Scouting Report Request from the Falcoholic

by Jason Kirk on Mar 9, 2010 2:46 PM EST

Afternoon, Dawgs fans.

Dropping by from SB Nation's Atlanta Falcons blog with a request for scouting info on UGA's potential 2010 draftees. Planning a post on local guys the Falcons could draft, ranked by how likely we are to pick them up.

As a Tech fan (BOOOO) who sees only a couple UGA games per year, I have a few questions, especially about Rennie Curran and Reshad Jones.

Jones plays a position at which the Falcons are set with young talent. Is there any way he could convert to cornerback? That might sound like a stupid, stupid question, but I just want to make sure. Otherwise he'd probably be ranked right around last on the Draftability Scale, as nobody intentionally drafts a backup in round 2-3.

How do you see Curran translating to the NFL? I know he plays the run very well and wasn't asked to blitz much, but do you have any sense of his pass rush skills? That's likely to be Concern 1A for Atlanta in this draft. Pass coverage? I'm guessing he played special teams as a freshman or so -- HOW'D THAT GO? Curran seems to have pretty high Falcon Draftability at this point.

Also, any comments you could lend on any other likely or possible draft picks -- Geno Atkins, Jeff Owens, Prince Miller, etc. -- would be super appreciated.

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Reshad Jones is not going to play CB anytime soon. He’s a bigger S, over 6’, and 220 or heavier. Good speed, but he’s not strong in man coverage and would be better at LB than CB, although SS seems to suit him fine. I’d agree though that with the Falcons restructured defensive backfield, he makes no sense as an addition.

Rennie Curran, undersized and imo not a likely pick. He’s not very good at pass rushing, struggled in coverage the last couple years, is undersized so taking on blockers isn’t his strong suit. Perhaps he can find the right situation and grow from there as he would be a solid special teams player to start, so the Falcons might take him in the 6th or 7th. Any higher would be a reach.

Prince Miller, if he gets drafted I’ll be shocked. You don’t start over 30 games at CB and get regular playing time at a major college for 4 years, recording only a single interception, and get drafted. Someone might sign him as an undrafted FA to see if he can become a kick returner, but undersized CBs with poor tackling and poor ball skills aren’t generally high on anyone’s list for draft picks.

Geno Atkins—good quick DT. If the Falcons can land him in the mid rounds, he’d be a nice pickup adding depth and the ability to penetrate up front. Undersized, so may end up as a strongside end, but a good 1 gap DT.

Jeff Owens—bigger, and not as fast as Owens. Would also be a good mid round pick, although he was much more productive pre-knee injury than post, although many say it takes a full two years to completely recover (which would be his rookie year).

Kade Weston is bigger than Owens, and would be a solid mid round pick as well adding to DT depth. Not much of a pass rusher, but big and can control the tackle box.

Vince Vance is a big OL, probably best suited for G. Not a great player in college but someone may take a chance on him late for size alone.

by Mr. Sanchez on Mar 9, 2010 3:36 PM EST reply actions

I agree with most of what you say...

…but after strong combine performances, several scouts have predicted that both Geno and Jeff could be first round picks. To think that they would be around in the mid-rounds (which to me is 3rd through 5th) is a bit much. They would both have to slip a good bit to be taken that late.

by hailtogeorgia on Mar 9, 2010 7:42 PM EST up reply actions

WHAT?

Where is that coming from? Not that I’m against it, I’ve just heard the exact opposite, and would expect them to go late-to-middle well before I’d see them go in the first.

by blackertai on Mar 10, 2010 1:29 AM EST up reply actions

I've seen it a few different places...

…some of which was just watching the combine on NFL Network and seeing the analysts talk about the two of them. Jeff put up 44 reps of 285, something that really showed how he would be able to get an initial push against offensive lineman. Both Jeff and Geno had pretty good speed for defensive tackles, even though they are a bit undersized. Mike Mayock and some of those guys were really impressed with them. Here’s a link following the Senior Bowl, just fyi: http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2010/01/31/former-dogs-owens-and-atkins-first-round-picks/

by hailtogeorgia on Mar 10, 2010 8:41 AM EST up reply actions

And just for good measure...

here’s another one with Owens in the first round: http://today.sportingnews.com/sportingnewstoday/20100309#pg1

by hailtogeorgia on Mar 10, 2010 1:10 PM EST up reply actions

Not saying they won't go that high, cause they might...

but personally, I’d target both in the mid rounds and not the 1st. Late 2nd-4th personally. I liked both of them, don’t get me wrong, but just never felt like either was that level of player to warrant a first rounder. Can Geno play every down? Is Jeff that productive? Both can have long NFL careers, but I tend to think of 1st round picks as Pro Bowl level considering what they get paid.

by Mr. Sanchez on Mar 10, 2010 2:59 PM EST up reply actions

Jones is a safety, and I don't think he could switch to CB

And Curran is a beast, though he may be too short to help the Dirty Birds with their coverage needs. He wasn’t just playing special teams as a true freshman – he was starting. He sheds blocks well and gets through the line quickly, like a slashing running back in reverse. Very sure tackler and a weightroom wonder. The only knock on Curran is his height. I bet he can get drafted for reserve MLB and Special Teamer, and may play his way into a starting spot. He’s a hero to us Dawgs: a solid character guy with a high motor, great instincts, and a penchant for making the clutch plays. We’ll miss him, and here’s hoping he’s a Falcon.

by first and thom on Mar 9, 2010 3:43 PM EST reply actions

Much as I love the Dawgs,

there’s been plenty of times the last couple of years when I wouldn’t have drafted anyone from our secondary to play for US, let alone an NFL team.

by RJohn on Mar 9, 2010 4:30 PM EST reply actions

True...

But how much of that is talent and how much is coaching? We may never know.

My feeling is that Willie started seriously slipping as a secondary coach once he became the DC… Which is understandable but didn’t do his DB’s any favors.

I don’t know about Miller, but Reshad Jones has the ability… I’m just not sure he’s been properly taught how to use it.

Also, if any of you have NFL connections there is a “unique” DB available from Georgia who the Saints really should look at with their first pick.. #3 in your programs, #1 in your hearts…Ladies and gentlemen, Bryan Evans. I’m sure Kyle would appreciate the recommendation.

"We have a lot of passionate fans at Georgia and we look forward to giving them something to be positive about."
-Todd Grantham.

by RedCrake on Mar 9, 2010 9:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions