Category: Scouting Reports – 2012

Mark Barron scouting report

Scouting Reports - 2012
Comments
Mark Barron S Alabama #4
Ht: 6’1″

Wt: 220

Strengths:
Impressive size and strength. Plays a hybrid position for Alabama, lining up all over the field. Used in a variety of roles and has shown the ability to be an incredibly versatile player. Experienced lining up as a free and strong safety, and also lining up closer to the line of scrimmage, essentially acting as an extra linebacker. Has the speed and strength to be effective when blitzing. Hard hitter; has the ability to jar the ball lose. Decent ball skills. Does a great job reading the quarterback and putting himself in position to make a play when in the role of a centerfielder. Height gives him an advantage over most safeties when lined up close to the line of scrimmage, allowing him to see into the backfield; does a great job keeping his eyes on the ball carrier and putting himself in position to make plays.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent tackler; overagressive at times, going for the big hit rather than the wrap-up tackle. Speed is adequate, but nothing special; will struggle with some man coverage assignments at the next level. Missed time in 2010 with a torn pectoral muscle. Arrested in 2010 for “hindering prosecution” for his role in a car accident.
Comments:
Barron is the cream of the crop at safety in this year’s class. When watching Alabama’s defense, Barron’s versatility immediately stands out, as he lines up all over the field. His experience as a leader in Nick Saban’s defense will make him an attractive late 1st or early 2nd-round option for teams looking to fill an immediate hole at strong safety. His lack of elite athleticism puts him a tier below recent top draft picks such as Eric Berry and Earl Thomas, but he still projects as a quality starter with Pro Bowl potential.
Videos:
2011 vs LSU

 

Vinny Curry scouting report

Scouting Reports - 2012
Comments
Vinny Curry DE Marshall #99
Ht: 6’3″

Wt: 260

Strengths:
Adequate height. Good overall size. A smart, patient player. Does a great job playing to the situation; rarely hurts himself by being overaggressive in his effort to get into the backfield, a common flaw among college ends. Has the ability to be a realiable three-down lineman. Effective pass rusher with a variety of moves. Has the quick burst to be an effective speed rusher, but also the strength to use the bull rush on occasion. Experienced lining up at end in 3-4 and 4-3 formations. Has been productive in his few opportunities against elite competition (great game vs Ohio State in 2010). Could potentially play linebacker in a 3-4 system.
Weaknesses:
Athleticism is marginal; will struggle dropping into coverage if moved to linebacker. Marginal speed. May not be a consistent pass-rush threat at the next level. Lacks the speed to make plays in pursuit, but does put forth the effort. Level of competition is a minor concern; hasn’t proven himself against top opponents week after week.
Comments:
Curry lacks the measurables to be considered an elite prospect, but he has a well-rounded skill set which should make him an effective starter at the next level. He’s probably best suited to play with his hand on the ground in a 4-3 system, but 3-4 teams will likely consider him an option at linebacker.
Videos:

 

Brandon Thompson scouting report

Scouting Reports - 2012
Comments
Brandon Thompson DT Clemson # 98
Ht: 6’2″

Wt: 310

Strengths:
A tough, physical player with an impressive motor. Does a great job of staying low and using leverage to his advantage. A strong bull rusher who often draws doubles teams. Uses lack of height to his advantage against taller offensive linemen. Elite quickness off the snap; explodes forward, generating momentum which is difficult for any offensive linemen to slow without help. A decent athlete for his size; will make some plays in pursuit. Plays to the whistle; quick to get up when knocked down. Effort definitely stands out on the field. Has the strength to potentially play nose tackle.
Weaknesses:
Lacks elite size; slightly shorter than most defensive tackles. Limited ability as a pass rusher; lacks an array of pass rush moves to fight his way into the backfield if he doesn’t beat his man off the snap. Lacks the dominant strength to win many double-team matchups; typically more of a space-eater than a difference maker.
Comments:
Thompson lacks the elite measurables of a top prospect at his position, but has the skills necessary to be a starter at the next level. He’s an intelligent player, on and off the field, and has a reputation as a hard worker who plays with an impressive motor on field.
Videos:

 

Chase Minnifield scouting report

Scouting Reports - 2012
Comments
Chase Minnifield CB Virginia #13
Ht: 6’0″

Wt: 185
Strengths:
Adequate height. Decent strength for his size. A physical corner; willing to play press coverage, even against bigger, more physically imposing receivers. A real asset in run support; consistently makes plays in the backfield and used on blitzes on occassion. A smart player who is rarely caught out of position. Elite athleticism; shows good body control and does a nice job playing the ball rather than strictly reacting to receiver. Good ball skills. NFL bloodlines; father Frank was a four-tme Pro Bowler with the Browns in late 1980s.
Weaknesses:
Slightly undersized; would benefit from adding some weight. Hasn’t faced much top competition; only a two-year starter in the ACC where he hasn’t been tested against many elite receivers. Has a tendancey to play too tall at times; will hurt his ability to stay with quicker receivers at the next level.
Comments:
Minnifield lacks the elite measurables (size, speed) but he has been a consistent playmaker over the past two years at Virginia. His upside may be somewhat limited, but he’s a fairly safe bet to develop into a quality nickel corner, at worst. He’s an intelligent player, and coming from a NFL family certainly helps in that regard. He should be able to contribute in some capacity from day one.
Videos:
2011 vs Miami
2011 vs Georgia Tech
2010 vs USC

 

Alfonzo Dennard scouting report

Scouting Reports - 2012
Comments
Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska #15
Ht: 5’10″Wt: 205
Strengths:
Strong for his size; good overall build. Does a nice job turning and getting into position to make plays on the ball. Above-average straight-line speed; has the speed to make up for mistakes. Willing to mix it up at the line of scrimmage with bigger receivers. Plays a surprisingly physical brand of football for a cornerback of his size.
Weaknesses:
Undersized; lacks the height most teams like in their top corners. Struggles to match up with receivers in press coverage; takes too many false steps and easily gets beat – often makes up for mistakes with speed, but that won’t always be possible at the next level. More fast than quick. Not a very enthusiastic tackler; tackles with his arms and tends to shy away from head-on collisions. Ball skills are lacking; does a nice job making plays on the ball but rarely comes down with the interception. Serious injury concerns. Missed time with a shoulder injury in 2009. Missed time with a concussion in 2010. Missed three games with pulled leg muscle in 2011.
Comments:
Dennard was a productive college cornerback, but failed to take his game to a new level as a senior. He has the skills to play at the next level and potentially compete for a starting job down the road, but he lacks the skills necessary to make an immediate impact.
Videos: