http://www.yardbarker.com/users/madman3424 Recent Yardbarker Articles: madman3424 en-us What is Kelly's excuse now. He got to run on the track he preferred and still ran slow. Instead of running a 4.68 and 4.75 he ran 4.63 and 4.65. So what will be his excuse now? I'm sure this didnt help him at all if anything it hurt him especially after complaining about the pro-day saying that he ran on a slow track and that is why his times were what they were. Not to much difference on a "FAST TRACK" huh?!! Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:50:09 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/239666 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/239666 NFL draft: Didinger's 5 'sleepers' By Peter Mucha Inquirer Staff Writer It's an annual exercise for Ray Didinger, NFL Films producer, coauthor of The Eagles Encyclopedia, and admitted pro football draft junkie: Come up with five NFL draft "sleepers." On Saturday, Didinger presented this year's picks, during his midday show on WIP (610 AM) with cohost Glen Macnow. The Eagles might be wise to consider a few of these guys, Didinger said in a phone interview yesterday. Last year, he touted Stewart Bradley, who was taken by the Eagles in Round 3 and might be the starting middle linebacker this season. You probably won't hear the names of any of Didinger's selections on April 26, when the NFL draft's first two rounds are held. "To me, a sleeper is anybody who will be drafted in the third round or lower," Didinger said. Generally, he looks for exceptions that prove a different rule: That heart, guts and guile sometimes matter more than height, heft and speed. It's a hunt for buried treasure that takes a lot of work, he said. "I watch college football and I have my legal tablet with me. ... so at the end of the year I have a lot of notes." He also gathers clues by watching post-season all-star games and the NFL Combines, where teams measure size, speed, strength, leaping ability and more. "Then I talk to a lot of people," said the former Philadelphia Daily News sports columnist, whose most recent book is a collection of his writings called One Last Read. "The things that I'm looking for are football intelligence ... how hard does the good player play, how well does he play in big games, and how well does he play in the fourth quarter," Didinger said. On-field performance is the best measure of a man. "It's not what he did in a domed stadium in a T-shirt and a pair of shorts running in a straight line," Didinger says. "... What could be less meaningful than a 40-yard dash for a defensive tackle?" Other Didinger sleeper picks who seem to have paid off: 1998 seventh rounder Pat Tillman, who was a solid safety for Arizona before his death serving in the Army in Afghanistan; 2005 fourth-rounder Darren Sproles, fifth in kickoff returns last season for San Diego; and 1998 fourth-rounder Tim Dwight, who returned a kickoff for an Atlanta touchdown in the 1999 Super Bowl. As the Tillman example shows, Didinger usually mixes in some long shots, projecting smart picks for the fourth and later rounds, not just the third. Here are his five sleepers for 2008. All the opinions expressed are Didinger's. Wide receiver Jordy Nelson, Kansas State, 6-foot-3, 217 pounds, timed at 4.54 in the 40-yard dash. Nelson is likely to be available in the third round because his 40 time is "considered a step slow," Didinger says, adding that teams want a 4.4 or below. But Nelson is "one of these guys who plays faster than he times" because of his size, smooth breaks and "great intelligence and feel for the game." Despite double coverage and facing different defensive schemes every week, Nelson still had 122 catches. Because his size and excellent route-running could make him a nice Red Zone target, "I would love to see the Eagles get him in the third round," Didinger said. Fullback Jacob Hester, LSU, 5-11, 226 pounds, ran the 40 in 4.62. Hester's expected to be a fourth-rounder, despite rushing for over 1,100 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns for the national champion Tigers, Didinger said. The knocks are he's not quite big enough, not fast enough. But "he plays with great effort and great pride" and played on all special teams at LSU, making him "a solid all-around player who, I think, is real versatile," Didinger said. Hester (no relation to Chicago return sensation Devin Hester) blocks well for his size, showing he can pick up a blitz, and might fit in well with the Eagles, because "he's a real sure-handed receiver," Didinger said, adding, "I really have a feeling about this guy." He wouldn't be surprised if "eight years from now this guy's still going to be playing in the league." Safety Corey Lynch, Appalachian State, 6-foot, 205 pounds, 4.52. Projected as a fifth rounder despite making 111 tackles for a team that upset Michigan and won the national 1-AA title over Delaware. But he, too, is perceived as "a step slow." But he can play man to man coverage, can blitz, and even blocked three kicks, including a field goal in the Michigan game. During games he even seemed to reposition teammates. "It looks to me likes he was the leader of that defense," Didinger said. Plays free safety or strong safety. On the Eagles, he'd have a shot to succeed Brian Dawkins, but at the very least could help on special teams. Defensive end Brian Johnston, Gardner-Webb College, 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, 4.9 in the 40. Projected as a sixth-rounder because he's from a small school. But he was twice defensive player of the year in the Big South, and played well in the Hula Bowl, getting six tackles and two sacks, while forcing a fumble against Division One players. "Every year, you just see him getting better and better," Didinger said. Each draft seems to have a couple of small-college linemen who go low but do well, and Johnston might be the next one to join that group, he says. The Eagles, however, probably don't see a big need at defensive end, since last year's second-round pick Victor Abiamiri and off-season acquisition Chris Clemons are expected to join a cast that already includes Trent Cole and Juqua Thomas. Running back/receiver/returner/quarterback/holder Jayson Foster, Georgia Southern, 5-9, 170 pounds, 4.32 time in the 40. Shhh. Don't tell anybody. This guy's name doesn't even show up in a lot of draft books, Didinger said. But ... "to me, he has the potential to be the most exciting player out of the bunch." Didinger envisions this undersized but "lightning-fast" athlete as "a wonderful wild card player." As a quarterback - yes, quarterback - last season, he rushed for 1,844 yards and 24 touchdowns. OK, he's not going to be an NFL QB, but he's "electrifying," with "tremendous acceleration," and on one 60-yard touchdown run made everyone miss so badly he was hardly touched, Didinger said. Note to the Eagles: Foster was also a threat as a place holder, because he'd run with the ball or throw it. So if used creatively at receiver and maybe running back, as well on as special teams, he could be a dandy asset. If people aren't impressed that he also won the Walter Payton Award as the nation's best small-college player, recall a few other winners: Steve McNair, Tony Romo and the Eagles' Brian Westbrook. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:59:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/238109 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/238109 This is a good article done by Tony Pauline of SI.com about the small school talent in the draft. Tim Hightower is one of two Richmond Spiders who may be drafted next weekend. AP Tony Pauline, Special to SI.com, TFYDraft.com The draft is less than two weeks away and football conversations center around the top prospects from the nation's biggest college football programs. Yet history has shown not all productive players in the draft come from major IA schools. Lane College's Jacoby Jones, with the Houston Texans, and Illinois State's Laurent Robinson, with the Atlanta Falcons, are just two small-school players who made impacts last year. So who are the top small-school sleepers in this year's draft? Here are a dozen names to remember. Brad Roach, QB, Catawba: Roach is a 6-foot-6, 250-pound gunslinger who tossed 32 touchdown passes last season. He possesses the physical dimensions for a franchise to develop. The projected late-round selection has privately worked out for the New York Giants and Houston Texans. Tim Hightower, RB, Richmond: Scouts were surprised Hightower was not invited to the combine in February, especially after he scored 20 touchdowns last season. The 220-pound back later impressed by running 4.51 in the 40 at his pro day. Projected as a solid middle-round pick, Hightower has visited nearly a dozen franchises, including the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders, both of whom are interested in his services. Arman Shields, WR, Richmond: Shields is another Spider being hotly pursued by NFL clubs. His story is all the more interesting given that he was sidelined after three games last season with knee injury. He came back to run a 4.45 at the combine. Shields, an outstanding receiver and return specialist, is being pursued by more than a half-dozen franchises and has visited the Tampa Bay Bucs and New York Jets. Brandon Keith, OL, Northern Iowa: Keith, who started his college career at Oklahoma, has watched his draft stock soar the past nine months. He capped off a solid combine performance with an even better pro day, running under five seconds in the 40 after weighing 340 pounds. Keith has visited a number of teams, including a pair of NFC East franchises, the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. Thaddeus Coleman, T, Mississippi Valley State: Coleman could well be the best-kept secret at the offensive tackle position. He stands a shade under 6-8 yet has the athleticism and footwork necessary to protect the blind side. Coleman is fresh off meeting with the Minnesota Vikings and has a host of other squads who want to speak with him. Shawn McMackin, G, Hofstra: McMackin is one of the most athletically gifted offensive linemen in the draft. His ability to be used at tackle or guard is added value. McMackin's physical skills have caught the attention of a number of zone blocking teams, including the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts. Brian Johnston, DE, Garden Webb: Johnston could well have been the biggest combine snub of 2008. He is a complete defender who totaled 145 tackles and 38 tackles for loss the past two years. Johnston measured 6-5 and 280 pounds at his pro day last month and ran the 40 under 4.7 seconds. Two dozen teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks, have expressed strong interest in Johnston. Andy Studebaker, OLB, Wheaton (Ill.): Studebaker was poised for a big senior season until a foot injury ended his season after five games. He led the NCAA in sacks as a junior with 17.5, also recording 24.5 tackles for loss that year. He will be running for NFL scouts April 18 and has already visited with five teams, the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills amongst them. Vince Redd, OLB, Liberty: Redd is an imposing defender who looks like a man amongst boys on the field. Twenty NFL teams have worked out Redd, a prospect who can play outside linebacker or defensive end. Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage made a special trip to scout Redd at his first pro-day workout. Joe Mays, OLB, North Dakota State: The All-America linebacker is a fiery one-gap defender effective in run defense and pass coverage. Mays, a consistent three year starter, is being pursued by the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles. Cary Williams, CB, Washburn: Williams, an opportunistic cornerback and game-changing return specialist, picked off seven passes last season while returning two kicks for touchdowns. He has good size (6-2, 190) and possesses 4.4 speed. The Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers have both shown intense interest in him. Brandon Carr, CB, Grand Valley State: Carr has terrific size (6-0, 205), speed (4.5) and production (28 pass breakups and eight INTs the past two seasons). He has the ability to be used in a variety of defensive systems and is presently getting close looks from five teams, which includes a visit to the Jacksonville Jaguars and a workout by the Cleveland Browns. Notes: One of the best human interest stories in April's draft is the life of Nevada linebacker Ezra Butler. The two-time all-WAC defender was born in South Africa and spent his childhood fatherless and living day-to-day before being sent to America by his mother. Butler came to the United States at age 13 and was raised by his uncle, Grammy-nominated jazz musician Jonathan Butler. He entered Nevada as a 285-pound defensive tackle, but lost 40 pounds after undergoing shoulder surgery early in his career and made the switch to linebacker. In a recent interview Butler stated he derives his motivation from the debt he owes his mother and sister, who still live in South Africa. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:49:08 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/237822 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/237822 I was just looking through the available wr and rb's trying to find guys that might help the birds that have big play ability but are flying under the radar and this is just some that i found. wr- Jordy Nelson(6'2''5/8, 217,4.5-40) was a productive reciever in college. In his senoir year he had 122rec. and 1606yds with 11tds. He also had 5 punt returns with an average of 52.8 yds and 2tds. He is known as a guy that knows how to seperate and make big plays. wr-Andre Caldwell(6', 204, 4.3-40) Was productive as a reciever and in the return game. In his last year he avg. 13.6 yds a reception with 7tds and also ran the ball 41x's for 249yds and 4tds, he also had 37 kick off returns for an avg. of 20.3 yds. wr- Eddie Royal(5'10', 184, 4.3-40) A guy that doesnt have ideal size but has ellusive speed. He is a great punt and kick off returner with the ability to be a game changer in the return game an area that we as EAGLE fans know they need help. rb- Anthony Alridge(5'9, 166, 4.3-40) This is another guy that could help in the special teams area and could spell Westbrook at times. As a senior he avg.122.6yds a game rushing and 173.7yds a game in all-purpose yds(14th in NCAA). His totals as a senior were 1597yds rushing with 14tds, 42 rec. w/428yds and 5tds, and avg. 25.9 yds in the return game. Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:28:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/236116 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/236116 According to kffl.com John Murphy of Yahoo Sports is reporting that the Eagles are showing heavy interest in Malcolm Kelly of Oklahoma. Kelly had a dissapointing pro day on Wednesday. He ran a 4.68 and 4.75 in the forty, but his size is what stands out at 6'4'' 225lbs. Here is a write up by scouts inc about Kelly. Strengths: Big, strong and smooth receiver prospect. Excellent combination of size and athleticism. Plays quicker than his measurables would lead you to believe. He is a very natural pass-catcher. Has big, strong hands -- strongest hands of any WR in this year's class (in our opinion). Does an excellent job of securing the ball in traffic. Uses massive frame to shield defenders from the ball. Wins more jump balls than most receivers. Is a serious weapon inside the red zone. Displays unusually smooth hips for a bigger receiver. Gets in and out of breaks with very little wastes motion. Displays very soft hands when plucking on the run. Is smooth and fluid after the catch. Also a very strong runner. Will drag defenders and bounce off initial hits. Maintains balance after initial contact and will gain a lot of tough yards at the end of runs. Will give an adequate effort as a stalk blocker. Not overly physical but he will get in position and wall-off defender. Has the size to smother most DB's at the point of attack. Weaknesses: Lacks elite top-end speed. A bit of a long-strider that builds speed as he goes. Not overly explosive after the catch. He's smooth, but not very crisp when it comes to running routes. Rounds off too many of his breaks and still has room to improve with his overall footwork. Has had some trouble recently staying healthy. Missed time in each of the last two seasons due to injuries, including a torn meniscus in his knee during 2006-'07 Fiesta Bowl that required off-season surgery. Overall: Kelly was an instant contributor as a freshman, leading Oklahoma with 33 receptions and 471 yards in 2005. He played 11 games (six starts), scoring two touchdowns. In 2006, he again led the Sooners in catches (62) and receiving yards (993) and had 10 TDs. Paired with Juaquin Iglesias in a more balanced passing attack last season, Kelly wasn't able to match his sophomore numbers. But his 49 receptions, 821 yards and nine scores left him ranked No. 2 in touchdown receptions (21) and receiving yards (2,285) at OU. He played in the Fiesta Bowl in each of the last two seasons, but wasn't able to finish either game and posted no stats because of injuries. Kelly is a big and fluid wide receiver with arguably the strongest hands in the 2008 class. He would have benefited from another season in college to continue to refine his route running skills, but the risk was understandably not worth the reward. Kelly is one of the premier wide receiver prospects in the 2008 class and he should come off the board in the middle portion of the first round. * Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:16:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/234292 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/234292 According to Adam Schefter on NFL Network he said that the Eagles have worked out Rogers-Cromartie of Tennessee St. and will host Mike Jenkins of South Florida this week. He also stated that the Eagles have a half dozen offers on the table for Lito but most likely will not do a deal until draft day. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:03:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/234255 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/234255 According to KFFL.com Desean Jackson is scheduled to be at the NovaCare center tommorrow. With them looking at Hardy,Bennett from Vandy and have other wr to come in like Darrell Blackman from N.C State and Will Franklin from Missouri it really looks like they are definitely trying to find a way to upgrade their wr corps because lets face it the Basketts and lewis' just aint cutting it. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:36:19 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/231703 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/231703