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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens TE Robert Tonyan (Packers): File and Monitor
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines a fade route by second-year tight end Robert Tonyan of the Green Bay Packers — a developmental option you should be monitoring. Robert Tonyan caught my eye at Indiana State last year. I didn’t study his game for the 2017 Rookie Scouting Portfolio pre-draft publication, but I managed to watch…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens RB Ryan Nall: File Away and Monitor
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines a few plays of rookie Ryan Nall, a versatile option vying for a roster spot with the Chicago Bears. Every year, there are players who lack the draft capital for early opportunities but they have the talent to develop into role players or starters in the NFL. Before I…
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RSP NFL Lens TE/WR Bucky Hodges (Steelers): Fluidity Falling Between the Cracks
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines a simple catch from aspiring Pittsburgh Steeler Bucky Hodges, a player who could be a great fit for the right team. I’m a big fan of Bucky Hodges’ game. The problem with liking Hodges’ game is that he’s a player without a position due to his combination of physical…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens RB Jordan Howard (Chicago): Point the Toe, the Hips Will Follow
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens showcases a bounce-out by Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard and reveals that the toe is the key dynamic change of direction. Jordan Howard is not the 1st, 5th, or even 20th running back anyone would mention when discussing ball carriers who possess a dynamic change of direction, which is…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens RB Derrick Henry: Pass Protection Struggles
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines Derrick Henry’s technical and conceptual challenges with pass protection assignments. Twice this month, I’ve seen my colleague Turron Davenport post videos featuring pass protection drills for Titans running backs. Neither of them prepared the runners to diagnose assignments or handle linemen. This is not an indictment of the Titans…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens RB John Kelly (Rams): Efficient Feet
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines the efficient footwork of Rams rookie RB John Kelly, who is pushing his way up the Los Angeles depth chart. If Walter Payton was the Black Panther of running backs, John Kelly is the mortal version of the warrior-king after the Wakandan antidote has been administered. What already makes…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens QB Sam Darnold (Jets): Pocket Ownership Needed
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines Jets QB Sam Darnold, who has performed well thus far but still develop better pocket efficiency/ownership. As my colleague Mark Schofield showcased, Sam Darnold has shown promise as an NFL quarterback at winning the cat-and-mouse game with defenses. Let’s look at an area where Darnold has always struggled and…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens RB Bilal Powell (Jets): An Underrated Showcase of Cutback Running
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines a pair of cutbacks by New York Jets RB Bilal Powell and reveals why his footwork is something to note when studying NFL Draft prospects. Bilal Powell was one of my top-ranked prospects at the running back position in the 2011 NFL Draft. Mark Ingram was my top prospect; Ryan…
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RSP NFL Lens WR Calvin Ridley (Falcons): Three Ways to Drop the Ball
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines rookie Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley’s three drops against the Jaguars. Seeking a steady drumbeat from OTAs to training camp and the preseason? It’s the dreadful rhythm of the ball rebounding off Calvin Ridley’s hands, chest, and shoulders before it hits the ground. Although Ridley has made his share…
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Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens QB Marcus Mariota (Titans): Footwork Under Construction
Matt Waldman’s RSP NFL Lens examines a viable target that Marcus Mariota forgoes because he lacked the basic footwork to do the job. To the degree of expectation that Matt LaFleur has for this incarnation of the Titans offense, Marcus Mariota’s footwork has never been tied to his routes — not at Oregon, not with Whisenhunt,…