Scouting Report: Anthony Castonzo

This is my annual attempt at being Mel Kiper or Todd McShay. I'll cover the big names and the likely BC free agents. Today's profile is Anthony Costanzo.

In a few hours Anthony Castonzo will be a first-round draft pick. The only real questions surrounding his night are: will he be the first offensive lineman selected and which team will draft him. As it has been written repeatedly, Castonzo's path from skinny Ivy League prospect/prep school project to BC cornerstone is one of the many reasons you can't put too much weight into the size and abilities of teenagers. But will Castonzo's transition to the NFL be as smooth as his transition to college?

The pro scouts love Castonzo's footwork and frame. They question his ability to handle power players. I found that somewhat contrary to his actual college experience. If anything Castonzo had challenges with speedy guys. Rarely did he ever get overpowered at the college level, especially by a bullrush on the passer.

An ideal setup would be a team that runs a zone scheme. But we know enough that he can transition to a more diverse scheme.

AC has already grown and bulked up in his time at BC. Can he get much bigger and maintain his mobility? Will he ever get the desired strength the NFL wants? I actually think he will be fine. A track record of hardwork should keep him prepared for whatever comes his way. Any limitations on strength can be somewhat managed with good feet and hands.

Various teams are buzzing about Castonzo. Names like the Lions and Giants come up over and over. I think it would be interesting to see him in Detroit as a bookend with Cherilus. Regardless of where he ends up, OLine U will have another big moment tonight.

Scouting Report: James McCluskey

This is my annual attempt at being Mel Kiper or Todd McShay. I'll cover the big names and the likely BC free agents. Today's profile is James McCluskey.

I am a huge fan of James McCluskey's NFL upside...and this has nothing to do with his agent being a friend of mine. Think of all the rave reviews we've heard about Mike McLaughlin from Baltimore and Denver. How versatile he is...how the NFL needs more blocking fullbacks, etc. Now imagine a player who fits many of the same needs but can also catch the ball.

The flipside is that for all the hustle and hype people have for pluggers, scrappy fullback types, they are also a dime a dozen. McLaughlin is on his second team without ever having played a snap in a live game. I see McCluskey in that same mode, but I think his offensive skills will keep him on a team as a free agent.

If anything McCluskey was underutilized due to injuries and offense during the later part of his BC career. In 2008 -- before he broke his leg -- he was a solid runner and pass catcher. As his career progressed and the offense changed, he didn't touch the ball as much. But that didn't stop his blocking. McCluskey opened holes the past two years and won most of his one-on-one battles.

As for measurables, McCluskey has the size. He's probably a little slow at 4.92 for what any NFL team would want, but as a FB/special teams player, he can get away with that.

I am 99% sure that McCluskey will not hear his name called this weekend. Conversely, I think he will be a popular guy once the lockout really ends. If he finds the right offense and the right depth chart, he can make an impact in 2011.

Scouting Report: Richard Lapham

This is my annual attempt at being Mel Kiper or Todd McShay. I'll cover the big names and the likely BC free agent. First up is Rich Lapham

If you went back in time to when each signed on with BC, few would have predicted that Anthony Castonzo would be a first round left tackle while Rich Lapham was hoping to be a late round pick. The heavily hyped Lapham was a three-year starter but never earned any conference honors. He played an important position (RT) but faced injuries and inconsistency. Many of his linemates over the last few years were better college OLineman, but they weren't 6'8 and 315 lbs.

Size is a big reason Lapham will get a second look. He has trouble blocking faster players, but still moves well given his frame and weight. On paper he looks like an NFL lineman.

I never particularly cared for Lapham's play on my second viewings. He was above average in the run game, but not great in pass protection. He seemed to make a mistake or two throughout. His length never seemed to be an asset, but he showed good strength on power moves. Also -- and in a way most damning -- when he went down, I thought his replacement (Cleary) played better.

The good news for him, outside of his size, is that he truly did work in multiple systems. Unlike Castonzo or Claiborne, Lapham did spend time playing OL under TOB. He then slimmed down under Jags for the zone. Then he moved to our mixed scheme under Tranq. His ability to adapt is a good sign. It means he's coachable.

As far as downsides, I don't know if Lapham can play anything aside from Tackle. I also don't know if he has the balance and speed to handle Left Tackle in the NFL.

I don't expect Lapham to get drafted. But I do think he will have multiple teams interested in tryouts and free agent deals.

The other BC guys in the NFL Draft

I only highlighted Matt Tennant in my draft previews, because in all likely hood, he will be the only Eagle drafted this year. McLaughlin was invited to the combine, but most expect him to be a very late pick or a free agent. Some team may take a flyer on Gunnell or Bowman, but they are also expected to go the free agent route. A few other names are also in the mix (Rollins, Aponavicious, etc) but all are well under the radar. Here is my quick take on each...

Mike McLauglin: Great Junior Year. Good size and instincts, and football IQ. It is a big plus that he is willing to play special teams. The big downside was his injury. He was not the same player as a Senior. He was a step slower and didn't show the sort of athleticism that saw him leaping over blockers in 2008. He came back quickly so we don't know if he was ever fully healed. What is his upside? I don't think anyone knows. If the 2008 McLaughlin is his upside, than he will be a very good NFL player. If he cannot regain that form, then it might be the UFL.
Prediction: Free Agent

Rich Gunnell: Very productive receiver. Underrated speed and hands. Decent Size. Played well in big games and contributed on special teams. Played well despite mediocre QB talent his final two years. Rich's downside is that he does everything well but is not great at one thing. Despite his performance against USC, he does have a history of running away from people. He'll go over the middle, but isn't big. He was a return man who was quick to fair catch. I think Rich will be a good NFL player. If he gets in the right program, he could have a surprising career. But I don't think anyone will draft him. To most scouts and GMs he is pretty ordinary.
Prediction: Free Agent

Marcellus Bowman: Ideal size and speed for an NFL safety. Head hunting hitter. Not great in coverage. Late bloomer with only one season as a starter. Would sometime rather go for the kill shot instead of the smart play or solid tackle. Decent workout but didn't blow anyone away to move up draft boards. I like Bowman and know that he will get invited to NFL camps. I just wonder if he will ever have the coverage skills or instincts to make an NFL roster.
Prediction: Undrafted, mini camp invitee, late roster cut.

Roderick Rollins: Probably had the least talked about great season on last year's team. Good coverage. Good tackler. Good playing history. The problem are all measurables. To most NFL folks he is too small and too slow. I hope he is given a chance as I think his productivity and success could translate to the next level.
Prediction: Undrafted, mini camp invitee, late roster cut.

What do the NFL guys really think about our prospects

One thing that I always find interesting about the NFL draft is the NFL.com's anonymous assessments of potential draftees. The criticism is often harsh and often on the money. We tend to love all our guys and think they all deserve a shot in the NFL. Sometimes the undrafted guy proves the BC fan right (Dunbar and Silva come to mind) and then other guy who we think should be stars never catch on (Callender). So here are some of the critiques of our potential draftees.

BJ Raji
The Good

...Arguably the single-most dominant player during the week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

The Bad

Reliable tackler, but lacks the balance and lateral quickness to break down and make the tackle in space. Most effective when operating as part of a rotation. Maturity is a concern.

My Take: Raji is going early. I think he will be a good Pro. Regardless of his weight and maturity, BJ has shown that when the game starts he can stay focused. That's what matters.

Ron Brace
The Good

Versatile defender capable of projecting as a zero-, one- or three-technique at the next level.

The Bad

Marginal effort and ability in pursuit. Flanked by a better prospect in Raji and often faces only one blocker.

My Take: While not as flashy as Raji, I think Brace is a steal. He was great last year when Raji was suspended. That showed he can carry a DLine. Assuming his back checks out, I would draft Brace in the 1st round.

Kevin Akins
The Good

Versatile defender capable of making an immediate contribution on special teams.

The Bad

Good aggression to take on blocks, but gets washed out if engaged.

My Take: I have been surprised by the interest in Akins. Great kid, great college player, but I never thought he was an NFL guy. What position will he play? His lackluster combine probably ended his chance of getting drafted.

Robert Francois
The Good

Gives good pop to tight ends and can ride in coverage. ... Gets good depth on his drops and is alert in coverage

The Bad

Performance might have been inflated due to the surrounding talent at defensive tackle and linebacker.

My Take: I think Francois can and will catch on as a free agent. He was one of those guys who always looked good when I watched the games back. If not for our loaded LB group the past three years, he would have played and stood out more.

Ryan Purvis
The Good

Knows where the holes in zone coverage are and has the size and reliable receiving skills to settle there and be a security blanket.

The Bad

based on his dismal performance in 2008, he might be a case for having a great quarterback (Matt Ryan) making him look better than he actually was.

My Take: Purvis's stock dropped the most from last year to this year and it is reflected in the Scout's comments. I think in the right place Purvis can be a good pass catching TE. It wouldn't surprise me if he joins Matt in NFL.

Clif Ramsey
The Good

High-effort player. ... Versatile, with a starting season at both left and right guard.

The Bad

Flashes quickness to the second level, but lacks the balance and agility to block NFL-caliber athletes at the second level.

My Take: I think Ramsey is going to be a steal on Day 2. Here is an all conference player from a program with a great OL tradition and he is generating little interest. Unbelievable. Ramsey was easily our most consistent and most improved player on the offensive side of the ball last year. If he keeps getting better he will be a very good NFL player.

Brian Toal
The Good

Plays with wild abandon; is willing to blow up fullbacks in the hole or blockers on the outside so his teammates can make the play.

The Bad

His constant search for contact makes his injury issues especially problematic.

My Take: Like Akins, I think Toal's tweener status makes his NFL prospects iffy. However, I think the intrigue surrounding him may force a team to use a final round pick on our oft injured player.


With just days to go I think four guys will get drafted (Raji, Brace, Ramsey and Toal). I'll explain why and predict where guys will land and where the free agents should sign later this week.

NC State scouting report and other links

The New York Times continues their excellent preseason work with this capsule on our opponent NC State.

Lomas Brown has taken Gos under his wing in Detroit.

A healthy Kiwi may be moving back to the defensive line.

Because of the new eagle on the way, the Mrs. and I missed our 10th reunion. Seems like members of the class of 2003 enjoyed themselves.