Jaguar Scout – Combine Notes / Safety

Jaguar Scout – Combine Notes / Safety prospect Calvin Pryor. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

What is Jaguar Scout – Combine Notes / Safety, you are asking? I digested the entire 2014 NFL combine. I mean every minute. My poor DVR almost gave out! After watching all of the coverage, I’m getting antsy for May. I sat with a notepad & took shorthand notes. I had the benefit of replay. I was also watching exclusively with the Jaguars’ needs in mind. There will be some evaluations of established players. Ones I liked and some that disappointed. I also project those who moved up my board, those who got on my board because they impressed me, and players I’m projecting as potential undrafted free agents (UFA) that the Jags should invite if available. I have already let you know about the offensive players (QBs, RBs, WR, TE, & OL). On defense, I’ve talked of DE, DT, LB, & CB. The final position is Safety. Let’s go! All projections come from CBSSportsline…Thank you!!!

• Calvin Pryor (5-11, 207 lbs) – (FS) Love this kid. Passes the eye test. Plays like a 6 footer though only 5-11. Ran a 4.58 in the 40 which is middle of the pack, but the same time as projected #1 FS Hasean Clinton-Dix. With 69 tackles and 3 INTs last year, Rob Rang from CBSSportsline compares to Antrel Rolle of the NY Giants. I hope he’s available at the Jags #2 pick.
•  Dion Bailey (6-0, 201 lbs) – (FS)  Very interesting. Has the height we covet. Three year starter at a major school (USC). A little slower than I’d like at 4.66 in the 40 but maybe he will tighten it up at his pro day. Had 61 tackles and 5 INTs last year. Has also played OLB during his college tenure. Rob Rang from CBSSportsline compares to Eric Weddle of the San Diego Chargers.
• Tre Boston (6-0, 204 lbs) – (FS) A former CB who became a very serviceable FS at UNC. Has had 13 INTs over his college career. Though a former CB he is known as a asset in run defense and a physical striker. Could be a great rotation player and special teams ace until he is ready to be a starter.
• Deone Bucannon (6-1, 211 lbs) – (SS) Big boy!!! hard hitter. Still ran a 4.49 which is impressive. Played in the Senior Bowl so you know Coach Bradley is familiar with him. We aren’t hurting at SS so I wasn’t really focusing on them but Bucannon definitely stood out.
• Craig Loston (6-1, 217 lbs) – (SS) Even bigger!!! Doesn’t have Bucannon’s speed but appears to be a surer tackler and played against SEC competition. Managed 112 tackles and 6 INTs over the last two years including a 100 yd pick-six. Could be an interesting prospect.

Potential undrafted free agent LBs the Jags should consider:

• Brock Vereen (6-0, 199 lbs) – (SS) This guy could be special. Has played SS, FS, & CB. Listen to some of the positives listed by Dane Brugler of CBSSportsline about Vereen… “Good-sized athlete with balance”, “Very good field awareness”, “Already carries himself like a professional”,  “Team leader and quick learner, taking well to coaching”, & “High football IQ with good smarts on and off the field”. HOLY COW! He’s even RB Shane Vereen‘s little brother. He’s project as a 7th rounder which means he could go undrafted. If he isn’t drafted, please bring him in for a look.
• Pierre Warren (6-0, 194 lbs) – (FS) From a small college (Jacksonville St), he put up some awesome numbers (76 tackles, five interceptions, A pick-six, 12 pass breakups, & even a blocked kick. He ran a 4.59 at his workout, which is about average. As it has been proved before, just because you play lessor competition, it doesn’t mean you can’t translate to the pros. Just ask Dallas Cowboy’s FS Barry Church, from little Toledo University, who finished tied for 8th in the NFL in tackles last year.
• Ryan Smith (6-1, 195 lbs) – (FS) I am just a sports-blogger. I am not a scout nor do I have any inside scoop on these potential professional athletes. Because of that, I can say with all honesty I don’t know why Ryan Smith is not on anybody’s board. Listen to his stats last year. He had 68 tackles, including 10 against Alabama. Three INTs and 4 passes defended. He also ran a 4.51 at his personal workout. There must be a red flag somewhere. If there isn’t, You better get his ass in here as a UFA!

Well…That’s it for safeties and that’s all folks for the 2014 combine. There is A LOT of talent out there. You just have to make the right picks, right moves, and take what you need in the right position. Hopefully, Mr Khan has a couple of talent evaluators that he has lost faith in and will be giving me a call any minute…Any minute……ANY MINUTE………Oh, WHATEVER!

Looking for the next Donovin Darius…Michael McDonald.

Mr. Khan…Seriously…I’m on Twitter @gumbussy!