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Analyst Todd McShay of Scouts Inc. had a press briefing this week about the NFL draft, and here are some of the highlights . . .
Q)How might character concerns impact the draft status of Cam Newton?
McShay: That’s the biggest question in the Draft right now. I don’t think anyone knows. It’s a matter of diving deeper into his background. One GM I talked to recently said, ‘Our team is not in the quarterback hunt right now, but if we were I’d be in this kid’s hip pocket every day between now and the end of the draft.’”
Q)How important is mobility in quarterback prospects?
McShay: Ben (Roethlisberger) is not quite as artistic at the quarterback position. He’ll be the first to admit it. He’s not going to be the guy that’s watching the most tape, first guy in the building, last guy out of the building…but the way he plays the game is with a certain level of creativity.
Roethlisberger and (Donovan) McNabb are the two you’re going to hear over and over compared to Cam Newton. I think it’s going to really help Newton. (Blaine) Gabbert is more of an Aaron Rodgers type. He has the understanding of the position and will continue to improve in that area. Gabbert has the chance to become really technically sound and really shows great football intelligence. Also, at the end of play, if his reads don’t go well, he can take off and run. I think that’s the most underrated part of his game. He’s a good athlete with a big body and can make some really difficult throws on the run.
Q)What do you think of Alabama running back Mark Ingram?
McShay: He really belongs in the first round. He is so instinctive. And the three things that really jump out, the instincts, the lateral quickness — he just feels a hole opening and is able to get in and out of it so quickly. And then, finally, the yards after contact, just the way he runs with his pad level and anticipating contact, he is so good in that area.
Everyone’s comparing him to Emmitt Smith. Usually, I’d try to find something different and unique. I just think it’s a perfect comparison because Emmitt Smith didn’t have all the great measureables coming out, but obviously, went on to have one of the most productive rushing careers of any back in NFL history.
Q)What is your take on Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers?
McShay: I think he’s going to be a complete player. I’m not saying he’s going to be Julius Peppers, but he has that type of physical ability and potential to be a big, powerful defensive end that can get after the quarterback and become a huge difference maker.
Q)USC left tackle Tyrone Smith seems to be rising up the charts . . .
McShay: Tyrone Smith is probably the most underrated offensive lineman in the class. The more I watch, the more I like of him. It won’t shock me if he winds up as a top 10 pick as well.
Q)North Carolina defensive Robert Quinn is one of the real engimas of the draft after his suspension . . .
McShay: The problem with Quinn is that he really needed another year to develop. To get stronger versus the run and to learn how to use his hands better. He’s still a work in progress and maybe a year behind where you’d like to see him. But then you get sucked back in by the physical tools. There are only so many guys that have his frame and his athleticism that can get after the quarterback in the NFL and legitimately become that double-digit sack guy.