FS Prospects

by isuarch80 on Apr 27, 2009 10:53 AM CDT Comment 9 comments

According to CollegeFootballNews.com, a Scout affiliate, there are several top FS prospects that went undrafted. I don't know if we're done calling around with the list that was posted earlier, but it would be smart to grab one or two of these guys, just to see...

http://cfn.scout.com/2/860536.html

2. Otis Wiley, FS Michigan State 6-2, 210 Put him at strong safety and he’ll be a disaster. Put him at free safety and he could be a Pro Bowl performer with a little bit of time. Great in run support and tough enough to be like an extra linebacker, he sniffs out running plays and always makes the stop. However, he’s not known for being a tough player and has had injury issues. With his size and his range, he could be all over the field making plays if he’s given the chance, but he’ll likely be used early on in nickel and dime packages. If he can stay healthy, he could be a late steal.

CFN Value Rank: Fifth Round CFN Position Rank: 9

7. C.J. Spillman, FS Marshall 6-0, 195Fast, fast, fast. He makes up for a lack of bulk with blazing 4.45 speed and 41.5" vertical leaping ability. He’s not going to tackle anyone and he has a problem staying healthy, but he’s a willing run supporter who’ll give it a shot when he has to step up and make a stop. As athletic as he is, he doesn’t always play like it and will get beaten against the pass. His money will be made early on as a special teamer. He’ll be a star gunner.

CFN Value Rank: Fifth Round CFN Position Rank: 15

10. Emmanuel Cook, FS South Carolina 5-10, 205 (Jr.) Very athletic with good quickness and nice range, he has the basic skills to be an NFL free safety. A more than willing tackler, he’ll do whatever is necessary to get into the mix to bring a player down and he doesn’t miss any stops. Unfortunately, he’s not a strong safety and he’s a liability against the pass. He doesn’t make things happen when the ball is in the air and struggled to stay with the most marginal of receivers. If he’s used as a run stopper, he’ll fight his way onto a team, but he’ll strictly be a situational defender who could be picked apart in passing situations.

CFN Value Rank: Fifth Round CFN Position Rank: 16

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Comments

I was hoping they would draft Spillman

I thought the other 2 were projected more as SS by the draft “experts”. But I’m guessing all three have already been picked up as undrafted FAs. Looks like its Craig Steltz, Josh Bullocks, and Zach Bowman; I think there is enough talent there to get some decent production this year, and they should all have a chance to improve even more in future seasons after playing in the system this year.

by gillrowdy on Apr 27, 2009 11:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It was labeled a very weak draft class at safety

So… if the guys in a weak draft class didn’t get selected… it doesn’t bode well for their future.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Apr 27, 2009 2:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I get that...

But it doesn’t hurt to have multiple options of weaker players to create competition and find someone that can play more than special teams and/or 3 preseason games. Even considered weak – it’d still allow for options and maybe a surprise comes along…

-Jmac

by isuarch80 on Apr 27, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thing is...

they already have a number of options competing on the current roster, because it is a position of weakness, that they’re trying to solve.

So… they signed veteran Josh Bullocks, and invited veteran Glenn Earl to mini-camp for a tryout (and signed him afterwards). And, they are also experimenting with 2008 draft pick, Zack Bowman, at FS as well.

So, they have 4 guys competing already: Steltz, Bullocks, Earl, and Bowman. If there was an opportunity to draft someone better than those 4 guys, it probably would’ve happened.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Apr 27, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really just want them to get rid of Bullocks...

Because he’s the guy that scares me the most. I don’t think Earl is a good FS, but I’d rather have him, or Steltz, or Bowman back there than Bullocks. I really cannot believe how someone that looked really bad on an already bad Saints defense is someone we would even contemplate bringing here.

by Sklz711 on Apr 27, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Bulloks was brought in to be crowned starter

I don’t know If “depth” is the right word, but I think Lovie and Jerry view him as collateral if either Steltz or Bowman don’t pan out.

Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!

by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 27, 2009 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

because the Saints had a bad defense

Bullocks had to compensate for missed assignments by other players. Just that little bit of hesitation when you doubt your teammates abilities to make a play can be disastrous. I’m not sure if Bullocks can be a good safety for the Bears or not, but he has good size, speed, and was once thought of pretty highly. I definitely want to give him a chance to work with the Bears coaches and think he has way more potential to help the team this year than any undrafted/late-drafted rookie.

by gillrowdy on Apr 28, 2009 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

any thoughts to current FS's that might be available?

i suspect some WRs might come loose/available in trades post-draft (esp. braylon edwards, given the browns draft), but what about FSs? i can’t think of anyone off the top of my head, but there are always some good players released between the draft and training camp. hopefully a good FS is amongst them.

by guy incognito on Apr 27, 2009 3:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Trade for Mike Huff?

He hasn’t done shit in Oakland, maybe a change of scenery could help him? I think I read somewhere that Ko Simpson from Buffalo was on the block during draft day as well. I don’t have a link but I’ll def look it up.

"The phone's for you, I think it's the Devil."

by Acreman20 on Apr 28, 2009 4:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs