I know Manziel is popular in College Station TX, but is he really that popular on a national level, outside of the public curiosity to watch a train wreck as it's happening? Serious question, I really don't know...Alpe d'Huez said:Is there a need in the NFL today for an Earl Campbell or Lendale White type of RB? I mean, if he can catch the ball, perhaps. Mike Alstott comes to mind.
As to Tyrod, that's a sticky wicket for sure. At his age, it's a gamble to sign him to a 3-4 year deal, hoping he's going to take you to the next level, and you aren't using him to play while you develop someone else.
Johnny Manziel is back with his agent, and says some teams are interested. But I have to wonder how true that is. His agent wouldn't comment. I suppose if a team needs some publicity, to help fill some seats and sell some swag, they could sign him as a 3rd or 4th stringer for the pre-season at least.
True the added weight may not be good. Especially knowing that his vertical jump was a mere 28 and a half inches. That is very subpar. Compare that to Christian McCaffrey who had something around 37 inch vertical. Interesting that the vertical jump and the broad jump are actually measures of explosiveness. So does that mean Fournette is not explosive in his running? Curious isn't it. But guess what is coming up right now? The running backs are getting ready for the 40 yard dash and there is a lot of interest in how fast Fournette will run. Most general managers and Scouts however are saying that they really don't care what time he posts, how high he jumps, or any of that because the tape speaks for itself. As for not participating in the bench press, I think he is just trying to conserve energy, and when it comes to strength, again tape speaks for itself as we've seen him many times slam guys down with a big stiff arm. And so now his time is in in his first 40 attempt - 4.51.Nomad said:That may not be good - it could drop him some draft spots if it affects his speed & agility (he's saying that it's water weight). He also didn't participate in the bench press:on3m@n@rmy said:Combine news bit: Leonard Fournette weighed in at 240 lbs. Heavier than Hershel Walker. If he runs anywhere near 4.4, Wow!
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000788629/article/leonard-fournette-tips-combine-scales-at-240-pounds
Jerome Bettis 40-time was about 4.7.
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/3/2/14796202/2017-nfl-combine-results-running-backs-leonard-fournette-dalvin-cook-christian-mccaffrey
Where did I say he's in the same class as Sanders or Payton? In the film study, he's compare to Shady & Elliott, one of whom you promoted as your example of an "ankle-breaking" type runner. I think the film on him shows versatility, e.g., downhill runner with the a ability to maneuver laterally.on3m@n@rmy said:Nomad, you and I or just going to have to agree to disagree. You can't honestly say that Fournette is in the same class as a Barry Sanders or Walter Payton when it comes to lateral movement. And again, the video shows he can cut but his running style is mostly downhill.
Do you think Eddy's kid impressed enough to be taken in the 1st round?on3m@n@rmy said:I agree 4.51, 4.52 (Fournette's second attempt) is not terrible. Especially for his size. Consider Christian McCaffrey ran 4.48 + 4.49 but he only weighed in at 202 pounds.
It's just the curiosity about a train wreck mainly. He has talent but whether he gets the chance to exercise it again is another thing. Most QB's that become starters in the NFL become pretty well known even the ones that play badly or get kicked out of the sandbox.Irondan said:I know Manziel is popular in College Station TX, but is he really that popular on a national level, outside of the public curiosity to watch a train wreck as it's happening? Serious question, I really don't know...Alpe d'Huez said:Is there a need in the NFL today for an Earl Campbell or Lendale White type of RB? I mean, if he can catch the ball, perhaps. Mike Alstott comes to mind.
As to Tyrod, that's a sticky wicket for sure. At his age, it's a gamble to sign him to a 3-4 year deal, hoping he's going to take you to the next level, and you aren't using him to play while you develop someone else.
Johnny Manziel is back with his agent, and says some teams are interested. But I have to wonder how true that is. His agent wouldn't comment. I suppose if a team needs some publicity, to help fill some seats and sell some swag, they could sign him as a 3rd or 4th stringer for the pre-season at least.
You didn't say he was in the same class as Sanders or Peyton. I said he was not. But then you said I was wrong on point #2 where I brought Sanders and Peyton's names into the conversation.Nomad said:Where did I say he's in the same class as Sanders or Payton? In the film study, he's compare to Shady & Elliott, one of whom you promoted as your example of an "ankle-breaking" type runner. I think the film on him shows versatility, e.g., downhill runner with the a ability to maneuver laterally.on3m@n@rmy said:Nomad, you and I or just going to have to agree to disagree. You can't honestly say that Fournette is in the same class as a Barry Sanders or Walter Payton when it comes to lateral movement. And again, the video shows he can cut but his running style is mostly downhill.
Mayock doesn't think coming in heavier at 240 (with being able to run 4.51) is any concern on his draft position. I thought he looked real good on the agility & pass route/catching drills. And the ankle seems to be fine. It looks like he & Cook will be the first two taken, and who goes first is anybody's guess.
I think McCaffrey impressed me enough to be taken in the first round. But I'm not drafting and have zero pulse on any team. Question is will he? All depends on so many things. Besides value at the pick, I'm not sure what team needs are. Are teams looking for a featured back, or a situational back? Because McCaffrey is undersized at 202 lbs, I don't see him as a featured back but more of a situational back.Nomad said:Do you think Eddy's kid impressed enough to be taken in the 1st round?on3m@n@rmy said:I agree 4.51, 4.52 (Fournette's second attempt) is not terrible. Especially for his size. Consider Christian McCaffrey ran 4.48 + 4.49 but he only weighed in at 202 pounds.
I know you're not on the "Fournette bandwagon," but I doubt you watched all the film on him reference the link that I posted. And I completely agree; you shouldn't be a fan of test numbers as tape is, in fact, more telling. And in Fournette's film study, you'll clearly see his lateral movement & quickness displayed. On one play, the O-line completely collapses and the defense should have nailed him for a loss. Instead, Fournette not only jukes one defender, but two others and accelerates around the corner for positive yardage.on3m@n@rmy said:You didn't say he was in the same class as Sanders or Peyton. I said he was not. But then you said I was wrong on point #2 where I brought Sanders and Peyton's names into the conversation.Nomad said:Where did I say he's in the same class as Sanders or Payton? In the film study, he's compare to Shady & Elliott, one of whom you promoted as your example of an "ankle-breaking" type runner. I think the film on him shows versatility, e.g., downhill runner with the a ability to maneuver laterally.on3m@n@rmy said:Nomad, you and I or just going to have to agree to disagree. You can't honestly say that Fournette is in the same class as a Barry Sanders or Walter Payton when it comes to lateral movement. And again, the video shows he can cut but his running style is mostly downhill.
Mayock doesn't think coming in heavier at 240 (with being able to run 4.51) is any concern on his draft position. I thought he looked real good on the agility & pass route/catching drills. And the ankle seems to be fine. It looks like he & Cook will be the first two taken, and who goes first is anybody's guess.
Now I understand what you mean. As for what I meant, let me put it this way. I'm not jumping on the Fournette band wagon. I see some anomalies. He could prove me wrong, but when Fournette hits the NFL and those holes are not nearly as wide as they were in college, we will have a chance to see more often how well he handles lack of space. He has speed, but so does the rest of the NFL. For example, Fournette ran a 4.51 40 at the combine, but Seattle MLB Bobby Wagner at 6'0" and 250 pounds runs a 4.5. As for the anomalies: #1) when the combine broadcast superimposed Fournette's 40-yard runs over Zeke Elliot's from a year ago, Zeke got the early lead but Fournette closed the gap in the last 20 yards or so. Clearly, Fournette has better open space speed to run away, but was not as quick at the start (off the ball or after directional change). This brings up the second anomaly: #2) Not being as quick is supported by his combine vertical jump (which is one measure of explosiveness) of 28.5" which is abysmal for running backs (Wagner by comparison had a 39" vertical). Other combine drills that indicate explosiveness are the shuttles and broad jump. Fournette declined to participate in any of those drills, instead letting his impressive 40-time do the talking (in additional to game film). But it begs questions, does he have something to hide? Is his ankle still bothering him?
At the end of the day, I'm not a big fan of test numbers. Tape is more telling. This is why most everyone is saying the combine results of Fournette will not affect his draft position, even if some folks are also saying his combine performance is not that impressive because the DNP's (did not participate) on 4 drills (3-cone, 20-shuttle, 60-shuttle, and broad jump) plus the low vertical pull down the 40-dash performance. But then he still has his pro day coming where he could possibly put naysayers to shame (e.g. he has responded on Twitter to some naysayers that "they not believing in me").
So, the 9ers went for a journeyman QB. This guy changes teams as often as I change socks, Lol. 6 different teams in 8 seasons (NE, Pit, Ari, Hou, Cle, Chi). Does this mean they'll draft Trubisky and let them fight it out for the starting job? Hard to figure this all out, as the NFL network has a mock draft update (Casserly) showing the 9ers trading their 2nd OA pick to the Skins (presumably as part of a trade for Cousins?).movingtarget said:49ers sign Hoyer to a two year deal with Garcon to follow also a WR from the Bills. So it looks like the 49ers will use an early rounds pick for a QB and maybe Cousins is on the agenda for next year.
Thanks for that. Some interesting reading. 49ers fans also had their eyebrows raised about Vance McDonald's new contract but that was under the previous GM who had some serious issues. McDonald did well last season before he was injured but he's not worth that much. No surprise to see Taylor stay with the Bills. Interesting about Glennon and the Bears as I heard they were really interested in Garoppolo. I'm sure if the Patriots received a good offer he would go, they are not the sort of team to hold onto players that might be good if the money being offered is lucrative. Hoyer is there for the year probably. I think the D rating for Kerley was harsh, he is better than that. Torrey Smith was released from the 49ers and based on his performance last year he would be a C at best and Kerley played all over him. The Cowboys signing of Sanchez is a weird one. There are better back ups around, maybe he was cheap ? Even Gabbert and Ponder are better than Sanchez. Washington's re-signing of Vernon Davis was terrible as the article said. He was poor in his last year at the 49ers, did not get on the field at Denver in 2015 after dropping the ball all the time, had a better year last year but still, not someone I would retain. Very hot and cold.on3m@n@rmy said:Regarding the last two posts on free agent signings by the 49ers, check out this website that includes comments and grades for all signings to date across the whole league. Not only do they discuss the 49ers signings of QB Brian Hoyer (2 years, $12 million, B Grade ) and WR Marquise Goodwin (2 years, $8 million, D Grade) , but also fullback Kyle Juszczyk (4 years, $21 million, B+ Grade, highest paid FB ever?). If you are interested.
http://walterfootball.com/freeagentsigninggrades.php
Hoyer would not be any team's franchise QB but can be a decent interim player.
Interesting comments about Mike Glennon on the site, who the Bears may go after.
I think the 49ers will draft an early rounds QB and next year try for Cousins probably unless they draft a stud which is probably unlikely. The big question is who will the Browns draft as their first pick ? Garrett or a QB ? Some are convinced they will take Trubisky but would the 49ers not take Garrett to get Cousins ? Many people think it would be a mistake but Shanahan seems to be a big Cousins fan. I heard that the Chiefs are interested in Watson. Andy Reid seems to be a big fan. Some good points made about Romo in the following video :Nomad said:So, the 9ers went for a journeyman QB. This guy changes teams as often as I change socks, Lol. 6 different teams in 8 seasons (NE, Pit, Ari, Hou, Cle, Chi). Does this mean they'll draft Trubisky and let them fight it out for the starting job? Hard to figure this all out, as the NFL network has a mock draft update (Casserly) showing the 9ers trading their 2nd OA pick to the Skins (presumably as part of a trade for Cousins?).movingtarget said:49ers sign Hoyer to a two year deal with Garcon to follow also a WR from the Bills. So it looks like the 49ers will use an early rounds pick for a QB and maybe Cousins is on the agenda for next year.
And it now looks like Elway is going to come knocking at Romo's door with checkbook in hand:
http://kdvr.com/2017/03/08/cowboys-inform-tony-romo-hell-be-released-broncos-expected-to-make-push-for-quarterback/
Elway's using the Manning blueprint for "win now." If Elway signs Romo, will it work out as brilliantly as it did with Peyton? Time will only tell, but one thing is certain in that neither Siemian nor Lynch will be happy. I can't see Siemian staying as a clipboard holder, and would Lynch want to backup Romo for a few years similar to the Osweiller/Manning situation.