2008 Rookie Scouting Portfolio

[jgcrawfish 232]

Matt, I was just looking at PFW's draft value chart and see no mention on there of Xavier Omon. You've got the guy in your top 7 and nobody is projecting he's gonna get drafted? I've read your review and just don't understand how somebody you're so high on isn't even on the radar???

 

Oh, and FWIW, if you ever get a chance, I'd like to hear your assessment of our local Golden Gopher...not like you don't have anything to do or anything

[Wildman 0]

Matt, I was just looking at PFW's draft value chart and see no mention on there of Xavier Omon. You've got the guy in your top 7 and nobody is projecting he's gonna get drafted? I've read your review and just don't understand how somebody you're so high on isn't even on the radar???

 

Oh, and FWIW, if you ever get a chance, I'd like to hear your assessment of our local Golden Gopher...not like you don't have anything to do or anything

 

 

I did recently see that TSN's resident former scout Russell Lande (former Rams, Chiefs, Browns scout who liked Brady and Bulger coming out of school) is high on Omon.

 

No one was high on Selvin Young or Bradshaw in rankings in 2007, either. So again, my stuff is definitely at times outside the box, but what I saw of Omon has me feeling like he projects very well at the NFL level, make him a late round value

[Wildman 0]

Matt, I was just looking at PFW's draft value chart and see no mention on there of Xavier Omon. You've got the guy in your top 7 and nobody is projecting he's gonna get drafted? I've read your review and just don't understand how somebody you're so high on isn't even on the radar???

 

Oh, and FWIW, if you ever get a chance, I'd like to hear your assessment of our local Golden Gopher...not like you don't have anything to do or anything

 

 

Have to wait on your resident WR...trying to recover and get other things done (I have a few weeks of overdue dental work scheduled and will likely be recovering)...

[jgcrawfish 232]

Have to wait on your resident WR...trying to recover and get other things done (I have a few weeks of overdue dental work scheduled and will likely be recovering)...

 

Ouch, remember, when in pain, tequilla is the best answer...

[Mike MacGregor 20]

Love the new player comparisons

[Wildman 0]

# The Audible Podcast: April 22, 2008 DraftGuys (DraftGuys.com--check them out!)Cecil Lammey and Andrew Garda talk with me about mid-round values at QB, RB, and WR. Other topics include my viewpoint on character issues in prospect evaluation and the top TEs on the board.

# The Audible Podcast: April 8, 2008 I join DraftGuys Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom for a talk about Darren McFadden, Kevin Smith, top receiving prospects, and Josh Johnson

# The Audible Podcast: April 5, 2007DraftGuys Sigmund and Cecil ask me about Antonio Pittman and Tony Hunt. Why I was higher on Steve Smith, Dwayne Bowe, and Jason Hill than Robert Meachem and Dwayne Jarrett. And my touting of Trent Edwards and John Beck as immediate contributors over Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell.

[mdog1967 0]

# The Audible Podcast: April 28, 2008 DraftGuys (DraftGuys.com--check them out!)Cecil Lammey and Andrew Garda talk with me about mid-round values at QB, RB, and WR. Other topics include my viewpoint on character issues in prospect evaluation and the top TEs on the board.

# The Audible Podcast: April 8, 2008 I join DraftGuys Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom for a talk about Darren McFadden, Kevin Smith, top receiving prospects, and Josh Johnson

# The Audible Podcast: April 5, 2007DraftGuys Sigmund and Cecil ask me about Antonio Pittman and Tony Hunt. Why I was higher on Steve Smith, Dwayne Bowe, and Jason Hill than Robert Meachem and Dwayne Jarrett. And my touting of Trent Edwards and John Beck as immediate contributors over Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell.

Could not get the Link for the April 5th to work, but I think your 2007 RSP did a great job in outlining the your reasoning. Look forward to April 28th Podcast. Like I've mentioned before I prefer FFTODAY over FBG by a large margin but I have a great deal of respect for Sigmund and Cecil and will continue to frequent that sight as long as they are on staff. I see that they really put in the effort and time to make reasonable player evaluations. IF they get tired of writing over there, FFToday would seem to be a great place for them to take up residence and enhance an already outstanding staff. Sooner or later you guys are going to have to charge a small fee for content. You will have a willing patron when you do (Of course I don't mind at all that its free).

Question: Are you getting any new reads on NFL teams evaluation of Xavier Omon, any rumblings out there about his draft prospects?

[Wildman 0]

Could not get the Link for the April 5th to work, but I think your 2007 RSP did a great job in outlining the your reasoning. Look forward to April 28th Podcast. Like I've mentioned before I prefer FFTODAY over FBG by a large margin but I have a great deal of respect for Sigmund and Cecil and will continue to frequent that sight as long as they are on staff. I see that they really put in the effort and time to make reasonable player evaluations. IF they get tired of writing over there, FFToday would seem to be a great place for them to take up residence and enhance an already outstanding staff. Sooner or later you guys are going to have to charge a small fee for content. You will have a willing patron when you do (Of course I don't mind at all that its free).

Question: Are you getting any new reads on NFL teams evaluation of Xavier Omon, any rumblings out there about his draft prospects?

 

Based on the little I know about what teams are thinking, I still believe he's a 4th-6th round prospect. If he goes any higher than round four I'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

You can check out the 28th Podcast actually right now, because the genius who posted this actually meant the 22nd. It's available now.

[mdog1967 0]

Based on the little I know about what teams are thinking, I still believe he's a 4th-6th round prospect. If he goes any higher than round four I'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

You can check out the 28th Podcast actually right now, because the genius who posted this actually meant the 22nd. It's available now.

Don't feel bad I'm just a little + of 40 and I get a few senior moments now and then.

[xenophobe 1]

Out of curiosity, did you by any chance happen to come across anthing on Donnie Avery? I think he's an intriguing player and his workout numbers were off the charts. I saw some highlights and seems his speed and quickness do translate out onto the football field, but obviously there is a lot you simply can't tell from highlights alone.

[Wildman 0]

TRy this...

 

Try this link...should work now.

 

As for Avery...he's one of those few guys I didn't get to watch this year. I'll see if I can track anything down on him in the coming weeks.

 

M

[9-Route 0]

matt, dont know if this old or not, but have you looked at forgotten qb dennis dixon lately?

 

http://dennisdixon10.com/

 

i came across his website, dnd it was very interesting stuff. apparently, oregon duck alumnus phil knight (he of nike) has poured millions into state-of-the-art facilities, including training and recovery facilities. the site shows his progress status-post his surgery, and some things he has been working on leading up to a sort of pro day this month (the 3rd i think). threw some nice, crisp balls, and looked pretty solid in movement drills rolling out and shuffling in the pocket and making throws on command (at the end of the workout video).

 

he also has a video segment narrating his film dissection with coaches.

 

i was surprised looking at him, and realized he indeed (according to measurements) has the longest arms and biggest hands in this qb class (visually notable on his film). he was totally off my board; now, i gotta keep him on the radar as a surprise draft pick.

 

again, if this is old (i tried a search, but didnt find anything), sorry.

[Wildman 0]

Nope, haven't forgotten him. I wasn't impressed with him at all as a passer--poor footwork and accuracy. Not very good keeping his eyes down field or sliding in the pocket. If there's a QB in this draft who is the surprise I believe it will be Josh Johnson of San Diego. He truly can run and throw.

[9-Route 0]

Nope, haven't forgotten him. I wasn't impressed with him at all as a passer--poor footwork and accuracy. Not very good keeping his eyes down field or sliding in the pocket. If there's a QB in this draft who is the surprise I believe it will be Josh Johnson of San Diego. He truly can run and throw.

 

yeah, i recall your discussions on a podcast.

[ROYALWITCHEESE 0]

Hey Matt. Upon some digging into the RSP (which is excellent by the way), I noticed you didn't scout Josh Johnson. Any particular reason? I am high on him as a potential starter in a couple of years, if he ends up in a good situation where he can learn and fine tune his game. Any QB that can throw 43 TDs versus 1 INT has to have some special qualities. What are your thoughts on him?

[Wildman 0]

Hey Matt. Upon some digging into the RSP (which is excellent by the way), I noticed you didn't scout Josh Johnson. Any particular reason? I am high on him as a potential starter in a couple of years, if he ends up in a good situation where he can learn and fine tune his game. Any QB that can throw 43 TDs versus 1 INT has to have some special qualities. What are your thoughts on him?

 

 

I didn't have a complete game to watch of him, so I didn't profile him, but I'd probably rate him 3-4 on my list if he consistently showed what I did see. I think he'll be what Brad Childress thinks he's going to get from Tarvaris Jackson when e drafted him in the 2nd round.

 

I love his pocket presence and throwing mechanics.

[shaqers 0]

hi Matt,

 

any take on Jordy Nelson? 3rd WR off the board, and GB has a very good track record of drafting WRs, so i'm thinking guy is pretty good - havent seen him play, so curouis if you got something to add on him.

 

thanks.

[xenophobe 1]

Out of curiosity, did you by any chance happen to come across anthing on Donnie Avery? I think he's an intriguing player and his workout numbers were off the charts. I saw some highlights and seems his speed and quickness do translate out onto the football field, but obviously there is a lot you simply can't tell from highlights alone.

 

Well, we know the Rams like him. First WR taken. I saw his 3-cone time from his pro day, which I think may be the most important of the speed measurables, was off the charts. 6.30 was nearly a half a second faster than Devin Hesters.

 

Who knows what kind of pro he'll prove to be.

[Wildman 0]

Well, we know the Rams like him. First WR taken. I saw his 3-cone time from his pro day, which I think may be the most important of the speed measurables, was off the charts. 6.30 was nearly a half a second faster than Devin Hesters.

 

Who knows what kind of pro he'll prove to be.

 

I'd rather have their 4th round pick, Keenan Burton. Avery can catch. He is quick, but I believe he's a slot receiver and return specialist. I think Burton is a much better player. I was shocked they picked Avery that high. I think most who follow this stuff were.

 

As for Jordy Nelson...I thought that was a good pick. It wasn't an immediate need, but he'll challenge James Jones for time with a good camp and when Driver leaves (which will be sooner than later), they'll be ready for the transition. I think Nelson is a fine receiver with good athleticism.

 

The thing about this draft class is that there are a lot of receivers with talent to be starters, but none of them had consecutive seasons of greatness at the college level. This is why none of them stood out as surefire prospects. I loved the Bennett to the Bears pick. Harry Douglas to Atlanta makes me feel very good about Dimitroff as the GM. In fact I loved his draft even though I would have rather had Dorsey. I'll be writing up a draft article this week. I had to finish a magazine article for a Fantasy Sports Publications where I ranked the prospects post-draft (not much different than the RSP rankings if at all)...

[XToday 0]

Alright Matt, now that the draft is over, what are the top-10 rookie picks for a dynasty league?

[BringBackBernie 0]

Matt, I was just looking at PFW's draft value chart and see no mention on there of Xavier Omon. You've got the guy in your top 7 and nobody is projecting he's gonna get drafted? I've read your review and just don't understand how somebody you're so high on isn't even on the radar???

 

Oh, and FWIW, if you ever get a chance, I'd like to hear your assessment of our local Golden Gopher...not like you don't have anything to do or anything

I think Omon went to Buffalo in the 6th round.

 

 

Also, Matt I've been watching Kevin Smith on youtube and I love his vision and his moves really stand out. That kid cuts on a dime. Wow.

[Wildman 0]

I think Omon went to Buffalo in the 6th round.

Also, Matt I've been watching Kevin Smith on youtube and I love his vision and his moves really stand out. That kid cuts on a dime. Wow.

 

Smith is going to be a star. I think he's the most talented pure runner in this draft. Omon has a real shot to be the #2 RB to Lynch. With the way RBs churn in the NFL, Omon could actually have a chance to prove he belongs within a year or two.

 

Top 10 dynasty players? Take the top 5 RBs in my RSP, add the #1, #2, and #4 WRs, and top it off with either Ryan, Jamaal Charles, or Dustin Keller.

[ed_jones 0]

Smith is going to be a star. I think he's the most talented pure runner in this draft. Omon has a real shot to be the #2 RB to Lynch. With the way RBs churn in the NFL, Omon could actually have a chance to prove he belongs within a year or two.

 

Top 10 dynasty players? Take the top 5 RBs in my RSP, add the #1, #2, and #4 WRs, and top it off with either Ryan, Jamaal Charles, or Dustin Keller.

 

 

Matt, is this the order you would have them going?

 

from 1-10 top 5 RB's from the RSP then 1,2 and 4 WR's and then Ryan, Charles or Keller

 

Am I reading this right?

[dmac37 1]

Matt,

 

Does your RSP ranking of Hubbard change at all post draft?

 

Do you think Bowman can turn himself around and be a factor? So far he was not drafted or picked up as a free agent.

[mdog1967 0]

I think Omon went to Buffalo in the 6th round.

Also, Matt I've been watching Kevin Smith on youtube and I love his vision and his moves really stand out. That kid cuts on a dime. Wow.

I would add as well Matt a Certain RB getting drafted in the 7th round last year behind a solid starter, that guy did alright in the playoff's and helped his team win a Superbowl.

[Wildman 0]

Matt, is this the order you would have them going?

 

from 1-10 top 5 RB's from the RSP then 1,2 and 4 WR's and then Ryan, Charles or Keller

 

Am I reading this right?

 

Yep...and if you like McFadden more than me, then put him among the top 3-5. I'd just rather erase him from my board because I know I'll value him lower than everyone. Obviously you trade down if you have pick 1 and you know someone who loves McFadden

[Wildman 0]

Matt,

 

Does your RSP ranking of Hubbard change at all post draft?

 

Do you think Bowman can turn himself around and be a factor? So far he was not drafted or picked up as a free agent.

 

I like Hubbard a lot. When a player can catch the football with his hands and make excellent plays like he has, but drops easy passes that's easier to fix than a WR who like Troy Williamson or Jake Reed who cradle the football and have to learn to use their hands. I remember T.O. caught the ball with his hands, but dropped a lot of passes. He fixed that well enough to become a start. Obviously Stallworth's presence will likely negate his chance to see the field as much, but Donte does have those tender hamstrings...

 

Hubbard is a guy I believe most will sleep on, so you can wait until the mid-to-late rounds of a rookie draft for him. My ranking doesn't change too much here. I think the Browns made an excellent decision to acquire him. The Browns didn't have any first day picks, so they spend a lot more time on prospects they thought might fall. I think they got it right with Hubbard.

[xenophobe 1]

Avery can catch. He is quick, but I believe he's a slot receiver and return specialist.

 

Neither of which should be underestimated from an NFL perspective, however. But it does seem to me Avery might have the tools to be a verticle threat as well. He's not small, but the question is, can he fight out of a jam? I don't know, but there are risks trying to jam a guy with that kind of quickness.

[Wildman 0]

The jam is an issue with every receiver coming out. Some more than others, but his routes from what I hear aren't that great. But I think the best thing that I can say to help anyone asking me this question about Avery is this:

 

I didn't watch him enough to give you a good opinion other than what I've said, so maybe the best thing to say is: I don't know

[xenophobe 1]

The jam is an issue with every receiver coming out. Some more than others, but his routes from what I hear aren't that great. But I think the best thing that I can say to help anyone asking me this question about Avery is this:

 

I didn't watch him enough to give you a good opinion other than what I've said, so maybe the best thing to say is: I don't know

 

Then we're both in the same boat I guess.

[Wildman 0]

Yep...I do think run n' gun offenses make average receivers look very good--think Terance Mathis of the Falcons when June Jones was in town or Ernest Givens and Haywood Jeffries with the Oilers of the 80s-90s.

 

I wish I had tape of him though...

[BringBackBernie 0]

Smith is going to be a star. I think he's the most talented pure runner in this draft. Omon has a real shot to be the #2 RB to Lynch. With the way RBs churn in the NFL, Omon could actually have a chance to prove he belongs within a year or two.

 

Top 10 dynasty players? Take the top 5 RBs in my RSP, add the #1, #2, and #4 WRs, and top it off with either Ryan, Jamaal Charles, or Dustin Keller.

I just gave up a little bit to get Devin Thomas who was the #1 WR on your list, as well as mine. Let's hope we're right. I started trying to trade up at the 7th spot, but no one wanted to deal. I ended working a deal out with the guy at 1.10, which is funny, because that was my pick earlier in the year before I traded it. I was surprised Thomas was still available. RB heavy in the 1st round. I ended up trading my 2.10 this year, plus my 1st and 2nd round picks next year for him. I have a good team, so the 1st and 2nd round picks should all be late picks. I don't need him to start as I have Housh, Welker, Coles and Driver to fill 3 spots. I got depth and a solid young prospect, so I'm pretty happy. The other guy needed picks to rebuild, so he was happy. Win - win.

[Wildman 0]

I just gave up a little bit to get Devin Thomas who was the #1 WR on your list, as well as mine. Let's hope we're right. I started trying to trade up at the 7th spot, but no one wanted to deal. I ended working a deal out with the guy at 1.10, which is funny, because that was my pick earlier in the year before I traded it. I was surprised Thomas was still available. RB heavy in the 1st round. I ended up trading my 2.10 this year, plus my 1st and 2nd round picks next year for him. I have a good team, so the 1st and 2nd round picks should all be late picks. I don't need him to start as I have Housh, Welker, Coles and Driver to fill 3 spots. I got depth and a solid young prospect, so I'm pretty happy. The other guy needed picks to rebuild, so he was happy. Win - win.

 

 

Sounds good. I had only a 2nd round and 4th round pick in the first 4 rounds of my first rookie draft. I could have used an RB but I really didn't want to trade up this year because I feel I need just 1-2 pieces to take this team to a championship--I was the 2nd highest in points and got to the second round of the playoffs--but I don't have the depth to spare the players that I'd need to give up for a 1st round pick.

 

So I grabbed TE Dustin Keller in round 2 because my only TE was Randy McMichael. I'm hoping one of my fave sleeper RBs or WRs falls at the end of round 4...

[BringBackBernie 0]

Sounds good. I had only a 2nd round and 4th round pick in the first 4 rounds of my first rookie draft. I could have used an RB but I really didn't want to trade up this year because I feel I need just 1-2 pieces to take this team to a championship--I was the 2nd highest in points and got to the second round of the playoffs--but I don't have the depth to spare the players that I'd need to give up for a 1st round pick.

 

So I grabbed TE Dustin Keller in round 2 because my only TE was Randy McMichael. I'm hoping one of my fave sleeper RBs or WRs falls at the end of round 4...

You might start a TE run. I was highest in point totals until the last week, when I messed up and started a player or two that wasn't even playing. I'm solid all the way through, but needed a WR and QB for depth. Hence, the move to get Thomas. I still have the 3.8, 3.10, & 4.10 to solidify my roster. I'm going BPA. Keller should be a decent TE, and even though I have Winslow and Scheffler, I might consider going after Keller or F Davis if they're available at the 3.8. That might be too much value to pass up. A lot can happen between the 2.6 (where we're at now) and 3.8, so we'll see.

[Wildman 0]

Fitz, Bowe, Berrian, and Porter are my starting quality receivers and I can only play three. I'm waiting for Jason Hill and Mike Walker to develop, so investing in anyone other than Thomas wasn't really worthwhile for me with an early second round pick. Thomas was already gone. I considered Jamaal Charles, because my RBs are not inspiring after the first name:

 

Brian Westbrook

Brandon Jacobs

Selvin Young

Ricky Williams

Cadillac Williams

Adrian Peterson (CHI)

Najeh Davenport

Kolby Smith (waiver wire bye week pick last season...never was high on him)

 

 

I am trying to nab Ronnie Brown or Clinton Portis from an owner, but I'm not sure he'll bite (he does have Lynch and McFadden, so I think he might be willing to deal).

[BringBackBernie 0]

Fitz, Bowe, Berrian, and Porter are my starting quality receivers and I can only play three. I'm waiting for Jason Hill and Mike Walker to develop, so investing in anyone other than Thomas wasn't really worthwhile for me with an early second round pick. Thomas was already gone. I considered Jamaal Charles, because my RBs are not inspiring after the first name:

 

Brian Westbrook

Brandon Jacobs

Selvin Young

Ricky Williams

Cadillac Williams

Adrian Peterson (CHI)

Najeh Davenport

Kolby Smith (waiver wire bye week pick last season...never was high on him)

I am trying to nab Ronnie Brown or Clinton Portis from an owner, but I'm not sure he'll bite (he does have Lynch and McFadden, so I think he might be willing to deal).

I like the Keller pick. You upgraded and added depth at a position. You can't go wrong doing that. Your RB's are sketchy after Westbrook. That said, a guy like Westbrook can carry you, and if Jacobs is healthy, then he should be a serviceable #2. Tampa Bay has like 8 runningbacks in camp right now, so I'm not sure what to think about Caddy. I picked Kolby Smith up in two dynasty leagues last year as well. One of the teams, I took over late last year and I'm in the process of rebuilding it, so I traded Smith to the LJ owner for three 3rd round picks and Brodie Croyle a few days ago.

 

Are you high on Jason Hill? I don't know much about him.

 

We start 2 RB's in the league I just drafted Thomas in as well. I don't expect more than a year or two out of Lewis, Jones and Taylor, so I'm hoping that Bradshaw and Pierre Thomas can become a serviceable #2 back in the near future. If that happens, and Devin Thomas turns out, I think my team can stay competitive for quite some time.

 

Reggie Bush

Jamal Lewis

Thomas Jones

Fred Taylor

Ahmad Bradshaw

Pierre Thomas

Darius Walker

[Wildman 0]

I may be in the minority, but I think Bush will get his act together on the football field this year. I think he'll be a relative bargain for someone lamenting they have to take him as their #2 RB.

 

Jason Hill reminded me a lot of Isaac Bruce when I evaluated him. He was one of my top WRs last year. The fact that Martz is in SF and Bruce was brought in as both a serviceable starter/mentor, tells me they probably thought the same about Hill.

 

You look like you have a lot of flexibility with your team due to hour RB situation. You can make a trade or two or have depth. Nice build....

[BringBackBernie 0]

I may be in the minority, but I think Bush will get his act together on the football field this year. I think he'll be a relative bargain for someone lamenting they have to take him as their #2 RB.

 

Jason Hill reminded me a lot of Isaac Bruce when I evaluated him. He was one of my top WRs last year. The fact that Martz is in SF and Bruce was brought in as both a serviceable starter/mentor, tells me they probably thought the same about Hill.

 

You look like you have a lot of flexibility with your team due to hour RB situation. You can make a trade or two or have depth. Nice build....

Thanks. Despite Bush being a below average RB, he's still gold in this league because it's PPR. I was doing quite well starting Bush and Lewis last year at the RB position before Bush got hurt. Hill could be someone who I might be able to get cheap right now.

[Wildman 0]

I had a mock draft for Lindy's Magazine tonight and I wound up taking Bush in round three. In hindsight, I would have taken the risk and picked Jonathan Stewart in round 4 because I feel good about his prospects.

 

I had the fifth pick. I can't display the results for the draft due to it appearing in a publication, but Addai was my first round choice with the fifth pick for a non-ppr league with traditional scoring.

[mdog1967 0]

Wildman,

Matt I assume you had the opportunity to evaluate A. Bradshaw in his first NFL season.

3 questions

 

1. In your assessment how did he perform against NFL level talent and did he meet/exceed/or surpass your expectations.

 

2. I landed Rice with the 1.10 (16 team league) rookie pick, after trading my 1.01 for Frank Gore and giving the 1.12 and 2.07 for the 1.10. How do these two guys Rice and Bradshaw stack up?

 

3. With out publishing your RSP here on the forum, where would you have had Bradshaw this year?