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NFL Lens: Explosive Movement: DT Aaron Donald
The mechanics behind an Aaron Donald predation event. On the surface, a defensive lineman stuffing the run looks similar to a massive predator stalking its prey from a hidden vantage point. An orca emerging jaws-first from dark water to snatch a seal breaching the surface. A lion exploding through the brush and pouncing on a grazing impala.…
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The NFL Lens: Agility and Flexibilty w/LeGarrette Blount
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The NFL Lens: Fingertips Technique w/Jarvis Landry and Mike Evans
Testing technique is a lot like testing character; how well it holds up under stress will tell you a lot. A man’s true character comes out when he’s drunk. -Charlie Chaplin Much to your dismay, I’m not advocating shots before the gauntlet drill at the NFL Combine. I agree, it would be entertaining—even more so…
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The NFL Lens: Ball Security
Ball security that can withstand a defensive gauntlet. Ball security is a more complex subject than it appears. In theory, it’s so vital that it can change games and alter the course of careers if not practiced. David Wilson and Stevan Ridley can attest that a lack of ball security can put the kibosh on…
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NFL Lens: Tight Coverage With T.Y. Hilton
With noted exceptions, there’s a difference between “open” in college and pro football. In the NFL, there’s at least one play a game where the quarterback leans on his primary wide receiver to win the ball against tight coverage. It doesn’t sound like a lot but consider the urgency that accompanies most moments football games.…
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Defenders I’ll Be Watching In Mobile
Bramel shares where practice helps analysts value defensive prospects and who he’ll be watching perform these drills in Mobile. Some argue the limited playbook and lack of full contact during team drills prevent a full reckoning of a defensive player’s talent during Senior Bowl practices. I always counter that there’s much to see in the…
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Quick Thoughts on Catching the Football
Yesterday, I posted a RSP Boiler Room episode on Notre Dame WR William Fuller. An athletic prospect with deep speed and skill after the catch, much of the five-minute video is devoted to highlighting where Fuller’s technique for catching the ball experiences breakdowns that could slow his transition to the NFL or limit his usefulness…
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Cardinals RB David Johnson: A Pre-Draft RSP Summary
I’m a big proponent about context over rankings. What I reported on David Johnson explains why. Note the team choices in the analysis from March-April. I’ve had my share of rankings successes and failures, but I’ve never been one to get too hooked on the number when I’m not creating a board for a specific…
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A Special Thank You
If you bought the Rookie Scouting Portfolio this year, thank you for making a difference with protecting children and communities. Listen. Every year since 2012, 10 percent of each sale of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio publication has been donated to combat sexual abuse. It’s helps. There’s tremendous value of having a knowledgeable community about this issue. We…
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Reads Listens Views 12/4/2015
Freddie Hubbard, Cedric Peerman, Kingfishers, Factory of Sadness, and Distress of the Privileged Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah: NPR Tiny Desk Concert I love Christian Scott’s music. Welcome If you’re new to the Rookie Scouting Portfolio blog, welcome. On Fridays I post links to pieces that I’ve found personally compelling or to content I hope will scratch…