quentin Groves fit?

Taking Quentin Groves involves taking a player who's a better fit in a system different than the one we run.  Nothing against Groves or Del Rio's scheme, but it's not really a perfect fit.  

To help figure out where Groves would fit in our offense, a dear friend of mine Hoosier Teacher who despite being a Die-Hard Broncos fan, spent many years as a defensive coordinator and has forgotten more about Football than I'll ever know.  He's kind enough to answer a few questions about Quentin Groves and the 4-3 defense.

On examining Groves as a player: Don't always make a comparison with a particular player for your analysis.  Dwight Freeney may be lighter than Groves, but his edge rushing speed and
his ability to make quick turns makes him a mighty pass rusher.  Denver's star pass rusher Dumervill (we call him Doom) is very undersized, but has the wingspan to shed blockers and the speed to "outrace a blocker's hips".  Comparing Groves and Freeney may not be the way to go.

Instead, look at Groves and what he does.  While having a background at DE, he is much more valuable to
an NFL team as an OLB.  In fact, any NFL team will change him to an OLB.  He is tall (great for coverage,
not so good for keeping a low center of gravity).  He is muscular, fast, and changes direction quickly.  He
would be a perfect pass rusher, but he can also cover for passes in man or mid zone.  I wouldn't call him
"woefully" out of position at DE, but badly misused (because he can do so much more as an OLB).

On Groves as a "reach" for the Jaguars: In a 3-4 he could do either job, but in a 4-3 he is just wasted at DE when he has such great LB attributes.  He could play at DE in the JAX 4-3, but the pick would be a reach.  If used at OLB he would be a steal.  You could have John Elway on a baseball team (he played for a Yankees farm team), or you could have
him at QB on a football team.  You can have Groves as a good DE, but he is MUCH more valuable as a LB.

On Quentin Groves in Jacksonville's defense: My take on Groves is that he would be a good pass
rusher for JAX.  The biggest knock is that he would be a reach because JAX wouldn't be using him to his fullest potential.

If Del Rio likes his guys fast and doesn't care about "fit" then Groves would work.  I might not say that Groves isn't a good fit though.  He is a very effective DE, and he gives you the option to throw in a zone blitz play and screw up an opponent's offensive line.  You could also pick up Groves, then turn around (on draft day) to trade him to a team that really needs an OLB.  He can do a lot for JAX, but he could do so much more for another team as an OLB.

On what Groves would bring to the Jaguars: First I'll reiterate that he's a steal at OLB and a reach at DE, NOT because he isn't a good DE, but because he brings much more to a team using him as an OLB.  Because of his versitility, Groves gives the Jags several weapons -

1. An effective pass rusher,

2. Because he can drop back and play OLB, Jax can run
   

several variants of the "zone blitz",

3. In a pinch, he can be moved to OLB to cover for an
injury.  He provides depth at two positions.

4. He would also make an effective coverage player on
special teams if JAX feels he is worth the risk.

5. THe flexibility to run a few 3-4s if the situation
warrants it.

Thanks again HT for putting up with my questions, all of us at Big Cat Country appreciate it and look forward to seeing your Broncos in Week 6.  HT, by the way, writes one of my favorite series on the web, his "Football University  over at Mile High Report is a great way to learn more about the game, even with a Denver focus.  

Scouting Reports

Positives

• New Era Scouting: Fiery player who plays hard on every snap...Was able to switch positions in the middle of his senior year, loves to pick the minds of defensive coaches about schemes to better understand the defense as a whole...Explosive athlete who can do whatever is asked of him...Elite level speed...Gets around the corner quickly on the pass rush...shows god instincts around the line of scrimmage...Excellent speed rusher who is relentless...Understands angles when in pursuit...Solid tackler...very good job of shedding blocks

• Scott Wright's NFL Countdown: Excellent athleticism and agility...Very good timed speed and quickness...Explosive with a burst to close...Terrific range and does a nice job in pursuit...Good strength and decent power...Reliable tackler...Offers some versatility...Was real productive.

• The Scout's Notebook: Outstanding pass rusher off the edge. Plays like a DE at times, but a LB at others. Plays both sides. Rushes from upright position at times. Quick off the ball. Had a sack late in the KSU game that caused a fumble. The ball was scooped up and run back for a TD to help Auburn to win 23-13. Groves was facing a marginal blocker on the play. He also lined up really wide. Drops back on some zone blitzes. Moves okay, but isn't natural in coverage. Was badly burned by a RB on a cutback move vs USF. Played upright on a running play that came to his side. Shed the RT, stepped inside and tackled the RB. Looked good, natural on the play. Was stout on a goal line run play vs USF. Wasn't able to make the tackle, but held his own vs a big OT. Actually moved the guy backward. Looks like a LB. Chased Matt Groethe down out in space. Looked fast, agile on the play. Closed well. Looks most comfortable playing upright. Can be stout at the POA. Will take on OL. Had one real impressive play vs USF. Started the play upright. Shed a TE at the snap. Then took on a pulling OL and shoved him backward. Wasn't able to tackle the RB, but completely disrupted the run and several guys got him for a TFL. Knocked out a teammate in that game when they hit the QB at the same time. Q got a shoulder in the other DE's head. Had a TFL when he was unblocked and fired off the edge. Tackled the RB on a draw play for a short loss. USF tried to block him with a TE on a pass play and Q got all kinds of pressure on Grothe (Sims got the sack). Sack off the edge vs LSU. Got a good burst from LDE and slung Flynn to the ground. Good COD. Senior season was hurt by injury. Started off really well, but then hurt several toes and missed some time.

• NFL Draft Scout: Relentless pass rusher who compensates for a lack of size and bulk with tremendous suddenness coming off the snap...Shows the lateral range and change of direction agility needed to quickly adapt to playing linebacker at the next level...Closes with a sharp burst and has good angle concept slashing into the backfield through inside gaps...Shows very good balance and body control on the pass rush and shows proper knee bend to consistently turn the corner...Has outstanding foot quickness and stays low in his pads to easily avoid the slower blockers...Shows good alertness on the field, diagnosing the play quickly, showing urgency closing on the ball...Shows very good flexibility moving down the line and likes to get involved in downfield action...Plays with leverage, doing a very good job of extending his long arms...Plays with nice effort and toughness (will wear down later in games due to constantly battling with blockers much bigger than him at the X's and is better served playing off the line)...Self-starter who is a hard worker in the training room and has become a respected and vocal leader in the locker room...Shows outstanding suddenness and acceleration off the snap and to shoot gaps and disrupt the backfield...Displays good field awareness to diagnose plays and quickly track the ball...With his explosive take-off quickness, he has had good success beating offensive tackles upfield, as he is quick to turn over and reach his top speed...When he stays low in his pads and explodes off the snap, he surprises the blocker time after time...Has good ball location instincts and is quick to diagnose the plays, playing with high energy to close on the ball...Has the flexibility to play with leverage and even though he struggles at the point to split double teams, he is best when tracking the ball on the move...When a blocker tries to reach him, he can generate a strong hand punch and is quick to reset and separate from blockers

Negatives

• New Era Scouting: Undersized for a three-down, 4-3 defensive end, Injury prone but has shown a willingness to play through some pain, needs more repetitions in pass coverage, needs to develop more pass-rush moves to consistently pressure the passer at the next level.

• Scott Wright's NFL Countdown: Extremely inconsistent and lacks a great motor...Undersized and doesn't have the ideal bulk that you look for..Isn't stout at the point...Marginal instincts, awareness and recognition...Limited pass rush repertoire...Too aggressive at times...Slow off the line...Has trouble shedding blocks...Poor technique..A questionable work ethic.

• NFL Draft Scout: Has very good muscle tone, but is a bit thin-looking across the chest...Does not have the strength needed to battle constantly with an offensive lineman at the X's, but compensates with good hand usage and a sudden burst to escape block pressure...Has had three minor off-field issues that need further clarification...Plays with a high motor, but will sometimes throttle down when not involved in the play (intensity can wane)...Very slippery getting into the backfield, but can be neutralized by the linemen once they get their hands on him (lacks size and bulk to over-power bigger people)...Very inefficient when trying to split double teams, as he will generally get washed out vs. combo blocks...Best making plays on the move, as his anchor is not strong to maintain at the point of attack...Has a punishing hand jolt to shock a blocker, but needs to use it with more consistency...Gets a bit reckless in his pursuit, and while he has great timed speed he will gather some when trying to redirect (needs to be more selective in choosing his spots moving up field)...Relies a lot on his suddenness to pressure the pocket and while he takes good angles to the ball and has a nifty spin move, he could use some more moves in his charge into the backfield...Has the loose hips and smooth backpedal, along with the speed to mirror the receiver through the route, but can be fooled by pump fakes and play action (still developing a linebacker's mentality and must be more alert to the ball in flight)...Played linebacker vs. Tennessee Tech, Georgia and Alabama at the end of 2007 season, but struggled with the new rush and pass concepts (needs to convince scouts he can adapt to his new role as a hybrid OLB/DE).

Injury Watch

Dislocated several toes and missed games in 2007, but that's not the story.  Quentin recently had surgery to correct what's called Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.  WPW is a condition where the electrical system of the heart gets out of whack from an abnormal electrical structure.  Quentin underwent a procedure known as radiofrequency catheter ablation, where the abnormal electrical pathway is destroyed.  If the procedure is a success, the patient is considered cured.  

Just for the sake of trivia, other famous people have had WPW: Marilyn Manson, Meat Loaf, LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trail blazers and Brad Porton.  

Since the procedure was a success, this heart issue should not be a concern.  Less than 5% of recipients suffer a recurrence.  

Character Watch

Quentin Groves had an unpleasant 2006 off-season when he was arrested twice, once for driving without insurance and a suspended license, another for a domestic dispute.  This dispute happened when neighbors called the police because of a heated argument between Groves and his wife, he was arrested, but charges were dropped.   I don't think this is a concern.

Why should he be on the Jacksonville Jaguars

Quentin Groves is not a perfect fit for out defense as it stands right now.  However, if we drafted Groves the Jaguars would find themselves with a multi-functional quarterback attack machine that could take a variety of roles in Gregg William's defense.  He's fast, we know how Jack Del Rio and the Jaguars front office value speed over size, and used correctly, Quentin gives us a pass-rush force like we've not seen over the last several seasons.  He's not a true 3 down defensive linemen though, he'll struggle at times against better offensive linemen, though his upside outweighs these faults.  I get the impression that Del Rio and Williams would salivate at the match-up possibilities, especially if he allows us to stick to a four-man rush.  Rushing four and getting pressure means passers like Manning and Brady get the worst of both worlds, rather than the disaster that was rushing four against the Patriots in the playoffs.

Is he my first choice for a first round pick, no.  That'd be either Phillip Merling or Jeff Otah, but there's no certantity that either will be available.  The more I think about Quentin, the more excited I get about his possibilities on our defense though.  Anything that forces some outside-the-box thinking is fine by me.  You don't beat Manning without a bit of creativity.

Better Know a Draft Prospect: The Series:

• Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson

• Brian Johnston, DE, Gardner-Webb

• Tommy Blake, DE, Texas Christian University

• Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
  

Read The Full Article:
http://www.bigcatcountry.com/story/2008/4/16/173757/799

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Steve "McHurt" retires

Steve McNair retired from the NFL today. There is a 1pm press conference scheduled. We wish Steve well in this next stage of his life, but we still consider him one of the most over-hyped football players of his generation.

McNair got the nickname "McHurt" from Colts fans because it always seemed that he was injured and that when he played on Sunday it was because of his "amazing" powers to tolerate pain and be "tough." The reality is McNair was a lazy player who did not condition himself well in the off-seasons and, as a consequence, got hurt A LOT.

His co-MVP award, which he shared with Peyton Manning in 2003, was a shame and a farce. Peyton should have been the lone recipient of that award, especially considering his Colts swept the Titans that season and won the AFC South. I recall several MVP voters later stating they wished they'd voted for Peyton over McNair. Some even admitted that they voted for McNair over Peyton because they felt Peyton couldn't "win big games."

Again, further proof that our national sports press corps is completely and utterly clueless.

For the first portion of his career, McNair tormented the Colts not necessarily because he was good (he wasn't) but because the teams he was on were better. When the Titans shifted more towards throwing the ball, that is about the time Indy started owning the Titans.

From a personal stand point, I'm glad McNair is retired because it was obvious he was done. I don't want lingering injury to last throughout the rest of his life. From a football stand point, McNair was highly over-rated and waaaaaaaaay over-hyped. If anyone suggests HoF for this guy, they will get a swift backhand from me (and just about everyone else).

McNair finishes his career with 31,304 yards, 174 TDs, and 119 INTs. Check out Music City Miracles and Baltimore Beatdown for more posts on McNair's retirement.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.stampedeblue.com/story/2008/4/17/115418/916

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