East-West Shrine Game Practice, Day 2: Cornerbacks And A New Resource

by David Fucillo on Jan 20, 2011 6:00 AM PST in NFL Draft

Given my relative lack of knowledge about college football, I find myself scouring the Internet for any and all resources I can find. As I mentioned yesterday, ESPN has solid resources in place down in Orlando for the East-West Shrine game which includes tweets from the folks at Scouts Inc (McShay | Weidl | Muench). In doing some more searching last night I came across DraftInsider.net (tip of the cap to Adam Caplan from FoxSports.com). Draft Insider is run by Tony Pauline and Brent Sobleski. Pauline writes for SI.com so that lends at least a little bit of credibility to his info.

I bring all this up because they've been providing some updates that are NOT stuck behind the ESPN Insider wall, and thus give us some supplemental information about many of the prospects participating in this week's activities. You can read their reports on East players and West players at their site. Yesterday I pulled out some Scouts Inc comments about Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien. Draft Insider (DI) had some comments on the issue:

- Sources have told us part of the problem for Scott Tolzien is the Wisconsin quarterback is just not a confident kid. Working and changing his mechanics have not helped the issue. Tolzien has been recently working with former NFL quarterback Chad Pennington.

Tolzien is a bit short for a QB (in the 6'1 range), which might contributing to his lack of confidence. According to DI he throws with a 3/4 throwing motion. When he's already a bit shorter than other quarterbacks, dropping his throwing motion into the 3/4 slot seems like a bad idea if he wants to find success at the next level. At this rate he'd need to be rolled out fairly frequently to avoid throwing the ball into the arms of offensive linemen. For a west coast offense, mobility is important, but pocket passing is also important. Even if he impresses this week, I'm not sure this is a guy the Jim Harbaugh would be looking to mold as his and the 49ers' next great quarterback.

I focused in on some quarterback information yesterday, and thought I'd take a look at some cornerbacks today. If you have a particular position you'd like me to focus in on in tomorrow's post, please let me know in the comments.

Cornerback is a position the 49ers will be looking to address, particularly if they have trouble getting Nate Clements to take a pay cut (thus resulting in his being cut). The 49ers corner choices might depend a lot on what kind of coverage scheme we'll see from Vic Fangio. We've heard about Dom Capers-esque blitzes but I haven't heard much in the way he utilizes cornerbacks.

The folks at Scouts Inc had some comments on three cornerbacks:

Josh Thomas, Buffalo

Not having a good day. He's tight in his backpedal, and it takes him time to transition and break forward. He also struggles at times to find the ball. He's in position, but he just struggles to get his head around and locate the ball. When he does find it, he shows great hands and can make plays.

DI basically concurred with the disappointing performance of Thomas over the first two days:

Tues: Slightly disappointing in that we thought his foot quickness and backpedal would be better.

Wed: Another bad day. Shows minimal quickness and was beaten downfield by Terrence Turner.

Justin Rogers, Richmond

Continues to make plays. At 5-10, 181 pounds, he's limited and needs to get stronger, but he's very instinctive and plays the angles well.

DI really liked Rogers' performances thus far:

Tues: Looked good all the way around. Quick feet, nice burst and fast. Made a nice break-up against Cecil Shorts in scrimmage.

Wed: Sensational day. Showed great foot quickness, smooth hips and a burst out of his plant. Broke up a number of passes all day and really battled hard, coming out victorious more times than not.

Are folks intrigued by a small school cornerback who might have some size issues having to face the likes of Larry Fitzgerald (among many others)?

Brandyn Thompson, Boise State

Has limitations in man coverage and appears to be better suited as a Cover 2 corner.

DI had a distinctly different impression:

Tues: Really looked good. Quick pedal, smooth in his hips and made a number of really good pass defenses today.

Wed: Terrific and by far the best and most complete defensive back on the West. Terrific mechanics and top ball skills. Broke-up a number of passes and came away with a pick, never getting beaten.

This represents the first significant departure between Draft Insider and Scouts Inc (at least among these three players. Scouts Inc currently ranks him as the #30 cornerback in this year's draft class. Can our college football fanatics weigh in on Brandyn Thompson?

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Comments

devlin and ponder

harbaugh will take one of those qbs in the 3rd round and groom them into the next great qb.
Heres my mock draft for the niners 1st 3 picks
1. Von Miller
2. Jimmy Smith
3. Pat Devlin/ Christian ponder

by ninerafficionado on Jan 20, 2011 6:45 AM PST reply actions

I'd be all over that

really. I think it’s looking likely no rookie will start for us opening week in 2011 anyways. Shortened off-season and limited talent at QB in this draft are going to do that. I think we need maybe 2 QBs in the draft then hit the FA/trade market hard when CBA is done. As long as Harbaugh likes the kid we get…i’m fine with it but I can’t see any of the top kids worthy of our 7.

Trust me, I have no idea either.
Nitwitter

by Tre9er on Jan 20, 2011 7:03 AM PST up reply actions

i like von miller

he is very raw though. most of the highlights i saw was just a pure speed rush, he just needs to learn some other effective moves then hell be great.

by GaNinersFan on Jan 20, 2011 7:11 AM PST up reply actions

I think he's a pass rush specialist in the 3-4

Not worthy of a 1st rounder, he should go to a 4-3 team.

There’s just no way he’d be able to hold the point of attack in the run. Would be such a liability.

by whistlingmountain on Jan 20, 2011 8:03 AM PST up reply actions

Wouldn't that make him even more of a liability in a 4-3?

by OkayJay81 on Jan 20, 2011 10:25 AM PST up reply actions

No, he'd be an OLB and come up and put his hand in the ground in passing situations

In general he’d be an OLB though.

He’s too bad against the run to exist on the line every down.

by whistlingmountain on Jan 20, 2011 12:26 PM PST up reply actions

It'd be a waste to make him an OLB in a 4-3

His best skill is pass rushing, Miller is definitely more qualified to play a 3-4 team.

by OkayJay81 on Jan 20, 2011 2:41 PM PST up reply actions

I see 4-3 OLB in him all day.

if he’s a starting OLB in your 3-4 your run defense is going to be awful.

by whistlingmountain on Jan 20, 2011 3:39 PM PST up reply actions

you're thinking of a 5-tech

he’d be an OLB which he was in college too…less conversion time than a 4-3 DE like Lawson was

Trust me, I have no idea either.
Nitwitter

by Tre9er on Jan 20, 2011 12:17 PM PST up reply actions

No, I am not talking a bout 5-tech

I am talking about 3-4 OLBs being able to hold the point of attack against the run.

by whistlingmountain on Jan 20, 2011 12:25 PM PST up reply actions

mostly their job is edge contain...I don't think it would be an issue

Trust me, I have no idea either.
Nitwitter

by Tre9er on Jan 21, 2011 6:43 AM PST up reply actions

Naww I don't want Ponder..

Lack of arm strength and 1" shorter then Devlin

"Winning means being unafraid to lose." – Fran Tarkenton

by Nelow on Jan 20, 2011 7:31 AM PST up reply actions

his injury history is what really worries me

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

im gonna be all up on you like a spider monkey!

i can just see delonte west winning a game of poker against lebron, throwing down the cards he yells, "who's your daddy!"...."oh, sorry man"

by remembering9ergods on Jan 20, 2011 7:55 AM PST up reply actions

As long as it's Devlin in the third....

and not Ponder, that would our best three rounds in I don’t know how long. Miller is likely the only one we see available at that spot though. Devlin is likely a 2nd rounder in this draft, and Smith can easily creep into the bottom of the first round and should definitely be gone by our pick in the 2nd.

by 9thevolution on Jan 20, 2011 8:45 AM PST up reply actions

If we're talking about how to get those picks ...

1. Miller will be available at #7 but he’s not nearly the prospect that Quinn (North Carolina) is; crossing my fingers and toes that Quinn will still be there for a first pick.
2. No way could we get Jimmy Smith at #45. I think that he will go at about #33-#35. Our cost to move up from #45 to say #34 would be #45 in the second, plus #107 in the fourth, plus #168 in the sixth, plus #200 in the seventh. Since we now have two picks in each of those three rounds, I’m all for making that trade if Trent can get it done … Smith will be worth that cost.
3. Devlin will not go until at least the third round UNLESS somebody (read Buffalo, Arizona or Seattle) does something stupid and takes a rediculous reach – most draft services have Devlin going in round 3 or 4.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Jan 22, 2011 2:27 PM PST up reply actions

I like your picks, with one exception ...

IF he is still available, much prefer Robert Quinn (North Carolina) to Von Miller. Why? Much bigger (6’5" 268 versus 6’2" 243) AND FASTER. IMO, Miller is good, Quinn is better … particularly at the #7 pick.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Jan 22, 2011 2:09 PM PST up reply actions

on the other hand

I watch 3 game tapes of Amukamara on youtube, and i dont like him that much. It seems that most of the time he either getting beat on a slant or on a streak. Also his tackling is not very appetizing to watch.

by GaNinersFan on Jan 20, 2011 7:13 AM PST reply actions

If we dont have a chance at peterson

then we need to get a good de like miller or even aldon smith

by GaNinersFan on Jan 20, 2011 7:23 AM PST up reply actions

Quinn, Kerrigan, Houston

I think in that order, if we’re talking pass rush.

by whistlingmountain on Jan 20, 2011 8:06 AM PST up reply actions

Right on! Here's my response to several of the comments above ...

Pass-rush: Although admittedly playing different positions, I much prefer Quinn (3/4 DE) to Miller (OLB) for persistent pass-rush skills; Miller is very quick but the speed-rush seems to be all he has; a good OT with quick feet will be able to handle Miller unless he develops multiple moves. If we retain Franklin and Lawson, then screw Brooks’ head on right to replace Parys, then add Quinn to Justin Smith in the front three it could be gangbusters!

Corner: I like the Jimmy Smith pick because (1) we will have NO shot at Peterson, and (2) while Prince may be there at #7, combination picks of say Quinn and Smith, together, do a lot more for our overall pass coverage issues than a combo of say Prince and Sheard (Pitt) or Beal (Okla.). The difficulty here is that Smith is expected to go at about #30-35 and our pick is at #45; obviously we will have to package picks to move up to get Smith, but he’s worth it. I’m also thinking that maybe we take someone like Curtis Marsh (CB Utah State) in the fifth round.

QBOTF: Not to worry, both Ponder and Devlin will be available to us in the third round. McElroy might be around as long as the fifth, but more likely the fourth.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Jan 20, 2011 10:57 AM PST up reply actions

I dont know that Quinn can play 5-tech

Think he’s more of an OLB prospect, no?

Trust me, I have no idea either.
Nitwitter

by Tre9er on Jan 20, 2011 12:19 PM PST up reply actions

he's definitely an OLB in 3-4.

by whistlingmountain on Jan 20, 2011 12:27 PM PST up reply actions

McElroy is probably in play with Harbaugh too

something tells me he thinks he can mold him

Trust me, I have no idea either.
Nitwitter

by Tre9er on Jan 20, 2011 12:20 PM PST up reply actions

Agree 100%

by 49erFanSince1950 on Jan 22, 2011 2:28 PM PST up reply actions

Okay, so forget Tolzien

Is there any argument at all for Matt Leinart? (That’s an open question, looking for facts, not an argument for Matt Leinart). I saw him a lot when he was at SC and very little while he was doing his face-plant in Arizona. Not sure how much of his failure there was due to personality conflicts with the coach and how much was due to sheer over-rated-ness. In college, I remember thinking he was accurate, but stiff, and reaped huge benefits from SC’s star-studded offense. Even at the time I thought Aaron Rodgers was a better QB. Still, in an environment where people are throwing out names like Jeff Garcia, who is retired and almost 41, is the former Wonderboy even worth a look?

by BlueInTheFace on Jan 20, 2011 8:07 AM PST reply actions

Leinart

I’ve been wondering the exact same thing. He’s been hurt twice, benched, released, and served as a backup in Houston last year. Perhaps he’s been humbled and is now committed to putting in the time that the position requires? Might be worth a flyer and he is a FA. He did complete just under 65% at USC so he’s accurate. Maybe Harbaugh can work his magic?

by StroStro on Jan 20, 2011 8:17 AM PST up reply actions

Coach Whiz & leinart definitely did not do well together.

alot of the people in AZ felt Whiz didn’t give him enough of a chance this last season..

2011 season can't come quick enough..

by AzNiner on Jan 20, 2011 9:37 AM PST up reply actions

With a year off – will teams still be so high on Quinn that he could go Top 5? I know we’re gearing towards a 3-4 but at 7 with Peterson gone would it really be a bad fit? Everything I hear about this kid is good.

by masa11284 on Jan 20, 2011 8:23 AM PST via mobile reply actions

Just say yes to Brandyn Thompson

The kid is always around the football. He’s on the short side for an NFL DB, but plays the jump ball better than most tall CB’s. And most importantly for me is that he’s been challenged since he was a true freshman. That’s 4 years of being targeted and he’s come out on top in every game I’ve seen personally.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Jan 20, 2011 9:34 AM PST reply actions

And even better

he’s under appreciated by the scouting community. I think he could go as late as the 5th/6th round.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Jan 20, 2011 9:35 AM PST up reply actions

Their impressions on Devlin match what I've seen personally

I have yet to understand the NinersNation January hype machine on Devlin. He’s a 3rd/4th rounder from the games I’ve seen both in full and in highlight form.

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Jan 20, 2011 9:37 AM PST reply actions

I think you're overstating the hype machine

He’s been getting mentioned a lot mainly because people think he’s a third round prospect. I haven’t really seen anybody acting like he’s some can’t-miss super QB prospect, just a decent option as a project QB who wouldn’t require a high pick.

by OkayJay81 on Jan 20, 2011 12:16 PM PST up reply actions

He's been frequently mentioned in the 2nd round on here

Rays in '08.... Desmond Jennings - the breakout continues.....

by youALREADYknow on Jan 20, 2011 2:07 PM PST up reply actions

That's really doesn't equate to a hype machine

Just an acknowledgment that a lot early mock drafts have him going in the 2nd round.

by OkayJay81 on Jan 20, 2011 2:37 PM PST up reply actions

we're looking for two solid options Harbaugh can work with

to add to a vet (hopefully) from FA. Devlin could be a good 3rd rounder and eventual backup, who knows down the road

Trust me, I have no idea either.
Nitwitter

by Tre9er on Jan 20, 2011 12:21 PM PST up reply actions

I agree. Although they may both be picked in the third round, there is a big difference between Devlin and Ponder ...

Although Devlin is one inch taller (not really material), he has virtually no experience in running a pro-style offense. Ponder, on the other hand, has run the pro-style throughout his college career, playing under center, multi-read progressions, etc. FOR THE WCO, Ponder is clearly the superior candidate. He has enough arm strength to make the throws but, as mentioned above, the concern is can he stay healthy? I have ZERO doubt that Baalke (ah, make that Harbaugh) will make the right pick!

by 49erFanSince1950 on Jan 20, 2011 11:08 AM PST reply actions

I wouldn't mind seeing more opinions on Ponder

I’m more of a casual fan of college football but I have seen a number of Florida State games the last couple years and I can’t remember a single time that I didn’t think Ponder was terrible. He always seemed to make poor decisions and have bad accuracy on his throws. I’m not that impressed by a guy who has experience in a pro style offense if he’s been shown to play poorly in it.

by OkayJay81 on Jan 20, 2011 12:22 PM PST up reply actions

"Christian Ponder"

just doesn’t sound like a franchise QB to me…and how the name sounds is most important

Trust me, I have no idea either.
Nitwitter

by Tre9er on Jan 20, 2011 12:22 PM PST up reply actions

Devlin in the 3rd.

That sounds like the most bang for our draft buck. Ponder is an option depending on how well Harbaugh thinks he can develop either. No Smiths?

Jay Cruise
Ab Workouts Mind Body Spirit Arthritis Treatment

by wellnesscoach on Jan 20, 2011 11:11 AM PST reply actions

Well Well Well

Some players that may not be on the radar, but i do like as late round picks, or UDFA’s.

CB- Mario Butler, Georgia Tech. CBS Sportsline has him as thew 20th best corner in the draft, projected to go in the 5th round. He is 6ft, 1", 183 LBs, and has been a three year starter for the Yellow Jackets

DT- Terrell McClain, Souther Florida: 6-2, 305 LB, and was a first team all Big East defender in 2010. McClain would be a big DE in our 3-4 system, or by adding weight could remain at DT. He is the 21st best DT prospect, and is projected to go in the late 6th or early 7th

RB- Da’Rel Scott, Maryland: 5-11, 210 LB: Had a breakout frsoh season, but since hasn’t been as great. However, he is an uphill runner that could be had in the 7th or via free agency. Would be nice to take a look at hime. Kinda like Sheets back in 09’

Mila "Sweet Lips" Kunis, as stated by Scarlett Johansson. I couldn't agree more. Reverse would be true too!!!!

by nocal81(Vincent) on Jan 20, 2011 12:26 PM PST reply actions