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RSP Film Room No.24: Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah
Pro running back Chad Spann evaluates Ameer Abdullah and imparts advice on transitioning to the league. I have learned a lot of valuable concepts about running back play from Chad Spann. Sigmund Bloom was my first guest on the RSP Film Room, but it was the 2010 MAC Offensive Player of the Year who, four…
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Boiler Room: Jesse James Penn State TE
Fluid. It’s the word that comes to mind when I watch Penn State tight end Jesse James. Fluid isn’t necessarily fast and it might be the one thing absent from James’ game–the only thing he needs to be far and away the best tight end prospect in this class. The Boiler Room Series features select…
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Futures: Michigan TE/WR Devin Funchess
Futures: Michigan WR/TE Devin Funchess By Matt Waldman (Beginning today, Matt Waldman’s Futures column moves to Wednesdays through the 2015 NFL Draft.) Is Devin Funchess a wide receiver or a tight end? The easiest answer is It depends on the team and scheme. NFL.com quoted an anonymous NFL personnel executive who compared Funchess to Jimmy…
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RSP Film Room No.22: DE Shawn Oakman (Baylor)
Shawn Oakman will surely earn serious consideration on physical potential alone. See what he’ll need to address at the next level. He’s built like the ultimate professional wrestling heel and plays that positional equivalent in football. However, when does having a comic book body become an asset or liability for a player like Baylor defensive…
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Futures: USC DT/DE Leonard Williams
This year’s unofficial theme at Futures is profiling complete football players: physically, mentally, and conceptually sound prospects with the versatility to contribute in multiple roles within their position — and in some cases, on either side of the ball. My profiles of Shaq Thompson, Myles Jack, and Ameer Abdullahhighlight the skills that earned these…
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Boiler Room: Michigan State WR Tony Lippett
Who does your quarterback dial-up when he needs a play? Free agent Nate Washington isn’t at the top of most teams’ shopping lists when it comes to primary starters on the open marker. However, Washington has been the Titans receiver most likely to answer the phone on the first ring. Washington’s speed, timing, and aerial prowess…
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WR Tony Jones: Economy of Movement
Recently, I profiled what can happen when a receiver leaves the ground too willingly. Let’s look at Northwestern’s Tony Jones, a receiver who understands economy of movement with a high target. “Eyes to the Sky, Feet on the Ground” has its own specific display on a 20-yard reception, a target not even intended for Jones on…
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Seeing Two Games In One: Projecting College Performance to the NFL
Effective personnel evaluation requires a little bit of time travel, seeing double, and a rich imagination. See below. I’m among the football writers you’ll read or listen to on a podcast explain that it’s important to know the difference between “college” accuracy and “pro” accuracy. When described, it often means tighter passing lanes against zone…
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RSP Film Room No.21: Auburn QB Nick Marshall
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn says Nick Marshall can become an NFL quarterback. Alex Brown of Optimum Scouting and I watch the QB and discuss. As quick as I’m offering you a chance to study Nick Marshall, I’m asking you to forget him for a brief moment. Watch this film room session because you’re going to…
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WR Markeith Ambles: “Playing Big”
Sometimes I see plays that are more instructive of the position than they are revealing about a player’s NFL potential. You can read about Markeith Ambles in the 2015 Rookie Scouting Portfolio when it’s available for the April 1 download. Today’s post features Ambles on an excellent touchdown catch, but the reception from the…