By Tommy Dee
Just some random thoughts on players after watching the game..........
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB Eastern Illinois - I love the way this kid squares his shoulders and makes quick decisions. I don't expect him to go top 20 but he belongs in the top 35. Has a legit shot to be a franchise QB.
Zack Martin, LT Notre Dame - Good technique LT that has the ability to hold down the LT spot for a team. Won't be elite and might not belong as top 15 pick but is not that far behind the other 2 LT's in this draft.
Chris Borland, LB Wisconsin - I don't care what mocks say, this kid is going to be special in the NFL. He's a ball hunter & has everything you want in a LB. Has the instincts & the awareness. Don't wait to pick him.
Jordan Matthews, WR Vanderbilt - Didn't really do much in the game but did show on one play exactly why he is a top round talent. Knows how to run routes & get separation. Doesn't blow you away but should be a good pro WR.
Dee Ford, DE/LB Auburn - Improved stock greatly in the last month. So quick. Looks like he knows exactly how to get to the QB. Where does he get picked? Seemed like a 3rd a month ago now he has to be rising. Bruce Irvin part 2? Smart player. Knows when to rush, when to drop.
Caraun Reid, DT Princeton - Might have helped himself more than anyone Saturday. Showed a lot at the interior position. Good moves and quickness from the defensive tackle position which is always a need.
Derek Carr, QB Fresno - Just not impressed at all with this kid. Everything seems to be short. He loves the screen. When I've seen him see pressure? Yikes. He did nothing in this game to change those thoughts. Should be 3rd but will likely go sooner.
Tajh Boyd, QB Clemson - Did nothing to make the skeptics feel better. Had balls batted down making the height a concern. Was not accurate or consistent. He has arm strength & rushing ability. Might be a backup NFL QB.
Logan Thomas, QB Virginia Tech - He has all the skills you want but he for whatever reason still looks raw & easily confused. Worried he is just not that smart.
Keith McGill, CB Utah - If you like big CBs like the Seahawks have then this is a kid to watch out for at 6'3". Very athletic for that size, might be a riser from the mid rounds towards more of the 2nd.
Jimmie Ward, S Northern Illinois - Safety has become a more valuable position as time has gone on & obviously you need to bring one of two qualities - be able to tackle & hit like a LB or cover like a CB. Ward is the latter.
Stephen Morris, QB Miami - This QB should be so much better than he is. He has all the size and ability you want but regressed over the years.
David Fales, QB San Jose St. - Seems like a good decision maker but his arm strength is concerning. Good size will help him. Likely a backup QB at best.
James White, RB Wisconsin - The only RB that stood out to me as my favorite RBs were not in this game. Seems like a solid back with good vision.
