Text size +

Toughest position to scout?

Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff March 26, 2008 08:15 AM

ANALYSIS

ESPN.com has put the spotlight on the wide receiver position, with a ranking of the game's current receivers (Randy Moss is No. 1), a ranking of the draft-eligible receivers, cornerback Nate Clements' top-10 receiver ranking, and scouting tips from former Titans general manager Floyd Reese. Today, ESPN.com will unveil its ranking of all-time top receivers.

The series had me going back to the archive to read a Boston Globe piece from last April. As part of preparations for the NFL draft, the question was why so many first-round receivers have struggled.

Bill Belichick added some insight to the question. Here were some key points:

  • 1) Press coverage. There is little press coverage in the college game, but plenty of it in the NFL. Projecting how a college receiver will fare against press coverage is a great challenge. Also, with more off coverage in college, receivers are more apt to body-catch instead of catching the ball away from their body (which is crucial in the NFL).

  • 2) Assessing the production. Receivers that put up big numbers often receive good grades in the scouting process. But how much of that production is a result of a good quarterback or the team's offensive system? That is a key question in the scouting process.

  • 3) Intermediate passing. There is less intermediate passing in the college game. Instead, there are more screens and plays in which a big receiver can outjump a defender. In the NFL, receivers must rely more on intermediate routes and separation with quickness. That can be a difficult projection because scouts don't see it as much in college.

  • 4) Mental approach. In some NFL offenses, route-adjustments after the snap are a key part of the attack. Because there is less of that in college, it is difficult to assess how a receiver will adapt to the pro passing game. It's one thing to run a 4.4 time in the 40-yard dash, but can the player react when coverages shift and the quarterback is being blitzed?

    EXTRA POINTS: In Wednesday's editions of the Boston Globe, defensive end Richard Seymour touches on the first two days of the Patriots' offseason program. The Globe notebook also notes that cornerbacks Brandon Flowers (Virginia Tech), Charles Godfrey (Iowa) and Terrell Thomas (USC) are scheduled to take pre-draft visits to Gillette Stadium. ... Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli finished third in the Sporting News voting for NFL executive of the year. Packers general manager Ted Thompson (19 votes) won the award, followed by Giants general manager Jerry Reese (9), Pioli (8), Jaguars vice president of player personnel James Harris (3), and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (2).

  • 1 comments so far...
    1. Listen Mr Peanut Butter cup, besides stating the obvious in your wide receiver piece,what else have you got.

      I was disgusted that the Pats could not hold their Super Bowl lead with little time left on the clock for the Giants. As my insane, or to put it romantically my new victory ritual has me watching the big game at my non fan mom's house simply because after going to or hosting a few Super Bowl parties that ended up as another painful blow to my fragile boston psyche watching the Bears and the obnoxious lucky to be drafted Jim Mcmahon, the Fridge and a great team with several hall of famers. Eating and drinking to the point that a wheelbarrow was brought in to wheel me out, the Pats won while I watched the game alone at Mamas risking only a quick phone call to my lifelong crew of suffering Boston fans.
      The Celts won and I was 11 when one of my teachers from the uppercrusty private school Buckingham Browne and Nichols took six of us to the 76 victory parade. Hondo gave me a high five and I told everyone I would never wash my sainted hand. The Celts were winners and my Dad took me to the Garden to see Cowens and Silas, Hondo the bionic man, Jo Jo White, Don Nelson and big Tommy H with those suits and every night with the leader of the Celtic dynasty, glowing, remarkable and every other team somewhat crooked and below his standards.
      I saw Orr and Espo when the B's won all the time making it look easy. After the game over to the North End for pizza. My father lost me one game at halftime at Schaefer Stadium, he found me because a Statie realized that I was lost and embarrassed my dad by telling him over the PA system to retrieve your first born at the 50 yard line hot dog stand., I parked cars in our yard for $10 when the Pats played at Harvard Stadium with my little brother as my parking lot attendant. Dad was yelling for me when he saw 10 cars parked on his lawn but smiled when I showed him the cash we had taken in. I knew that when the elusive Eli escaped two pairs of defensive hands and tossed a prayer which hung and hung for a guy to catch on his helmut that we were doomed, and that was that. The Giants deserved it with credit to their pass rush which strangely given the BILL B teams that always make the correct adjustments that lead to a win. I as you and the rest of all of New England saw us beat down by angry,dominant d line play. Maybe Bill had nothing left under,in, or floating around that hoodie or that Tommie Bwas hurt a lot worse thanwhat our team told the press and the rest. We need speed and strength from new sources at LB and DB. I would have broken up that prayer of a pass, and I'm sorry but Rodney has lost a step. Bring them in, work them in, you don't lose the Super Bowl with a minute or two left ecause the true champs stop them. Remember when Asante and Eugene as rookies stepped hard to help us win. Get going with a youthful infusion and give your tried trusted and true a rest during the season, let them mentor youth the Patriot way. Let the young hit and hit and hit and make the game changing plays that Bruschi, or Ty Law, or Willie or Troy Brown always did. I am not forgetting Tom Terrifc, or Kevin Faulk, or that traitor Adam Vinateri. Come up with how we are going to get the right infusion of the talented young and the crafty vets and let's go back and win #4 then #5 then say goodbye to the master hoodie man. It can be done, whot peanut butter do we need to bring in?

      Posted by David Thomas March 27, 08 03:09 AM
      Reply | Report this post
    add your comment
    Required
    Required (will not be published)

    This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.

    Mike Reiss and Christopher L. Gasper provide regular updates -- and a behind the scenes look -- on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

    ask reiss

    Questions will be considered for Mike's mailbag
    Name:
    E-mail:
    Your question/comment:
    archives

    browse this blog

    by category