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Hindu Theory Players '09

Hindu Theory - This theory is a takeoff on our old friend, George Young former General Manager of the New York Giants, "If NFL General Managers and scouts had one common religion, it would be Hinduism because they all believe in reincarnation. They think every new player reminds them of some former NFL performer." This theory takes into account a players' projected NFL ability, size, body type, athleticism and upside potential as a pro.

Photo - OL Max Unger - Oregon

Current Player - Reminds of
OL Max Unger - Pete Kendall
LB Larry English - LaMar Woodley
CB Lardarius Webb - Cortland Finnegan
DE/LB Connor Barwin - Mike Vrabel
Robert Ayers - Tamba Hali
TE James Casey - Owen Daniels
LB Aaron Curry - Junior Seau
WR Hakeem Nicks - Terrell Owens
LB Aaron Maybin - Jason Taylor
S William Moore - Adrian Wilson
RB Knowshon Moreno - Marshawn Lynch
LB Lawrence Sidbury - Shaun Phillips
CB Michael Ray Garvin - Chris Carr
OC Alex Mack - Jeremy Newberry
WR Percy Harvin - Steve Smith
DT Chris Baker - Tank Johnson
TE Jared Cook - Daniel Graham
S Louis Delmas - Kerry Rhodes
WR Kenny Britt - Braylon Edwards
NT B.J. Raji - Jamal Williams
OC Eric Wood - Jake Grove
LB Brian Cushing - Keith Brooking
OG Duke Robinson - Davin Joseph
RB Donald Brown - Marion Barber
TE Richard Quinn - Reggie Kelly
CB Malcolm Jenkins - Nate Clements
DE Michael Johnson - Mathias Kiwanuka
TE Chase Coffman - Zack Miller
WR Jeremy Maclin - Eddie Kennison
DT Mitch King - Dan Klecko
RB Shonn Greene - Rudi Johnson
CB Alphonso Smith - Antoine Winfield
DT Fili Moala - Shaun Cody
TE Travis Beckum - Randy McMichael
RB * Chris Wells - Jamal Lewis
OL Herman Johnson - Leonard Davis
WR Brian Robiskie - Amani Toomer

Jersey - Rutgers Players Highlight NFL Draft 2009

Photo - Eugene Monroe - Virginia

Scarlet Scuttlebutt with Keith Sargeant

Scarlet Scuttlebutt caught up recently with Frank Coyle, a nationally-known pro football scout based in Red Back who publishes Draft Insiders’ Digest. In its 18th season, DraftInsiders.com is a website and publication dedicated to the year round coverage of NFL and NCAA Football.

Coyle discussed the NFL Draft prospects of each Rutgers hopeful as well as several other New Jersey products in a Q&A.

Scuttlebutt: Have you ever seen a year like this, where there’s so many New Jersey products scattered through the draft. I mean, seven alone could go in the first round.

Coyle: “No I haven’t to tell you the truth. It’s pretty interesting, especially the running backs — Knowshon (Moreno) and (Donald) Brown and (Shonn) Greene. And then you start factoring the Rutgers kids and B.J. Raji is a kid from North Jersey. Michael Ray Garvin, the kid from Florida State who ran a 4.22. There’s a lot of players.

“You know, Penn State made a 25-year gravy train off New Jersey kids when Rutgers was no good. And obviously Rutgers stepped up, so it’s kind of changed it a bit. But Jersey’s always had a good base of kids. They just never went to Rutgers.

“But I do think the high school talent-level has increased with better coaching, and I think it’s going to be reflected in the draft.”

Scuttlebutt: The Rutgers guys, let’s get them out of the way first. Kenny Britt is obviously the headline guy. Where do you see him going?

Coyle:“Possible late-round guy to the Colts or the Giants, and certainly off the board in the first 10 picks of the second round. A kid who really came on strong after his one-game suspension. Big, good run-after-catch ability, not a true burner but good speed and some good, natural receiving skills. I expect him to play and play well fairly early in his career.”

Scuttlebutt: Tiquan Underwood, Courtney Greene are guys being discussed in the mid-rounds. What do you think of their chances this weekend?

Coyle: “Greene, I like him a lot. I think some inconsistencies probably cost him an early-round grade, but I give him a middle-round grade and I see him being a starting NFL strong safety in the right set. He’s going to have to prove more consistent in coverage but he’s a good player and I think someone in the 4th, 5th round is going to get a real quality safety.

Atlanta Falcons - 11-5 - Head Coach - Mike Smith - 2nd Year

Photo - DT Peria Jerry - Ole Miss

The Falcons pulled off a major trade acquiring veteran Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez for a #2 pick in the NFL Draft 2010. Gonzalez gives young QB Matt Ryan a valuable weapon for their passing game. He will open up the middle zones for the wide receivers and keep linebackers out of the box for tough runner Michael Turner. His acquisition allows the Falcons to focus on defense early in the draft and primarily on their front seven positions. They could possibly use all their top 100 selections on the defensive side of the ball to improve a young unit that has undergone many changes over recent offseasons.

Atlanta Falcon Team Report

Key Team Needs:
1. DT 2. LB 3. CB 4. OT 5. S

1. Defensive Tackle - The Falcons will probably address the DT position in the early rounds with a possible #1 selection if DT Peria Jerry or Ziggy Hood are still on the board at the 24th overall pick. Young potential starters Jon Babineaux and Trey Lewis are still untested. They have become very interested in both Jerry and Hood over recent weeks. They also like Corvey Irwin and Alex Magee in the 3rd round.

2. Linebacker - The Falcons lost Michael Boley in FA after releasing Keith Brooking. They have little depth currently and could address both the inside and outside spots. They hope to address this area with at least prime top 100 selection and could use a #1 pick on Clay Matthews or Brian Cushing. They have OLB Marcus Freeman and Ashlee Palmer on their 3rd round list. They also like Tyrone McKenzie in the middle rounds.

3. Cornerback - The secondary may be addressed at both the safety and corner positions. They could surprise and address the corner early and they like Darius Butler very much in the late 1st round. In the 2nd round, they could add CB D.J. Moore who would be a major boost to their return game. They like Bradley Fletcher and Asher Allen in the 3rd round.

4. Offensive Tackle - The Falcons have pressing needs at right tackle. They will look to add a right tackle early to couple with last year’s #1 pick Sam Baker. They will consider OT Eben Britton in the first round. He has the ability to play either side and start as a rookie. They like Troy Kropog and Jason Watkins in the middle rounds.

5. Safety - The Falcons released veteran Lawyer Milloy and will look to young Thomas DeCoud to step in and claim a starting job. They have little depth behind projected starters. They hope to address this area with at least prime top 100 selection and have Rashad Johnson on their early middle round list. They also like Darcel McBath and Chip Vaughn and have them on their 3rd round list.

Insiders’ Insights
The Falcons had their best draft class in franchise history last April selecting possibly six starters including franchise QB Matt Ryan. They still have clear needs on both sides of the ball. On the late first round, they like DT Peria Jerry and LB Brian Cushing and will debate those two to the last minute. DT Ziggy Hood could be a surprise #1 pick. They could use most of their draft choices on defensive players including a few picks for their changing secondary. Their biggest offensive need is a big mobile tackle with an early starting grade. He would be difficult to pass on OT Britton if available. Their defense will probably be the primary focus of the draft with each unit in need of an influx of talent. Both the linebacker unit and secondary are high priorities. They see Brian Cushing as a Keith Brooking clone. In a good defensive back class; they may address both the corner and safety spot twice by the middle rounds. Cornerback is still a high need and could be addressed in early rounds. They may find several top athletes like Darius Butler or Alphonso Smith available.

1st Round - DT Peria Jerry - Ole Miss - Mobile defender would be a fine addition for the inside.
Alternate Pick - CB Darius Butler - Upon Natural cover defender would be an excellent addition.

“SPECIAL” - Special Teams Performers
Return Specialists - Kickoff Returners
Photo - Michael Ray Garvin

1. Michael Ray Garvin - Florida St.
Fast cornerback/ return specialist lead the nation as a KOR as a senior. He has blazing speed to make a difference as a return specialist. He ran a 4.22 at the Florida St. pro day that has him flying up the charts. He also will compete early for the nickel corner role after over 20 starts for the Seminoles defense that has an outstanding track record for cover men for the NFL game.

2. * Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
Big play specialist will be more valuable as a returner than receiver early in his career. He has been a difference maker as both a kickoff and punt returner. He has the burst of speed to hit the home run with natural openfield running skills. He has a huge upside as a receiver, but needs development in reading coverage and route running to play up to his athleticism.

3. * Percy Harvin - Florida
4. Mike Thomas - Arizona
5. Brandon Tate - North Carolina
6. Mike Goodson - Texas A&M
7. Derrick Williams - Penn St.
8. Marcus Thigpen - Indiana
9. Juaquin Iglesias - Oklahoma
10. Mike Wallace - Ole Miss

Punt Returners
1. * Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
2. * D.J. Moore - Vanderbilt
3. Derrick Williams - Penn St.
4. Mike Thomas - Arizona
5. Sammie Stroughter - Oregon St.
6. Darius Butler - Connecticut
7. Chris Williams - New Mexico St.
8. Devon Moore - Wyoming

Sidbury is our highest rated small college prospect. He leads our Dirty Dozen List of the top 12 Small College Pro Prospects that will be available in our Update Online Book this week.

Photo - DE/LB Lawrence Sidbury

Lawrence Sidbury #2 - 6’2” 265 lbs. - Richmond - Sp. 4.65
Hindu Theory - Shaun Phillips
Quick relentless senior defensive end has performed well over his small college career, playing a key role in the UR national title last fall. Lawrence is a quick twitch player who gets the most out of his good athleticism and projects to both end and outside linebacker in the NFL. He earned CAA first-team honors over his final two seasons, as one of the more dominant defenders at the lower level. He is fast on the snap to gain a quick advantage over blockers and wins many matchups with relentless effort. As a pass rusher, he comes out of his stance quickly with a strong fast hand punch that jars a blocker and uses his very long reach to keep blockers off his body. He has a sudden burst of speed that allows him to get his shoulder pass a blocker and bend the edge. He flattens out nicely with the burst of speed to finish with big plays. He has fine hand technique that allows him to counter quickly, though he needs development on his footwork and hand use to separate better and more consistently. He has the speed to pursue and makes plays from the backside. In run support, he struggles to play well at the POT and needs to get stronger and better as a technician. He is a high motor undersized end that plays with a lot of intensity, instincts and fine work ethic. He played both at end and up at linebacker in the Spiders defense with impact ability at each position. Despite a top motor, his lack of bulk and size causes him to get bounced around at times at the POT and washed out too often. He may need to rotate in a 4-3 set until he proves capable of playing the run better when directed at him. He can get worn down late in the game vs the run and needs to add bulk before being ready for fulltime duty. He has good change of direction skills with the flexibility and agility to redirect and make plays in space. In space, he is usually under of control and has keeps his feet underneath him to move toward the ball. He needs to be more consistent in his use of leverage and learn more moves for rushing the passer, other than trying to just beat the blocker off the snap with quickness. During his senior year, he started every game and finished the regular season with 11.5 sacks including 4 sacks in the national title victory over Montana. That performance earned him first team CAA honors for the 2nd time and several invites to the major All Star events. As a junior, he started 13 games and totaled 48 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 PBU including 3 TFL and 4.5 sacks that earned him 1st team CAA honors. Over his career, he started 30 contests and was a two time CAA honoree while recording 145 tackles, 38 TFL, 21sacks, 4 FF and 2 FR. At the combine, he ran 4.55 and 4.56 times, had a 35” VJ, a 10’ BJ and did 28 reps in the lifting. He had decent times in the agility drills to complete a good overall workout. He is the type who best fits an end position in a 4-3 scheme, though undersized and needs to lineup on the weakside. He needs to read plays and blocks quicker with film work development to improve his instincts. He also needs to develop better hand usage playing off blocks in close quarters that would help him to stay more active along the line. He has the athleticism to move to a 3-4 linebacker, but faces a tough learning curve there that will delay early contribution. He needs to show he can drop in coverage and matchup with backs or tight ends. He probably needs a creative coach like Rex Ryan or Bill Belichick to find a niche for him in their front seven as a flexible situational role defender like the Chargers Shaun Phillips. He is the type with good athleticism and toughness, but with ‘tweener size that needs to settle into the proper pro position. Top 100 grade but may fall beyond that in the draft. Clubs like the Ravens, Cardinals and Dolphins interested. Playmaker needs right setting, but he can rush the passer and has a relentless attitude to become a major surprise within a short time.

Eagles Trade for Bills tackle Jason Peters
Knowshon Moreno Scouting Report

Photo - Knowshon Moreno - Georgia

The second major blockbuster NFL trade over recent weeks has turned the first round of the NFL Draft 2009 upside down. The Eagles traded their late #1 pick plus a #4 pick next week and a 6th round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft to the Bills for Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters. The trade was discussed over recent days and was completed with the Eagles giving two later picks after surrendering one of their #1 selections. Interesting, the deal leaves both clubs interested in landing a feature back among their top priorities. Both will be interested in Georgia tailback Knowshon Moreno with the Eagles retaining the 22nd overall pick and the Bills now holding the 11th and 28th picks in the first round. The Peters deal leaves the Bills, Broncos and Lions with two #1 picks each for the NFL Draft 2009.
New Jersey high school running backs will be the prime focus in the NFL Draft 2009 with Knowshon Moreno our #1 prospect at the position. Other running backs with Jersey histories are Donald Brown and Shonn Greene and each is considered a highly rated prospect who will probably be prime draft choices next weekend. Both are NFL feature backs and most likely early pro starters.

Knowshon Moreno - Scouting Report

1. * Knowshon Moreno #24 - 5’11” 215 lbs. - Georgia - Sp. 4.50
Rating 92 - Hindu Theory - Marshawn Lynch
Athletic third year sophomore displayed big time talent as one of the nation’s premier playmakers over his Bulldog career. Knowshon combines all the athletic talent to become a top NFL feature back with well rounded skills. He entered Georgia after a record setting career at Middletown South HS as one of the most talented athletes in NJ history. He has natural running skills including terrific vision, excellent cutting skills and good speed to run inside as well as make the big play. He has shown soft sure hands as a receiver to rank among the best in that role in recent memory, though not fully utilized in that capacity as a collegian. His career began with a terrific freshman season that saw him surpass 1000 yards rushing to become only the 2nd Georgia back to accomplish that feat, the other being Herschel Walker. He combines an awesome athletic package that includes size, speed, quickness and hands with natural running instincts. He is very quick to the hole with a good burst of speed through the hole and the cutting skills to put together several moves to create a running lane. He has very good change of direction skills to create room in addition to following his blockers well with the cutback skills to hit an opening with good speed. He has above average breakaway speed to go the distance and make a big play, though he lacks the elite speed of premier backs like Marshall Faulk He has both the power to break tackles and the speed to outrun defenders with some growth potential to get bigger and carry the weekly load as a pro feature back. As a receiver, he has made nice improvement especially as a route runner to warrant a high complete grade, in addition to showing the ability to pick up the blitz consistently as a blocker. He has excellent triangle numbers that have translated into outstanding production on the field at a very high level in the SEC. He is capable of being one of the special prospects for the NFL Draft ’09 with further upside potential in time. Within a short area, his suddenness allows him to create running lanes, using his fine speed and power to be a dangerous runner both inside and outside. As a receiver, he creates problems for coverage with well developed hands and route running to play the 3rd down role immediately as a pro. He is refined receiver with the talent to be a fine weapon in that role. He is quick inside runner that allows him to dart through the hole without losing speed and exploding through an opening into the secondary. He ranks among the top backs recently, but not at the level of elite prospects like Adrian Peterson or Marshall Faulk who were the best backs of the last 15 years. He is similar to NFL star Marshawn Lynch in his size, speed, AA and openfield running skills. He runs in a couched style with low pad level to utilize his powerful burst to run inside and will probably add another 10 lbs. to his frame as a pro, making him very effective between the tackles. He provides both the big play ability and the talent and toughness to carry the weekly workhorse load in an offense. He has the combination of quickness, hands, toughness and instincts to become a top rookie NFL feature back. He is a fast fluid runner with quick feet, allowing him to accelerate through the hole and hit the opening using his natural running skills, such as vision, balance and change-of-direction skills to get to the 2nd level. He follows blockers well and can shift gears, hitting top speed quickly and uses his blockers well to set up defenders. He has the power to run between the tackles and the quickness to bounce outside and make a big play in the open field. He is a slashing type runner who must prove in the NFL that he can carry the rushing load on a weekly basis. He has shown the ability to get stronger over the course of the game with the power to wear down a defense and the toughness to earn much of his yardage after contact. He needs work as a blocker especially his reads and hand technique, though he has performed fairly well in that role. He shows the ability to pick up a blitzing backer, but must learn to use his hands better to adjust after the initial contact to sustain his blocks.
The Numbers: Over his final season, he played in 13 games with 250 carries for 1400 yards for a fine 5.6 yard average with 16 TDs and 33 receptions for 392 yards and 2 TDs. In ’07, he played in all 13 games with 248 carries for 1334 yards and 14 TDs while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also added 20 receptions working with a young passer Matt Stafford. Over his career, he averaged a fine 5.5 yard average per carry and totaled 53 receptions.
The Skinny: Well rounded young playmaker with the ability to be a fine NFL feature back and an immediate impact performer. He has produced in big game situations over his career and wants the ball in critical situations. He has proven up to the challenge vs the best competition in the SEC. Quick tough versatile back with well rounded skills to become an NFL star and impact as a rookie. He combines the size and power to run inside and fine speed and running skills to get outside consistently and make the corner. At the combine, he ran 4.54 and 4.56 times with 25 reps in the lifting. He added a 35.5” VL and a 9’7” BJ. He was impressive in the agility and positional drills with a 6.84 three cone and 4.27 short shuttle to complete a good workout. Highest rated feature back with a top 20 grade in a deep group that has the makings of an excellent overall class. Young athlete is one of underclassmen who entered this January to form a special group of runners. Tough workhorse back with the package to become a top NFL runner. Clubs like the Texans, Jets, Eagles and the Bills interested.
Draft Projection: 1st Round - Top 20 Pick

Detroit Lions - 0-16 - Head Coach - Jim Schwartz - 1st Year

Key Team Needs: 1. QB 2. OT 3. CB 4. DT 5. LB
Photo - QB Matt Stafford - Georgia

1. Quarterback - The Lions would have to be overwhelmed to pass on Matthew Stafford with the first overall selection. They still have young QBs Drew Stanton and Dan Orlovsky and they could be part of trade moves after the draft process begins. Stafford gives them a franchise type passer, though one that should sit most or all of his 1st season.

2. Offensive Tackle - The Lions have savvy veteran LOT Jeff Backus and young vet OT Gosder Cherilus penciled in as the projected starters. They may address it with their #1 pick with blue chip tackle Eugene Monroe on the board. They could go for Eben Britton with the 21st overall selection. If they pass on the first round, they hope to address this in the early 2nd round with William Beatty at the 33rd overall selection.

3. Cornerback - The Lions have only marginal talent here and will most likely address this position at least once early in the process. They love Darius Butler and Alphonso Smith in the 1st round and D.J. Moore in the 2nd round. Their secondary has been sub par for a decade and needs to add top cover men in the early rounds. With their 3rd round selections, they could entertain corners Macho Harris, Mike Mickens and Chris Owens. They will probably address the secondary twice over the early rounds.

4. Defensive Tackle - The Lions traded vet Cory Redding for backer Julian Peterson. It was a sound move but leaves a pressing need on the inside. They love DT Peria Jerry with their second top pick, the 20th overall selection and Ziggy Hood with their #2 pick (33rd overall). They could opt for DT Corvey Irvin, Fili Moala and Alex Magee with all expected to be available in the 3rd round.

5. Linebacker - Lions have addressed this area fairly early in recent years with minimal success except for the addition of Pro Bowler Ernie Sims. They could draft both a Mike and Sam prospect fairly early in the process. They like James Laurinaitis very much and he could be available at the 33rd overall selection. On the outside, they like Clay Matthews and Clint Sintim in the 2nd round position. They also like Tyron McKenzie on the 3rd round for the SAM spot.

Insiders’ Insights
The Lions have five of the top 82 selections and can address a few major areas with premier prospects. This is a pivotal draft class after a disastrous decade under former GM Matt Millen. They could trade one of their young passers Stanton or Orlavsky after selecting Matt Stafford for another top 100 selection. They have many needs, but can address several key areas over the top three rounds. They have several key defensive needs that have to be addressed if they expect to compete for the playoffs. They hope to add a bookend LOT in the later first early 2nd round area to develop with Stafford. They also want to add a pass rushing DT will a prime selection. They could address this position early with Jerry and Hood highly coveted prospects. Their offensive line may add a few prospects both left tackle and an interior blocker. Both the linebacker and secondary units will probably be addressed fairly early with one of their top 4-5 picks.

1st Round Pick - QB Matt Stafford - Georgia - Well developed QB can be a franchise type leader.
Alternate Pick - LB Aaron Curry - Wake Forest - Most developed prospect in this draft class.

For the Complete NFL Team Report go to Order link www.draftinsiders.com