National Football Post Intro to Scouting: Scouting Reports

As part of the "Intro to Scouting" class I took, hosted by National Football Post, we had to write scouting reports as we covered positions each week.

Without any more build-up, here the reports I wrote, for those who may be interested. 

Note: Teacher comments came from Greg Gabriel, a former scout and director of college scouting in the NFL, most notably for the New York Giants and Chicago Bears.

Quarterback

Derek Carr, QB. Fresno State

Strengths

Has a quick, compact throwing motion; maintains a high release point and gets the ball out of his hands quickly to allow receivers to make plays after the catch. Is very accurate on short and intermediate throws; exhibits excellent ball placement and velocity. Shows excellent recognition pre and post-snap; knows where to go with the ball and gets through progressions quickly. Shows solid functional mobility when necessary and keeps his eyes downfield. Rarely makes bad decisions; takes care of the ball very well.

Weaknesses

Played primarily in a shotgun-based offense that featured a lot of horizontal throws (screens, etc.). Will need to prove he can take snaps from under center and read defenses while dropping back. Struggles to maintain timing and accuracy when under duress in the pocket. Struggles with consistent accuracy on vertical throws; tends to put too much air under the ball (see vs. Utah State-2013). Struggled against better competition (see bowl games vs. SMU and USC). Production is inflated by pass-happy offense and low level of competition in the Mountain West Conference.

Overall Impression

Has NFL bloodlines; brother David was the #1 overall pick in 2002. Has clear-cut strengths and weaknesses on a physical level, and the gap between the two will need to lessen for him to consistently succeed at the next level. Would benefit most by landing on a team that would not need him to start immediately as a rookie, since he needs time to develop a more complete overall skill set. Has a chance to be a first-round pick due to the scarcity of high-level quarterbacks in this year's class, but his long-term NFL future may be as a high-level backup/spot starter.

Grade: 6.5 D

Teacher comment

Not bad.... I wouldn't worry about not having played under center other than mentioning it. That's the case with most college QB's now. Just saying he plays in a spread style offense with few snaps from under center says it all

Offensive and Defensive Lineman

Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor

Strengths- Plays with good balance, uses hands effectively, is an aggressive blocker and seems to play with an bit of an edge, has experience playing tackle

Weaknesses-Plays too upright at times, does not look like a natural "knee bender", needs to improve pass protection technique

Summary

Could be one of the first guards drafted and start immediately. Experience in an up-tempo offense should eliminate any conditioning concerns that may come with his size. None of his flaws should prevent him from having a good NFL career, as all can be fixed with coaching. Appears to play with real aggression as a run blocker that can't be taught, but needs to bring the same attitude to pass protection along with better technique.

Grade: 6.8 T

Morgan Breslin, OLB/DE, USC

Strengths-Shows good burst off the ball, has a high motor, has excellent athleticism, was used across the defensive line in a three-point stance and standing up, chases down plays from the backside well

Weaknesses- Is occasionally over-aggressive and puts himself out of position, plays with poor balance at times, does not have a wide array of pass rush moves, lacks ideal height (6'1")

Summary

Had season-ending hip surgery last November and battled injuries before that as a senior last season, so health is a concern. Was a Combine snub, so college pro day and team visits will provide an opportunity to further evaluate him. Is a tweener, without all the necessary attributes of a complete 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end. Looks like a situational pass rusher at the next level, with limited upside beyond that if durability issues linger.

Grade: 5.9 X Z

Teacher comment

Don't totally agree on Richardson. He is too heavy and his lack of knee bend will hurt him in NFL. While I agree he has talent, his wgt and stiffness worry me. Good job with Breslin

Running Back

Ka'Deem Carey, RB, Arizona

Strengths

Shows top-notch initial quickness, burst and lateral agility. Is able to make defenders miss at the second level, using excellent vision and ability to make sudden cuts at full speed. Runs with solid forward lean; keeps legs churning to finish runs strongly. Is a willing and capable blocker; does not shy away from contact. Has soft hands as a pass receiver and shows good burst after the catch. Showed excellent durability as a workhorse back over the last two seasons.

Weaknesses

Lacks excellent straight-line speed (4.70 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine). Is not powerfully built (5'10", 207 lbs.) and does not run with terrific power. Will leave feet in short yardage situations (see vs. UCLA 2013), which exposes the ball to defenders. Past character concerns require further investigation. Is not a very polished pass catcher; lets the ball into his body too often and struggles with balance and body control in pass routes at times.

Overall Impression

Plays faster than his timed speed. Has all the attributes to be a three-down back in the NFL. May not step into in an immediate role as he learns a pro offensive scheme, but being drafted by a team that employs the spread would lessen that learning curve.

Grade: 6.9 J D

Teacher comment

Brad - not bad, but tell me more of a story in the Summation. Under weak points you wrote lacks excellent straight line speed. All you need is "lacks speed" or "timed speed". The reader knows it is a weakness so be brief.

Wide Receiver

Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State

Strengths- Highly productive (174 receptions in 2012 and 2013 combined), shows dynamic ability after the catch (see Ohio State 2013), has good size (6'2"), is able to find soft spots in zone coverage, is a fluid athlete and changes direction well, has a wide catch radius

Weaknesses-Is a body catcher at times, slim build, lacks great deep speed, is not an overly willing blocker for a receiver his size, needs to improve overall focus and awareness (ex: knowing where the first down marker is and running routes slightly beyond)

Overall Impression

Has the talent to move into an immediate role as a rookie, even with refinement and improvement needed in some key areas. May have benefited from another year in college, but will follow coach Bill O'Brien to the NFL. Would seem to work best in a timing-based West Coast Offense, where his skills after the catch can be displayed and used most effectively. Has the potential to become a very productive starter at the next level in the right situation, and may be widely overlooked in such a deep class of wide receivers this year.

Grade: 6.5 B J

Teacher comment

Good report. as I have said to others, most college receivers are poor blockers. I look for willingness...techniques can be taught