Geno Smith is Sam Bradford

[Mr. Laz]

Geno Smith resembles Sam Bradford; more player comparisons

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Associated Press

West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith (left) offers a similar game to former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford.

The 2013 NFL Scouting Combine is on the horizon, which means evaluators are working around the clock to finish up detailed scouting reports on NFL hopefuls. These documents not only describe a prospect's background, character and playing ability, but they also include comparisons to thriving pros, painting a vivid picture of a player's game and potential in the minds of general managers and coaches.

As a young scout with the Seattle Seahawks, I was encouraged by future general managers John Schneider, Scot McCloughan and Ted Thompson to monitor the progress of players across the NFL, and use them as a reference point when projecting the potential of prospects. By obtaining a better understanding of how players succeed in the NFL, despite perceived flaws and/or unorthodox games, I gained a better feel for how future pros could thrive in the NFL with similar skill sets.

Mock draft central Events: » NFL Scouting Combine | Pro days | Draft Mock drafts: » Norris: Glennon to Cardinals » Jeremiah: Joeckel falls to Lions » Brooks: Version 2.0 still has Smith at No. 1 » Breer: No quarterbacks in first round » Brandt: Joeckel, Werner, Smith go 1-2-3 Draft coverage: » Mayock's top prospects by position | Analysis » Brandt's Hot 100 top draft prospects | Top 25 » Breer: Evaluating evolution of combine » Scout vs. scout: Is Barkley a first-rounder? » Brooks: Offensive rankings | Defensive rankings » NFL Draft Tracker Podcast: Latest buzz Video: » Mayock: 'Uncomfortable' combine situation for Te'o » Casserly's biggest draft question marks » Mayock explains the combine drills

In the past few days, I have engaged in several interesting conversations with my Tweeps about some of the top prospects in the 2013 class. While giving my opinion on the talent and potential of several NFL hopefuls, I routinely provided a pro comparison as a point of reference. Not surprisingly, the comparison frequently caused a bigger reaction than my overall assessment of a prospect's game and potential.

Here are the 10 notable comparisons that came to mind while I watched fall tape. Feel free to hit me back with your feedback on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.


Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

NFL comparison: Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams
Smith has been described as a "ho-hum" quarterback prospect in some circles, but I see a polished pocket passer with outstanding arm talent and passing skills. Smith displays the capacity to throw the ball accurately to every area of the field with zip, velocity and touch. Additionally, he flashes anticipation and awareness by leading receivers into open areas against tight coverage. Although a lot has been made of Smith's late-season struggles -- he tossed six interceptions over Mountaineers' final seven games after throwing 25 touchdown passes with zero picks in the team's first six games -- the fact that he finished the season with a 42:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio behind a leaky offensive line suggests that the reports of his questionable pocket presence and progression awareness are greatly exaggerated. Now, I'm not suggesting Smith doesn't have flaws that should rate as concerns for prospective teams, but I don't believe his deficiencies are significant enough to keep him from being a productive starter in the NFL.

Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

NFL comparison: LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
Bernard surprised some evaluators when he elected to enter the 2013 NFL Draft after a brief (but productive) career at North Carolina. However, I believe Bernard is not only ready for the next level, but he has a game that is ideally suited for the NFL. He is the classic three-down back with the capacity to impact the game as a runner or receiver. He is a slippery, between-the-tackles runner with exceptional vision and stop-start quickness. Although his game is built on quickness rather than speed, Bernard shows the ability to generate home-run plays with the ball in his hands. In the passing game, Bernard is a natural receiver with outstanding hands and receiving skills. Quarterbacks will love to target Bernard on third-and-medium situations on option routes, as he overwhelms linebackers with his quickness and burst in space. Factor in his explosiveness as a returner (see: Bernard's walk-off punt-return TD against N.C. State), and it is hard to find holes in his game, despite diminutive stature.

Robert Woods, WR, USC
NFL comparison: Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
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NFL Network draft expertMike Mayock has unveiled his initial position-by-position rankings of the2013 NFL Draft prospects. See which players made the cut. More ...


Woods seemingly became an afterthought in the USC offense after Marqise Lee's emergence as one of the top playmakers in college football. But astute NFL scouts see Woods as a polished receiver with all of the traits to be an effective starter as a pro. He is a gifted pass catcher with exceptional hands and ball skills. Woods snatches the ball out of the air cleanly, rarely flinching while making catches with defenders in close proximity. Additionally, Woods is a deft route runner with an innate feel for setting up defenders with various stems and tempos. He understands how to get open against any coverage -- this quality will make him a favorite of play callers and quarterbacks across the NFL. While some scouts will question Woods' top-end speed, I believe his polished game will eventually make him a Pro Bowler.

Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State

NFL comparison: Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Glennon is one of the most hotly debated prospects in the 2013 class. Some scouts love his size and A-plus arm talent, while others are concerned with his limited mobility and decision-making under duress. When I watch Glennon on tape, I'm impressed with his pure passing ability. He spins the ball with tremendous zip and velocity, and shows the capacity to put the ball in the strike zone against tight coverage. Additionally, Glennon is a terrific deep-ball passer adept at dropping the ball down the chute on vertical throws. Now, I'm certainly troubled by his penchant for turning the ball over while under duress (Glennon tossed 17 interceptions in 2013, with three separate games featuring three-plus picks), as well as his limited athleticism. But I think he has the potential to thrive in an offense that prominently features the deep ball. With NFL offensive coordinators willing to adapt their respective systems to the fit the talents of the quarterback, Glennon could enjoy a productive career as a classic drop-back passer.

Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State

NFL comparison: Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
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Bell is one of the few big backs available in this draft, but he displays a game that is typically associated with scat backs in the NFL. He is a powerful runner between the tackles, but is also effective running off tackle or on the edges. Bell shows deceptive speed in getting to the perimeter, while also displaying better-than-anticipated wiggle and elusiveness in space. He is a rare runner with the ability to run over or around defenders, and NFL coaches will love building game plans around a back capable of handling 20 to 25 carries a game. Additionally, Bell is an impressive receiver out of the backfield with strong hands and ball skills. Although his size restricts some of his effectiveness as a route runner in space, Bell is an effective playmaker in the aerial attack with the potential to impact the game as a three-down player.


Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

NFL comparison: Charles Woodson, Free agent
Vaccaro is the kind of hybrid safety NFL defensive coaches covet. The Texas standout is not only an outstanding hitter and playmaker against the run, but he is a terrific cover man with outstanding man-to-man skills, to boot. He can match up with tight ends and slot receivers in space, while also excelling as a deep-middle player in zone. Most importantly, Vaccaro displays the versatility to align anywhere in the back end, which makes him a valuable commodity as a playmaking safety in the middle of a sub-package. With the NFL quickly shifting to a league governed by the pass, Vaccaro is the prototypical safety needed to diffuse explosive offensive attacks.

Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

NFL comparison: Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings
Austin is a unique playmaker at the receiver position. Checking in at 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds, Austin lacks the ideal size to be the primary option in the passing game, but displays a combination of speed, quickness and explosiveness that makes him a dangerous weapon in space. The Mountaineers capitalized on his skills by frequently getting him touches on bubble screens and quick routes on the perimeter. Additionally, Austin showed the ability to carry the ball as a running back (72 rushing attempts for 643 yards in 2012, including a remarkable 344-yard effort against Oklahoma), enhancing his value as a potential difference maker on Sundays. Given the fact that playmakers arealways valued at a premium in the NFL, Austin is an intriguing prospect for several teams.

Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

NFL comparison: Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings
Werner only has five years of organized-football experience, but he quickly developed into one of the most dominant players in college football. The former German exchange student is a high-motor pass rusher with exceptional first-step quickness and burst. He overwhelms blockers with his initial quickness, but also shows the capacity to turn speed into power. As a result, Werner routinely made plays off the edge (13 sacks in 2012), emerging as a true difference maker against the pass. As a run defender, Werner is a stout player at the point of attack, showing the strength, power and toughness to set the edge. Although Werner still needs to add some polish to his rugged game, he will enjoy success as a pro due to his persistence and relentlessness.

Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

NFL comparison: Joe Staley, San Francisco 49ers
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Fisher is the most athletic offensive tackle in the draft. He displays exceptional agility and lateral quickness in matchups against finesse rushers, yet also shows the balance and body control to contain power players off the edge. Additionally, Fisher showcases the requisite nastiness to be an effective blocker in the run game. Given Fisher's unique combination of skills and size (6-8, 305), it is easy to see why scouts are buzzing about his potential as a standout left tackle at the next level.

Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

NFL comparison: Henry Melton, Chicago Bears
It is uncommon for a defensive tackle to rank as one of the leading tacklers on a productive defense, but that was the case with Richardson at Missouri. He dominates the game with his quickness, athleticism and motor; NFL coaches will love his ability to make plays all over the field against the run or pass. As a pass rusher, Richardson blows past blockers with an explosive first-step and shows a knack for getting skinny in cracks to get to the quarterback. Additionally, Richardson displays excellent hand skills by masterfully winning hand-to-hand combat exchanges in tight quarters. Although Richardson can be engulfed by big bodies in the run game, he continues to produce with his quickness and burst. Most importantly, Richardson hustles and chases all over the field, demonstrating his will to win.

Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.

[Ebolapox]

'refresh' works quite well actually.

[B14ckmon]

I can delete it I just have to get an edit post URL and manually type in that post's number. give me a second.

*EDIT*

Fixed, dry those eyes.

[Easy 6]

This read comes off pretty well for Glennon, whats not to love about elite arm talent? can he be coached out of the turnovers?

Most of what i've read around this place hates the guy, but why is that? a tall kid with a cannon arm? that doesnt sound too bad.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by scott free

This read comes off pretty well for Glennon, whats not to love about elite arm talent? can he be coached out of the turnovers?

Most of what i've read around this place hates the guy, but why is that? a tall kid with a cannon arm? that doesnt sound too bad.

He's the definition of streaky.

His arm is so strong that he routinely throws 10-yard outs in the dirt, 8 yards in front of the receiver.

His accuracy in the 10-30 range is extremely suspect.

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

He's the definition of streaky.

His arm is so strong that he routinely throws 10-yard outs in the dirt, 8 yards in front of the receiver.

His accuracy in the 10-30 range is extremely suspect.

So his arm isnt as great as advertised and he has accuracy issues, that is a problem.

[RealSNR]

A number of teams have said that Glennon just isn't a real vocal guy, either. It's like he doesn't have a personality in the huddle.

I get that when I see interviews with him. It's just that awkward neck of his ummming and uhhhhing at every question, not sounding real smart or like he has any clue what the **** is going on.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by scott free

So his arm isnt as great as advertised and he has accuracy issues, that is a problem.

His arm's pretty damn good. He doesn't spike them into feet because his arm is weak, he spikes them into feet because his mechanics are wonky.

He's a 'lanky' tall, which makes for an odd mis-mash of moving parts and a delivery that's not the most repeatable. As a consequence of an erratic delivery, he doesn't always know where the ball's going (but by God, it gets there fast).

He's the kind of kid that could grow into his size and become a decent passer with some coaching. But he's just not a very good athlete so I don't have much confidence in him ever truly growing into that length and developing that repeatable delivery that would allow him to improve his accuracy enough to be a legitimately good starting QB.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by scott free

So his arm isnt as great as advertised and he has accuracy issues, that is a problem.

Accuracy is something most coaches will tell you cannot be fixed.

Either you're accurate with the ball or your not. Troy Aikman's biggest attribute coming into the NFL was his accuracy. Same with Joe Montana.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Accuracy is something most coaches will tell you cannot be fixed.

Either you're accurate with the ball or your not. Troy Aikman's biggest attribute coming into the NFL was his accuracy. Same with Joe Montana.

The way I've put it for several years has been pretty simple - you're not going to move a letter grade.

If you're a C- passer, you can become a C passer. C+ passer, you can get to B-. You can improve your accuracy in the margins by quieting your mechanics, learning the proper footwork and simply becoming more routine in your delivery.

But yeah, biomechanics are what they are. The ability to repeat your delivery is going to be something that you're either very good at, or you aren't. Someone like Glennon I just do not think is going to develop that ability, though he's such an odd physical specimen that he's a slight exception to the general rule.

It's the most important element to an accurate passer and it's one that people just don't think about. Your body needs to do exactly what you're expecting it to do every single time. When it doesn't, everything goes to hell. If your body isn't wired for muscle memory that is that precise, you're just not going to develop that kind of consistency.

[Easy 6]

He certainly IS a gangly looking mfer, it makes sense that a build like that combined with average at best athleticism might produce poor mechanics.

The fact that he apparently comes off as a bit of a dim bulb is even more of a problem, imo.

We need energy and wits.

[DJ's left nut]

My favorite part about this thread - I couldn't remember if I had said this before so I went hunting and came upon this from February of 2011 when discussing what to do at 21:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Yup, Kaepernick is the guy I want, especially with Zorn around now.

I know, it's a stupidy 'sexy' pick that fails more often than it succeeds. At the same time, that kid has every single tool you could ever want in a player. His teammates loved him and he has a damn cannon. With his mobility, size and strength, he's a wet dream if you can iron out the kinks.

And an interesting wrinkle to him that I'm coming up with on the fly here. There was a lot of interest in him as a pitcher going into college, correct? The throwing motion for a pitcher and a quarterback are two very different animals. In fact, the throwing motion for a pitcher and him in particular are very dissimilar. What that tells me is that his throwing motion as a quarterback is learned, rather than a product of raw biomechanics. I think Tebow throws the way he does because his body almost requires it, ditto a guy like Vince Young or Tim Lincecum. Sometimes your biomechanics dictate your throwing technique, I don't think that's the case with Kaepernick.

So I think you could really refine that quirky motion of his. His arm has shown that it's capable of slinging multiple types of balls using several different throwing motions. That tells me he can both change to a more conventional throwing style AND that, when a play goes to hell, even if he falls back to old habits on that play, the throw itself will still be decent as his arm has been conditioned to multiple angles.

Disclaimer: Every single thing I wrote above could be bullshit and has not been subject to any sort of testing, either empirical or even a PS3. I just really like the guy and I'm trying to come up with more reasons to like him.

I forgot I was on the Kaepernick train! That whole thread's kinda funny, what with Hootie sucking Ponder off and what not.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

His arm's pretty damn good. He doesn't spike them into feet because his arm is weak, he spikes them into feet because his mechanics are wonky.

He's a 'lanky' tall, which makes for an odd mis-mash of moving parts and a delivery that's not the most repeatable. As a consequence of an erratic delivery, he doesn't always know where the ball's going (but by God, it gets there fast).

He's the kind of kid that could grow into his size and become a decent passer with some coaching. But he's just not a very good athlete so I don't have much confidence in him ever truly growing into that length and developing that repeatable delivery that would allow him to improve his accuracy enough to be a legitimately good starting QB.

This.

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Accuracy is something most coaches will tell you cannot be fixed.

Either you're accurate with the ball or your not. Troy Aikman's biggest attribute coming into the NFL was his accuracy. Same with Joe Montana.

And this.

[Hammock Parties]

The Glennon GIF that keeps on giving.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by GoWalrus

The Glennon GIF that keeps on giving.

That's a PERFECT example.

The ball comes out perfectly, has nice velocity and trajectory, and yet somehow it just ends up in the absolute WRONG place.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

That's a PERFECT example.

The ball comes out perfectly, has nice velocity and trajectory, and yet somehow it just ends up in the absolute WRONG place.

It can be coached. Glennon will be a fine QB.