This Week’s RLV: 2-hr couch session on rookie QBs, Lil’ Darlin’, David Fales Developmental Gem?, 2 Muggs and my ugly mug.
Listens – Speaking of Infernos . . .
Michael Brecker may look more like a Philadelphia-area accountant than a musician, but if you ever heard the Saturday Night Live Band from the 70s or listened to Cameo’s “Candy” then you know different. He’s a musician’s musician and one of the greatest saxophonists in history.
Welcome
If you’re new to the Rookie Scouting Portfolio blog, welcome. Every Friday, I post links to things I’m checking out when I’m online. You may not like everything listed here, but you’re bound to like something. It’s also my chance to thank you for reading my work and encourage you to follow the RSP blog and buy the Rookie Scouting Portfolio publication.
For those of you new to the Rookie Scouting Portfolio, the publication is available every April 1 for download. You can learn more about the RSP here. If you want to see samples of the play-by-play notes I take to write the analysis, you can find them here. And to download past versions of the publication (2006-2012) or to pre-order the 2014 RSP, go here.
If you don’t have time to look into details, then I’ll say this about the RSP: Once you look through the RSP, there will be no question in your mind that I do the work, that I have a plan about the work that I do, and that you get more than your money’s worth.
In addition to the RSP and the post-draft publication that comes with it a week after the NFL Draft, 10 percent of each sale is donated to Darkness to Light. This organization is a non-profit devoted to preventing and addressing sexual abuse through community training in schools, religious groups, and a variety of civic groups across the U.S.
Here is what the RSP donated to D2L this year. According to D2L, the RSP’s 2013 donation amount was enough to train 250 adults in communities across the country.
Listens
Last Night’s On The Couch: Two-hour quarterback therapy covering these topics and more:
- Deconstructing the myths of Johnny Manziel.
- Teddy Bridgewater and why the sum of quarterbacking is greater than its parts.
- Which team takes the chance or passes on Derek Carr?
- What does the choice of quarterback tell us about the personality of the head coach?
- Sorting out the upsides of Carr, Aaron Murray, and David Fales in the context of current pros.
- Break-downs and expectations for Brett Smith and Logan Thomas.
- Which quarterback in this class is acting like Justin Beiber?
Good times. Hopefully you find it informative. If you want more, I was also recently on with the 2Muggs crew – not to give them second-billing, it’s just a few days older. In that podcast we have a good time talking about these topics:
- The how and why behind the RSP Publication.
- What makes Sammy Watkins special and is he more than speed?
- Where does Mike Evans fit within this class and is he a special prospect?
- Is Isaiah Crowell in a similar situation at this point of the draft process as Christine Michael last year?
In Case You Missed It and What’s Ahead at The RSP Blog
This play illustrates where QB David Fales has the potential of an NFL starter and one of the paths he must take to reach it.
- No-Huddle Series: David Fales, Developmental Gem? – Why much of Fales’ game is good and how his arm strength can get better.
- Futures: A Trio of Sleepers – Tim Flanders, Paul Richardson, and Dustin Vaughan? Never heard of them? Now’s the time.
- The Little Things That Make Sammy Watkins A Big Deal –
- Picking on Jarvis Landry – I promise, I like Landry’s game, but you take good teaching opportunities when you get them.
- Futures: Louisville S Calvin Pryor – When it’s all said and done, Pryor might be the best safety prospect in this class.
- RSP Rorschach No.3 Cornell QB Jeff Mathews – Did he throw this pass too early or too late? Review the evidence and vote.
- Coming Soon: Bruce Ellington – A Swiss Army Knife With A Butane Lighter That Doubles As A Jet Pack
- Coming Soon: No-Huddle Series: Cal TE Richard Rodgers- Lots of promise, but can he fulfill it?
- Coming Soon: WR Kelvin Benjamin Analysis – I haven’t decided whether this will be a Futures column or analysis entirely on this blog. Stay tuned.
I might even have a little something about the Wonderlic Test. By the way, here’s Rotoworld’s Josh Norris getting ready for the Wonderlic.
Relax Norris, you’re ruining a great opportunity to enjoy a massage . . .
Reads (Football)
- Combine Day 1: Around The Podium – Cecil Lammey on location giving you good info – (Ryan Boser, see the quote about Marcus Wheaton).
- How Scouting Opponents Supplemented For My Lack of Physical Ability – Can’t way to read this one from Ryan Riddle.
- The Read Code of The NFL Locker Room – Fine story by Mark Schlereth that is worth reading if you are a week behind.
- How Sports Illustrated Botched The Michael Sam Story – recommended by Chase Stuart after he wrote this fine piece on the same subject.
Reads (Non-Football)
This dwelling dug underground is called a “yaodong” and it’s one of many homes created in unexpected places around the world. See below.
- Table of Exercises For Getting Fit Without Any Equipment – One of my weird early-middle age obsessions: having a workout routine I can do in the space of prison cell.
- James Ellroy Interview – I love the movie LA Confidential. This is the writer of the novel. Terrific writer, who hates The Wire. I love the show. Fascinating read.
- Norton Lecturer Herbie Hancock on The Wisdom of Miles Davis – More of a listen/view. Looking forward to checking this out one day.
- Communities in Unexpected Places – A well-done photo-driven piece.
- Why The Brains of Dogs and Humans Are More Similar Than You Think
- Superpower Vision Lets Cats And Dogs See In Ultraviolet
Listens – “Lil’ Darlin'”
This is a technically difficult gem because it’s hard to swing with this kind of patience.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (32.4MB)