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Futures at Football Outsiders: WR D’haquille Williams
Williams’ game inspires a narrative of wishful thinking that college receivers will take the NFL by storm as rookies from here on out. The 2014 class of rookie receivers has taken the NFL by storm. Mike Evans, Odell Beckham, Sammy Watkins, Jarvis Landry, Jordan Matthews, John Brown, Martavis Bryant, Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson, and Donte…
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RSP Film Room No.17: Clemson DE Vic Beasley
Seeking an edge rusher to end a quarterback’s world? Some say there are few finer in this 2015 NFL Draft class than Clemson edge man Vic Beasley. The 6-2, 235-pound former high school running back is atop many a draft board because of his explosive play off the line, the ability to run the arc,…
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Reads Listens Views 12/12/14
A Duo of Devantes, A Meghan Trainor Parody, An Early Anonymous Scouts Story, and A Love Supreme. What is Reads Listens Views? If you’re new to the Rookie Scouting Portfolio blog, welcome. I post links on Fridays to pieces that I’ve found personally compelling or to content I haven’t read yet. You may not like…
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Performance In Context: Play Design Matters
You don’t need to be an X and O’s genius to develop a good eye for talent. However, a solid understanding of basic play design is an integral part of developing perspective and context. A carry of Florida running back Matt Jones in the Gators’ contest with Kentucky offers a simple, but compelling example. First, watch the…
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What I’ve Learned: Context and Perspective Trump Technique
A football writer called me up yesterday morning and broached a topic that I believe separates the savvier talent analysts from the less nuanced: quarterback mechanics. “How important are quarterback mechanics and what do you make of analysts that cite them as critical cause-effect issues with the development or lack of development of a passer?”…
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RSP Sample: Cardinals RB Kerwynn Williams
My pre-draft analysis of the Cardinals’ new back from the 2013 RSP and a play-by-play breakdown of Williams and Marion Grice from Sunday’s Chiefs’ game. Williams was one my underrated backs in the 2013 Rookie Scouting Portfolio. You’ll also notice that I was a big fan of Williams’ skill as a receiver and thought he…
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Jameis Winston: Leadership (On Stage and Behind the Curtain)
I find it wholly appropriate that I’m writing about Winston two years to the night that a FSU freshman accused the quarterback of rape, because the man’s off-field behavior requires analysis within the context of evaluating his NFL prospects. I could pretend to be objective about Winston, but I won’t. His off-field behavior disturbs me. I…
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Reads Listens Views 12/5/2014
Drunk in Autumn, Jameis Winston Film Room, Darrell Talley broke and broken, and why you should take your ideological opposite to lunch. What is Reads Listens Views? If you’re new to the Rookie Scouting Portfolio blog, welcome. I post links on Fridays that I’m saving for later reading or pieces that I have already found compelling. You…
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RSP Film Room No.16: LSU RB Leonard Fournette
Post-holiday weeks are always a difficult transition back to a real world schedule. I have multiple guests I’ve invited to join me in the RSP Film Room, but I didn’t invite anyone for this week. Being it was a solo gig, I took a half-hour to check out freshman running back sensation Leonard Fournette, whom…
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Trick Shot Hero: WR Ezell Ruffin
This week’s Boiler Room isn’t on a top prospect, but the Aztecs’ Ruffin often makes his position look E-Z. I don’t know if he will be fast enough for the NFL. And as soon as he has a serious block of time to devote to routes, he better hit the practice field with an expert. What I…
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