Josh Norris and Jenna Corrado talk through exposures and highlights of 2015 NFL Draft prospects, hoping to put their play and evaluation in perspective.
Page One: Devin Funchess and Jameis Winston
Page Two: Ronnie Stanley and Ty Montgomery
Page Three: Michael Dyer
Michigan WR Devin Funchess
Junior - 6’5/230 lbs
I prefer Funchess at wide receiver. Granted, there is not much of a difference in terms of receiving roles, but I do not see the point of ever playing Funchess inline.
The comparison I have made all along is to Kelvin Benjamin, mainly for how the two will be used. Funchess can be a lethal vertical receiver, thanks to his downfield speed and potential catch radius. He might not be quite as consistent Benjamin on 50/50 balls, however, Funchess is better in the short to intermediate areas and after the catch.
For a quick take on receivers who play the small versus big versus both game, I discussed the topic here.
FSU QB Jameis Winston
Redshirt Sophomore - 6'4/230 lbs
The above video highlights the issues that have led to the dichotomy between Winston’s first half and second half play in games this season.
FSU’s offensive line has taken a step back this season, but on the first play you can see Winston compounded the problem by not taking advantage of a clean pocket on his first read. Instead of getting rid of the ball, Winston retreats and throws off his back foot with minimal velocity to receivers that win on the ground. That all combines into an interception.
The second play displays what we see more often: positive pocket movement and eye level to find a receiver downfield. In this case, a running back who altered his route. Winston throws a dart while on the move in perfect position.
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Josh Norris and Jenna Corrado talk through exposures and highlights of 2015 NFL Draft prospects, hoping to put their play and evaluation in perspective.
Page One: Devin Funchess and Jameis Winston
Page Two: Ronnie Stanley and Ty Montgomery
Page Three: Michael Dyer
Notre Dame LT Ronnie Stanley
Redshirt Sophomore - 6'5/315
This summer I suggest Ronnie Stanley could emerge as a top 50 selection despite moving to left tackle for the first time this season. After a number of games playing at that spot, I believe that prediction does not give Stanley enough credit.
Stanley understands the most important aspects of playing offensive line. 1) Functional strength. Every 300+ pounder will be strong in the weight room, but converting that and applying it to the field is another story. 2) Use of frame, size and length. Big bodies are difficult to get around. Use your mass to your advantage. 3) Balance. Do not waist bend. Do not overextend. Be patient with your punch and posture and use that length advantage.
I am not a coach. I do not know the details of footwork or every piece of technique. Most of all, I am looking for these linemen to accomplish their job. Sometimes it will be dominate, sometimes it will look ugly. Do not let a few poor plays cloud your judgment with offensive linemen - they all have them. Look at the full body of work.
Stanford WR Ty Montgomery
Senior - 6'1/215
Many rank Montgomery as one of the top prospects at his position. I cannot and consider him a fringe top 10 receiver.
There are obvious areas where Montgomery wins: with the ball in his hands with a physical running style and straight-line speed. Many of these touches are on returns, screens, carries and vertical passes. In his current form, Montgomery is next in line to receive the “manufactured touches” label, as a large number of his targets are plays called specifically for him. That restricts and limits the offense in my opinion.
Montgomery has great long speed, but for some reason he does not sustain it in routes or breaks, which limits his separation skills. Also, he is not consistent in contested situations.
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Josh Norris and Jenna Corrado talk through exposures and highlights of 2015 NFL Draft prospects, hoping to put their play and evaluation in perspective.
Page One: Devin Funchess and Jameis Winston
Page Two: Ronnie Stanley and Ty Montgomery
Page Three: Michael Dyer
Louisville RB Michael Dyer
Senior - 5'9/212
Let me start by noting the misspeak at the end of the video. I said Dyer would be 28 or 29 by the end of his rookie year. I meant to say deal. It was a slip, but I apologize.
Dyer’s college career has been quite a journey. He has dealt with a quad injury and a hernia in the last year, and honestly looked a bit hobbled when running against Notre Dame. However, he was able to create yards on his own after first contact, which is a separating trait among running backs.
I am not saying it is consistent, but evaluators will have to conclude if it can be a trait that is seen more often.
