2011 Senior Bowl game winners
by Dan Kadar on Jan 29, 2011 7:31 PM EST
in 2011 Senior Bowl
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PrintThe South won the Senior Bowl over the North 24-10 today, but the final outcome isn't really the point.
Players were there to impress NFL personnel. While the practices during the week are vastly more importantly, some players are simply better on game day.
But In a game that doesn't allow blitzes and forces cornerbacks to play off coverage, it's hard to gauge who exactly had a bad Senior Bowl game. DeMarcus Love and Allen Bailey stick out as having a poor game.
However, instead of dwelling on the negative, find a breakdown of the game's winner after the jump. (Click on the photo to see a gallery from the game)
Kendric Burney | CB | North Carolina
If one player considerably helped their stock on Saturday, it was Burney. He covered the slant perfectly in the first quarter and showed throughout the game he's a good tackler. Burney will have to play the right scheme – either cover-2 or off slot – but he should be very good. His speed and size are going to scare you away, but they shouldn't.
Christian Ponder | QB | Florida State
Of the six quarterbacks in this game, none played better than Ponder. Hew as accurate, especially going over the middle. But his pocket presence was far and away better than any signal caller today. Ponder was named the game's MVP.
Leonard Hankerson | WR | Miami
The Miami product was by far the best wide receiver in today's game. When he uses good technique, Hankerson shows good hands and body control to create space. but Hankerson has a habit of letting the ball into his pads.
Lance Kendricks | TE | Wisconsin
Kendricks didn't necessarily have a great game receiving. But he showed on multiple occasions he can block. He took it to Miami's Allen Bailey on a few plays, which was impressive.
Colin McCarthy | LB | Miami
McCarthy may never be a great NFL linebacker. He's more of a special teams and backup linebacker. But he should be good in that role. On Saturday, he showed his lateral range and hitting ability on several plays.
Von Miller | OLB | Texas A&M
The athletic pass rusher is proving me wrong. He showed during the game today that he has plenty of mobility to drop back in coverage. Everyone is aware of how good he can be as a pass rusher. The only question that remains is consistency. Whether or not Miller can hold up play-in, play-out against the run will seal his fate as a pro.
Derek Locke | RB | Kentucky
Most of the attention this week was given to other running backs like Kendall Hunter, DeMarco Murray and Roy Helu Jr. Locke showed he has the speed and enough power to hit the hole with authority. He had six carries for 35 yards on the day. Locke's feet are quick and he decisive with the ball in his hands.
Sam Acho | DE | Texas
Acho is one of those guys who doesn't blow you away athletically during practices. But during the game, he was consistently making plays. He's good against the run and projects as a left defensive end in a 4-3.
Ryan Kerrigan | DE | Purdue
It's still unclear where Kerrigan projects to the pros. Either as a 3-4 linebacker or 4-3 end, Kerrigan is going to charge up a defense. He's not terribly explosive off the snap, but has a good spin move and always seems to be in on a play.
Christian Ballard | DT/DE | Iowa
Like Kerrigan, it's still hard to project where Ballard will line up in the NFL. He's played inside and outside and done both well. His versatility could garner him a spot in the second round. On Saturday, Ballard showed he can get off blocks and shoot gaps pretty well.
Phil Taylor | DT | Baylor
For a player who is 337 pounds, Taylor moves around exceptionally well. Because he's a natural nose tackle filling a big need, he could have turned himself into a top 64 pick in April.
James Carpenter | OT | Alabama
A lot of offensive linemen switched positions this week. Most expected Carpenter to move to the right side or even kick inside to guard. But he stuck at left tackle and played really well. He's never going to be an elite left tackle, but he plays with a good base in the run and is just agile enough to handle outside rushers.
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Thanks everyone for jumping in the open thread today. You are all beautiful.
Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.
aww
That’s sweet. :3
Also, he didn’t really stick out, but Herzlich held up very well. He couldn’t play with his hair pinned back because of the rules, but he played very well in coverage and got off blocks nicely. I think he’ll be an early 3rd when it’s all said and done.
by birds'n'raiders on Jan 29, 2011 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
I thought both did fine
the one sack Costanzo let up was all on Stanzi, he did like a 10 step drop and didnt even step up in the pocket.
Not all on Stanzi
Although Stanzi does pretty much suck and is overrated, Phil Taylor of Baylor (heh) beat the center and was charging up the middle, which left no room for Stanzi to step up in the pocket. I was disappointed no one in the NFL Network broadcast booth – particularly Mayock – pointed that out.
Then again none of them would acknowledge the fact that McElroy threw that nullified first-half interception to the Stanford corner because he almost surely knew Jeremy Beal was offsides on the play. Which was especially annoying considering Bob Papa (who I like overall) kept hammering the nullified interception, so damn annoying.
But I digress. I too don’t really count it as a sack against Castonzo because he directed his rusher around the pocket. Which is what you’d like your left tackle to do.
by project geo on Jan 30, 2011 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
It was a 7-step drop
And Reed beat him clean. Castonzo gets no credit because Reed was completely out of his control. Brooks Reed should have been mentioned as having a good game as an edge rusher. You are right in that the analysts did not make a good call on that sack.
I thought Stanzi played well. Eluded the pass rush when he got outside, made some good throws into traffic. What more could you ask of him?
I also agree that the analysts blew the McElroy call. A clear offsides, McElroy saw it, threw up a 50-50 ball. That should have been mentioned as a positive.
Castonzo ended playing some guard because Carimi was a late scratch
I hoped to see more from him in terms of pass pro, but he did give up a sack. Sherrod looked good as a run blocker. He completely collapsed the left side of the defensive line on Noel Devines TD run on 4th and goal.
"I am patient with stupidity but not with those who are proud of it."
My inclination is to say Sherrod played great, but can at least say he played very well
Though I think one could easily make the case, by pointing to the game action, that he played the best of any tackle in the game.
Despite having his up-and-downs during the week in the 1-on-1 drills. Good to see he was much better in actual game action.
by project geo on Jan 30, 2011 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry I wasn't on your thread Dan, I was on MHR
Hate to say I told you so on Von Miller. He may not be an all around great player, but he does one thing well: Sack the QB! And if you do that well, you’ll make bank
And I can’t help but disagree on Ponder. He did show good arm strength/accuracy, but all he did was stare down Hankerson and throw it to him or run. I didn’t see him once look elsewhere. Not saying he’s completely hopeless, but I didn’t come away from that game thinking he could definitly be a QB of the future.
O, and when exactly will McShay eat his 3 course meal of crow due to Locker?
Every South QB stared down Hankerson
He was the favorite. Got lots of chances. Did not see anything too great from him. Dropped the screen.
& that 1st catch bounced off of his shoulder pads
before he reeled it in. I like him but a lot of people seemed to gloss over his mistakes
I'm sure I'm starting to bug you guys at this point, but how did the Huskers look?
I didn’t get home until the 2nd half, so I missed most of the game. The stats say nobody did much of anything.
Pierre Allen: I saw a few plays with him in. He had one play where he held contain on the right side and let the other end get to the QB. I also saw a facemask. Those were the only 2 plays I noticed him in.
Roy Helu: Only 2 carries? Only 10 North carries total? Who was calling these plays?
Niles Paul: I saw him blow a guy up off of a Henery punt. I also saw him make a 29 yard return late, which was the longest of the day according to the stats. I think he can be a weapon on STs both covering and returning. It looks like he had 1 catch for 5 yards. Any drops?
Alex Henery: It looks like he had to punt a lot, and did very well. He also kicked off once, which is something I haven’t seen him do much of. I only saw 2 plays involving him, a PAT and the punt that resulted in afore-mentioned Paul tackle.
Mike McNeill: I see he started, but no stats?
Eric Hagg: I see he had 1 tackle. Did he look better in coverage in the game, or is he destined to STs coverage?
Thanks for feeding me info all week guys.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
Super Bowl here we come!
“Mike McNeill: I see he started, but no stats?”
_
All I can remember from him is a tipped pass he should have caught from Kaepernick that ended up being picked up…
Don’t think this helps his stock much haha
I blame Taylor Martinez.
Mike didn’t see many balls come his way this year, so he probably forgot how to catch.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
Super Bowl here we come!
Paul should have been a safety
Blew up a CB in the 1st when someone else caught the ball, announcers missed it. Not really targeted.
Allen had a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the 1st, I think it was a celebration penalty, after an INT.
Funny, radio guys were just saying that about Niles today.
I also saw him make that ST tackle late. Russ Lande said he was a bit inconsistent. On the first day je ran his routes really well, but then struggled and was not very fluid later (too musclebound to move that quickly). I think he needs to focus on STs where I think he can be very good and work on his WR skills a bit more.
Allen apparently didn’t really hurt or help himself. He didn’t make big explosive plays but he didn’t get beat badly either. He is what he is, a solid player. 4-5 rounder Lande said.
helu halped himself. he lloked pretty good when he got the carries during the week. Mid-round back.
Mike McNeill didn’t quite live up to expectations and wasn’t overly impressive. Not as explosive as they would have liked. Late 4th-6th round (I think he would be a steal in the 6th).
Alex Henery was clearly the best kicker there. Huge leg and great accuracy. A bit inconsistent in his technique but it doesn’t effect his accuracy at all and could be fixed pretty easily. Didn’t look natural on kickoffs, because he hasn’t kicked off for a long time (NEB had a KO specialist).
No mention of Eric Hagg.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
Super Bowl here we come!
Helu helped his stock by being a decent blocker on several plays.
by Buffalo for Eternity on Jan 31, 2011 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
He's a tough little sucker. Blocking is something that is asked of all the Nebraska backs and receivers (except Mike McNeill).
It sounds like he ran decisively in practice as well. He can get a little jumpy at times behind the line, but he’s at his best when he makes 1 cut and gets up field. He’s shifty and doesn’t like to go down.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
And go Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton! Seriously, leave Lincoln. Now.
Super Bowl here we come!
Von Miller will be an excellent 4-3 OLB.
But I’m still not convinced that he’s worth a top 5 selection. He has incredible burst, but a lot of his big plays still come against free releases. He wasn’t touched on his sack on Kaepernick. He needs to show the strength to make plays when he’s lined up against a player.
I disagree
All 3-4 OLB’s don’t need to be 6-4/255 and able to compress the play from the edge. Miller is almost exactly the same size as Lawrence Taylor. I’m not saying Miller is anywhere close to Taylor, but the Giants redesigned their Bullough-Fairbanks 3-4 defense to fit Taylor’s talents, which was running around blockers.
I agree that Taylor wasstronger than Miller, but that will come with time for Miller in an NFL strength and conditioning program. Aaron Schobel wasn’t that big coming out of TCU, but he quickly went from around 245 to 260 and didn’t lose a step. 15 pounds of muscle, or even 10, on Miller and it’s no issue. And that will happen after his first full off-season in a team’s program.
What can’t be taught is his burst and his innate sense of leverage. He’s a difference maker that must be accounted for on every play. Schobel used to own Matt Light because he was too fast for him. Think about Miller lined up at ROLB for the Bills. He would have to be accounted for on each play- never left unblocked as the weak side guy on a strong side run. Chip help on passes. It would change the way the Pats attacked the Bills.
What I will concede is that running at Miller would be a disadvantage for the defense. That’s where the team that picks him needs to be smart, and not have a team of small guys. The Chargers have a pretty big 3-4, and Miller would do well on that team. If Miller is the only smaller player in the front seven, then he won’t be such a liability.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
In my first mock I didn’t think Miller was heavy enough for the 3-4 teams, or as suited for the 4-3 teams, so he fell to the Saints’ pick near the bottom of the first round.
Suffice to say, that will definitely change in my next mock.
Although I still think his weight/size will hurt him in the eyes of a few 3-4 teams (the Patriots for example).
by project geo on Jan 30, 2011 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
The Pats would have an issue with his size but he'll never come into play for them.
5 teams between 5th & 11th are candidates to take him.
by jacobstevens on Jan 31, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't say that Locker did that bad.
He made some nice throws including a couple from the pocket. One of the overthrows happened because Young (I believe) gave up on his route (where he committed the OPI) and another came on the throw where Young (once again, I’m not sure if it was him) couldn’t hang on to the ball. Yes, that throw was a little bit high, but Young still should have caught it.
He throws
Like a Shaun Hill type player, lame ducks constantly. He’s going to be a journeyman in a couple years, put money on it.
I disagree.
Also, Shaun Hill’s arm has the strength of a flaccid penis.
by Fearless Frog on Jan 30, 2011 12:31 AM EST up reply actions
Know much about flaccid penis, do ya?
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Jan 30, 2011 12:35 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Miller Time SNITCHES!
he is going to be a good player
Burney Ive liked and he is definately looking like a good prospect at cornerback
James Carpenter Ive been mentioning the past few weeks as a guy you can get late and really get a nice starting OL
I think for my team, I would want him at RT or RG
by Archie Barberio on Jan 29, 2011 9:11 PM EST reply actions
Sherrod grew on me
he has the frame and technique to be a good OT
see for my team we need a RT, and I think if we took him 9th overall it would be a reach
but at least we would be getting our RT for the next 10 years and Free on the other side would solve our OT issues
if I could get one more G this draft and plug him in at RG, my OL would be set and fixed
I still like Gabe Carimi and Tyron Smith over any OT in the draft
Danny Watkins really looks nice a pick because I know he is 26 but he can start right away dude is really strong and once he gets his hands on you, its a wrap
by Archie Barberio on Jan 29, 2011 9:14 PM EST reply actions
What about Bilal Powell how did he do?
Yes, that is Kyle Kuric
by TheRealSlimShady on Jan 29, 2011 9:44 PM EST reply actions
Are you being sarcastic or serious?
Yes, that is Kyle Kuric
by TheRealSlimShady on Jan 30, 2011 1:37 AM EST up reply actions
Curtis Brown?
How was he at CB? Can’t seem to find anything on him.
BTSC Obituaries
OldManSteeler, ominously died two days before Superbowl 123 where the Ravens are set to attempt their 7th superbowl win, facing the Detroit Lions on Sunday. He was 86. His last words are are said to have been "MALOR CAN SUCK IT!!!". Like friends and family, we can only guess what this could mean.
by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Jan 29, 2011 10:50 PM EST reply actions
Do you guys think Locker
Helped his draft status,
Didn’t effect it much
or
Hurt his draft status?
I’m just curious what everyone thought about the game effecting his draft stock.
Hopefully my picture doesn't show my bias.
I think Locker
Didn’t affect his status much. A lot of teams are already aware of his shortcomings and benefits, and all the Senior Bowl did was reaffirm the same shortcomings and benefits we already know about.
by Mavyrk on Jan 29, 2011 11:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I still believe that in the right system (one that favors rollouts/bootlegs)
and with some good coaching, Locker will be the best QB in this class. Of course, I’m willing to admit that there’s also a good chance that he could be a bust.
by Coach Owens on Jan 30, 2011 12:50 AM EST up reply actions
I still believe that in the right system (one that favors rollouts/bootlegs)
Agree 100%
Locker is as good as anyone rolling out. His vision and accuracy are great on the move. The fact he is probably better rolling left than right as a passer is rare.
It is so frustrating that a guy who is so good on the move is so deficient in the pocket. If he could have the same field vision/accuracy inside in the pocket, he will be great in the Rothlisberger/Rodgers mold. If he can’t, I don’t think he will be a bust but have a career similar to Jake Plummer. Plummer was a lock on to one receiver guy in the pocket like Locker currently is.
Kylesaurus Rex Williams Pro Bowl 2010
by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 30, 2011 4:51 AM EST up reply actions
Didn’t affect his status much. A lot of teams are already aware of his shortcomings and benefits, and all the Senior Bowl did was reaffirm the same shortcomings and benefits we already know about.
Agree 100%
Kylesaurus Rex Williams Pro Bowl 2010
by The Buffalo Kid on Jan 30, 2011 4:47 AM EST up reply actions
I think Locker didn't really effect his status
I’ve talked to Dan about this before, and still stand by my thoughts: Locker can’t come in and play right away. He’s only had 2 years in a pro style offense, and he’s too raw. He’s a cross between Cassel (inexperienced) and Tebow (talent-wise). I think Locker can still be a Pro Bowl QB. He reminds me of McNabb a lot coming aobut of Syracuse- all the talent in the world but uncomfortable playing in the pocket.
A team that picks Locker MUST have two things:
- They need a QB in place. Guys like Matt Hasselbeck, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Orton, Matt Cassel, David Garrard, etc. are perfect. They don’t represent the future of the team, but they are the present. Locker wouldn’t have to play immediately.
- The team needs to take the Patriots’ QB developmental program and implement it. New England, under Belichick, never throws QB’s to the wolves. Both Brady and Cassel started out on the bench, with no intentions of having them play anytime soon. Once they we’re in the game (both unexpectedly due to injury), the Pats reeled in the offense. All the play calls were manageable: screens, short passes, rollouts, waggles, easy playaction, half-field reads. Once Brady and then Cassel were ready and had more confidence, they opened a little bit more up. Brady started playing in a spread, but it was almost always a run or playaction deep to Bethel Johnson, or a bubble screen. Then, after each was ready, the Pats opened up the playbook.
If Locker is taken by a team with patience, a coaching staff that will stay in place for a while, and meets these two criteria, then he’ll be fine. If not, then he’s going to end up like every other QB that got thrown into the fire too soon and got crushed (Carr, Harrington, Smith, etc).
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
He had 4 years to start though. And some QBs from spread offenses played in their first year this year (Bradford, McCoy)
Yes, that is Kyle Kuric
by TheRealSlimShady on Jan 30, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
No he didn't
He played in a spread option his first year, and was hurt his sophomore year.
Unfortunately, QB development hasn’t changed, but everyone thinks it has. Roethlisberger was the rookie savior, except that Pittsburgh sheltered him in their offense. Everyone remembers the stats. Flacco, Ryan, and Bradford did OK. Only Marino truly excelled.
Plenty of QB’s needed time on the bench (Rodgers, Rivers, Young, etc). Many others played horrible for years.
QB’s need development. They don’t come ready.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft Owen Marecic in 2011" campaign.
Agreed.
I’m a die-hard UW fan and the coach that Locker had for his first two seasons (Tyrone Willingham) was just awful. He didn’t want Locker to throw, he wanted him to run. I don’t remember a play where Locker was asked to sit in the pocket, read the defense and find the open man.
Didn’t he get a medical redshirt his sophomore year? He was a 5 year player
Yes, that is Kyle Kuric
by TheRealSlimShady on Jan 31, 2011 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
I feel like he kept it generally the same...
…he showed that he can use his size to his advantage, but he still needs to grow some more. I’d say he goes ~50th overall.
by Richard Hill on Jan 30, 2011 3:01 AM EST up reply actions
Hudson's stock dropped, a week ago- i was thinking he was a 1st rounder?
Jay's favorite line: "Dog, in due time"
Now he look at me, like "Damn, dog, you where I am"
A hip hop legend.
I think I died in an accident, cause this must be heaven.
Phil Taylor
Classic large NT that can play a 2-gap… He will go early in the second round having really improved his draft position. You don’t find powerful 335 lb nose tackles later in draft… you find 337 lb guys that can’t move very well and are “soft”.
Ron Brace, Terrell Troupe are all examples of recent big guys being drafted high for their power and NT 2 gap abilities.
in my mock http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2011/1/30/1964183/rhetts-mock-7-0-3-rounds
that i just made, i have Taylor going to Kansas City in the second, #23(#55 overall)
by Rhett Chrystal on Jan 30, 2011 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
this would be amazing!
huge position of need for the chiefs.
"Hey chuck weiss, dont let the door hit ya on the way out!"
by Vancouver Chiefs fan on Jan 30, 2011 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
Phil Taylor to the J-E-T-S in the 1st
count on it.
The good and the bad IMO
Good: Kerrigan, Brooks Reed, Cameron Jordan (cannot be blocked), Sione Fua (gap filler), Burney (good in small spaces – zone corner), Ponder (better than the rest), Locke (quick), Von Miller (attacks the ball well), McCarthy, DeAndre McDaniel (read plays), Greg Jones (read plays), Dwayne Harris (looks good running with the ball), Shareece Wright (good awareness)
Bad: Kaepernick (checks first read and then runs, although gun for an arm, but no touch), Dalton (the other QBs looked better throwing the ball), Love (not a tackle, slow feet).
I thought CK
got screwed by poor pass pro.
(really had a lot more hope for the N OL even w/o carimi)
he didn’t raise or hurt his stock much after the game but felt he upgraded it overall after the week.
I thought Costanzo looked bad at guard. and Ballard looked great!
Hopefully my picture doesn't show my bias.
I don't know why anyone would put Castonzo at guard
I mean, no one is trying out Cam Jordan at MLB. Castonzo has the ability to be a LT. YOU HAVE TO BE A FRIGGIN IDIOT to play Castonzo at guard. And that friggin idiot may be on Marvin Lewis’ coaching staff.
Kaepernick just needs a lot of work. Great talent, multiyear project.
You just saw a glimpse of the bengals offensive training staff ;)
Be thankful it’s not yours.
I guess Castanzo wanted to play guard and likes it, he just can’t play it well. Good pick listening to the player. lol
Hopefully my picture doesn't show my bias.
ithink the lions just fell in love with carmeron joran de fron cal or derek sherod ot mississppi state both player fit want the coach our wanting in player yes i now the lions needd help at olb and cb spots but it will be hard for the lions not to draft them at 13 pickin the 1rd beause they most lickely have them ranked as bpa at 13on thier draft boared
Cam Jordan would be perfect for the Lions.
Avril is solid all around, but if you got Jordan at LDE as more of a run stopper that can rush the passer with Avril at the RDE causing havoc, that’d make up a lot for any CB issues.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I've thought all year that Avril and VandenBosch should switch sides.
Giants found a lot of success running the ball strong side against Avril. McKenzie blew him away so much, he drew that 15-yard retaliation penalty. VandenBosch has always been tough against the run.
Lions need to Build Around Suh
Suh is the Incredible Hulk of the NFL, or actually The Thing as he is very intelligent as well.
I do not see Jordan lasting until the 13th pick though. Lions would be wise to move up to get him.
Just know though that the Raiders & Republicans Rule!
I dunno abotu moving up
the Lions aren’t exactly one player away from contending, they need those 2-4th rounders.
But if he falls….
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jan 30, 2011 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
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