Next year has two really talented players with the same first name. I guess another plus is that I think they have characteristics that the Jets (like every team) will really value. Brian Cushing What's to like? A potential ILB/OLB prospect in the mold of Karlos Dansby. He's shown he's versatile over his college career by taking snaps at DE, ILB, and OLB. He can blitz, he can drop back into coverage, he plays the run well, he's got experience in a big program, and he's a high motor guy like most of the USC front 7. What I don't like about him? I'm not a fan of USC guys, except Griffen. They might prove me wrong, but USC just annoys me. It's amazing how much corny, dumb, spoiled athlete shit goes on at that school that just seems to get glossed over. Brian Orakpo Why does he kick ass? Because he's got the potential to be a DeMarcus Ware type player. Excellent work ethic, sick athlete, very good motor, and intelligent. Can rush the passer, though I'd like to see him top 5.5 next year. He's a fluid athlete who looks/seems like he'd be comfortable in space...or at least learn to be comfortable. Strong tackler. Good in pursuit. Plays the run like a Texas D-lineman. What annoys me? Dude needs to put up better stats, because his stats don't blow you away. He's had some injury problems in the past. He's pretty raw as a pass rusher right now, but he's definitely getting better there. Discuss.
I hate USC as a program, but you have to love their players. I think Pete Carroll is doing some shady stuff there and it's going to bite him in the ass. Kevin Ellison, USC's starting strong safety is an absolute beast, but he's overshadowed by Taylor Mays. Josh Pinkard might end up being a very good pro - 6'1 215 and runs a 4.3 40. He's making the move from corner to safety because Mays and Ellison have those two spots on lockdown.
wow, I couldn't agree more about USC prospects. I think I am most against FSU guys though.. they just never live up to anything.
^ Deion Sanders, Derrick Brooks, Walter Jones, Warrick Dunn, Lav. Coles, Anquan Boldin, Antonio Cromartie, Marvin Jones off the top of my head.
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB115586503257839039-lMyQjAxMDE2NTE1ODgxNjg1Wj.html Theres some sick talent from FSU: http://www.databasefootball.com/players/bycollege.htm?sch=Florida+State+University I'm just not a fan of many recent USC players...they still produce some sick talent though...but it's always the most underrated guy on the team...Steve Smith will be a good WR...not Mike Williams or Jarrett...Lofa Tatupu is a top LBer but got drafted in like the 4th round...alot of their most talented guys are too flashy and even soft by NFL standards... Thats starting to change though...that teams been getting a bit more physical and I like Mark Sanchez.
Not to sound like I'm picking your post apart, but Tatupu was a second rounder and was dominant in college. Everyone knew it too. He was far from underrated...just undersized. I also like Mark Sanchez...he just has to keep his head on straight. Not including Darnell Bing, USC spits out a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball. The flashy players are on offense. Pinkard, Ellison, Mays, Maualuga, Moala, and Cushing all have the ability and potential to be first rounders. Watch out for Everson Griffen and Chris Galippo. They are two of the most talented defensive players that I have ever seen.
Everson Griffen is just...I don't even know. I think he can end up a better prospect than any of the recent kickass DE/OLB prospects...Ware, Merriman, Wimbley, and Gholston. Galippo is going to be what everyone hopes/thinks Laurinaitis is. He's so disciplined for such a young player. I kind of missed the boat on that Tatupu point...but he should have been a first rounder. I have no idea how guys like him, Ryans, and Harris aren't drafted in the first round...Who cares if they aren't taller or don't "seem" like elite athletes. Rant over.
2007's defensive recruiting class is just ridiculous. All of these guys have All-American potential. I bet at least 90% will be first rounders. This is just some of the top recruits. A lot of the other players recruited in '07 have already established themselves as big time players in college... Chris Galippo LB USC Everson Griffen DE USC Eric Berry DB Tennessee Marvin Austin DT UNC Torrey Davis DT Florida Chad Jones S LSU Chris Donald LB Tennessee Chris Culliver S South Carolina Martez Wilson DE Illinois Cliff Matthews DE South Carolina Rolando McClain LB Alabama Ben Martin DE Tennessee
Fact. While I'm sure most universities with the necessary funds do shady stuff to some degree, I think USC is the head hancho in this right. I know a player there and he gets LOTS of goodie bags.
As a USC fan, and former LA local, I can say I saw nothing to make me think there was anything underhanded going on. After the Lakers, USC football is the top dog in SoCal sports. It's the #1 choice of every high school player in the state. Pete Carroll is one of the best recruiters, but in reality he just has to pick the cream of the graduating crop and leave the left overs for UCLA. The people in charge of the other Pac-10 schools would storm the gates if they even smelled a hint of something shady.
...yeah, thanks for going back like 3 months and finding my mistakes. (You wouldn't be one of those new Favre-only fans, would you?)
