Big Cat Country: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: The Pros and Cons of an 18-game NFL Schedule

2010 Scouting Report: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

With the signing of veteran defensive end Aaron Kampman, the Jaguars no longer have to feel the need to force themselves to pick a defensive end early in the draft to start opposite Derrick Harvey. They now have the luxury to select the best available player regardless of position although I'm inclined to think they would've draft the BAP regardless.

That does not, however, mean that the Jaguars are done with their goal of improving the position and I still expect them to address in the draft. Whether that be with an early pick or two like they did with the OT position in last year's draft or with a barrage of middle or late round picks like they did with the WR position. Finding pass rushers to help contribute in improving the league's worst pass rush is at the top of Gene Smith's priority list and arguably the best pass rusher in the draft is Michigan defensive end, Brandon Graham.

Among Jaguar fans, safety Eric Berry of Tennessee seems to be the only player that everyone can agree upon. In the event that he is off the board, the list of best available players for the Jaguars is very different from person to person. Several different candidates have been named as possible picks at the 10th spot in the draft, although one player that hasn't been named is Brandon Graham.

Graham had a fine four years as a Wolverine posting a career 138 tackles and 29.5 sacks. He also became the first player in the prestigious University's history to be named the Bo Schembechler MVP in two years, earning the honor in both his junior and senior seasons.

The number one question mark among fans and draft personnel is whether Graham is a better fit in a 4-3 system as a DE or in a 3-4 as an OLB. The common thought has been that he fits better in a 3-4 system, but at 6'2 and 263 pounds he has nearly the exact same size as Dwight Freeney and similar quickness off the line. If you think his strength might be a question, keep in mind he did 31 reps on the bench press at the combine. After a productive career at Michigan with his hand on the ground and a dominating performance at the Senior Bowl and the practices preceding, is it possible that the Jaguars would consider drafting Graham with the tenth overall pick?

Star-divide

Video Killed the Scouting Report:

 

Brandon Graham: By The Numbers

 

Brandon Graham
Position 1:  Defensive End
Height:  6'2
Position 2:  Outside Linebacker
Weight: 263
Class:  Senior Age:  21
Projected Round: 1st

 40time:  4.72

 

2009 Second Team AP All-American

2009 First Team All-Big 10

2008 Second Team All-Big 10

Stats Overview Tackles
YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK FF
2006 3 2 1 0.5 1
2007 25 13 12 8.5 3
2008 46 29 17 10 2
2009 64 42 22 10 2

According to the Experts

MockingtheDraft

SB Nation

Pros

Explosiveness and quick first step, pass rush, rush defense, motor

Cons

Not prototypical size for an NFL defensive end

CDS Draft

Pros

Can really turn the corner and close to the QB. One of the draft's elite pure pass rushers. Young with lots of upside. Agile, quick, and moves well laterally. Can convert to OLB...but there may be no reason to do that for any team that plays a 4-3. Holds the point OK for his size. Stays low while turning the corner and is very tough for the OT to lock onto. Has been productive at the top level of NCAA competition.

Cons

Sometimes goes to wide on the pass rush and becomes a non-factor on plays that are going the other way. Can be a little lackadaisical when plays aren't apparently coming to him. Not always off the snap on time, and sometimes times things poorly. Not real big, and lacks growth potential. May be a little too heavy for teams that want to look at him as an OLB conversion.

Draft Countdown

Pros

Good bulk --- Aggressive with a non-stop motor --- Very strong and powerful --- Tough and physical --- Does a great job in pursuit --- Good tackler --- Plays with excellent leverage --- Holds his own versus the run --- Uses his hands well --- Has a lot of range --- Smart with great instincts --- Hard worker --- Offers some versatility --- Super productive. 

Cons

Doesn't have the ideal height you look for --- Short arms --- Frame may be maxed out --- Not a great athlete --- Average speed, quickness and agility --- Not real explosive --- Lacks a burst --- Struggles in space --- A tad inconsistent --- Might have to change positions --- Upside is limited.

Poll
What would you think about the Jaguars drafting Brandon Graham?
I'd love it. He's the next Dwight Freeney.
37 votes
I wouldn't mind it, just as long as the Jags trade back.
93 votes
I don't like it. He's not a 4-3 defensive end.
36 votes
I like it, but a 3-4 team will have him rated higher.
18 votes

184 votes | Poll has closed

1 recs  |  Comment 17 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

If the Jags can Trade back

then he is a candidate. At 10 I don’t Gene should selecting him.

Great job Adam; as always!

Life without knowledge is death in disguise

by Zoltan from Budapest on Mar 15, 2010 4:08 PM EDT reply actions  

I agree

I don’t see him as 10 overall…

Then again, I don’t see many as going 10 overall.

by alwaysforgiven821 on Mar 15, 2010 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think

we would need to draft ahead of the Dolphins to get him though. In fact, he may not even get passed Denver. Denver has no problem with taking players most people have rated much lower, and they run a 34. They also have a need for an OLB.

by Ewdtrey on Mar 15, 2010 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Don't forget about McClain

From Steve Wyche

Some of the scouts I spoke to at McClain’s pro day were blown away at his measurables and on-field production, but his biggest quality — this was an almost universal opinion — was how smart he is on the field. His ability to consistently make the correct play-calls, get players in the right position and decipher plays while they’re happening makes him one of the top defenders in the draft. If he gets past Jacksonville at No. 10, he won’t get past Denver at No. 11.

I cannot agree with him more. For me McClain is the LB of this draft; I think if he is there; and there is no surprise fall; then take him! (Unless someone is willing to offer a king’s ransom for him via trade)

Life without knowledge is death in disguise

by Zoltan from Budapest on Mar 15, 2010 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

I actually like Weatherspoon more

as a 43 LB. And I agree that McClain is very smart LB. You can see that on film. But I’m not gonna agree that he’s a great athlete.

by Ewdtrey on Mar 15, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

this guy is a beast

i’ve always been a tape-first kind of guy…and BG looks fantastic in these clips

i want guys who dominate on the field…i could care less how tall they are…i seem to recall there was some little running back out of ucla that turned out to be pretty good

by jlana24 on Mar 15, 2010 4:22 PM EDT reply actions  

He'd

Be great for the future, because Harvey is destined to play on the left side eventually. Graham is the perfect right end, especially if you had a fast, playmaking linebacker behind him on the weak side.

Nice scouting report.

If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik

by Bestjagfan on Mar 15, 2010 4:28 PM EDT reply actions  

You know

you would think that because a he’s a quick twitch guy and that he’s not super big that he would play on the right side. I’m not so sure. He’s good against the run which means he can play the left. But more importantly, IMO, I think he should play the left because of his short arms. If he plays on the strong side, long arms don’t really help, if your playing the C gap; especially in a one gap scheme. If he’s playing the strong side the defense is already gonna be playing over on that side meaning you don’t have to spread yourself as thin in the middle of the field. Then you can leave Harvey on the right side by himself with the added range he has, due to his long frame. Besides, the left side is where Graham made his mark in college.

by Ewdtrey on Mar 15, 2010 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

I hear you there

If he could prove he holds up well against the run, I’d be fine with having him on the left. Watching his games, he is really stout against the run. Would just depend on how he does in camp. However it can’t be forgotten how well Harvey has already proven to be against the run.

If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik

by Bestjagfan on Mar 15, 2010 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Harvey is a beast

against the run. But I still think he has pass rush ability.

by Ewdtrey on Mar 15, 2010 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Me too

I think Harvey has yet to come close to playing his best football. Future is bright for him.

If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik

by Bestjagfan on Mar 15, 2010 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

I've been saying this for a while now

He’s a trade back candidate

"HULU: An evil plot to destroy the world. Enjoy"
Driver of the "Cut Reggie Nelson" Bandwagon.
Winner of the 2010 Chad Pennington Award

by TheTealDeal on Mar 15, 2010 4:50 PM EDT reply actions  

I think he'd be an orphan.

Like Groves, I don’t think there is a position for him on the Jaguars. Like fitting a very nice, polished, talented, round peg into a square hole. It’d be a waste of such a nice peg.

In Gene We Trust.

by MoveThoseChains on Mar 15, 2010 7:27 PM EDT reply actions  

He's not Groves

he’s definitely more stout at the point of attack.

by Ewdtrey on Mar 15, 2010 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

love the fact

that he had huge plays and showed up in big games in college. not so sure if he’d fit in our defense tho, but if gene thinks he can contribute somehow, i wouldn’t care if he pulls the trigger on him if we can trade back and pick him up with a 2nd. hey knighton doesn’t really look like he fits in a 4-3 defense either but he works in our defense, so maybe this guy could too.

It's never too late to live your life, the time is now, it's yours and mine.

by dan073eb on Mar 15, 2010 8:06 PM EDT reply actions  

I wanna change my vote

Originally I had voted to drop back and pick graham. I based this on what I had heard about him and how he would fit better in a 3-4 and not so much in a 4-3.

But after watching the highlights on him I wouldn’t mind at all to take him with the 10th pick. He is simply a beast. He over pursues on occasion, but he is involved in every play and tackles ferociously.

Also the highlights against Iowa he destroyed thier frontline. And isn’t their a player from georgia tech that is supposed to be picked before him that gets manhandled by Iowa in the orange bowl.

He may be undersized, but that will not stop him. I never put much into the size of the player. I like to judge more by how they get after each play and he will play til the other team falls apart.

Draft LeFevour!!!!!!!!

by Vegasjags on Mar 16, 2010 1:17 AM EDT reply actions  

Good points

and the weirdest thing is, his only weakness is being short. He really has no other weaknesses. If he was 2 and half inches taller, everyone would be talking top 5.

by Ewdtrey on Mar 16, 2010 4:36 AM EDT up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Big Cat Country:: Jacksonville Jaguars news, commentary, speculation and fun, all from a fan's perspective
Start posting about the Jaguars »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Thefalcoholic_small
Ask The Falcoholic!
Small
Time to grow up, lads.
Gmcbig_small
Ask Bucs Nation

Recent FanPosts

Photo_76_small
The Greg Jones Discussion
Small
Response to John Clayton's list
Small
Larry Hart and Austen Lane
Brian_small
Thoughts On the "Red Zone" Debate
Wed_small
Judgment Day: 53 Jags for 2010
Pic000_edited_small
80 to 75
Small
Colt fans can't talk
Ahnold2_small
One of the best Vic-isms in a while...

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Latest NFL Headlines from SB Nation

SBNation.com Recent Stories

Photo

2010 NFL Preview, New York Jets: Mark Sanchez Bears Burden Of Expectations

Photo

2010 NFL Preview, New England Patriots: The Tom Brady Factor

FILE - This is a Sept. 27, 2009, file photo showing Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett  coming onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, in Glendale, Ariz.  Darnell Dockett knows there are people who don't like him, even though they don't know him as more than anything but a big, rough football player for the Arizona Cardinals. (AP Photo/Matt York, File) +1 updates

Darnell Dockett Signs Four-Year Extension With Cardinals

More from SBNation.com >


Manager

Delriosad_small River City Rage

Bigcatcountry_m_small Alfie Crow

Editor-in-Chief

Img_6121_small silencecs

Bill-hicks-smoking_small Jonathan Loesche

Jagalu-1_small Adam Stites

Associate Editor

Pict0319_small Tkopa

Brian_small Brian Fullford