Tag: NFL draft

  • Telegraphing: TE Wes Saxton

    Telegraphing: TE Wes Saxton

    I’m a believer that it’s easier to enhance a player’s strengths. A well-timed stiff-arm could enhance Wes Saxton’s game.  During my RSP Film Room episode with Chad Spann, I asked the pro running back what was involved with executing a good stiff-arm. Spann specifically mentioned placement on the head or face of the defender, because…

  • Process The Process: New Podcast Hosted by Josh Norris

    Process The Process: New Podcast Hosted by Josh Norris

    Rotoworld’s Josh Norris asked me to be his first guest on a new podcast available on iTunes. Learn more (and perhaps win a 2015 RSP).  Josh Norris is a good friend of the blog. The Rotoworld draft writer invited me to kick off his new podcast Process The Process. The aim of this show is discussion of…

  • RSP Film Room No.24: Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah

    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…

  • Boiler Room: Jesse James Penn State TE

    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…

  • Late Night Thoughts on the Cardale Jones Decision

    Late Night Thoughts on the Cardale Jones Decision

      Should he stay or should he go? Sigmund Bloom and I debated around this question Monday night. See below. [Note: this exchange with Sigmund Bloom and me isn’t exactly as it went down, but close enough to post. Our views as I portrayed them represent the dichotomy likely found among the NFL] “Hater!” It’s…

  • Futures: Michigan TE/WR Devin Funchess

    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…

  • RSP Film Room No.22: DE Shawn Oakman (Baylor)

    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…

  • Boiler Room: Michigan State WR Tony Lippett

    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…

  • WR Tony Jones: Economy of Movement

    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…

  • Seeing Two Games In One: Projecting College Performance to the NFL

    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…