One of the most interesting draftnik/analysts to read is former N.F.L. scout Russ Lande. Lande is never afraid to mix it up a bit and often happens to differ from the values of players sometimes rather significantly, in one of his most recent articles, his value for a few players in particular really differ from the average draftnik.
The first is Wisconsin Quarterback Russell Wilson who is a personal favorite of my co-editor’s Sayre. Wilson right now projects Wilson as a late round-free agent type of player. Many draftniks compare Wilson favorably to Russell Wilson, here’s what Lande writes about Wilson:
Wilson did not fare well at the Senior Bowl. It started off badly when he measured under 5-11, and then he struggled with accuracy throughout the week. He showed good mechanics to get rid of the ball quickly and a very strong arm to make every NFL throw without a problem. However, teams can’t ignore his height and lack of consistency as a pocket passer. He likely won’t be drafted because his performance this week showed that he will be, at best, a backup quarterback in the NFL.
Next up was Michael Brewster.
No to be honest Brewster might have hurt his stock as much as any player in college Football this year. He began the season as a potential late first round pick but throughout the season struggled to anchor often. Brewster is fairly athletic for a center and can get to the second level, but scouts are concerned that Brewster will not be able to handle Nose tackles in the N.F.L. and considering about half the teams run a 34 in the league that’s not a good asset.
Lande projects Brewster as a late round free agent type (I still think he can be a 3rd round pick)
Brewster struggled badly in the first practice of the week, and it did not get any better after that. He was physically dominated at the point of attacked too easily. Bull rushers were able to drive him backward and defeat his blocks to pressure the quarterback far too often. He struggled to adjust and block well in space and too often ended up overextending and falling off his blocks
Another player Lande now projects later than most. He projects Dennard as a 3rd or 4th round pick
Dennard came to the Senior Bowl competing to be the third cornerback drafted overall, but things went bad quickly. And now that he will also miss the game because of a hip flexor injury, he will be under pressure to shine at the Combine and his pro day. At the weigh-in, it was surprising to see how thickly built he is; he looked more like a running back than a cornerback. Throughout practice, he displayed bad footwork and poor anticipation, and his lack of catch-up speed allowed receivers to beat him deep consistently. If you did not know Dennard was a top prospect, you would have thought he was a borderline free agent based on his play all week.
He also knocks down Dwight Jones and Zebrie Sanders among others so be sure to check it out. It’s an interesting read.