Another Monday, another edition of the Scouting Notebook. This week will likely be the last where I start off with an NFL headline thanks to college football early on the horizon.
I’ll breakdown when each rookie QB will get their chance to start in the NFL, and then a look at the top FCS receiver prospect, some very small school guys to know, and a division II program loaded with FBS transfers and NFL prospects.
Rookie Quarterback Starting Weeks
As of now, I feel that five rookie quarterbacks are all but guarenteed to get starts this season, one more likely barring the encumbant playing extremely well, and three more getting starts if the starter is injured.
Two likely will start opening day for their teams: Cam Newton for Carolina and Andy Dalton for Cincinnati. Dalton, in my opinion, does not have the NFL skill set to be a starter in the NFL as of now, despite the fit that Jay Gruden says Dalton is perfect for. I expect some massive struggles early this year for him. As for Newton, he has the size and arm and speed to play and win games early. His development needs to come from game experience, and sitting him not only is a disservice to his development, but to his team’s chances of winning football games.
Blaine Gabbert should be starting Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He likely will be able to start in the NFL by week one based on his skill set, but the team will likely give Garrard a chance to start he season. However, he’ll have to play Tennessee, at New York, and New Orleans in the first three weeks, and if he struggles (which I somewhat expect), Jack Del Rio will be willing to pull the trigger on the rookie at home.
Colin Kaepernick should be starting by Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are a team lacking great pass rushers, so that should allow Kaepernick extra time to make decisions in his first start. The 49ers will be coming off a bye, and by then the Cardinals, Seahawks, and Rams all could be up at least a game or two on them in the division, and Harbaugh will see the benefits of giving his talented yet raw rookie a shot.
Jake Locker should be starting Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Bucs. By that time, the Titans will have already played three division games, and three other playoff teams, and he’ll get a young Tampa Bay defense and the Buffalo Bills in his first two weeks of starting. By that time, the Titans should be out of the playoff picture.
Christian Ponder should be starting by either Week 11 or if Donovan McNabb gets hurt, but there is a great chance that McNabb wows in his 3rd chance as a starter. I talked last week about the reasons that McNabb could thrive in Minnesota, and Ponder may get the luxury of developing a full year, especially if the Vikings can make a playoff push. Finally, Ryan Mallett (New England), Tyrod Taylor (Baltimore), and Ricky Stanzi (Kansas City) all could get a start this year if their team’s starter goes down, as they are the projected #2 quarterback on their rosters.
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Links to Check out From Last Week
Agent’s Corner: You Want the Truth, You Can’t Handle The Truth…
NFL Draft and College Football Links: August 5th
Agent’s Corner Interview: NFL Lockout’s End, UDFA Madness and More
NFL Draft and College Football Links: August 2nd
Undrafted Free Agency: A Review of the Signings
NFL Predictions 2011: 10 Quarterback Battles That Could Go Down to the Wire
NFL Predictions 2011: Top 10 New Quarterback-Receiver Duos in 2011
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Chris Summers Scouting Report
This scouting report was done by me for our clients and pro teams. This is only a small excerpt of the report on Chris Summers, wide receiver from Liberty.
Chris Summers is close to everything you’d expect from a tall, lanky smaller school receiver: his future is determined by his unique skill set and size combination, he’s shown the ability to be productive against generally lesser talent, and his technique needs a bit of work.
However, what separates Chris from that general stereotype are his drastic body type improvements, his devotion to improving his technique and overall skill set, and his understanding of how to be an effective receiver against all types of defensive players. Chris is a very smooth athlete with deep speed, body control, and great flexibility for his size, but lacks the quickness to be a great YAC receiver. He doesn’t have many moves with the ball in his hands, but has shown the ability to make outstanding plays in pursuit of the ball in the air. Chris has great hands, but needs to attack the ball in the air more consistently. He can get vertical and maintain focus on both the ball, his body control, and where he’s landing very fluidly.
He’s shown a physicality and aggressiveness in his game, partially likely thanks to his added frame since coming to Liberty, but needs to improve on that to properly utilize his size at the next level. His route precision and diversity need a lot of work to be NFL ready, as his non-vertical and non-deep slant routes are not near ready for NFL defensive backs. He also struggles with getting position on quick inside routes, something he’ll likely need if he’s drafted by a West Coast offense. His blocking as a receiver is quite impressive, however, and his ability to extend and drive, stay focused and consistent, and not give up on blocks downfield have both allowed his college quarterback room for big runs down the field and prove that he’s willing to do the dirty work as a receiver.
A lot of Chris Summers’s grade is based on his combination of size, athletic ability, and potential as a receiver, but his work ethic, production, and body type leave a lot of room for him to grow at the next level, and he’s worth the risk as of now for developing.
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Top 10 Division II/III Prospects to Know
I won’t dwell on the top two or number ten, as they are transfers from SEC schools and have been discussed in our transfer article in the past. However, here are the top 10 division II and division III prospects.
1. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
– Talented but character concerns (busted 3 times for marijuana) after having to transfer from Florida.
2. Marcus Dowtin, OLB, North Alabama
– Transfer from Georgia, powerful yet has some range, should dominate
3. Alex Tanney, QB, Monmouth
-Injuried last year thanks to a shoulder injury, he has a good arm, NFL size, and great deep touch
4. Kyle Fiedorowicz, TE, North Central College
-6’7 tight end with some catching ability, but could be a offensive tackle convert with great feet.
5. Aston Whiteside, DE, Abilene Christian
– Has experience as 3-4 OLB, dominant edge rusher, and a two time LSC Defensive POY
6. Danny Richard, DE, Grand Valley State
– Coming off injury last year, shows good rush moves in space
7. Tyler Hendrickson, OT, Concordia-St. Paul
– Outstanding size, length, power, needs more technique, average feet
8. Jamar Forston, WR, North Alabama
– Transfer with great size, body control, needs footwork and route help
9. Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State
– Short armed, better run blocker than pass, raw; needs work on technique
10. Rishaw Johnson, OG, California PA
– Highly touted high school recruit, transfer from Ole Miss, great size/frame for NFL guard
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