Let's use today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile to look at a player I have seen taken by the New York Giants in the middle rounds of a couple of recent extended mock drafts. Today's focus is on USC defensive tackle, Jurrell Casey.
To be honest, I can't see much reason to get excited about the reports on this player. All I needed to read was "questionable work habits" and "has some lazy to his game." After that, I don't need to know any more. I don't want guys who could, or should, be better than they are but simply don't give you maximum effort.
Scouting reports after the jump.
Jurrell Casey
DT, USC
6-foot, 300 pounds
Projection: Middle rounds
Scouting Reports
From Sideline Scouting:
Positives: Reasonably good speed... Good burst off the snap... Disruptive... Explodes into the gap... Good quickness... Penetrates... Very solid strength... Reasonably stout and can push the pocket when he stays low... Good technique... Uses his hands well... Very solid balance... Good arsenal... Solid swim, rip and club moves... Plays the run well... Wide base... Good anchor... Can clog the middle...Good change of direction agility... Does a nice job in pursuit... Gets to the ball carrier... Good tackler... Good motor... Does not give up on plays... Has a nose for the football... Consistent... Durable, has played in all but one game over three seasons... Selected All-Pac Ten first team for the 2010 season.
Negatives: Lacks any real size... Arms are shorter than ideal... Squatty... Top heavy... Does not get off blocks especially well... Can be pushed around at the point of attack... Questionable work habits... Relies on speed too much... Plays too high.
From National Football Post:
Possesses a thick upper body, looks a bit disproportionate and seems to have a lot of excess girth through the midsection. Would worry about his body fat level a bit because he isn't the most impressively put together interior lineman. However, has a long set of arms and an explosive initial first step and can win off the snap.
Isn't the most impressive run defender when asked to hold the point of attack. Needs to be able to shoot gaps, play off blocks and win with his first step. Doesn't do a great job extending his arms into contact and despite his respectable pad level, allows defenders to get their hands under him and drive him off the ball consistently. Does a much better job when asked to one-gap inside, can drop his shoulder, maintain level and fight his way through contact and also does a good job using his length to play the piano down the line and work toward the football. Possesses only an average closing burst in pursuit, but breaks down well and uses his length to wrap well on his man.
Impression: Looks a bit heavy from the waist up and doesn't anchor as well as his thick, squatty frame would lead you to believe. However, he has a good get off, can keep pad level down when he wants and has some lateral quickness and length to shed blocks. Has the talent to make an impact as a one-gap guy in the league, but I do have major questions about is willingness to work at it. Has some lazy to his game.