<![CDATA[Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd]]>NFL Draft Notebook: Mack's Making Some Moves 643709.jpg

Cal's Alex Mack (Jacobsohn/Getty Images)By Ed ThompsonScout.com Senior NFL Analyst

Posted Mar 23, 2009468498.jpg

Scout.com's top-ranked center, Alex Mack, has a pair of visits this week to a pair of AFC teams. Meanwhile, teams have been working out cornerbacks Don Carey and Joe Burnett, as well as UConn DE Cody Brown. Scout.com Senior NFL Analyst Ed Thompson has the details in his NFL Draft Notebook.

Alex Mack is packing his bags for a pair of visits to AFC North teams this week. According to a source, the former Cal center will spend some time in Baltimore visiting with the Ravens and will also be making a stop in Cleveland to visit with the Browns.

The interesting dynamic at play is that unless the Browns plan to make Mack, Scout.com's top-rated center in this draft class, the No. 5 pick overall, the Ravens could certainly pluck him off the board at No. 26 before Cleveland gets another shot at selecting him.

Another one of the many teams who have been showing interest in Mack is the Atlanta Falcons, who could snag the 6-foot-4, 307-pound center before the Ravens at No. 24 overall. The Falcons are scheduled to work him out on campus on April 3.

All three teams would benefit from Mack's football intelligence and aggressive, but technically-sound style of play. He would be a real asset to any team's offensive line, making the needed adjustments to help protect a young quarterback like Joe Flacco, Brady Quinn or Matt Ryan.

"I think Iā€™m known for being an aggressive offensive lineman. I think I bring a lot to the table as far as finishing plays, playing to the whistle," Mack told the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "In my play, I have a lot of offer as far as attitude on the offensive line."

Mack was the 2008 winner of the Draddy Award, often referred to as the "Academic Heisman" that is awarded to the college football player who excels on the field, in the classroom and in serving the community.

Norfolk State's Don Carey may be from a smaller school, but his skills and intelligence at the cornerback position have certainly been noticed by NFL talent evaluators. He's was only the third player in the school's history to be invited to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine.

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Don Carey at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

Carey told Scout.com during an exclusive interview that he had formal interviews with the Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburg Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Combine. And he's already been put through private workouts by the Seattle Seahawks, on March 16, and the Miami Dolphins, on March 19. The Dolphins are so interested in the 5-foot-11, 192-pound defensive back that they've also invited him for an official visit on April 7.

An extremely bright and hardworking individual, Carey had the grades to gain acceptance at Yale. But when the school didn't offer a football scholarship as well, finances kept him from pursuing that opportunity. So Carey pursued his college education and football career at Norfolk State, where he's currently the head tutor in his department when he's not playing football.

Carey's four years of starting experience and his depth of football intelligence have been a real asset during his conversations with NFL coaches and scouts.

"It's one thing to watch film on a guy and see how he plays on the field. But when you're able to sit down and get into face-to-face conversations, get inside his head, learn how well he knows the game and what direction he's going with his life, you get a more complete impression of him," he explained. "I think I've impressed a lot of people with my knowledge of the game, how well I was able to comprehend their playbook and explain my own."

During his senior year, Carey intercepted five passes, recovered a pair of fumbles, made 42 tackles, defended six passes and blocked a kick.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/topic/4447/squeelers-and-stupid-dirty-ratbirds-have-to-be-po-dRSS for NodeThu, 01 Oct 2026 08:45:50 GMTMon, 27 Apr 2009 16:31:00 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sun, 03 May 2009 23:26:09 GMT]]>

@snatch98 said:

The same could be said for Mendenhall but he much like Timmons couldn't have been expected to start or contribute a great deal immediately because neither play were drafted to start immediately but rather be groomed for a position.

which is code for: STEROIDS! STEROIDS! STEROIDS!

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/68340https://brownsboard.com/post/68340Sun, 03 May 2009 23:26:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sun, 03 May 2009 23:21:12 GMT]]>

@riffer-x said:

Me too, but I also started drinking Iron City, rolling my own and banging fat......? women I'd guess you call them.

Teeth are overrated, when you can save up enough for dentures it's like a status symbol.

Is there a term for trolling a board that considers your side the majority? I'm all for rivalry, but it doesn't have to resort to jr high insults to maintain it. Just honest competition and a passion for the other guy eating some well earned crow.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/68338https://brownsboard.com/post/68338Sun, 03 May 2009 23:21:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sun, 03 May 2009 07:02:08 GMT]]>

Aloysius said:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that Timmons was expected to contribute immediately, but a nagging groin injury & Harrison's emergence prevented it from happening. Definitely don't think the Steelers drafted him with the plans of playing him at ILB - IIRC, he spent his rookie camp working almost exclusively outside.

And it could be that the Steelers' coaches think Hood needs a year or two to develop. But if one or both of your aging DE's gets hurt, wouldn't he be expected to contribute now? If not, you'd be in the same position as you were in '07, when Aaron Smith got hurt & your run defense went into the crapper.

Something tells me that this won't be a redshirt year for Hood. And I'm not sure you'll be pleased with what he's able to give you guys, at least right away.

Timmons was drafted because of his freakish athletic ability and what Pittsburgh believed to be position flexibility which seems to be a staple of the Tomlin era thus far. Once again based on what I've read since he was drafted. If he were drafted to start at OLB he would have had to beat out at least Woodley who is one hell of a OLB. If you ask me he wasn't drafted to play only OLB but has the ability to play outside backer. (You are correct it's definitely his more suited position) He's now obviously going to play inside and I'm sure the Steelers drafted him to contribute but start?

It would all weigh on whether he could beat out Woodley and because of his injury he didn't. The same could be said for Mendenhall but he much like Timmons couldn't have been expected to start or contribute a great deal immediately because neither play were drafted to start immediately but rather be groomed for a position. As far as the Smith injury is concerned it hurt more than it maybe should have because Kiesel was also banged up at the time. I'm confident in Eason and Kirschke (sp) to step in and contribute in a rotation with Hood if something were to happen with either Smith or Keisel. They had a DE rotation quite a bit last season.

EDIT: The article I'm trying to dig up is a Q&A post draft with Colbert and Arians where they state their war room board to a degree.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/68197https://brownsboard.com/post/68197Sun, 03 May 2009 07:02:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sun, 03 May 2009 04:12:11 GMT]]>

@snatch98 said:

Actually both our defensive line coach and LB coach said he's light years from starting as it stands and if anything he'll contribute on a situational basis. They drafted him for defensive line depth not to come in and play right away. I'm sure you've picked up on the recent Steeler trends. Timmons and Woodley didn't contribute much year one besides Woodley's playoff performance against Jacksonville. Year two it's a completely different story and neither player needed to contribute year one nor were they expected to contribute to a tremendous degree, ultimately because of the amount of talent already on the roster.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that Timmons was expected to contribute immediately, but a nagging groin injury & Harrison's emergence prevented it from happening. Definitely don't think the Steelers drafted him with the plans of playing him at ILB - IIRC, he spent his rookie camp working almost exclusively outside.

And it could be that the Steelers' coaches think Hood needs a year or two to develop. But if one or both of your aging DE's gets hurt, wouldn't he be expected to contribute now? If not, you'd be in the same position as you were in '07, when Aaron Smith got hurt & your run defense went into the crapper.

Something tells me that this won't be a redshirt year for Hood. And I'm not sure you'll be pleased with what he's able to give you guys, at least right away.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/68175https://brownsboard.com/post/68175Sun, 03 May 2009 04:12:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sun, 03 May 2009 02:38:49 GMT]]>

@ytownbrownsbacker said:

Yea but he'll catch up real fast since he won't be getting arrested and spending time in court.

Oh i know man a couple of joints he willingly forked over to the police. Horrible, absolutely HORRIBLE. šŸ™„

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/68152https://brownsboard.com/post/68152Sun, 03 May 2009 02:38:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sat, 02 May 2009 18:08:07 GMT]]>

@snatch98 said:

Don't you mean "here is to hoping" because yes Robiskie should be a good pro he's got some catching up to do to be compared to Holmes.

Yea but he'll catch up real fast since he won't be getting arrested and spending time in court.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/68062https://brownsboard.com/post/68062Sat, 02 May 2009 18:08:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sat, 02 May 2009 17:49:09 GMT]]>

@mr.-t said:

Oh really?

you're a real sicko!

Genius, pure genius. šŸ™„

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/68054https://brownsboard.com/post/68054Sat, 02 May 2009 17:49:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sat, 02 May 2009 12:06:48 GMT]]>

Zombo said:

Just a-tossin' and a-turnin', Bud.

We envy you soooooo much.

Zombo

--I even had some teeth removed, gained 80 pounds eating kielbasa and possum, and moved into your mom's trailer park for full effect.

Me too, but I also started drinking Iron City, rolling my own and banging fat......? women I'd guess you call them.

Teeth are overrated, when you can save up enough for dentures it's like a status symbol.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67958https://brownsboard.com/post/67958Sat, 02 May 2009 12:06:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sat, 02 May 2009 06:26:42 GMT]]>

Zombo said:

We will sleep better knowing that we have your stamp of approval.

Zombo

Glad I could help you. I know how poorly you browns fans have slept this past decade watching the STEELERS rule.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67940https://brownsboard.com/post/67940Sat, 02 May 2009 06:26:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sat, 02 May 2009 06:01:59 GMT]]>

@snatch98 said:

Really? I'd suck the big one otherwise. You're one of the greatest absolutely brilliant individuals on this message board and I guarantee you I'm a member of that fabled stoolers massage club. I can also guarantee you that I have serviced every hobo in Pittsburgh with great pleasure while wiping my milk mustache. McShay who I think is a dumb ass has you picking 2nd in next years draft. The Browns are going to finish first in the division. I wish that I could get some young boy, but my herpes scares the world and when excited me dreams of Big Gay Ben because he is my fantasy that should do..

Oh really?

you're a real sicko!

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67939https://brownsboard.com/post/67939Sat, 02 May 2009 06:01:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sat, 02 May 2009 05:26:59 GMT]]>

@mr.-t said:

Do you really think your opinion of the stoolers holds water around here? Everyone thinks you talk out of your arse hole.

You ignorant stoolers fans are over here wondering if this is the year you're reign over the AFC North ends. So why dont you go talk your yibberish yabberdish whatever you yinzers speak in, over on a stoolers board.

Really? I'd wager otherwise. You're one of the few absolutely clueless individuals on this message board and I guarantee you I'm not a member of that fabled club. I can also guarantee you not a soul in Pittsburgh is worried about the Browns making a push for the division. McShay who I think is a dumb ass has you picking 2nd in next years draft. Get real T-bag the browns aren't going to win the division. The Browns aren't even going to finish second in the division. It's wishful thinking and I get it, you have all the reason in the world to be excited because getting excited about your team is what any fan should do..HOWEVER plenty of people were pegging the Browns as the next Super Bowl champs last season and what happened? 4-12....BUT simply laying claim to the division is in fact a less lofty prediction so maybe there is progress....either way I guess we'll find out.

EDIT: And Al McBean was a 4th or 5th round draft pick. I believe it was 5th round so to compare potential outcome with McBean is just a tad irrational.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67934https://brownsboard.com/post/67934Sat, 02 May 2009 05:26:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sat, 02 May 2009 05:19:57 GMT]]>

AdaM said:

Holmes also hasn't done all that much. So its possible.

He's done plenty since being a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers most importantly the Super Bowl winning TD grab that has already been mentioned as well as more than a few game changing plays when his number is called. I'm not going to say he's Jerry Rice or Lynn Swann but he is a damn good receiver and I'm thankful he's a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67932https://brownsboard.com/post/67932Sat, 02 May 2009 05:19:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sat, 02 May 2009 03:23:34 GMT]]>The only way the steelers lose the division this year is if they get really drunk and leave it with their car keys. šŸ˜†

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67899https://brownsboard.com/post/67899Sat, 02 May 2009 03:23:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sat, 02 May 2009 02:14:37 GMT]]>

@snatch98 said:

Actually both our defensive line coach and LB coach said he's light years from starting as it stands and if anything he'll contribute on a situational basis. They drafted him for defensive line depth not to come in and play right away. I'm sure you've picked up on the recent Steeler trends. Timmons and Woodley didn't contribute much year one besides Woodley's playoff performance against Jacksonville. Year two it's a completely different story and neither player needed to contribute year one nor were they expected to contribute to a tremendous degree, ultimately because of the amount of talent already on the roster. Mendenhall and Sweed in my opinion will be no different and the same will likely be said about Ziggy Hood. Pittsburgh doesn't need immediate contribution from their rookie class so they drafted high motor, high character guys and will mold them to fit the system. I really only expect Mike Wallace, Summers and the two corners to really contribute this year but we'll see. Urbik may hit a rotation. Pittsburgh isn't expecting much from Ziggy Hood year one and they don't have to that's the point.

And Mr. T.................lol

Do you really think your opinion of the stoolers holds water around here? Everyone thinks you talk out of your arse hole.

You ignorant stoolers fans are over here wondering if this is the year you're reign over the AFC North ends. So why dont you go talk your yibberish yabberdish whatever you yinzers speak in, over on a stoolers board.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67889https://brownsboard.com/post/67889Sat, 02 May 2009 02:14:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sat, 02 May 2009 01:52:16 GMT]]>Bradshaw 4 Super Bowls, Hall of Fame,

Jones 0

Sometimes you guys are just so clueless. We have no argument.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67883https://brownsboard.com/post/67883Sat, 02 May 2009 01:52:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Sat, 02 May 2009 01:47:55 GMT]]>This coming from a fan base that considers Turkey Jones slamming of Terry Bradshaw after the play and injuring him one of the franchise's highlights.

Yeah, I was at that game about 8 years old in the bleachers.

It was pretty cool wasn't it? I really dug it when Brawshaw was kicking his legs he was in so much pain. He held up the game though being such a bitch cuz it took like a half hour for the ambulance to come out and carry his puss ass away.

God that hillbilly looked stupid.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67881https://brownsboard.com/post/67881Sat, 02 May 2009 01:47:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Fri, 01 May 2009 21:48:56 GMT]]>

AdaM said:

Holmes also hasn't done all that much. So its possible.

Holmes isn't the second coming of Jerry Rice or Lynn Swann sure, but give credit where credit is due. He was half of that final drive to the endzone in the last Super Bowl. He caught the game winning touchdown. It's a modest measure of accomplishment, more than can be said for a good portion of the rest of the league. But then again, look what happened to Plaxico Burress...

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67797https://brownsboard.com/post/67797Fri, 01 May 2009 21:48:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Fri, 01 May 2009 21:12:41 GMT]]>

@snatch98 said:

Don't you mean "here is to hoping" because yes Robiskie should be a good pro he's got some catching up to do to be compared to Holmes.

Holmes also hasn't done all that much. So its possible.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67792https://brownsboard.com/post/67792Fri, 01 May 2009 21:12:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Fri, 01 May 2009 20:26:07 GMT]]>

@timugen said:

Don't waste your time. Stooler fans think it's admirable to take cheap shots at guys completely out of the play. That douche is probably pounding his man-breasts in vicarious celebration for what Harrison did on that play that was half the field away from him.

This coming from a fan base that considers Turkey Jones slamming of Terry Bradshaw after the play and injuring him one of the franchise's highlights.

I actually know quite a few Stains fans who wish you had a guy with a mean streak like Harrison has in him. So he took a swipe at a player on the field during the game? Like that has never happened before. The guy did go after his knee first, but is that ever mentioned?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67784https://brownsboard.com/post/67784Fri, 01 May 2009 20:26:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Fri, 01 May 2009 19:17:51 GMT]]>Why would the STEELERS be POd about you picking up Mack? We ended up with a very good draft.

It's nice to see that the browns actually made some decent moves to try and improve your team. You still have alot of question marks, but I see certain improvement.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67759https://brownsboard.com/post/67759Fri, 01 May 2009 19:17:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Fri, 01 May 2009 18:31:01 GMT]]>

@oldcrow1945 said:

Since Washington left Wallace fell into the perfect situation.

Even though he's a big guy I expected Sweed to get more playing time than Wallace. How does Dallas Baker look?

I think with the drafting of Wallace that Baker is either going to be camp fodder or a practice squad guru. I guess we'll find out but Bakers involvement has been minimal since he was first signed. As far as Sweed is concerned I 100% expect him to play more than Wallace and hope that he's all that he was cracked up to be coming out of Texas. I think if he get his confidence up he's going to be a dangerous, dangerous man. He's proven he can get open he just needs to haul in the pass and I think he will this season.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67750https://brownsboard.com/post/67750Fri, 01 May 2009 18:31:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Fri, 01 May 2009 17:59:20 GMT]]>

@snatch98 said:

I really only expect Mike Wallace,

Since Washington left Wallace fell into the perfect situation.

Even though he's a big guy I expected Sweed to get more playing time than Wallace. How does Dallas Baker look?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67743https://brownsboard.com/post/67743Fri, 01 May 2009 17:59:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Fri, 01 May 2009 17:50:13 GMT]]>

@neohionative said:

There's been talk for over a season now about the possibility of making Cribbs try out a safety position

I really wish this would happen but I seriously doubt it will. The guy is such a sure tackler and head hunter on special teams that I can't help but think he could play safety and be successful..

He could still return as well.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67741https://brownsboard.com/post/67741Fri, 01 May 2009 17:50:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Squeelers and stupid dirty ratbirds have to be po'd on Fri, 01 May 2009 17:40:29 GMT]]>

AdaM said:

Here's to Robiskie making Holmes look bad.

Don't you mean "here is to hoping" because yes Robiskie should be a good pro he's got some catching up to do to be compared to Holmes.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/67736https://brownsboard.com/post/67736Fri, 01 May 2009 17:40:29 GMT