decided to individualize these updates instead of clogging Mel Kiper Sucks ... as info comes in we'll get to see more individual info... The guys over at Steelers Depot must have been reading our minds. Here is a great summation of his rushing attempts in both print and gif. http://www.steelersdepot.com/2018/0...s-2017-season-rushes-at-north-carolina-state/ (I really enjoy the Steelers Depot articles in profile) He looks very solid to me from the backfield. A lot of pitch and run but a more than fair share of between the tackles too. I'm thinking once he gets his feet wet on NFL terms of what it requires to be successful, that o-line he gets to run behind will accentuate his positives. Perhaps? a project in regards to blocking and thrust worthiness of QB protection? Time will tell... but I still think we're off to a good start with this young man.
So, here's a post from a guy over at BTSC that I really enjoyed. JaySam is further evaluated and compared with other RB's of this years draft... also some better analysis of weaknesses and strengths... I'm telling ya... …this could very well turn out to be the best draft we’ve had in a very long time. Five of our first six picks—Edmunds, Washington, Rudolph, Chewbacca, Samuels—all have a legitimate chance to become Pro Bowlers…eventually. IMMHO. Allens and Frazier I could see going either way. One key factor is that all seven of our picks are very "well positioned" to succeed. There’s a role on our roster for each and every one of them. They seem like a very mature, hungry and dedicated group, overall. I wouldn’t be too terribly surprised if all seven make the team. No practice squaders. Regarding Samuels, here is Lindy’s (i.e. NFLDraftScout.com) writeup on him. I’ll just note that Lindy’s has slotted Samuels into their RB category, not their FB category, where you’ll find many scouting services have pigeonholed him. Indeed, I don’t believe Lindy’s even makes that distinction; from three-down workhorses to third-down specialists to blocking-only fullbacks, etc…—I believe they’re all classed as running backs. So now, according to Lindy’s classification systems and umpteen criteria for "Running Backs," Samuels ranks as the ninth (9th) best running back prospect in this year’s draft. Also note that Lindy’s gave this year’s class of backs an overall grade of B+. (Wow. Hard markers. It looks more like an A- to me.) The top of their board looks as follows: 1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State = 8.6 2. Derrius Guice, LSU = 8.2 3. Ronald Jones II, USC = 8.2 4. Kerryon Johnson, Auburn = 8.0 5. Sony Michel, Georgia = 8.0 6. Rashaad Penny, San Diego St. = 8.0 7. Nick Chubb, Georgia = 7.8 8. Nyheim Hines, NC State = 7.5 9. Jaylen Samuels, NC State = 7.4 (= early-to-mid 3rd round in this particular draft) 10. John Kelly Jr., Tennessee = 7.2 11. Josh Adams, Notre Dame = 7.0 12. Royce Freeman = Oregon = 6.8 On Jaylen Samuels: Synopsis: Samuels was a do-everything performer at NC State, taking direct snaps, getting handoffs, lead blocking and lining up outside and in the slot. The ACC created an "all-purpose" category on its postseason all-conference team to fit a player with Samuels’ skillset. Samuels averaged 6.1 yards per rush for the Wolfpack, but his abilities as a pass-catcher are what will be his calling card in the NFL. His versatility can be a valuable weapon if paired with a NFL play-caller who understands his strengths. Strengths: Chameleon skillset and comfortable filling multiple offensive roles. Coordinated route runner with short-area quickness to separate from man coverage. Consistently extends and balls out inaccurate throws with his catch radius. Makes focused grabs in congestion. Open-field athleticism to sidestep and force missed tackles. Never concedes and runs through contact to finish. High football IQ and situational awareness. Assignment alert in pass protection. Tough to find accurate words to describe his extreme competitive nature and isn’t shy letting the opponents know about it. Played every non-lineman position on offence. Weaknesses: Mishmash skillset won’t be a fit for every NFL team. Monotone runner. Average speed and gets in trouble attempting east-west runs. Struggles when the play design isn’t there. Sporadically picks his spots. Strong finisher, but not a consistent tackle-breaker. Will chest up blockers in pass protection and needs technique work. Will have his share of drops due to concentration lapses. Competitive juices get the best of him at times, losing his cool. Posted by ValyrianSteeler on May 17, 2018 | 1:42 PM https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.c...n-abusing-defenders-his-entire-life-nfl-draft
