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Originally posted by Formula Two One
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That wouldn't be very smart with this QB class to draft them like that. -
Just picked in the 3rd round.
1st Round
1. Cleveland Browns (Primetimedls) - Myles Garrett, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
2. San Francisco 49ers (xjuicex) - Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
3. Chicago Bears (DictatorCastro) - Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (BlakeButtholes) - Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
5. Tennessee Titans (from L.A. Rams) (Juggs) - Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
6. New York Jets (josh200612) - Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
7. L.A. Chargers (Fleet) - Solomon Thomas, DL, Stanford
8. Carolina Panthers (MGH_The Patriot) - Jamal Adams, SS, LSU
9. Cincinnati Bengals (MrCincinnati) - Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
10. Cleveland Browns (Trade from Buffalo Bills) (Primetimedls) - Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio State
11. New Orleans Saints (MarchingOn) - Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
12. Buffalo Bills (Trade from Cleveland Browns via Philladelphia Eagles) (Juggs) - DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
13. Arizona Cardinals (Cityofchamps) - Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
14. Indianapolis Colts (Bern) - Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota Vikings) (USG) - Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
16. Baltimore Ravens (Fleet) - OJ Howard, TE, Alabama
17. Washington Redskins (cmart2004) - Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
18. Tennessee Titans (Juggs) - Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Lord Cornelius) - Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
20. Denver Broncos (Morkim) - Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
21. Detroit Lions (Jinothy Dredling) - Jabrill Peppers, SS, Michigan
22. Miami Dolphins (Jinothy Dredling) - Zach Cunningham, OLB, Vanderbilt
23. New York Giants (bELIever10) - David Njoku, TE, Miami
24. Oakland Raiders (DaRaider23) - Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida
25. Houston Texans (js104c) - Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
26. Seattle Seahawks (Lo) - Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
27. Kansas City Chiefs (Morkim) - Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida
28. Dallas Cowboys (Bigdaddytorr) - John Ross, WR, Washington
29. Green Bay Packers (Snerb) - Charles Harris, DE/OLB, Missouri
30. Pittsburgh Steelers (Cityofchamps) - Haason Reddick, OLB/ILB, Temple
31. Atlanta Falcons (Bravo) - Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State
32. Philadelphia Eagles (Trade from New England Patriots) (USG) - Jalen "Teez" Tabor, CB, Florida
2nd Round
33. Buffalo Bills (Trade from Cleveland Browns) (Juggs) - Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
34. San Francisco 49ers (Bern) - Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
35. Jacksonville Jaguars (Blakebuttholes) - DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State
36. New England Patriots (Trade from Chicago Bears) (E Nice) - Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama
37. L.A. Rams (MarchingOn) - Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama
38. L.A. Chargers (Fleet) - Desmond King, FS/CB, Iowa
39. New York Jets (josh200612) - Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
40. Carolina Panthers (MGH_The Patriot) - Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
41. Cincinnati Bengals (MrCincinnati) - Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
42. New Orleans Saints (MarchingOn) - Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
43. New England Patriots (Trade from Philadelphia Eagles) (E Nice) - Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
44. Cleveland Browns (Trade from Buffalo Bills) (Primetimedls) - Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana
45. Arizona Cardinals (Cityofchamps) - Raekwon McMillan, ILB, Ohio State
46. Minnesota Vikings (5-0.....2-8) - Donta Foreman, RB, Tennessee
47. Baltimore Ravens (Fleet) - T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin
48. Indianapolis Colts (Bern) - Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
49. Washington Redskins (cmart2004) - Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn
50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Lord Cornelius) - Curtis Samuel, WR/RB, Ohio State
51. Denver Broncos (Morkim) - Dion Dawkins, OG, Temple
52. Cleveland Browns (from Tennessee Titans) (Primetimedls) - Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson
53. Detroit Lions (Jinothy Dredling) - Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
54. Miami Dolphins (Jinothy Dredling) - Dorian Johnson, OG, Pittsburgh
55. New York Giants (bELIever10) - Taylor Moton, OT, Western Michigan
56. Oakland Raiders (DaRaider23) - Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee
57. Houston Texans (js104c) - Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy
58. Seattle Seahawks (Lo) - Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson
59. Kansas City Chiefs (Morkim) - Budda Baker, FS, Washington
60. Green Bay Packers (Forum) - Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
61. Dallas Cowboys (Bigdaddytorr) - Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
62. Pittsburgh Steelers (Cityofchamps) - Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech
63. Atlanta Falcons (Forum) - Tarrel Basham, DE, Ohio
64. New England Patriots (E Nice) - Obi Melifonwu, SS, Connecticut
3rd Round
65. Cleveland Browns (Primetimedls) - Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
66. San Francisco 49ers (Bern) - Ryan Anderson, OLB, Alabama
67. New England Patriots (Trade from Chicago Bears) (E Nice) - Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
68. Jacksonville Jaguars (Blakebuttholes) - Marcus Maye, FS, Florida
69. Tennessee Titans (from L.A. Rams) (Juggs) - Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech
70. New York Jets (josh200612) - Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami (FL)
71. L.A. Chargers (Fleet) - Ju Ju Smith Schuster, WR, USCComment
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Interesting to see that run on OL in the second. Some pretty good value there with Lamp, Feeney, and Bolles. Thomas/King/Schuster definitely would make me pretty happy. I like King a lot but the more I look at Melifonwu the more I like him and he's more of a true S prospect than King is. Wouldn't be upset with him early in the 2nd.Comment
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I was hoping he dropped to the 3rd. My thing with Safeties is that every year some of the top guys seem to go undrafted. Projecting Safeties is such a crapshoot. The reason i went with King is that i think he can slide into the slot and Lowery at FS. He can play the boundary as well. In a pass happy league i like the Randall(GB) types. He gets turned around a bit in man coverage like he did against Penn State on a deep ball. But in zone and at FS i think he's a good fit for us. I also wouldnt be opposed to just taking a pure stud CB in the 2nd. You just cant ever have enough solid CBs. And with Verrett being so fragile it makes sense to have a guy that can slide in for him. Targeting OL/CB/DT in the 4th of this particular draft im in.Originally posted by Bearded14YourPleasure View PostComment
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Yeah I don't have any real issues with the selection of King as I do thing he would bring a lot of versatility, similar to another former Hawkeye Micah Hyde. S is a bigger hole for us though and with both players grading similarly to me I would give the slight nod to Melifonwu. Of course if he can put up solid numbers at the combine to go with his outstanding Senior Bowl performance and his collegiate production he might not make it out of round 1. I also was impressed with the development of some of the younger CBs on the roster towards the end of last season so wouldn't be surprised if we didn't address that position in the draft, although if a stud is there in round 2 I'll probably be cursing TT's name when he selects someone else.Originally posted by Fleet View PostComment
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No comp picks for the Chargers... Chefs and Donkeys get 4 each.
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Big JU JU fan. MOJO 4 JU JU!Originally posted by Fleet View PostDean Spanos Should Get Ass Cancer Of The Ass!
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The FTO Mock v1
Notes:
Safeties aren’t losing games for the Bolts, the line play is. So I’m beefing up the lines first. But let’s face it, for Soloman Thomas to be there at 7, both top safeties have to go before then.
I’m looking for tall Safeties, I get one later because that’s where they’re at.
Since we’re now a running offense, I’m adding the best move TE in the draft.
And I’m adding speed.
1. Soloman Thomas, DE No bio needed.
2. Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah,6’5, 300
Overview
Those inspired by the rise of Michael Oher of "The Blindside" fame will find Boles especially interesting. A one-time juvenile delinquent who spent two years after high school and away from football working as a garage door repairman, Bolles opted to re-dedicate himself to his faith, academics and the sport by enrolling at Snow College, a highly regarded JUCO program. There he evolved into a five-star recruit pursued by every program in the country, including powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State and Florida State. Bolles was the highest rated recruit to ever sign with the Utes, ranking as the No. 2 overall JUCO prospect, regardless of position.
Within a few weeks of joining the program, Bolles was inserted at left tackle and excelled in 2016, earning First Team All-Pac-12 honors from conference coaches. Though his limited experience is an obvious concern, Bolles' undeniable tools and a relatively weak year for offensive tackles could have the NFL just as excited as NCAA teams were in acquiring his services.
STRENGTHS
Easy movement skills for a man of his size. Possesses very good initial quickness, lateral agility and balance, translating well to mirroring edge rushers in pass protection as well as blocking on the move in the running game. Gains good depth on his initial kick-step, sliding easily to his left and playing with bent knees and his butt down to effectively win the leverage battle. Shows a second burst to recover on the rare occasions in which he is late off the snap. At least average arm length for the position. Provides a powerful initial punch to slow defender and can erase opponents from the play when he latches on with accurate hand placement. Unlocks his hips on contact, looking to maul opponents, not just steer them. Seems to enjoy the physicality and challenge of one-on-one drive blocking, firing off the snap and moving defenders because of his power and use of leverage. Accelerates smoothly out of his stance when uncovered, showing burst, bend and vision to locate and lock onto defenders at the second level. Blocks to the echo of the whistle, showing the nastiness to endear him to NFL offensive line coaches, as well as the natural combination of size, strength and athleticism that earned him playing time at eight different positions in high school... Has matured after a troubling adolescence. Served on an LDS mission and is now married with a child.
WEAKNESSES
Can get lazy with his fundamentals, especially in pass protection, failing to keep his feet shuffling and allowing his hands to slide up and down the chest plate, leaving him vulnerable to swim moves. A bit reliant, at times, on his initial punch and agility to mirror, failing to latch on and control as consistently as he should. Already an older prospect than most at 24 and has only one season at the FBS level, following his JUCO transfer. Suffered through a tough adolescence, including a drug-addicted mother. Was reportedly suspended or kicked out of five schools as a teenager, for issues involving drugs, fights and vandalism before being taken in by his former lacrosse coach (Greg Freeman) and his wife, Emily. Spent nearly two years out of school and football working in garage door repair between high school and Snow College.
IN OUR VIEW
Though he is more of a grappler than a technician at this point, Bolles appears to possess long enough arms to remain on the outside at tackle in the NFL and he certainly has the feet and nastiness scouts are looking for. Bolles projects best in a zone-blocking scheme and if teams are comfortable with his troubled past, he could earn top 50 consideration.
COMPARES TO
Breno Giacomini, New York Jets: Bolles is more athletic than Giacomini (who also played left tackle in college) and therefore has a better chance at remaining on the blind side at the next level than the former Louisville standout. Bolles plays with a similar physicality and brawler mentality that has helped Giacomini emerge as a quality starting right tackle and possesses a greater upside due to his limited reps.
--Rob Rang (1/16/17)
3. Adoree' Jackson, ATH, USC, 5’ 11, 185
Kick returner, punt returner, CB, WR. Bring in one of the best athletes in the class and train him up. I look at him as a game changing returner.
The 2017 NFL Combine presents an opportunity for Adoree’ Jackson to dazzle in physical testing while also answering concerns about polish. Adoree’ Jackson finished his three-year career at USC as one of the most decorated cornerbacks in Trojan history. An All-American and Thorpe Award winner, Jackson excelled in all phases of the game. He scored touchdowns as a cornerback, a receiver and a return man, defining the term “impact player” in cardinal and gold. Now he’s looking to ply his trade in the pros. His first task will be to shine at the 2017 NFL Combine in Indianapolis next week.
NFL draft experts are torn on Jackson’s stock because he is one of the more unique prospects in this class. There’s no denying his athleticism — experts agree that his ability as a return man is mouthwatering. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein called him a “high-end return talent who can swing games in an instant.”
CBS Sports’ Rob Rang similarly praised Jackson for his explosiveness as a returner and posited that the cornerback could find a role as a receiver at the next level as well. However, he also noted that “Jackson is not simply a track star in shoulder pads,” praising him for “improved aggression and physicality as a tackler.”
Mentality has never been Jackson’s problem, and draft experts praise him for his aggression, instincts and ability to shake off mistakes quickly. The trouble is, those mistakes are hard to ignore. Rang pointed out how Jackson struggled against speedy receivers like Washington’s John Ross and Notre Dame’s Will Fuller, “frequently biting on underneath routes and being beaten over the top.”
Zierlin, meanwhile, noted how Jackson’s lack of size means he “could have issues with big slots posting him up in space.” Both agree that Jackson’s size could also be a problem in run support.
As a result, most mock drafts peg Jackson to go sometime on Day 2. His athleticism and highlight ability boosts him greatly, but major questions about his fit at cornerback in the NFL hurt him.
What can he improve at the Combine? Jackson’s combine is all about polish. Given his elite athletic ability, it’s safe to assume that the two-sport star will ace the physical testing. Doing so should bolster his place as an intriguing athlete on draft boards. Of course, the real questions surround his ability as a cornerback specifically. If Jackson elects to take part in position drills, he could do himself a lot of good by demonstrating a greater level of polish than some of his college tape can show. Scouts will be watching his footwork — major critiques often circle back to slips against Ross and Utah’s Tim Patrick — as well as his overall skill level. Unfortunately, Jackson can’t make himself taller at the Combine, but he can still make the case for himself as a slot corner with a strong performance.
4. Josh Jones, FS, NC State, 6’ 2, 215 lbs
For the last line of defense, I want a guy who can tackle. A tackling machine, Jones has played strong safety at NC State, and is an intriguing prospect that might be able to be positioned at different places in the secondary and near the line of scrimmage
Player Overview
A three-year starter at NC State, Jones started at strong safety his first two seasons for the Wolfpack before moving to free safety in 2016, spending most of his time in the boundary and seeing his productive skyrocket. He also saw snaps at cornerback and linebacker and lined up all over the formation as NC State's version of Jalen Ramsey. While he isn't the physical marvel that made Ramsey a top-five pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Jones is a big, rangy athlete with the play strength, versatility and developing football intelligence that translate well to the NFL game.
After redshirting in 2013, he became a starter at strong safety as a freshman in 2014 (eight starts) and finished second in the ACC with four interceptions. Jones started 11 games as a sophomore in 2015 and posted 64 tackles, three passes defended and one interception. He started all 13 games at free safety as a junior in 2016 and led the team with 109 tackles, 11 passes defended and three interceptions, but was overlooked for the postseason All-ACC team.
STRENGTHS: Looks the part with his height, length and build. Explodes out of a cannon on his tackling angles, accelerating in a flash. Speedy in pursuit to track down ballcarriers from behind. Aggressive hug-and-finish tackler in the open field. Creates stopping power with his downhill demeanor. Physical take-on skills to attack and tear through blocks. Evades blocks with bobs and weaves, finding the ballcarrier in the lane. Quick diagnose skills to sense what is about to happen, keeping his eyes on the prize. Steady at the catch point to find the ball and finish interceptions. Versatile experience across the secondary, including inside cornerback and both safety spots (32 career starts). Improved focus, work habits and maturity in 2016, showing better accountability.
WEAKNESSES: Upright in his movements, lacking sink to smoothly redirect his momentum. Late to flip and attach to receivers in coverage, losing momentum to wasted steps. Bites on the backfield action. Anticipates well, but he is still learning how to recognize various limbs on the route tree. Struggles with double moves and combos. Needs to tweak his tackling technique to consistently wrap and finish. Pad level can be problematic at times. Wild hands when taking on contact, allowing blockers to attack his chest and drive him backwards.
--Dane Brugler (2/5/17)
5. Michael Roberts, TE, Toledo, 6-4, 261, Projected 40 Time: 4.74.
2/25/17: Roberts is a blocking tight end for the NFL, yet has some receiving ability. Scouting sources said that Roberts could be the best pure Y (blocking) tight end in the 2017 NFL Draft. They say he is athletic enough to make some plays as a short option or in the red zone. Roberts had a quality week at the Senior Bowl, minus a few dropped passes.
Overview
Toledo's 2016 first-team All-Mac tight end did not have it easy growing up. His father spent time in jail, and he was suspended from elementary school a few times until it was discovered he had a speech impediment and attention deficit disorder. Once that was under control, Roberts did well in high school, though his grades prevented him from receiving a scholarship. He also lost his grandmother to cancer and a younger brother to an accidental shooting. Roberts made his own way as a college student at Toledo, eventually getting eligible to play for the Golden Rockets. He played in five games as a reserve in 2013 (no catches) and nine contests the next year, seeing a bit more playing time (4-65, two TD). Coaches began relying on him in his junior year, starting him once in 12 games (21-234, four TD). As a senior, Roberts became quarterback Logan Woodside's favorite red zone target, scoring 16 times (sixth-most in the FBS) on 45 receptions that covered 533 yards.
Strengths: When he catches the ball, it matters. Has had over 80 percent of his career catches go for first downs and this season saw 35.5 percent of his catches go for touchdowns (16). Big target with gigantic hands. Quick to open and find the ball on stop routes. Plus body control to adjust and clamp down on throws outside his frame. Will continue to probe and adjust for openings against zone coverage. Very capable run blocker. Operates from strong base and utilizes lengths well. Sinks hips to brace up and neutralize defensive ends with leverage and uses hips and shoulder turn to steer out of the play. Has experience blocking from in-line and from wing spot.
Weaknesses: Comes out of a knock-kneed stance from line of scrimmage. Upright short strider into routes. Gradual gear down into his breaks. Tight at the top of his route. Rolls through his cuts to create momentum for his separation. Angles up to linebackers as blocker will need work. Overshoots targets and allows them to make plays underneath his block. Needs blocks to be right in front of him. Too many misses in space.
Bottom Line: One season of "wow" production, but has NFL size and length. Roberts' tape shows inconsistent effort from a blocking standpoint, but it also shows the strength and ability to handle those chores on the next level. He should be a functional receiver target as well and could come in as a third tight end with the ability to work his way up the ladder. -Lance Zierlein
6. Donnel Pumphrey, RB, SDSU, 5'8", 169
Overview
Pumphrey and Ron Dayne are now the top two rushers in FBS history, even though San Diego State's small and quick runner (listed at 5-foot-9, 180 pounds) couldn't be any different in style than the brutish former Heisman Trophy winner. Pumphrey beat the record in his final game, finishing off an All-American season where he led with nation with 2,133 rushing yards on 349 carries (tied for most in FBS) and 17 scores (along with 27-231 receiving). He won the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year this fall, repeating the honor he was given in 2015 for covering 1,653 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns on 309 carries. He also led the Aztecs with 28 receptions, accumulating 416 yards and three scores. Pumphrey set a school record with 1,867 yards while scoring 20 times as a sophomore, earning the first of three first-team All-Mountain West accolades. As a freshman, he only started one game but still had 256 totes for 1,244 yards and 15 touchdowns (with 22-234, two TD receiving).
Strengths
Produced at high levels. Patient but decisive when he sees it. Accesses instant turbo burst. Rarely loses races to and around the edge. Plus vision creates ability to navigate shifting run creases like a seasoned veteran. Slaloms through traffic from side to side with seamless, tight jump cuts. Keeps tight track through the gaps, maintaining distance from defensive linemen. Able to string moves together. Razor-sharp cutbacks at challenging angles are his thing. Made a rare 90-degree cut out of a downhill run against South Alabama. Excels in outside zone but has courage to stick it between tackles. Extremely elusive in open field after catch. Used as matchup weapon out of backfield. Good route runner who creates necessary separation.
Weaknesses
Undersized. Lacks the leg thickness and overall physical strength desired out of an NFL running back. Spirit is willing but flesh is weak. Arm tackles are able to end his journey. Willing to accelerate into defender, but doesn't have the pop to break tackles or fall forward after contact. Quicker than fast. Will get caught from behind. Body catcher with average hands that lead to double catches. Too small to protect against NFL blitzers as third-down back.
Sources Tell Us
"I don't care how big he is, he's a good player. Look, he's tiny so you can't take him too early because there's risk in putting a skinny runner out there. You have to have an offense that makes sense for him but everyone I talk to on the road likes the talent. The size is going to be the only concern." -- AFC West scout
Bottom Line
Pumphrey is an efficient, natural back who runs with outstanding tempo and vision. Has outstanding agility and ability to disappear and leave tacklers grasping at air in open field. While he has good burst and quickness, he does lack the home-run speed expected from such small running backs. He won't even be an option for teams married to physical minimums, but there is a place on the roster for his talent provided he can become a return man or viable receiving option as well.
7 Jonathan McLaughlin, OT, Virginia Tech, 6-8, 295
Player Overview
A four-year starter at Virginia Tech, McLaughlin originally signed with East Carolina in the 2012 recruiting class, but was unable to qualify academically and enrolled at Fork Union Military Academy for the 2012 season. He switched his commitment to Virginia Tech and enrolled in January 2013, earning the starting left tackle job as a true freshman, starting all 13 games and drawing Freshman All-American honors. McLaughlin moved to right tackle in 2014 and started the first nine games before an injury ended his sophomore season. He returned healthy and moved back to left tackle as a junior, starting all 13 games. McLaughlin started all 14 games at right tackle as a senior, earning Third Team All-ACC honors.
McLaughlin uses his quick feet, body rhythm and long arms to keep rushers busy in pass protection and flashes a mean streak as a drive blocker in the run game. However, McLaughlin struggles with balance/leverage issues and needs to fine-tune the details of the position before he is ready for NFL snaps. His foot quickness and body control fit best in a zone-blocking scheme, possibly inside at guard.
STRENGTHS
Athletic build with room to get stronger. Light feet to slide and stay square in pass protection. Shuffle quickness to mirror and counter. Effective puller with the body control to stay in position on the move. Large wingspan with the arm length to intercept speed angles. Caught lunging, but has the agility to recover and reestablish his base. Keeps his hands elevated and always within striking distance. Drives his feet in the run game and flashes a nasty edge. Coachable with reliable work habits. Starting experience at left and right tackle and started 49 of the 53 games at Virginia Tech the past four seasons.
WEAKNESSES
Waist-bender with stiff hips and too easily gets unbalanced in his pass-sets. Opens the gate early and allows rushers to attack his edge. Only average core strength with poor contact balance vs. power rushers. Allows his pads to rise, losing leverage and negating his shock skills. Inconsistent punch timing and needs to bring his feet with him instead of lunging with his upper half. Too many false start penalties on his senior tape for a player with his experience. Missed the final four games of the 2014 season due to left ankle surgery (Nov. 2014).
--Dane Brugler (2/1/17)Last edited by Formula 21; 02-26-2017, 01:10 PM.Now, if you excuse me, I have some Charger memories to suppress.
The Wasted Decade is done.
Build Back Better.Comment
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I really like Roberts. Shaheen is another guy really turning heads with his tape.Comment
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Well, I'm not really caring much about the draft this year for reasons of everything that has happened with the team.Originally posted by Formula Two One View Post
However, .....I don't know what to think of Adoree Jackson. Another Hester who couldn't do anything else but return kicks and if 90% of kickoffs are touchbacks, not sure I like it over a OG we could get there.
And Pumphrey, I don't expect much out of him in the NFL. He is tiny so I have no interest in him. I don't care what he did at SDSU.Last edited by Boltjolt; 02-26-2017, 04:45 PM.Comment
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Chargers searching for a Tyreek Hill-type player to spark return game
Feb 24, 2017
Eric D. WilliamsESPN Staff Writer
SAN DIEGO -- George Stewart understands the importance of finding a game-changer in the return game.
Recently hired as special teams coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, Stewart experienced first-hand how an electric return man can change the complexion of the game during his decade with the Minnesota Vikings. Speedsters Percy Harvin and Cordarrelle Patterson made many plays for Minnesota while he served as receivers coach there.
Isaiah Burse did some nice things as a kick returner last season for the Chargers, new special teams coordinator George Stewart noted, but Los Angeles needs more game-changing plays. Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire
Stewart said this week that the Chargers have to develop a playmaker like those two in the return game. He pointed to the Chargers’ AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, their dynamic playmaker, Tyreek Hill, and what a difference he makes.
The Chargers finished No. 27 in the NFL in punt return average and third-worst in the league in kick return average last season. The Chargers have not returned a kickoff or punt for a touchdown since 2012.
Stewart said he likes the skill set of pending unrestricted free agent Dexter McCluster as a punt returner, and pointed out that Isaiah Burse did some nice things as a kick returner last season for the Chargers.
“We have to develop that here,” Stewart said. “And that’s one thing we’re looking for going into the combine, going into the draft. Our biggest area [that we have to improve] is the return game, in terms of getting positive field position for [Philip] Rivers.
“Any time you get positive field position for your offense, you have a chance to be successful.”
Stewart said kicker Josh Lambo, while showing some inconsistency on field goals in his second season, has a strong leg and could be an asset moving forward. Lambo led the league in touchbacks with 67. However, he missed a 45-yard field goal at the end of the game in a 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns late in the season. Lambo also had a field goal and three extra points blocked, and was 0-for-3 from beyond 50 yards.
“You have to have an opportunity to rhythm up with your kicker,” Stewart said. “And what I mean by that is you have to be in the same flow and rhythm as them. Most kickers and punters are not your typical players, like your receivers or linebackers. They’re different, and you have to come at them differently. I’m not a psychology major, but there has to be some psychology with those guys.”
Stewart added that, like Lambo, punter Drew Kaser has a strong leg, exhibited by his 46.3 average per punt in 2016. However, Stewart said the rookie sixth-round selection out of Texas A&M showed fatigue as the season wore on.
“That’s something we will address in terms of his conditioning to obviously take some kicks off of him,” Stewart said. “I’m a quality kick guy instead of a quantity kick guy, in terms of a coach. He will have some quality kicks during the week. He will have some rest. But also he will be in that weight room getting his core squared away.”
Both Lambo and Kaser struggled with confidence last season. Stewart didn’t rule out adding competition at both positions in training camp, saying that’s something he has to discuss with head coach Anthony Lynn and the personnel department.
“I always say it’s like going back home to mama,” Stewart said about dealing with confidence issues. “We’ve all had mothers, and when you get in trouble, you don’t look for dad, you look for mom. And so that means going back to fundamentals and what was the situation that got you successful.
“So if you’re a field goal kicker, you start kicking field goals from 10 to 14 yards, where he can consistently see the ball go through the uprights. Then you start to back him up. The more success he has, the better he becomes.”
Even though Stewart has not coached special teams in the NFL since 1998, when he was with the San Francisco 49ers, he can lean on his past success for guidance. During his decade as a special teams coordinator in the NFL, Stewart’s group finished in the top half of the league seven out of 10 years, according to Rick Gosselin's annual special teams rankings in the Dallas Morning News.
Stewart served as the special teams coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1989 to 1991, then took over special teams for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1991 to 1995 and served in that role for the 49ers from 1996 to 1998.
The Chargers finished last in Gosselin’s rankings for a second straight season in 2016.
“I’ve always taken over a team that’s been last,” Stewart said. “And obviously you get hired because it wasn’t good before. I’m not saying the guys in front of me did a bad job. It’s just the luck of the draw. We’ve been very fortunate to be a top-five team every place I’ve been, and hopefully with time, patience and with players, [that happens here]."Now, if you excuse me, I have some Charger memories to suppress.
The Wasted Decade is done.
Build Back Better.Comment
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And thats fine and we do need a return man but you said it at the start of your mock. We lost games on the lines. Our OGs suck and this is a strong class. I dont see where a 7th round OT is going to help anytime soon after getting one in the second. Id rather have an OG early and get a return guy later. Tuerk may or may not be ready to go start which moves Slausen to one OG spot but Franklin is shit and Fluker aint much better. In a strong OG class when ours suck, you have to get one and not miss out like we did on the strong WR class which is biting us in the ass.Last edited by Boltjolt; 02-26-2017, 04:42 PM.Comment
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