<![CDATA[Prospects to Watch]]> bowllogo.gif

Wake Forest vs. Navy
Saturday, December 20th - 11 AM (ET), ESPN
Wake Forest Prospects
  • Aaron Curry, LB, #59
    • 6'2", 246 lbs., 4.62 40 (estimated)
    • Projected: Round 1
    • I think Nolan Nawrocki's scouting report of Curry puts it best:

      A thickly built, strong, physical, hard-hitting ’backer with the size, instincts and overall athletic ability to line up at any position in a 3-4 or a 4-3 front. Curry’s value in large part stems from his versatility, as few linebackers possess the skill set to be effective at any position in either system. Might not have the overall length desired in a rush linebacker but has been extremely productive playing over the tight end, and his strength at the point of attack and ability to shed blockers is rare. With knuckle-breaking hand strength, he ragdolls blockers and plays a big man’s game with power. The most complete ’backer to come out in a long time, Curry has few deficiencies in his game and easily could fit into the top five. Scouts love his physical skill set.

      Called "the ultimate package" by Mike Mayock, Curry would be an excellent choice for us at the top of Round 1.

  • Alphonso Smith, CB, #2
    • 5'9", 190 lbs., 4.45 40 (e)
    • Projected: late Round 1/early Round 2
    • Smith's one of those guys you have to love: he pukes before every game & never shuts up once he gets on the field. But unlike fat Shaun, Alphonso backs up his talk by making plays. He's a ballhawk in the secondary; with one more pick, he'll tie the ACC record for career INT's. And despite his diminutive size, Smith lays the lumber. In the BC game earlier this year, Smith forced two fumbles by absolutely laying out BC's backup QB (Aaron Curry had knocked their starting QB out of the game).

      Add in Smith's ability as a returner on a specials, and you've got a borderline elite prospect. Were he three inches taller, Smith would be an early Round 1 pick. But because he's 5'9", there's a small chance he could slide into Round 2, where he'd be a great value pick for us.


  • Chip Vaughn, SS, #9
    • 6'2", 214 lbs., 4.52 40 (e)
    • Projected: late Round 3/early Round 4
    • With studs like Curry and Smith getting all the attention, Chip Vaughn has flown a little under the radar. At 6'2", 214 lbs., Vaughn is both able to stop the run and make plays in coverage. If that sounds to you like one our safeties, you're right: nfldraftscout compares Vaughn to (a healthy) Sean Jones.

      If we end up re-signing Jones to a short-term deal, Vaughn could be a guy to bring in as a potential long-term replacement for Jones.

  • Boo Robinson, DT, #96 (rJunior)
    • 6'2", 325 lbs., 5.24 40 (e)
    • Projected: Round 6
    • A big NT with good athleticism, Robinson would be a great value late in the draft. However, I think he may be more of a 4-3 NT: he may not be athletic enough to play 3-4 DE or strong enough to play 3-4 NT.

      If we switch to a 4-3 defense, Robinson could be a serviceable backup to Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams.

  • D.J. Boldin, WR, #4
    • 5'11", 220 lbs., 4.60 40 (e)
    • Projected: UDFA
    • Anquan's little brother is having a breakout season (77 receptions, 782 yards). He's earned for himself a UDFA contract, but I'm not sure he has much of a future in the NFL. His lack of speed probably limits his potential to develop into a pro receiver.
Navy Prospect(s)
  • Eric Kettani, FB, Navy
    • 6'0", 242 lbs., 4.59 40 (e)
    • Projected: UDFA
  • Probably the only Navy player with bigtime potential, Kettani ran for close to 1,000 yards this season. He should have a future as an H-back in the NFL.
]]>https://brownsboard.com/topic/1655/prospects-to-watchRSS for NodeThu, 01 Oct 2026 23:39:14 GMTFri, 19 Dec 2008 01:56:37 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:37:38 GMT]]>I agree, but playing QB successfully in the NFL takes a heck of a lot more than just being a "freak."

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/31670https://brownsboard.com/post/31670Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:37:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:06:15 GMT]]>

mz. said:

I'll take that bet.

I don't want to be right...but freeman is a freak

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/31655https://brownsboard.com/post/31655Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:06:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:32:34 GMT]]>

@solon16 said:

Josh freeman ...will be better than Quinn IMO!

I'll take that bet.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/31159https://brownsboard.com/post/31159Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:32:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:52:11 GMT]]>

Aloysius said:

I agree. I think I compared him earlier in this thread to Joe Thomas. It'd be nice to bookend him with JT; the only concern I'd have is about how much run-mauling he can do from the RT spot. But from the little I've seen, he looks like he'd be an improvement over Kevvy Shaffer.

Fair enough. Still an incredibly boneheaded move on his part, but maybe it isn't as big a red flag as I thought.

What do you think about Willie Tuitama's pro potential? Seems to have all of the requisite physical tools, but his decision-making leaves much to be desired.

Josh freeman if he makes it to second round, will be better than Quinn IMO!

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/31110https://brownsboard.com/post/31110Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:52:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:43:25 GMT]]>

@azbrowns said:

Britton declared and hired Tom Condon. He could be a nice pickup for the Browns in round 2 if he lasts that far, which by all accounts, is possible right now.

I agree. I think I compared him earlier in this thread to Joe Thomas. It'd be nice to bookend him with JT; the only concern I'd have is about how much run-mauling he can do from the RT spot. But from the little I've seen, he looks like he'd be an improvement over Kevvy Shaffer.

And I have to say that I completely disagree with your take on Mike Thomas and his comparison to Syndric Steptoe. Mike thomas is actually one of the more likable guys on the team. Mike Stoops -- a noted disciplinarian -- didn't really act on Thomas after the shove. Thomas still played and set the all time record for receptions in the Pac-10. Why was he not benched? If you know Mike Thomas and his relationship with his coaches, you will know why.

From being at countless practices, I know there are certain players he would never expect that from and one has to be Thomas. Acceptable to shove a coach? Absolutely not, but thomas is far from a hot head and FAR from Steve Smith in terms of attitude. Trust me - a one time deal.

Plus, he is MUCH better than Steptoe. Much better on his feet, can create yards better after the catch, he's a better return guy and despite that game against BYU, he is usually as reliable of a WR as you are going to find.

Fair enough. Still an incredibly boneheaded move on his part, but maybe it isn't as big a red flag as I thought.

What do you think about Willie Tuitama's pro potential? Seems to have all of the requisite physical tools, but his decision-making leaves much to be desired.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/30936https://brownsboard.com/post/30936Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:43:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:06:44 GMT]]>Some possible 2nd rounders I'd like to see are Louis Delmas(S) i think from western michigan and Max Ungar ( C ) from oregon....maybe James Davis RBin fourth from Clemson...if we don't have a third.....Also would love to have rashod Johnson(s) fall to us in second but doubt it! Wouldn't mind shoone green in second if he falls

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/29669https://brownsboard.com/post/29669Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:06:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:12:44 GMT]]> there are more on youtube

i like this guy! nice find.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/29297https://brownsboard.com/post/29297Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:12:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:48:07 GMT]]>I posted this elsewhere, but it got washed away in the midst of all the new coaching hires and I wanted to see if anyone agreed with me or thought I was crazy...

Regarding Javon Ringer, I would stay away from him early on. He's basically the same height/weight/40 time as Darius Walker, a guy who went undrafted after being projected in the mid-rounds because scouts didn't like his measurables (he ran a bad 40 at the combine.)

I realize they aren't exactly comparable when comparing their college statistics (Ringer had a huge career, with huge averages per carry in his first 3 years, rounded off by 1500 yards and 20 touchdowns this year.) But when it comes to the measurables, they're very similar. I'm not sure Ringer will be running over, around, or thru many people in the NFL.

And everytime I've looked at Knowshon Moreno the past 3 years, I've seen...Cadillac Williams. The running style seems to exact to me, but maybe it's just the southeastern football all blending together. Their size/weights are similar as are their 40 times, but Moreno may be the better all around RB (i.e., blitz pickup.) But shit, I'd take a healthy, pre-injury Cadillac Williams any day.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/29276https://brownsboard.com/post/29276Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:48:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:05:28 GMT]]>

Aloysius said:

[*]Eben Britton, LT, Arizona (rJunior): I was wrong to call Britton a mauling-style OT. After watching him closely last night, I'd say he's more a finesse blocking type, albeit with elite skills. I saw him compared on another board to Joe Thomas - that's a fairly good comparison. Britton's got a wider base and may not have feet as good as JT's, but he's a great pass-blocker; BYU's Jan Jorgensen never got close to Arizona's QB. However, Britton won't be dominant in the run game, and he may benefit from spending another year in college bulking up.

If he declares, Britton should be a 1st Round pick. And considering that he played RT last season, I can think of crazier things than us trading down in Round 1, finding our defensive targets all taken, and taking Britton to solidify our o-line.

[*] Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona: I hate this kid. Really. He started the game by dropping an easy catch, getting stripped of the ball (though the refs whistled the play dead), and botching a punt return. And when his coach got in his face about it, he pushed his coach away. This small receiver's got a Steve Smith mentality, but he's not nearly good enough for us to have to put up with his crap. Fortunately, we've already got a guy with a similar skillset (Syndric Steptoe), so we probably won't be taking a flier on this guy late in the draft.

Britton declared and hired Tom Condon. He could be a nice pickup for the Browns in round 2 if he lasts that far, which by all accounts, is possible right now.

And I have to say that I completely disagree with your take on Mike Thomas and his comparison to Syndric Steptoe. Mike thomas is actually one of the more likable guys on the team. Mike Stoops -- a noted disciplinarian -- didn't really act on Thomas after the shove. Thomas still played and set the all time record for receptions in the Pac-10. Why was he not benched? If you know Mike Thomas and his relationship with his coaches, you will know why.

From being at countless practices, I know there are certain players he would never expect that from and one has to be Thomas. Acceptable to shove a coach? Absolutely not, but thomas is far from a hot head and FAR from Steve Smith in terms of attitude. Trust me - a one time deal.

Plus, he is MUCH better than Steptoe. Much better on his feet, can create yards better after the catch, he's a better return guy and despite that game against BYU, he is usually as reliable of a WR as you are going to find.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/29121https://brownsboard.com/post/29121Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:05:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:52:08 GMT]]>

@jewdago said:

charlie murphy! what did the five fingers say to the face?

Slap.jpg

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/29103https://brownsboard.com/post/29103Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:52:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:50:13 GMT]]>charlie murphy! what did the five fingers say to the face?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/29100https://brownsboard.com/post/29100Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:50:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:15:09 GMT]]>Okay, now that I got your attention on the whole darkness post 😆

just wany to mention that you cannot write off Laurinaitis, he played his ass of the other night and showed that he can be used as an everydown LB. In the past I have been critical of his play and even questioned why he was even on the field during 3rd downs. He Laurinaitis has improved his gameplay to where I wouldn't complain with us drafting him 5th overall.

And that is not a homer move.

got it? there is darkness everywhere.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/29080https://brownsboard.com/post/29080Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:15:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:14:29 GMT]]>I caught that. But it isn't the first time, and not just T.

Although, T didn't have to say that either, T and I tend to PM

on stuff...

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/29037https://brownsboard.com/post/29037Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:14:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:05:13 GMT]]>

@calfoxwc said:

mz the pussy, stick a cork in it. You are trying to start crap over here, too?

Why don't you just talk football, and stop with the personal crap ?

Laurinaitis is a hell of a football player. I wouldn't say he's the best lb out there,

but he is easily a top 15 pick, I suppose.

I'd take a very talented INTENSE football player over a super talented prima donna playing for the $$$ every time.

Personally, I can see the Browns trading down, drafting Mathews or Laurinaitis with a later first rounder,

and then picking a RT and Orakpo in the second.

Not many big dlinemen in this draft. I'm tired of the Browns never trading down significantly and getting some extra picks.

This needs to be the year, I don't care how highly rated Curry is.

I wouldn't underestimate Laurinaitis - he isn't A.J. Hawk, but he deserves to be a high or midrange first rounder.

Cal, I think mz the pussy whole point to Mr T was him throwing in the whole "he ain't black enough for you" thing into his post.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/29030https://brownsboard.com/post/29030Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:05:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:03:40 GMT]]>mz the pussy, stick a cork in it. You are trying to start crap over here, too?

Why don't you just talk football, and stop with the personal crap ?

Laurinaitis is a hell of a football player. I wouldn't say he's the best lb out there,

but he is easily a top 15 pick, I suppose.

I'd take a very talented INTENSE football player over a super talented prima donna playing for the $$$ every time.

Personally, I can see the Browns trading down, drafting Mathews or Laurinaitis with a later first rounder,

and then picking a RT and Orakpo in the second.

Not many big dlinemen in this draft. I'm tired of the Browns never trading down significantly and getting some extra picks.

This needs to be the year, I don't care how highly rated Curry is.

I wouldn't underestimate Laurinaitis - he isn't A.J. Hawk, but he deserves to be a high or midrange first rounder.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/29028https://brownsboard.com/post/29028Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:03:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:29:27 GMT]]>

@mr.-t said:

did you read the whole post or did you just digest what you wanted to?

.............Get rid of the stereotyping your players, Laurinaitis, is an all around Football Player and if we sign him then we can say we have 2 Fottball players, that would be Laurinaitis & Cribbs.

I read the whole post, though I'm not sure why I'm reading any of yours at this point...

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/28981https://brownsboard.com/post/28981Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:29:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:30:52 GMT]]>

mz. said:

...

What the fcuk is wrong with you?

did you read the whole post or did you just digest what you wanted to?

.............Get rid of the stereotyping your players, Laurinaitis, is an all around Football Player and if we sign him then we can say we have 2 Fottball players, that would be Laurinaitis & Cribbs.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/28923https://brownsboard.com/post/28923Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:30:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 07:16:52 GMT]]>Wait, Shep. I'm missin somethin here.

James Laurinaitis

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 240 pounds

Curry is the same height, and only 6 lbs heavier, allegedly.

Curry is that much bigger ... how?

and Orakpo is the same height, at 255. and Laurinaitis and Orakpo are better

at diagnosing plays. allegedly.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/28866https://brownsboard.com/post/28866Wed, 07 Jan 2009 07:16:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:34:26 GMT]]>

@mr.-t said:

And what were you saying Laurinaitis is not big enough or is it he isnt dark enough?

...

What the fcuk is wrong with you?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/28722https://brownsboard.com/post/28722Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:34:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:43:43 GMT]]>

@shepwrite said:

Laurinaitis will NOT be on the Browns radar to go next to DQJ. He's not that kind of enforcer and he isn't big enough. Curry will rank WAY ahead of him.

James Laurinaitis

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 240 pounds

D'Qwell Jackson

Height: 6-0

Weight: 240 pounds

And what were you saying Laurinaitis is not big enough or is it he isnt dark enough?

Get rid of the stereotyping your players, Laurinaitis, is an all around Football Player and if we sign him then we can say we have 2 Fottball players, that would be Laurinaitis & Cribbs.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/28503https://brownsboard.com/post/28503Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:43:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:48:13 GMT]]>

@shepwrite said:

Laurinaitis will NOT be on the Browns radar to go next to DQJ. He's not that kind of enforcer and he isn't big enough. Curry will rank WAY ahead of him.

Laurinaitis doesn't get credit like some others because of how Heacock uses him. He is very solid in pass coverage and is alwyas in position to make plays. He's a very smart backer but probably better suited for a 4-3 scheme.

I think Curry is the best LB coming out and he can play in the 3-4 and 4-3. He is as close to a can't miss then anybody in the draft. Put him next to Jackson and I think you got some very good run support.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/28473https://brownsboard.com/post/28473Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:48:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:43:44 GMT]]>

Masters said:

Marcus Freeman is the guy I'd be watching for OSU. That guy makes more big plays than Laurinaitis

I think Freeman was invisible tonight. Although he was dropping into coverage a lot and he didn't have much run support to worry about. Not a showcase game, but I don't think it will hurt him.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/28470https://brownsboard.com/post/28470Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:43:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:17:23 GMT]]>I hope Robiskie has a great game that will help him in the draft. Robiskie is a good player and runs his routes very well not to mention he has Great Hands!

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/28005https://brownsboard.com/post/28005Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:17:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Prospects to Watch on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:38:19 GMT]]>Marcus Freeman is the guy I'd be watching for OSU. That guy makes more big plays than Laurinaitis

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/27766https://brownsboard.com/post/27766Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:38:19 GMT