Updated: January 22, 2008, 7:17 PM ET espn • It's easy to see why some teams are high on LSU OLB Ali Highsmith. He is a fast-flowing, athletic defender with good closing burst and initial striking power. But Highsmith isn't for everybody. He runs around too many blocks because he lacks the base and strength to win in the phone booth. As a result, he will occasionally get out of position and compromise his unit's gap integrity. Bottom line: Highsmith only has first-round value on a smaller defense that emphasizes athleticism over strength (see: Colts, Buccaneers, Lions, etc.). • LSU CB Chevis Jackson does not possess good top-end speed and likely will need to play in a Cover 2 heavy scheme in the NFL. However, it has not taken long to realize he's the most naturally instinctive cover corner on the South roster. He has an uncanny knack for reading quarterbacks' eyes, as well as anticipating receivers' breaks. other notables: • Tulane RB Matt Forte is making some money in Mobile this week. The 6-foot-1, 221-pound back is proving to scouts on hand that the nation's second-leading rusher in 2007 is not simply a function of lower-level FBS competition. In fact, he is standing out as the most complete back thus far on the South roster -- and that includes Georgia Tech standout Tashard Choice. Forte is a strong, compact runner who displays good burst through the line of scrimmage. He has soft hands and is very comfortable catching the football. He also shows good instincts and the strength to anchor as a pass-blocker. Outside of Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall, Forte could be the highest-rated running back weighing in at 215-plus pounds in a deep 2008 class. Saints are looking to draft mike jenkins (cb) from USF who isnt participating or USCe's Sedrick Ellis (dt) but both will be gone. apparently the pats are after jenkins and the bengals are looking to nab ellis who pick just ahead of the saints. this crap happened when shanahan stole dj williams right before them a couple years back and the saints were dumbfounded. of course they did get will smith i believe. • Sedrick Ellis is a great player. Although he doesn't look the part because he is just 257 pounds and short by NFL standards, Ellis is nearly un-blockable by just one offensive lineman, even against this level of talent. He might be the best football player in Mobile at any position. He gets off the ball with outstanding explosiveness and often beats heavier-footed interior offensive linemen with just his quickness, but he is also an exceptional technique and hands player and his feet never stop moving. Ellis almost always has better pad level than his opponent and has a quick and powerful rip move that he uses to perfection. He is a stunner who can jolt his opponent with his hands and move them backwards with his power. Centers Mike Pollack and John Sullivan were overwhelmed by Ellis in one-on-ones today and probably will be all week long. In 2008, NFL interior linemen might be overwhelmed by Ellis as well. Saints could also use another guy from USC if those 2 are gone: • USC's Keith Rivers clearly is the most complete linebacker prospect on the North roster. In addition to showing great instincts and quickness, Rivers plays with a mean streak. He takes on blockers and fights hard to get through traffic. He looks to be in excellent physical shape, and his range versus both the run and the pass is impressive. projected to go late 1st however so not likely they take him so soon but who knows.
the guys on tv earlier said he looked really good and is more fluid than they thought. i know herm said they understand some are injured but it shows something that they wanted to come out and compete, and that makes a difference.
Okay, you said "Earlier" so I'm not sure if you're aware of the latest development. http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080123/BLOGS01/80123047/1123
I started out with a sr bowl report and somehow turned it into a saints depression thread. not sure how that happened. being its the same injury he had previously at least a round Id guess. (he reinjured it tuesday) still depends on the all-important combine. report from monday pre-injury:
That's too bad for him. He's gotten talked up quite a bit. I hope he can get healthy for the combine.
my commentary is what I was referring. you see, I have actual opinions. :lol::lol: same hammy after already sitting out half the year is a bad sign for early. sucks for him. edit: also Craig Steltz is believed to have nerve damage in the shoulder he injured in the 2Q of the NC game. not good. he had a chance of being a pretty high pick despite his speed.
I know, I just meant so far this week. They knew he was working with an injury before it got worse. I would be willing to bet he could play in the game but most players make their money in practice and realizes he has nothing to gain now. Cadillac Williams practiced all week and didn't play in the game so he wouldn't hurt his stock/didn't want to play/injured.
