Back from Mobile, Ala., for the Senior Bowl, General Manager Brian Xanders sat down to discuss his scouting trip to the annual college all-star game.
Xanders, the personnel staff and the coaching staff were all in Mobile from Monday to Wednesday, and the team is now working toward the NFL Scouting Combine.
Why is the Senior Bowl an important part of draft preparation?
“First of all, for our scouts, it’s a great opportunity to meet and interview players for the first time. When they’re on campus, they’re playing football and they’re going to school. But this is a great chance to meet them one-on-one. We get in on Sunday morning and then really chase down players, assigned by scout, and we interview them on all of the questions that we have on their background, football character and personal character.
“The second reason is it provides the first live exposure for a lot of our coaches. They can see the velocity of the football, to see them catch, to see them compete against good players, to see them in person, their body types, see how they work and compete in groups.”
What are you looking for when you watch practices?
“We saw four practices — two North and two South. I’m looking for guys that stand out in terms of athleticism, explosion and quickness, and it’s in all positions. Defensive backs, receivers, defensive line, the quarterbacks, running backs — you want to see some traits that project to the NFL.”
Are you happy with what was accomplished in Mobile?
“We got a lot done. We got the interviews in and we met as a staff. It’s a great opportunity to get everybody together and start the process for 2012.”
What was said in the full staff meeting?
“Just, ‘Here’s the plan, here’s what we’re working on, here’s your assignments — go execute the plan.’ It was good to get down there. It’s one of the first steps in the process.”
-Gray Caldwell
McBean is a below average depth player. I’m not real sure what Warren is going to be able to bring to the table after his injury.
Trading back into the early second round would not be a bad move in my eyes either. Give Tebow another weapon with Mohammed Sanu out of Rutgers.
We got all of Twitter voting for Von Miller. So if yu haven’t yet do so. Oh yeah don’t blame Tebow or him for saying Bronco Nation. That’s on Elway and Sharpe who still call Bronco Country Bronco Nation. lol
Who says players know better than fans, LOL.
Brockers is an athletic DT who can move outside.
Well hopefully Fox will change his ways and see that in the last quarter of the season our Dline wore down (including my favorite in Bunkley) and that position group needs to be addressed. I’m not sold on Vickerson, McBean, and Warren providing that depth
@Atwater I wanna see Bunkley back as well. I hope he not tryna go for big money. If so he will be missed. They gonna give Nate Irving every chance to be the guy. He was hurt during Miami with the onside kick recovery. Then was just getting back towards the last 5 games to health. That’s why yu saw him on regular plays at times.
McBean I have said in earlier post is a waste. With a restriction to his rights however. Gives them a cheap body to throw in to spell players. It is what it is.
Well I think with our pick in the 6th round…… just kidding bay, I had to do it, feel like messing with folks today!
007, I have a droid that has been a huge pain in my behind the last few months. I like the droid…I think…mine has just been a piece of junk. I can get a new phone in 2 weeks, cant some soon enough!!
I’d love for Irving to develop I just have my reservations. What is your take on the safety situation ?
Thanks 007…
Really nice to have you around… and for the Record, that was the 3rd posting of my Pre-FA Draft Board…
Greatness? any update on Kuper? How is he doing after his Surgery?
I think Safety is good @Atwater. We just need Moore to tackle and I like Carter alot. He was a steal. He is like Clark from the Steelers with a lil better ball skills.
@ Turtle Kuper is doing well and in on Schedule from what I’ve heard. It was a clean break. I know that is putting it mildly. Nevertheless he will be starting again. The break takes 6 to 8 months to heal. So he is good on that front.
Thompson might move to safety as well. He was playing CB and FS in preseason.
Nice… Is he (Squid) fully recovered or is he still rehabing?
Good News about Kuper also… I love his attitude and I think that Beadles is developing to be almost a mirror image of him… I obviously don’t get to see practice, but his technique’s are similar and his attitude to the whistle is definitely very Kuper like…
Not sure what kind of interaction you get with the players but I hope Kuper knows how much we appreciate him… Hochstien got owned in the Patriot game…
and not to waste your day answering my questions but has there been any discussion of pursuing Laron Landry for SS or letting Harris play some SS in our Nickel packages?
Depending if BDawk comes back or not. I think he is though. With that said I think Moore and Thompson will handle that. Laron wants the big bucks. He wants a big deal. So I don’t think he is on their radar. Washington wants him back so I’ve been told. Now if we get a new CB then the it’s gonna be fun in camp. To see who gets pegged where ever.
Tide – I know you can fight your own battles, just letting you know that I get a kick out of it!
Bay – I thought u said Fox likes to take the best player available, now you say he will only address the positions that he didn’t draft last year.. Which one is it??
Maniac – I also like Osweiler, think he could good
Daddy bronc – funny story.. I too was wondering where you were going with that one…. Lol