Saturday, April 24, 2010

5th Round Roundup

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The Eagles added a pair of players in the 5th round.

DE/LB Ricky Sapp
WR Riley Cooper

Sapp is a real interesting pick.  He played DE at Clemson.  I projected him as a 3-4 OLB.  Sapp is 6'4, 252.  That's okay size for a DE, but he always looked like more of an athlete than a physical guy.  I wonder if we're bringing him in here to fill the Chris Clemons role.  He would be a DE/LB/athlete and play a lot of roles.  We could try him at SAM, but I think Sapp is best served as a pass rusher.  Notes:

Played DE for the Tigers. Ricky is 6'4, 250. He hurt his knee at the end of the 2008 season, but played every game this year. He had 14 TFLs and a couple of FFs. He's quick off the ball. He's athletic. Gets washed out on run plays by TE. Ricky is thin and isn't a very rugged run defender. Good pass rusher. Quick. Good shoulder dip. Agile, athletic. Likes to get down in a track stance. Good COD. I have concerns about whether he could play DE in the NFL. I think he's best suited for OLB in the 3-4. That would let him attack off the edge without having to take on OTs on every single run play. Had 17.5 sacks in his career. Also had 4 FFs.

I think 3-4 OLB is where he'll end up. Probably a 2nd round pick. Could slide into the 3rd round.

Cooper gives us a big WR, something I wanted.  He is 6'3, 222.  Cooper can beat press coverage and catch the ball with a defender all over him. Could be a good Red Zone threat.  Good STs player.  NotesL:

Developed over time into a good prospect. He can beat press coverage because of his size and strength. Tough, physical WR. He knows how to get open. Occasionally will push off, but is subtle about it. Runs pretty good routes. He lacks ideal speed and quickness, but makes up for that because of his size and hands. He can pluck the ball. While he lacks ideal speed, Riley runs well enough to play in the NFL. He will drop passes on occasion and that is one of the things that will hurt his value a bit. That is a mental / concentration problem and not a physical issue. Caught a skinny post vs SoCar and took it all the way for a 68-yard TD. Has good RAC ability. Caught 30 passes in 3 years. Then caught 51 as a Senior. Averaged more than 18 yards per catch and added 9 TDs.  Ran 4.56 in the 40. 

Solid showing at the Senior Bowl. Good athlete. Has put aside a baseball career for now to focus on the NFL.

Should go in the 3rd or 4th round. 

Both players were great value picks.  They slid because of concerns, but each guy has the potential to be a good role player or possibly starter in the NFL. 
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5 comments:

arby said...

Just got to my destination and got the lowdown. Wow - the entire 4th round has me scratching my head. But the 5th got us 2 great value guys, as you said. No AOA, Edds? Trying to keep an open mind here........

Cliff said...

@ arby

I think we could have been getting ready to select Edds. He was still on the board with 1 pick to go before us and Miami jumped up to select him.

We were obviously targeting a LB in that spot because we took Clayton right after Edds went off the board.

Cliff said...

I haven't been on EMB in a few years, but I feel like going over there to start a "RILEY COOPER IS NOT KEVIN CURTIS/WES WELKER" thread.

Anonymous said...

Add another player to the list of players i want, Lagrette(sp?) Brount

Cliff said...

Well, that's 3 players now from Tommy's list for today.

Eagles draft RB Charles Scott. His weaknesses are said to be the same for pretty much all college RB's: can't block in pass-pro. I haven't heard good things about Scott's receiving either. However, taken this late, I fully expect Scott to be a project and push Buckley for the 3rd spot.

This all makes me wonder... we didn't go after a RB early who could contribute in a big way, so I guess the Eagles are satisfied with McCoy, Weaver, and Bell carrying the load. I don't know if I am, though.