NFL DRAFT SCOUT RISER: Nolan Carroll, CB, Maryland: Maryland's top cover corner was considered a player to watch in 2009 before breaking his leg in the second game of the year. Positive results from the Combine medical reports were a good first step to getting back into the draft conversation, but a 4.37 40 at 6-1, 202 pounds and other excellent results (6.81 three-cone, 17 reps) also helped ease scouts' mind that he's on the way back. - Chad Reuter, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com
Whether our picks pan out or not is obviously to be seen...however, I'm really, really, really happy every defensive guy we grabbed excels in tackling.
Mike Mayock, NFL Network 145 -- Dolphins -- Nolan Carroll Last year, Miami took CBs with their first two picks -- Vonte Davis and Shaun Smith. This year, they add depth with the corner from Maryland, who ran sub-4.4 40 at his pro day. Carroll broke his leg during the second game of the season and was off most team's radars. Sub-4.4 speed. Maybe he'll be our kick returner as well?
Definite BP type corner. Analysis Read & React: Still developing in this area. Understands what the receiver is trying to do and has experience at that position. At his best facing the quarterback and has a good burst to close. Has the straight-line speed to chase receivers across the field. Man Coverage: Physical defender. Will use his hands and body lean to disrupt the timing and route-running of his opponent. A bit high in his backpedal and has a hitch when turning, which negates his straight-line speed. Good size to handle bigger receivers on slants and crossing patterns. Zone Coverage: Improving awareness for zone coverage. Keeps an eye on the underneath receiver and but protects the back end as well. Comes off his man to react to the ball being thrown, but is not so aggressive as to open holes for the quarterback. Closing/Recovery: More fast than he is quick, but has enough of a burst to close downhill and knock the ball away. Competes for the jump ball and has an explosive vertical. Quick, active hands to knock the ball free, but was moved to cornerback from receiver for a reason -- had zero interceptions and nine passes broken up the 2008-09 seasons. Has to show better hand-eye coordination and a greater focus on interceptions than the big hit. Run Support: Fights through receiver blocks to get involved, but is still learning the nuances of the position. Only marginal rip technique to disengage. Good agility to elude bigger blockers. Willing open-field tackler that provides a pop upon contact. Tackling: One of his better areas. Physical and makes the secure stop in the open field. Good strength for the drag-down tackle. Times hits well and can knock the ball out of the receiver's hands to break up the pass. Quality special teams defender that posted seven tackles in 2007. Intangibles: Has struggled with durability throughout his career and missed all but two games in 2009 with a broken right tibia. Underwent surgery on September 18 to have a screw inserted to stabilize the bone. Emerged as a team leader and was voted captain in 2009. Graduated with a degree in Family Science in December.
Everything was a problem last year, including scoring. The Saints led the league in scoring offense and were only 20th in the league in scoring defense. Putting up points matters. Adding one WR to a mediocre offense isn't going to make it great.
All of the scoring offense vs defense is situational as well. Our 2 minute offense was horrible, but we scored points and moved the ball pretty well overall. Our defense gave up waaaay too many big pass plays and at the end of the season gave up too many points in the first half. I think offense is set except maybe another RB to compete with Hilliard & Sheets, and maybe depth on O line.
Gotta just relax guys. FA and the draft are just a part of this. We'll add more to the roster as mini camp and roster cuts happen. A long time before the season starts to finish tweeking the roster. After this has all gone down, I believe they have a plan for all of our holes.
I wont guess the picks, but will make a prediction for each of them. No matter who it is, will be posts on here saying, What a awful pick!, What is this FO doing?, He was going to be available after the draft, and we wasted a pick on him?, Parcells must go!, Ireland must go!, Another terrible pick!, etc, etc, etc......
Such a steal in round 5. I still can't believe Anthony McCoy is still available, I loved watching this guy for USC.