Thursday, April 24, 2008

ATL_eagle Scouting Service, Part 2

This looks at the two critical contributors. One who'll probably get drafted and one who will likely go the undrafted free agent route.


Jo-Lonn Dunbar, LB

The scout's take: Great fundamentals, great instincts, great productivity...a little undersized and a lacking "2nd" gear speed.


My take: I don't think he is a game changer, but I do think Jo-Lonn can be a productive linebacker in the NFL if given the chance. The challenge for Dunbar will be position and scheme. The scouts mention his speed as an issue in pass coverage. I think it was more about coverage skills and instinct. Jo-Lonn was good at sitting in a zone and watching the QB's eyes, but was less capable at picking up a pass catcher coming into his area. A good tackler and run stopper, I would think he'd be more suited for a MLB role, but the NFL is listing him as an OLB.

Andre Callender, RB

The scout's take: Good pass catcher, runs hard, productive senior year...average speed, average blocker, not a big play threat.

My take: This process has surprised me. I never felt Callender was a star, but thought his Senior year and good Pro Day would generate some late round interest. Yet it doesn't look good. The NFL.com doesn't even have a profile for him. If I try to be objective, I understand where teams might not be interested. Why waste a pick on a late bloomer who some might view as a product of the system. Since he is likely headed the free agent route, I hope Callender's agents give him good advice. He needs to be in an offense that maximizes his talents. Indy, St. Louis, Seattle, and Detroit all like backs who can act as pass catchers. As for the scout's take, I only quibble with one portion -- the blocking. AC is a good blocker and excellent at blitz pick up.

1 comment:

Big Jack Krack said...

Best of luck to Jo-Lonn and Andre.

Someone will pick up Andre and he'll be successful. Clemson fans are glad they will never see him again.