How does Taylor Mays rank as a strong safety prospect?

[SourdoughTony]

Let's hear it.

[SF1981bornfan]

better than he does @ FS. that should be his only option for whatever team drafts him.

[Mullester]

Eric berry and Taylor mays will shore up our safety's for year's to come! Seriously though as I'm sure you know he has unlimited talent which we you can't teach. Although I'm pretty against getting him, since we as a franchise seem to be bad at developing these types of players ie. Vernon Davis, Manny Lawson, Michael Robinson. All athletically gifted yet it doesn't seem we develop these players well. I would rather get a more instinctual players like Scott Mckillop, Justin Smith types. He goes for the big hit more than the tackle and isn't much of a ball-hawk.

[Gof the Gij]

He'll probably be used as a box safety or 43 outside linebacker.

[DavidSt.Hubbins]

I've said once and I'll say it again...Eric Berry AND Morgan Burnett are better prospects than Mays.

[ny49er]

^agreed.

I see mays playing lb in the pros.

[TerrellOwns]

either way hes going to be a beast

[majesstik1]

I've said once and I'll say it again...Eric Berry AND Morgan Burnett are better prospects than Mays.

That's been pretty well established in any non-USC biased circles.

Guys who can cover the deep half of the field >>> Guys who can't find the ball in the air

[SB49er4life]

LoL, you know a guy plays at USC when people are trying to make excuses for why he DOESN'T give up big plays.

Taylor Mays isn't the best ball-hawk as a FS, nor does he possess the man-cover skills of elite NFL FS's, but he is as reliable of a FS as you can find, and the stats speak for themselves.

The talk of switching him to an OLB is just pure stupid. That is for S's who lack the speed to run in the NFL- Mays is one of the fastest players in the nation.

[Gof the Gij]

How much you wanna bet Taylor Mays runs at least a 4.45 at the combine?

[SB49er4life]

more like you know he plays for USC when he's grossly overrated. Sorry you got a :laugh: out of me when you said he's one of the fastest players in the nation....thanks for the chuckle.

Why is that not true ? Because you said so ?

USC gave up 3 or 4 deep passes all year last year, but their FS had nooooothing to do with that.

[majesstik1]

Why is that not true ? Because you said so ?

USC gave up 3 or 4 deep passes all year last year, but their FS had nooooothing to do with that.

The way USC played defense last year, and the overall team talent had a good amount to do with that. They put Mays in deep centerfield in passing situations, and had the horses up front to get to the QB before WRs could get too deep.

Mays is a fantastic prospect, for certain teams. Cover-2 teams will like him because he has enough speed to stay over the top of one half of the field, and is a stud in run support. Teams that are looking for a good box safety will like him too - he compares to the way ARI uses Wilson. But I can't see an NFL team drafting him to be a pure centerfielder. He doesn't have ball skills to make plays back there. He hasn't shown the vision to pick the ball up in the air, and hasn't shown a knack for even getting his hands on the ball. He just doesn't create enough turnovers to be considered for that role.

[Gof the Gij]

In fact, he played so well in coverage they decided he'd be great at linebacker.

[SB49er4life]

The way USC played defense last year, and the overall team talent had a good amount to do with that. They put Mays in deep centerfield in passing situations, and had the horses up front to get to the QB before WRs could get too deep.

Mays is a fantastic prospect, for certain teams. Cover-2 teams will like him because he has enough speed to stay over the top of one half of the field, and is a stud in run support. Teams that are looking for a good box safety will like him too - he compares to the way ARI uses Wilson. But I can't see an NFL team drafting him to be a pure centerfielder. He doesn't have ball skills to make plays back there. He hasn't shown the vision to pick the ball up in the air, and hasn't shown a knack for even getting his hands on the ball. He just doesn't create enough turnovers to be considered for that role.

I agree with everything you said. I have never said that he is a "flawless" prospect as a FS.

I just don't agree with all the people out there who like to completely discredit him as a FS and try to make his flaws out to be a major liability while downplaying the rest of his efforts.

Does he give you the same kinda flexibility as a FS that an Ed Reed gives you ? No, but he would still be an upgrade over a majority of the starting FS's in the NFL.

[xcfan]

mays isn't a "can do it all" safety, or should i say, a "has done it all" safety, so i wouldn't draft him until the teens.

freakish athletic measurables can give one quasi beer goggles when it comes to determining player quality. pick him at the top of round one if he has all the intangibles between his ears; otherwise judge mays with a sober mind.

[G4LIFE]

Mays will definitely run a sub 4.5 but he weighs a little under 230 lbs and I think he'll be moved to the WILL in the pros.

[NyNinerFan]

he's behind Eric Berry no matter where you wanna put him

[NyNinerFan]

That's been pretty well established in any non-USC biased circles.

Guys who can cover the deep half of the field >>> Guys who can't find the ball in the air

agreed

[NinerCapHell]

Future Tampa-2 SAM OLB material.

[berry42079]

berry is way better...anyone with the name berry is a stud and should be picked and put before anyone else:wild:

[roleplay3r1]

Haven't seen the consistent wrap up ability to be a great SS/in the box safety prospect.

[Pound th' Rock]

How about the fact that 9 times out of 10, a "stud" from USC underachieves massively.

[Mullester]

How about the fact that 9 times out of 10, a "stud" from USC underachieves massively.

Yeah I was actually trying to find a list of all the usc busts it's tuff to get a complete list in one area but their are a lot.

[9ertotheend]

How about the fact that 9 times out of 10, a "stud" from USC underachieves massively.


ding ding ding.... couldnt agree more.

[DFresh]

Im sorry but you guys are stupid talking about USC "busts" USC puts the most players in the league and what they do after that has nothing to do with USC. There are just as many players from USC that come in underrated but succeed as there are "busts" Taylor Mays will be a beast

[majesstik1]

Im sorry but you guys are stupid talking about USC "busts" USC puts the most players in the league and what they do after that has nothing to do with USC. There are just as many players from USC that come in underrated but succeed as there are "busts" Taylor Mays will be a beast

Could you please list all the successful players Pete Carroll has sent to the NFL, then list all the flops...then we can compare. Sound stupid enough for you?

[Gof the Gij]

Future Tampa-2 SAM OLB material.

Yup!!

[DFresh]

Sam Baker Offensive Tackle Atlanta Falcons
Darnell Bing Linebacker Detroit Lions
John David Booty Quarterback Minnesota Vikings
David Buehler Place kicker Dallas Cowboys
Reggie Bush Running Back New Orleans Saints
Dominique Byrd Tight End Arizona Cardinals
Matt Cassel Quarterback Kansas City Chiefs
Shaun Cody Defensive Tackle Houston Texans
Keary Colbert Wide Receiver Detroit Lions
Brian Cushing Linebacker Houston Texans
Fred Davis Tight End Washington Redskins
Sedrick Ellis Defensive Tackle New Orleans Saints
Kevin Ellison Safety San Diego Chargers
Justin Fargas Running Back Oakland Raiders
Cary Harris Cornerback Buffalo Bills
Lawrence Jackson Defensive End Seattle Seahawks
Dwayne Jarrett Wide Receiver Carolina Panthers
Winston Justice Offensive Tackle Philadelphia Eagles
Ryan Kalil Center Carolina Panthers
David Kirtman Fullback Seattle Seahawks
Matt Leinart Quarterback Arizona Cardinals
Deuce Lutui Guard Arizona Cardinals
Kaluka Maiava Linebacker Cleveland Browns
Tom Malone Punter New England Patriots
Clay Matthews Linebacker Green Bay Packers
Rey Maualuga Linebacker Cincinnati Bengals
Billy Miller Tight End New Orleans Saints
Fili Moala Defensive Tackle Indianapolis Colts
Kyle Moore Defensive End Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carson Palmer Quarterback Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Patterson Defensive Tackle Philadelphia Eagles
Troy Polamalu Safety Pittsburgh Steelers
Chilo Rachal Guard San Francisco 49ers
Drew Radovich Offensive Tackle Minnesota Vikings
LaJuan Ramsey Defensive End Tennessee Titans
Keith Rivers Linebacker Cincinnati Bengals
Frostee Rucker Defensive End Cincinnati Bengals
Mark Sanchez Quarterback New York Jets
Steve Smith Wide Receiver New York Giants
Matt Spanos Center San Francisco 49ers
Lofa Tatupu Linebacker Seattle Seahawks
Terrell Thomas Cornerback New York Giants
Patrick Turner Wide Receiver Miami Dolphins
Chauncey Washington Running Back Jacksonville Jaguars
LenDale White Running Back Tennessee Titans
Kyle Williams Offensive Tackle Seattle Seahawks
Thomas Williams Linebacker Jacksonville Jaguars

Tell me which of these you deem busts

[Mullester]

Sam Baker Offensive Tackle Atlanta Falcons
Darnell Bing Linebacker Detroit Lions
John David Booty Quarterback Minnesota Vikings
David Buehler Place kicker Dallas Cowboys
Reggie Bush Running Back New Orleans Saints
Dominique Byrd Tight End Arizona Cardinals
Matt Cassel Quarterback Kansas City Chiefs
Shaun Cody Defensive Tackle Houston Texans
Keary Colbert Wide Receiver Detroit Lions
Brian Cushing Linebacker Houston Texans
Fred Davis Tight End Washington Redskins
Sedrick Ellis Defensive Tackle New Orleans Saints
Kevin Ellison Safety San Diego Chargers
Justin Fargas Running Back Oakland Raiders
Cary Harris Cornerback Buffalo Bills
Lawrence Jackson Defensive End Seattle Seahawks
Dwayne Jarrett Wide Receiver Carolina Panthers
Winston Justice Offensive Tackle Philadelphia Eagles
Ryan Kalil Center Carolina Panthers
David Kirtman Fullback Seattle Seahawks
Matt Leinart Quarterback Arizona Cardinals
Deuce Lutui Guard Arizona Cardinals
Kaluka Maiava Linebacker Cleveland Browns
Tom Malone Punter New England Patriots
Clay Matthews Linebacker Green Bay Packers
Rey Maualuga Linebacker Cincinnati Bengals
Billy Miller Tight End New Orleans Saints
Fili Moala Defensive Tackle Indianapolis Colts
Kyle Moore Defensive End Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carson Palmer Quarterback Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Patterson Defensive Tackle Philadelphia Eagles
Troy Polamalu Safety Pittsburgh Steelers
Chilo Rachal Guard San Francisco 49ers
Drew Radovich Offensive Tackle Minnesota Vikings
LaJuan Ramsey Defensive End Tennessee Titans
Keith Rivers Linebacker Cincinnati Bengals
Frostee Rucker Defensive End Cincinnati Bengals
Mark Sanchez Quarterback New York Jets
Steve Smith Wide Receiver New York Giants
Matt Spanos Center San Francisco 49ers
Lofa Tatupu Linebacker Seattle Seahawks
Terrell Thomas Cornerback New York Giants
Patrick Turner Wide Receiver Miami Dolphins
Chauncey Washington Running Back Jacksonville Jaguars
LenDale White Running Back Tennessee Titans
Kyle Williams Offensive Tackle Seattle Seahawks
Thomas Williams Linebacker Jacksonville Jaguars

Tell me which of these you deem busts

Mike Williams, Todd Marinovich, Jay Soward. The bolded and these three I'm sure there are more.

[NinerCapHell]

Sam Baker Offensive Tackle Atlanta Falcons
Darnell Bing Linebacker Detroit Lions
John David Booty Quarterback Minnesota Vikings
David Buehler Place kicker Dallas Cowboys
Reggie Bush Running Back New Orleans Saints
Dominique Byrd Tight End Arizona Cardinals
Matt Cassel Quarterback Kansas City Chiefs
Shaun Cody Defensive Tackle Houston Texans
Keary Colbert Wide Receiver Detroit Lions
Brian Cushing Linebacker Houston Texans
Fred Davis Tight End Washington Redskins
Sedrick Ellis Defensive Tackle New Orleans Saints
Kevin Ellison Safety San Diego Chargers
Justin Fargas Running Back Oakland Raiders
Cary Harris Cornerback Buffalo Bills
Lawrence Jackson Defensive End Seattle Seahawks
Dwayne Jarrett Wide Receiver Carolina Panthers
Winston Justice Offensive Tackle Philadelphia Eagles
Ryan Kalil Center Carolina Panthers
David Kirtman Fullback Seattle Seahawks
Matt Leinart Quarterback Arizona Cardinals
Deuce Lutui Guard Arizona Cardinals
Kaluka Maiava Linebacker Cleveland Browns
Tom Malone Punter New England Patriots
Clay Matthews Linebacker Green Bay Packers
Rey Maualuga Linebacker Cincinnati Bengals
Billy Miller Tight End New Orleans Saints
Fili Moala Defensive Tackle Indianapolis Colts
Kyle Moore Defensive End Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carson Palmer Quarterback Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Patterson Defensive Tackle Philadelphia Eagles
Troy Polamalu Safety Pittsburgh Steelers
Chilo Rachal Guard San Francisco 49ers
Drew Radovich Offensive Tackle Minnesota Vikings
LaJuan Ramsey Defensive End Tennessee Titans
Keith Rivers Linebacker Cincinnati Bengals
Frostee Rucker Defensive End Cincinnati Bengals
Mark Sanchez Quarterback New York Jets
Steve Smith Wide Receiver New York Giants
Matt Spanos Center San Francisco 49ers
Lofa Tatupu Linebacker Seattle Seahawks
Terrell Thomas Cornerback New York Giants
Patrick Turner Wide Receiver Miami Dolphins
Chauncey Washington Running Back Jacksonville Jaguars
LenDale White Running Back Tennessee Titans
Kyle Williams Offensive Tackle Seattle Seahawks
Thomas Williams Linebacker Jacksonville Jaguars

Tell me which of these you deem busts

A lot of these guys were drafted too low to be considered busts since they are still on NFL rosters. But a lot of the ones chosen in the top 3 rounds certainly are busts. Keary Colbert has developed into a bust after a really good rookie season.

Also not included in this list is the infamous Mike Williams.


Side trivia note: Kaluka Maiava is The Rock's nephew.

[SB49er4life]

Mike Williams, Todd Marinovich, Jay Soward. The bolded and these three I'm sure there are more.

Todd Marinovich ? You mean the guy who had been outta USC for about a decade before Pete Carroll got their ? Jay Soward ?You're reaching.

And Mike Williams is a lazy dumb-*** who:

A) Made a stupid decision regarding his eligibility and timing of entering the draft, which has NOTHING to do with USC or Pete Carroll

B) Once he DID get to the NFL, became extremely lazy and flat out blew an opportunity.

Mike Williams was a bust because of a poor attitude, ignorance, and a piss-poor work ethic. Talent was not an issue.

[NinerCapHell]

Mike Williams was a bust because of a poor attitude, ignorance, and a piss-poor work ethic. Talent was not an issue.

That's usually what causes players to bust in the NFL... its rarely ever a talent issue.

[majesstik1]

3 categories:

Poor means they have been unsuccessful, even if still floating around the league on 80 man rosters. Fair means either they haven't been given the opportunity, but you know the talent is their, or they're just scraping by at the bottom of 53 man rosters. Good, means they've done pretty good in the NFL thus far. Very Good means they are among the best at their positions in the league. Excluded will be players who have not played 1 full season in the NFL, as there is no way to judge them now.

Poor:
Darnell Bing Linebacker Detroit Lions
Dominique Byrd Tight End Arizona Cardinals
Shaun Cody Defensive Tackle Houston Texans
Keary Colbert Wide Receiver Detroit Lions
Fred Davis Tight End Washington Redskins
Winston Justice Offensive Tackle Philadelphia Eagles
David Kirtman Fullback Seattle Seahawks
Tom Malone Punter New England Patriots
LaJuan Ramsey Defensive End Tennessee Titans
Frostee Rucker Defensive End Cincinnati Bengals
Kyle Williams Offensive Tackle Seattle Seahawks

Fair:
John David Booty Quarterback Minnesota Vikings
Justin Fargas Running Back Oakland Raiders
Lawrence Jackson Defensive End Seattle Seahawks
Dwayne Jarrett Wide Receiver Carolina Panthers
Matt Leinart Quarterback Arizona Cardinals
Deuce Lutui Guard Arizona Cardinals
Chilo Rachal Guard San Francisco 49ers
Drew Radovich Offensive Tackle Minnesota Vikings
Matt Spanos Center San Francisco 49ers
Terrell Thomas Cornerback New York Giants
Chauncey Washington Running Back Jacksonville Jaguars
LenDale White Running Back Tennessee Titans
Thomas Williams Linebacker Jacksonville Jaguars

Good:
Sam Baker Offensive Tackle Atlanta Falcons
Reggie Bush Running Back New Orleans Saints (and this is being generous)
Matt Cassel Quarterback Kansas City Chiefs
Billy Miller Tight End New Orleans Saints
Mike Patterson Defensive Tackle Philadelphia Eagles
Steve Smith Wide Receiver New York Giants

Very Good:
Sedrick Ellis Defensive Tackle New Orleans Saints
Ryan Kalil Center Carolina Panthers
Carson Palmer Quarterback Cincinnati Bengals
Troy Polamalu Safety Pittsburgh Steelers
Lofa Tatupu Linebacker Seattle Seahawks

So, off that list only 5 have proven they have what it takes to excel at the NFL level. And a handful more have the potential still to do so. 11 have been flops, with several more still to be decided on in that area as well.

All of that adds up to...nothing. You can't predict how Taylor Mays will do in the NFL based on USC's tract record of flooding the NFL with prospects.

[RockedUp49er]

He'll probably be used as a box safety or 43 outside linebacker.

Taylor Mays can play anywhere he wants. He is a H-W-S freak of nature and a monster hitter to boot. He has all the skills to be an All-Pro and it doesn't hurt Ronnie Lott is his position coach at USC either. I hope we draft this kid. Ronnie Lott 2.0

[Gof the Gij]

Taylor Mays can play anywhere he wants. He is a H-W-S freak of nature and a monster hitter to boot. He has all the skills to be an All-Pro and it doesn't hurt Ronnie Lott is his position coach at USC either. I hope we draft this kid. Ronnie Lott 2.0

Taylor Mays is an athletic freak who could probably be in the Olympics. He also isn't very good at football. He's a huge, fast, hard-hitting guy, but is really average at best in coverage and is more interested in taking someone's head off than getting them to the ground.

And Ronnie Lott is not a coach in any capacity, not to even mention being USC's safety coach.

A guy who seems destined to be one of the greatest safeties of all time is indeed in this draft, but his name is Eric, not Taylor.

[BAKNAFEK88]

Eric Berry all day. Taylor Mays is a human missile that launches himself at people hoping to make Sportscenter. Give me the big play guy who can also hit. Anyone see Taylor Mays get run over by the PSU qb in the Rose Bowl?

[Diggi]

Bumping. Seeing how we dropped out of the Eric Berry sweepstakes and we may even get out of the Earl Thomas sweepstakes. I think we need to upgrade our safety play and we're picking in the teens now. If even Thomas isn't there what do you guys now think of Mays? I can't think the guy would hurt our team's safety play. I don't think he is the centerfielder that our team needs but say we take the best OT with our first and Spiller, Dez, McClain, Thomas are gone...would you consider this guy with our 16/17th? The one thing I like about him is he seems to set the physical tempo of a defense, would he be a bad fit at SS? Would he be a worse FS than Goldson? I am not familiar with him as I hate USC lol. But he seems like he could potentially become very good at run support and intimidating receivers however he may never have good int numbers he could at least deflect the ball lol.

[DC82]

I'd still take Taylor Mays over Earl Thomas. Mays is a better fit at SS than FS. There aren't too many players that has his size and speed. Mays is a vicious hitter that puts fear into recievers. He's been compared to Sean Taylor, Ronnie Lott, and Adrian Wilson. All three of those guys were/are pretty good. He may not have the best instinct, but he seems to be around the ball a lot. A lot of that has to do with his speed. Mays is also a good leader. The guy came back to USC eventhough he had a chance to be a top 5 pick last year. When he came back he was playing hurt. I think he'll be perfect to take over Michael Lewis's spot. He'd be an upgrade to Lewis who played decent for us this year.

[Gnihsif]

Ronnie Lott 3.0
because Roy Williams was Ronnie Lott 2.0

[DC82]

Ronnie Lott 3.0
because Roy Williams was Ronnie Lott 2.0

Mays is a way better athlete than Roy Williams.

[Gnihsif]

Mays is a way better athlete than Roy Williams.

i'll give you that

[Diggi]

I'd still take Taylor Mays over Earl Thomas. Mays is a better fit at SS than FS. There aren't too many players that has his size and speed. Mays is a vicious hitter that puts fear into recievers. He's been compared to Sean Taylor, Ronnie Lott, and Adrian Wilson. All three of those guys were/are pretty good. He may not have the best instinct, but he seems to be around the ball a lot. A lot of that has to do with his speed. Mays is also a good leader. The guy came back to USC eventhough he had a chance to be a top 5 pick last year. When he came back he was playing hurt. I think he'll be perfect to take over Michael Lewis's spot. He'd be an upgrade to Lewis who played decent for us this year.

I definitely wouldn't take him over Thomas but Thomas might be gone by the time we pick.

Mays looks like he gets out of position a lot he maybe fast and strong but that won't help us in pass coverage which is our weakness. He got burnt a lot which is why I am wondering if he's a good fit at SS. I like his toughness and intensity though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFa4aEsZzzw

Thomas is a ballhawk he has good instincts and hands. See @ 6:40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urC3OZoizis

[Gnihsif]

Anybody know anything on the safety prospect Morgan Burnett?

[Rockyn]

Mays is a vicious hitter that puts fear into recievers.

He'll have GM's frightened when his name finally does come up on the BPA list, and not in the good way.

Mays will be excellent at 3 things in the NFL:
- Getting caught out of position
- Whiffing on big hits
- Upon actually landing a big hit, drawing 15-yard penalties and fines

[Diggi]

Anybody know anything on the safety prospect Morgan Burnett?

From what I understand about him he is considered a late 1st early 2nd pick. He was rated by some as the 2nd best safety to begin the season but this season dropped his stock. The only reason I didn't give him as much thought is because he's rated lower this year. I personally like him but I'd take thomas and his 8 int over him....Mays vs. Burnett...they're both big, instincts edge goes to Burnett I think Taylor is better in run support, but he may not even be that.......gah, my brain hurts lol. I think Burnett has good value if he goes late 1st if he's a good pick maybe we should move down to get him?

[Nelson]

Mays is the 5th safety on my board behind Berry, Thomas, Burnett and Jones

[Gof the Gij]

Anybody know anything on the safety prospect Morgan Burnett?

More Ed Reed-like than Eric Berry. Berry is the much better player, but Burnett's game is pretty identical to Reed's - not the strongest tackler, but a constant threat to any ball thrown his way downfield.

[49er1981]

T.Mays could be a meaner type of Bob Sanders in the NFL..
Maybe we should consider him as our future SS..

I mean if M.Lewis doesn't take a paycut he might be gone, and since he has had a big concussion problem this year, he might retire..
We could be in big need of a SS.. There isn't many in FA.. And if we lose Lewis, M.Roman might be our only player at the position!!!
I'm not too sure we should take him with our 16/17th pick though (depending on the coin toss..)
Maybe he could fall to our 45th overall pick.. Or we can trade up from this one..

[game4u2play]

My evaluation of taylor mays is this; he is a physical guy not afraid to stick someone,always has pursuit to the ball, when beat still has speed to make a play, doesn't wrap up at times but can be taught,keeps in great shape, watches qb's but doesn't keep one eye on the reciever,fights through blocks to make plays. with that said most of these technique problems i.e wrapping up can be corrected during training camp. as far as his mis- reads these can be fixed in the film room prep. one good thing is this guy has the speed and size to make up for rookie errors with a little time he could be our premiere safety just like goldson had to acclimate. i'm not dead set on only mays but he's a leading canidate at the draft. there is going to be a few proven players via fa.

[BAKNAFEK88]

More Ed Reed-like than Eric Berry. Berry is the much better player, but Burnett's game is pretty identical to Reed's - not the strongest tackler, but a constant threat to any ball thrown his way downfield.

You feel Morgan Burnett is more like Ed Reed than Eric Berry? When do you think he will go off the board?

[Slumdog]

too slow right now. greaat hitter but too much of a liability in pass coverage

[DC82]

My evaluation of taylor mays is this; he is a physical guy not afraid to stick someone,always has pursuit to the ball, when beat still has speed to make a play, doesn't wrap up at times but can be taught,keeps in great shape, watches qb's but doesn't keep one eye on the reciever,fights through blocks to make plays. with that said most of these technique problems i.e wrapping up can be corrected during training camp. as far as his mis- reads these can be fixed in the film room prep. one good thing is this guy has the speed and size to make up for rookie errors with a little time he could be our premiere safety just like goldson had to acclimate. i'm not dead set on only mays but he's a leading canidate at the draft. there is going to be a few proven players via fa.

He probably needs to stop thinking about Lauren Conrad when he hits. Taylor Hayes has a huge crush on Lauren Conrad. I read this in an old article:

"I like to hit guys hard so if Lauren Conrad and I ever go on a date, she will feel protected,'' Mays said.

Wrapping up is a fixable problem. Every young safety wants to go for the big hit. Mays is gifted enough that he doesn't have to wrap up all the time and get away with some of it.


http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Headlinin-OMG-Taylor-Mays-crushes-for-his-cru?urn=ncaaf,118828

[Diggi]

Mays is the 5th safety on my board behind Berry, Thomas, Burnett and Jones

So that being said how high would you take Burnett? I personally think safety is a position that has to be addressed. I think Burnett is a good player as well.

[Nelson]

Burnett could go anywhere from late 1st to late 2nd as it stands.

[Diggi]

Burnett could go anywhere from late 1st to late 2nd as it stands.

I haven't heard late second I've heard 1st to early 2nd. What I'm really asking is would you take him at 16/17 if say Berry, Thomas were gone especially if his stock increases with the combine and he's predicted to be a 1st rounder.

[TerrellOwns]

mays is a beast most ppl on here are just haters

[Stan Marsh]

More Ed Reed-like than Eric Berry. Berry is the much better player, but Burnett's game is pretty identical to Reed's - not the strongest tackler, but a constant threat to any ball thrown his way downfield.

Holy ****. I'd take him.

[WhistlingMtn]

He's probably one of the best SS prospects in the draft.. but SS is one of the least valuable positions in the NFL. The 49ers already have a player very capable of being a great SS in Goldson.

I'm not a fan of the "S" label anymore as there are clear divisions now between FS and SS. Mays is not and will never be a FS, which is what the 49ers need, so he shouldn't even be on their draft board.

I think he's a 2nd/3rd round prospect as a SS, and he probably should have switched to LB his senior year as I think he'd be a good tampa-2 OLB.

[WhistlingMtn]

You feel Morgan Burnett is more like Ed Reed than Eric Berry? When do you think he will go off the board?

Burnett and Thomas are both high ceiling guys, but they're very much unproven as prospects. Neither has declared yet, Burnett would probably be 2nd/3rd round. ( Edit: Thomas has declared )

[Mullester]

mays is a beast most ppl on here are just haters

What has he done that so great please tell me, I've watched most of his games and pretty much the "hater's" are right.

[Witness.]

Burnett and Thomas are both high ceiling guys, but they're very much unproven as prospects. Neither has declared yet, Burnett would probably be 2nd/3rd round. ( Edit: Thomas has declared )

Thomas has declared.

Edit: when I quoted you it wasn't edited yet lol

[WhistlingMtn]

Thomas has declared.

Edit: when I quoted you it wasn't edited yet lol

Clearly not if it was in your quote!

[BAKNAFEK88]

Burnett and Thomas are both high ceiling guys, but they're very much unproven as prospects. Neither has declared yet, Burnett would probably be 2nd/3rd round. ( Edit: Thomas has declared )

What's ur breakdown on Morgan Burnett? Do you think we can get him in the 2nd rnd and plug him in at SS then keep Dashon Goldson at FS.

[DC82]

What's ur breakdown on Morgan Burnett? Do you think we can get him in the 2nd rnd and plug him in at SS then keep Dashon Goldson at FS.

Burnett is a hybrid safety. He has good ball skills and he can play inside the box. He has good size at 6'1", 210 lbs. He also has good speed. If he comes to SF he will play FS while Goldson plays SS. He had 14 INT in 3 seasons of college. His weakness is the same as Goldson. He goes for the knockout hit and pays for it instead of wrapping up. He'll probably be drafted by a team in the second round if he declares.

[BAKNAFEK88]

Burnett is a hybrid safety. He has good ball skills and he can play inside the box. He has good size at 6'1", 210 lbs. He also has good speed. If he comes to SF he will play FS while Goldson plays SS. He had 14 INT in 3 seasons of college. His weakness is the same as Goldson. He goes for the knockout hit and pays for it instead of wrapping up. He'll probably be drafted by a team in the second round if he declares.

So in your opinion do we draft Earl Thomas or someone at FS? Do you think Reggie Smith can play FS?

[DC82]

So in your opinion do we draft Earl Thomas or someone at FS? Do you think Reggie Smith can play FS?

IMO, I really like Taylor Mays because he's been compared to Sean Taylor and Adrian Wilson, but I would go CB Joe Haden and OT Bruce Campbell if they were available in the 1st round. Haden is the best corner by far in this draft and corner is a lot more valuable position than safety. This draft has some pretty good safties, especially some in the later rounds. I wouldn't pick Earl Thomas in round 1. Even if we didn't draft a safety, I wouldn't be too worried. I was hoping that Nate Clement was going to play safety, but it looks like he doesn't want to. We could always convert one of our corners into a safety or go the free agent route. Reggie Smith was a FS in college and so was Walt Harris. Michael Robinson would probably make a good safety. He has some vicious hits on special teams and he has the size and speed to play safety. When we first drafted we thought about playing him at safety.
Dashon Goldson is a better fit at SS IMO. He doesn't have the elite speed to keep up with faster receivers and plus he plays better in the box w/ his hits.

[BAKNAFEK88]

Taylor Mays is such an enigma. I can definitely see the comparisons to Adrian Wilson. If we get Taylor Mays, I only hope he lives up to them. I think Dashon can play FS like he did for us this past year. Nate definitely needs to stay at CB and Joe Haden wouldn't be a bad pick but just like Safety, this draft is pretty deep at CB. Not sure about Michael Robinson at safety either. We could always move Walt Harris to FS or play Reggie Smith. I like having options.

[DC82]

Taylor Mays is such an enigma. I can definitely see the comparisons to Adrian Wilson. If we get Taylor Mays, I only hope he lives up to them. I think Dashon can play FS like he did for us this past year. Nate definitely needs to stay at CB and Joe Haden wouldn't be a bad pick but just like Safety, this draft is pretty deep at CB. Not sure about Michael Robinson at safety either. We could always move Walt Harris to FS or play Reggie Smith. I like having options.

Some expert say this is a weak CB draft. They say Joe Haden is clearly the best CB in this draft. Haden has the speed and strength to be really good for a long time. He was Florida's most conditioned athlete, that's saying a lot. He has the speed to keep up with any WR in the NFL by consistently having 4.3 speed. He's very strong and can bench almost 400 lbs. Coming out of high school he did 40 reps on the bench (at 185, but still ridiculous for a CB). I like him a lot because he's very good in run support and isn't afraid to tackle. He also has good ball skills and a good vertical at 37". The only thing about him is if he is really 5'11" or smaller. Crabtree was listed at 6'3" coming out but he wasn't. It can hurt his stock if he isn't 5'11". Patrick Robinson is the next best CB and probably a 1st rounder. Joe Haden clearly is #1. Next is Trevard Lindley and Javier Arenas, they'll probably go in round 2 or later. Those guys are no where near Haden.
I hope the Niners do go w/ Haden in the 1st. We need a corner w/ really good speed. The only one we have right now is Tarell Brown, but he's still learning. We play ATL again next year and I don't want their WR to burn us badly.

[Diggi]

I wanted Haden at first as well but in retrospect our corner play wasn't really that bad in my opinion and I think we're good enough at that position. The problem I saw all comes down to the safety play: inability to stop TE's in the passing game and getting burnt by the deep pass. I don't think a corner has as much value for our team as a safety that can get some ints for us. Lewis and his concusions adds a big question mark as well. I don't think corner has more value for us than safety at all. This draft class is weak for corners and I don't get why we'd want to try and convert a corner to safety after we draft a corner when we could just draft a safety and keep our corners playing?

[DC82]

I wanted Haden at first as well but in retrospect our corner play wasn't really that bad in my opinion and I think we're good enough at that position. The problem I saw all comes down to the safety play: inability to stop TE's in the passing game and getting burnt by the deep pass. I don't think a corner has as much value for our team as a safety that can get some ints for us. Lewis and his concusions adds a big question mark as well. I don't think corner has more value for us than safety at all. This draft class is weak for corners and I don't get why we'd want to try and convert a corner to safety after we draft a corner when we could just draft a safety and keep our corners playing?

I agree that our corners hasn't done a bad job, but we lack speed big time. The only guy that has speed is Tarrell Brown. Our corners were getting burnt by Atlanta, which we play again next year. When we played Philly, Desean Jackson had over 100 receiving yards against us including a TD. We also got lucky because J. Macklin was injured and wasn't playing against us. We also play them again next year. Haden is actually the only corner I would draft with a high pick. Safety has been decent w/ M. Lewis and D. Goldson, but we could definately use an upgrade with M. Lewis, who thought about retirement but isn't that old and may not retire.
Most scout values corner over safeties. If Haden is available I would take him. The only guy who has more value is Eric Berry because he can play corner and is a really good safety. Like I said before, we can get a good safety in later rounds if Haden is available in the 1st.

[Diggi]

I agree that our corners hasn't done a bad job, but we lack speed big time. The only guy that has speed is Tarrell Brown. Our corners were getting burnt by Atlanta, which we play again next year. When we played Philly, Desean Jackson had over 100 receiving yards against us including a TD. We also got lucky because J. Macklin was injured and wasn't playing against us. We also play them again next year. Haden is actually the only corner I would draft with a high pick. Safety has been decent w/ M. Lewis and D. Goldson, but we could definately use an upgrade with M. Lewis, who thought about retirement but isn't that old and may not retire.
Most scout values corner over safeties. If Haden is available I would take him. The only guy who has more value is Eric Berry because he can play corner and is a really good safety. Like I said before, we can get a good safety in later rounds if Haden is available in the 1st.

In the Atl game, aside from the Clements gamble our corners weren't getting burnt the safety was. We were playing zones with the safety deep and Goldson wasn't where he was supposed to be, he should have had coverage over the top.

Not only that but atl was running all over us up the middle, so all around it was a bad defensive performance. Jackson's a good reciever can't expect him not to get yards all the time...Overall we faced the best WRs in the league and held them down....Fitzgerald twice and remember it wasn't Andre Johnson that burnt us it was their crappy TE.

My problem is all the crappy TE's beat us up, that's not on the corner and the deep bombs which are usually not on the corner either. Our corners held their own throughout most the season while the safeties did not. Corners may have more value but when you have pretty good corners that did a great job on the best two WR's it's not a need. Especially if you consider we lost our #1/#2 corner and we still played well.

[WhistlingMtn]

What's ur breakdown on Morgan Burnett? Do you think we can get him in the 2nd rnd and plug him in at SS then keep Dashon Goldson at FS.

I didn't get to see him play enough personally. Based on what I read he'll go in the 2nd/3rd if he comes out.

My personal opinion is the 49ers should not draft a SS, or any S who is more of a run support guy that doesn't make plays on the ball. It's a position of little value that is easily filled with late round draft picks and cheap free agents. If they do anything they should move Goldson to SS, draft a corner and have him, one of the other corners, or Reggie Smith play FS.

Keep in mind they already also have a 2nd year Curtis Taylor that could play SS as well.

Those high picks need to go to other areas. If they draft a S, it would have to be with the direct intention of playing him at FS.

[SB49er4life]

I didn't get to see him play enough personally. Based on what I read he'll go in the 2nd/3rd if he comes out.

My personal opinion is the 49ers should not draft a SS, or any S who is more of a run support guy that doesn't make plays on the ball. It's a position of little value that is easily filled with late round draft picks and cheap free agents. If they do anything they should move Goldson to SS, draft a corner and have him, one of the other corners, or Reggie Smith play FS.

Keep in mind they already also have a 2nd year Curtis Taylor that could play SS as well.

Those high picks need to go to other areas. If they draft a S, it would have to be with the direct intention of playing him at FS.

You can find SERVICEABLE S's in later rounds, but if you look at the premier S's in the league, they were all taken early:

Troy Polamalu (1st rd)
Ed Reed (1st rd)
Bob Sanders (2nd rd)
Adrian Wilson (3rd rd, 1st pick)
LaRon Landry (1st rd)
Brian Dawkins (2nd rd)
OJ Atogwe (3rd rd)

Is it also coincidence that Polamalu, Reed, Sanders, Landry and Dawkins' D's are all routinely in the Top 5-10 in the league ? S is the most underrated position on defense. A great S makes an enormous difference, and if we have the chance to grab a premier player at that position, why ?

Taylor Mays' may not be a ball-hawk, but he also keeps plays in front of him and rarely gives up a big play downfield. He is tremendous in run support and has all the tools necessary to be a great blitzer at S.

[beasley for pres]

-5.

[WhistlingMtn]

You can find SERVICEABLE S's in later rounds, but if you look at the premier S's in the league, they were all taken early:

The difference between a serviceable SS and a "premiere" SS is the most minor of all positions on the field.


Troy Polamalu (1st rd)

Labeled as a SS, but he plays FS, he roams all of the field. Always playing the ball.

Ed Reed (1st rd)

Is a FS

Bob Sanders (2nd rd)
Adrian Wilson (3rd rd, 1st pick)
LaRon Landry (1st rd)
Brian Dawkins (2nd rd)

Here we go, some SSs, Sanders is the only one worth his merit anymore and he is hurt ALL THE TIME. The Colts are now paying him a fortune for 8 games a year.

OJ Atogwe (3rd rd)

FS, and he's horrifically overrated. He's all about big plays, both good and bad.


Taylor Mays' may not be a ball-hawk, but he also keeps plays in front of him and rarely gives up a big play downfield. He is tremendous in run support and has all the tools necessary to be a great blitzer at S.

Yea, he keeps plays in front of him by being extremely passive until after the fact. Part of this is how USC played this year, but he was the same last year when he had all the freedom in the world. The bare essential is that he has not shown the instinctive quality required in all defensive backs, both corner and safety, to read the play and know where the ball is going. To then make a play on the ball.

He is always 2 steps behind the ball, making a late play on a man after he's already caught it or shoving him out of bounds 30 yards down field.

This outside of the fact that for someone who has built his reputation on hits, he misses FAR too many tackles at the college level where he is much bigger than most of the players he's attempting to tackle.

[KansasNinerFan]

last

[Gof the Gij]

Is it also coincidence that Polamalu, Reed, Sanders, Landry and Dawkins' D's are all routinely in the Top 5-10 in the league ? S is the most underrated position on defense. A great S makes an enormous difference, and if we have the chance to grab a premier player at that position, why ?

Agreed. The safety position is incredibly undervalued. You'd think that since we live in a golden age of safety play this whole nonsense of safety not being a position of value would have gone out the window, but some people still cling to it.

[Diggi]

I didn't get to see him play enough personally. Based on what I read he'll go in the 2nd/3rd if he comes out.

My personal opinion is the 49ers should not draft a SS, or any S who is more of a run support guy that doesn't make plays on the ball. It's a position of little value that is easily filled with late round draft picks and cheap free agents. If they do anything they should move Goldson to SS, draft a corner and have him, one of the other corners, or Reggie Smith play FS.

Keep in mind they already also have a 2nd year Curtis Taylor that could play SS as well.

Those high picks need to go to other areas. If they draft a S, it would have to be with the direct intention of playing him at FS.

Who even said Burnett is a SS? He can play there because he's a big guy but I think he's a ballhawk and is better in pass support than Goldson is. Burnett played for the same amount of years as Berry and has similar #'s and this year was a bad year for him stat wise, plus he's even a little younger and bigger than berry is. I really doubt he'll go late 2nd let alone 3rd unless he gets busted with a hooker. The only other areas more important than safety are O-line and kick returner in my opinion because of the players you mentioned who could play safety for us.

[WhistlingMtn]

Who even said Burnett is a SS? He can play there because he's a big guy but I think he's a ballhawk and is better in pass support than Goldson is. Burnett played for the same amount of years as Berry and has similar #'s and this year was a bad year for him stat wise, plus he's even a little younger and bigger than berry is. I really doubt he'll go late 2nd let alone 3rd unless he gets busted with a hooker. The only other areas more important that safety are O-line and kick returner in my opinion because of the players you mentioned who could play safety for us.

His question to me asked my thoughts on drafting Burnett to put him at SS.

That is what I was replying to. I was not judging Burnett, I was making a blanket statement about drafting a SS. I did not watch Burnett specifically enough to know much about him, just that he is currently rated in the 2nd/3rd round.

[Sherm]

You can find SERVICEABLE S's in later rounds, but if you look at the premier S's in the league, they were all taken early:

Troy Polamalu (1st rd)
Ed Reed (1st rd)
Bob Sanders (2nd rd)
Adrian Wilson (3rd rd, 1st pick)
LaRon Landry (1st rd)
Brian Dawkins (2nd rd)
OJ Atogwe (3rd rd)


there u go I fixed it for u. :highfive:

[SB49er4life]

The difference between a serviceable SS and a "premiere" SS is the most minor of all positions on the field.

Yup... the most minor position on the field. Is that why Indy went from an awful run D to a Super Bowl victory "coincidentally" upon Bob Sanders return to the line-up ?

Or that the Steelers' D took a huge hit in the game Polamalu was injured this year ?

Your play on the field determines how big a part of the defense you are, not the position.

Labeled as a SS, but he plays FS, he roams all of the field. Always playing the ball.

Ya, so do most premier S's. They don't "only" centerfield or play in the box. That was actually a premise of why the position is undervalued.


Here we go, some SSs, Sanders is the only one worth his merit anymore and he is hurt ALL THE TIME. The Colts are now paying him a fortune for 8 games a year.

Bob Sanders' health is actually completely irrelevant to anything. If I was talking about making a trade for Bob Sanders, you might have a point though. We are talking about what a premier S's play on the field brings to a defense, and there is no correlation with S's having short shelf lives or being injury prone.

FS, and he's horrifically overrated. He's all about big plays, both good and bad.

Didn't say he's not over-rated, but he IS one of the better FS's in the league. Ed Reed also gambles and gets burnt at times, though not as frequently.

It also doesn't help that he is surrounded by one of the crappiest defense's in football.

Yea, he keeps plays in front of him by being extremely passive until after the fact. Part of this is how USC played this year, but he was the same last year when he had all the freedom in the world. The bare essential is that he has not shown the instinctive quality required in all defensive backs, both corner and safety, to read the play and know where the ball is going. To then make a play on the ball.

LoL, "passive"? Great way to spin something negatively about a player that goes to a school you don't like. You do not play "passive" and see the field in football, especially not on defense.

Taylor Mays' would rather prevent the big play than MAKE the big play. He is not gonna give you a lot of INT's because he won't gamble as much as other S's, but he will also give up far less big plays than other S's do. He would also rather knock a guy out and intimdate rather than go for a play on the ball. It's called "setting the tempo", and there is a reason why some coaches would prefer that kinda S over a ball-hawk.

Either way, the No. 1 responsibility of a S is to prevent the big play, which he does a good job of.


He is always 2 steps behind the ball, making a late play on a man after he's already caught it or shoving him out of bounds 30 yards down field.

This outside of the fact that for someone who has built his reputation on hits, he misses FAR too many tackles at the college level where he is much bigger than most of the players he's attempting to tackle.

Mays' didn't have a good year this year, and is far from a perfect prospect from a skill stand point.

He DOES miss tackles, but the size of the players he plays against is completely irrelevant. This actually makes me question how much you've actually watched him play, seeing as to how he misses tackles because he doesn't wrap up and it's far from a lack of power.

Wrapping up a ballcarrier is simply a matter of WANTING to do so, it's not a lack of talent. It's about as much of an issue with Taylor Mays' as taking on blocks was for Patrick Willis as a rookie coming in.

[Diggi]

Either way, the No. 1 responsibility of a S is to prevent the big play, which he does a good job of

I agreed with a lot of your post about the importance of a safety however I believe the reason Mays is even a question mark after all of his talent is his tendency to give up the big play.

[Diggi]

His question to me asked my thoughts on drafting Burnett to put him at SS.

That is what I was replying to. I was not judging Burnett, I was making a blanket statement about drafting a SS. I did not watch Burnett specifically enough to know much about him, just that he is currently rated in the 2nd/3rd round.

I just don't get why even a SS would be of little value to a defense. I could see you saying a 2nd running back, a 3rd receiver, a kick returner are of little value but you're talking about a starter on defense. You take a position like kick returner who has very little value in terms of the draft and see what a big impact a horrible kick returner has on the team.

I have always thought safties were very important to a defense and I believe most great defenses have great safeties at the helm. From Lynch to Reed to M. Lewis of old, Roy Williams...Pretty much all the great defenses. They are the last line of defense, aggressors, playmakers, they set the tempo of the D and let the recievers know it's gonna be a long day trying to catch on them.

Goldson stepped up this year late but you have to take into consideration who we played and his best game was against a division rival. Definitely a bright spot for him but he definitely wasn't good in all our games. If we get a better FS then we can move him to SS. Lewis is still pretty young but he's a big question mark. I don't want to imagine how bad our D will look if either goes down as the backups suck.

[49er_Rick]

Wrapping up a ballcarrier is simply a matter of WANTING to do so, it's not a lack of talent. It's about as much of an issue with Taylor Mays' as taking on blocks was for Patrick Willis as a rookie coming in.

Actually it's a lack of fundamentals like taking the wrong angle on a receiver which I saw him do in the bowl game this year. Even the commentators mentioned it.

He's nowhere near Berry or Thomas. He's a big hitter but there had better be other players around to make the tackle because he doesn't wrap up.

Plain and simple. Not a first or second round choice. A project in the 3rd round.

[CashTree]

I can't believe SB49er4life is still drinking that Mays koolaid.

[Fez]

I can't believe SB49er4life is still drinking that Mays koolaid.

USC player... what do you expect.

[The Cookie Monster]

I can't believe SB49er4life is still drinking that Mays koolaid.

Seriously, he's got tons of USC homerism.

[49ersRus]

Taylor Mays is easily the best Safety prospect in this draft. I know most of you guys don't believe this, but that's ok. The truth will speak for itself soon enough.

[beasley for pres]

Taylor Mays is easily the best Safety prospect in this draft. I know most of you guys don't believe this, but that's ok. The truth will speak for itself soon enough.

:highfive:

[The Cookie Monster]

Taylor Mays is easily the best Safety prospect in this draft. I know most of you guys don't believe this, but that's ok. The truth will speak for itself soon enough.

:falldownlaugh: :falldownlaugh: "John David Booty will be a great NFL QB"

[offtackle24]

Taylor Mays is easily the best Safety prospect in this draft. I know most of you guys don't believe this, but that's ok. The truth will speak for itself soon enough.

arent you the one who said you finally saw berry at UT's bowl game and came away unimpressed? If you use one game to judge a safety what did you think about golden tate being more physical and straight up owning mays during the Notre Dame game this year.

[Alchemy]

I'd rather have Earl Thomas than Taylor Mays. Sorry

[49ersRus]

:falldownlaugh: :falldownlaugh: "John David Booty will be a great NFL QB"

That was Mark Sanchez. I thought Booty was a 6th round pick.

[49ersRus]

arent you the one who said you finally saw berry at UT's bowl game and came away unimpressed? If you use one game to judge a safety what did you think about golden tate being more physical and straight up owning mays during the Notre Dame game this year.

I've seen a lot of Tenn games this year. For some reason, they got a lot of LA prime time shows here, even though they suck. Watch the Old Miss game. Horrible.

Berry is this year's Reggie Bush. He has some return skills and looks good in space, but is not very good in the box. Does "A once in a generation talent" tag line sound familiar? It's another thing Bush/Berry have in common. He is a youtube/ESPN hyped athlete with little to show outside of the reel. He is not very strong or physical. He gets pushed around and straight run over by RB's who have no chance of making it in the pro's. He is undersized for an NFL S, and is going to get rocked at the next level. I think he is at best a 2nd round value only because of his return skills, but I wouldn't touch him until the 3rd. Oh, and Bush >>> Berry, lol.

I haven't seen much from Earl Thomas other then the Bowl game. He wasn't impressive, and he has come out as a RS Soph. Those guys generally are not first round talents.

For me, the only S with a first round grade is Mays. He is likely the best Athlete in the draft coming from an elite program as a 4 year starter and a lot of high profile games. He didn't look as good this year because of an early season knee injury and the three rookie LB's who were quite often out of position. He needs to work on his feet, but that is fixable. The good news is, he might drop to us. Which would be a god send. Whether we will appreciate this or not, is entirely another thing, lol.

[SB49er4life]

Actually it's a lack of fundamentals like taking the wrong angle on a receiver which I saw him do in the bowl game this year. Even the commentators mentioned it.

He's nowhere near Berry or Thomas. He's a big hitter but there had better be other players around to make the tackle because he doesn't wrap up.

Plain and simple. Not a first or second round choice. A project in the 3rd round.

It's a bit of both.

If I am a defensive player and I'm in closing in on you coming downhill, I can make the DECISION to lower my shoulder and try to knock you back as hard as possible, resulting in a HARDER HIT, or if I want to wrap my arms around you, grab you and simply BRING YOU DOWN.

Whatever you wanna call it, it is very easily correctible. So is taking poor angles- it's simply a matter of running in a slightly different direction.

[9erzallday]

If Mays fell to the #49 overall pick, and we didn't select Haden or Thomas in the 1st round, we HAVE to take him. I think he would be a GREAT value in the 2nd round.

[SB49er4life]

USC player... what do you expect.

Is that why I flamed a poster for taking Charles Brown in one of his mocks and wouldn't touch Joe McKnight until the 3rd rd ? Or have zero interest in any other USC player coming out this year ?

Maybe I would be accepted more if I just jumped on this Eric Berry MB wagon. He's the best S prospect, sense, well... Michael Huff !!! CHAMPIONSHIP !!

[Witness.]

I've seen a lot of Tenn games this year. For some reason, they got a lot of LA prime time shows here, even though they suck. Watch the Old Miss game. Horrible.

Berry is this year's Reggie Bush. He has some return skills and looks good in space, but is not very good in the box. Does "A once in a generation talent" tag line sound familiar? It's another thing Bush/Berry have in common. He is a youtube/ESPN hyped athlete with little to show outside of the reel. He is not very strong or physical. He gets pushed around and straight run over by RB's who have no chance of making it in the pro's. He is undersized for an NFL S, and is going to get rocked at the next level. I think he is at best a 2nd round value only because of his return skills, but I wouldn't touch him until the 3rd. Oh, and Bush >>> Berry, lol.

I haven't seen much from Earl Thomas other then the Bowl game. He wasn't impressive, and he has come out as a RS Soph. Those guys generally are not first round talents.

For me, the only S with a first round grade is Mays. He is likely the best Athlete in the draft coming from an elite program as a 4 year starter and a lot of high profile games. He didn't look as good this year because of an early season knee injury and the three rookie LB's who were quite often out of position. He needs to work on his feet, but that is fixable. The good news is, he might drop to us. Which would be a god send. Whether we will appreciate this or not, is entirely another thing, lol.

I think Mays has a higher ceiling because of his size and athleticism but he'd need some good coaching. While I think Berry has already peaked. One thing I've noticed watching highlights and stuff of Berry is most of his INTs were off badly thrown balls and he didn't really make a play on the ball. The only person I've seen him really make a good play on the ball was Tebow and let's face it that's not hard to do. I really think now Berry is just alot of ESPN hype.

[Diggi]

I think Mays has a higher ceiling because of his size and athleticism but he'd need some good coaching. While I think Berry has already peaked. One thing I've noticed watching highlights and stuff of Berry is most of his INTs were off badly thrown balls and he didn't really make a play on the ball. The only person I've seen him really make a good play on the ball was Tebow and let's face it that's not hard to do. I really think now Berry is just alot of ESPN hype.

I don't think it's that easy with Mays his hips look real stiff, plus he's had good coaching.

[49ersRus]

I think Mays has a higher ceiling because of his size and athleticism but he'd need some good coaching. While I think Berry has already peaked. One thing I've noticed watching highlights and stuff of Berry is most of his INTs were off badly thrown balls and he didn't really make a play on the ball. The only person I've seen him really make a good play on the ball was Tebow and let's face it that's not hard to do. I really think now Berry is just alot of ESPN hype.

I noticed that too. It was one of the reasons why I was intrigued by Robert Ayers from Tenn last year. I believe that INT's start with pressure. Ayes didn't have a lot of sacks but he was getting pressure on the QB and Berry was getting the easy picks. Then his solid return skills made all of the youtube highlights.

After Ayers went 18th to Denver and Tenn hired Kiffin as their DC, who uses a low pressure Tampa 2 defense, I thought his Int's would go way down. Which they did. No surprises there, lol.

I found this link on berry... Eric Berry aka The Hyped Wonder (http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/521525-more-thoughts-on-eric-berry). Pretty rough stuff. I was looking for a youtube on the Old Miss game... Eric Berry vs. Old Miss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISPX3lEUKFE) Berry is #14 and they have the orange highlighter pointing him out.

Ouch, this was worse then I remember, lol.

[Ohio9er]

Kurt Coleman is the #1 prospect in this draft. I'm not even sure why it's still up for debate. Let alone the top safety.

[beasley for pres]

Kurt Coleman is the #1 prospect in this draft. I'm not even sure why it's still up for debate. Let alone the top safety.

Yeah but he's like... Kinda white.

[Ohio9er]

Yeah but he's like... Kinda white.

The best safety in the NFL, Ed Reed, is white too.

[beasley for pres]

The best safety in the NFL, Ed Reed, is white too.

Touche.

[Ohio9er]

Touche.

I know. That's why I typed it.

[DC82]

Earl Thomas reminds me of Eugene Wilson. I'd rather have Morgan Burnett over Earl Thomas. Taylor Mays wouldn't be bad. He'd be perfect to replace Michael Lewis.

[Diggi]

Earl Thomas reminds me of Eugene Wilson. I'd rather have Morgan Burnett over Earl Thomas. Taylor Mays wouldn't be bad. He'd be perfect to replace Michael Lewis.

I like Thomas but he reminds me of a corner playing safety he's great at getting int's the thing that bugs me about him is he's a bit small even in body frame so I'm not sure he can last as a safety or be good in run support. I've been talking about taking Thomas for a while but now that I look at the situation I am not so sure. I mean Thomas plays in a pass heavy conference so he's more likely to get int's, plus teams are behind against texas most the time.

I think Burnett might be a better prospect. If you look at his sophmore season he only had one less int than Thomas and he had 30 more tackles. This season wasn't a bad season they are just comparing it to his previous season which was great and since his #'s didn't improve his stock dropped. He's definitely got the build of a safety. I am starting to lean towards getting him more, he has fluid movement unlike Mays who looks stiff in coverage. And obviously has better hands.

[Witness.]

I noticed that too. It was one of the reasons why I was intrigued by Robert Ayers from Tenn last year. I believe that INT's start with pressure. Ayes didn't have a lot of sacks but he was getting pressure on the QB and Berry was getting the easy picks. Then his solid return skills made all of the youtube highlights.

After Ayers went 18th to Denver and Tenn hired Kiffin as their DC, who uses a low pressure Tampa 2 defense, I thought his Int's would go way down. Which they did. No surprises there, lol.

I found this link on berry... Eric Berry aka The Hyped Wonder (http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/521525-more-thoughts-on-eric-berry). Pretty rough stuff. I was looking for a youtube on the Old Miss game... Eric Berry vs. Old Miss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISPX3lEUKFE) Berry is #14 and they have the orange highlighter pointing him out.

Ouch, this was worse then I remember, lol.



I watched alot of Tennessee games this year because I was into the hype of Berry but I saw him get run over alot and even for his size would still try and go for the big hit and bounce right off.

[Wikedjug]

I noticed that too. It was one of the reasons why I was intrigued by Robert Ayers from Tenn last year. I believe that INT's start with pressure. Ayes didn't have a lot of sacks but he was getting pressure on the QB and Berry was getting the easy picks. Then his solid return skills made all of the youtube highlights.

After Ayers went 18th to Denver and Tenn hired Kiffin as their DC, who uses a low pressure Tampa 2 defense, I thought his Int's would go way down. Which they did. No surprises there, lol.

I found this link on berry... Eric Berry aka The Hyped Wonder (http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/521525-more-thoughts-on-eric-berry). Pretty rough stuff. I was looking for a youtube on the Old Miss game... Eric Berry vs. Old Miss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISPX3lEUKFE) Berry is #14 and they have the orange highlighter pointing him out.

Ouch, this was worse then I remember, lol.

lol so I watched those Ole Miss highlights since I didn't see that game expecting some horrible play by Berry. Instead of all the plays shown I saw 1 missed tackle he should of had and 2 questionable angles. The rest of the video is him being where is supposed to be and getting in on almost every tackle.

By no means was anything in there a "great" performance but if thats the best you got to throw against him, a average game then wow. Take off the shades and watch the video again.

[Diggi]

lol so I watched those Ole Miss highlights since I didn't see that game expecting some horrible play by Berry. Instead of all the plays shown I saw 1 missed tackle he should of had and 2 questionable angles. The rest of the video is him being where is supposed to be and getting in on almost every tackle.

By no means was anything in there a "great" performance but if thats the best you got to throw against him, a average game then wow. Take off the shades and watch the video again.

I don't think Berry is even worthy of a conversation for us because there is no way in god's green earth he falls to us lol.

[djuanplay]

How much you wanna bet Taylor Mays runs at least a 4.45 at the combine?

Ha he will run a 4.36-4.41

[DC82]

I like Thomas but he reminds me of a corner playing safety he's great at getting int's the thing that bugs me about him is he's a bit small even in body frame so I'm not sure he can last as a safety or be good in run support. I've been talking about taking Thomas for a while but now that I look at the situation I am not so sure. I mean Thomas plays in a pass heavy conference so he's more likely to get int's, plus teams are behind against texas most the time.

I think Burnett might be a better prospect. If you look at his sophmore season he only had one less int than Thomas and he had 30 more tackles. This season wasn't a bad season they are just comparing it to his previous season which was great and since his #'s didn't improve his stock dropped. He's definitely got the build of a safety. I am starting to lean towards getting him more, he has fluid movement unlike Mays who looks stiff in coverage. And obviously has better hands.

I agree what you said about Earl Thomas. He doesn't have the frame to last as a safety. I'm not sure how he'll do with injuries also. I definately don't see him as a run support safety. In the NFL, he'll be asked to tackle bigger guys like Stephen Jackson, Beenie Wells, and maybe a guy like a Brandon Jacobs. Not sure how long he'll last health wise. If he starts showing that he can't tackle, I don't think he'll be starting a safety in the NFL.

[49ersRus]

lol so I watched those Ole Miss highlights since I didn't see that game expecting some horrible play by Berry. Instead of all the plays shown I saw 1 missed tackle he should of had and 2 questionable angles. The rest of the video is him being where is supposed to be and getting in on almost every tackle.

By no means was anything in there a "great" performance but if thats the best you got to throw against him, a average game then wow. Take off the shades and watch the video again.

Angles and wiffs can be fixed. It's his physicality that I question.

If you want a highlight video of him getting pushed around, try this one... Eric vs. Ben (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tK-ttHGJRU)

Although one play isn't a big deal. For me, the earlier one where you see him not physically having an impact in the game, play after play after play is more telling.

[CashTree]

Angles and wiffs can be fixed. It's his physicality that I question.

If you want a highlight video of him getting pushed around, try this one... Eric vs. Ben (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tK-ttHGJRU)

Although one play isn't a big deal. For me, the earlier one where you see him not physically having an impact in the game, play after play after play is more telling.

:falldownlaugh: You think that Berry was getting pushed around in that link? :falldownlaugh:


You should lose posting privileges for atleast a week with that one. Pathetic attempt.

[Wikedjug]

Angles and wiffs can be fixed. It's his physicality that I question.

If you want a highlight video of him getting pushed around, try this one... Eric vs. Ben (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tK-ttHGJRU)

Although one play isn't a big deal. For me, the earlier one where you see him not physically having an impact in the game, play after play after play is more telling.

:facepalm:

You're trying to hard and have no clue how to evaluate a safety.

[GoodfellaDave]

Earl Thomas is Mike Huff all over again.

No thanks.

[txboi]

So out of all the DB's that have come from Texas in recent years your gonna compare him to Michael huff whose strenght was run stopping. Let's not forget Texas has a pretty good history on defensive backs(griffin,griffith,Ross,tarrell brown,and when he wasn't injured vasher all have done well in the NFL. I'm one of those people who think Earl has a bright future ahead of him

[Diggi]

:falldownlaugh: You think that Berry was getting pushed around in that link? :falldownlaugh:


You should lose posting privileges for atleast a week with that one. Pathetic attempt.

LOL he forget the video of Berry knocking the helmet of Ben Tate in the same game. Berry is a physical safety. As I said before Thomas is suspect in run support and Burnett's numbers in my opinion are more impressive...I really don't get why he's slated to go so low.

[CashTree]

So out of all the DB's that have come from Texas in recent years your gonna compare him to Michael huff whose strenght was run stopping. Let's not forget Texas has a pretty good history on defensive backs(griffin,griffith,Ross,tarrell brown,and when he wasn't injured vasher all have done well in the NFL. I'm one of those people who think Earl has a bright future ahead of him

I wouldn't say Huffs strength was run stopping at all. I'd definitely say it was coverage. In fact he was seen as being so fluid in coverage as a safety that he was considered as possibly making the switch to CB. You pretty much made up the run stopping thing, sorry to call you out like that...

[BAKNAFEK88]

LOL he forget the video of Berry knocking the helmet of Ben Tate in the same game. Berry is a physical safety. As I said before Thomas is suspect in run support and Burnett's numbers in my opinion are more impressive...I really don't get why he's slated to go so low.

I really like Morgan Burnett as a SS. He is strong vs the run and he is somewhat of a ballhawk. I think he is the best fit for us. We need a safety that can be a force vs both the pass and the run. He and my man Dashon Goldson would make a pretty good safety combo. I think Burnett will be available to us in the 2nd round also. That is just an added bonus because we will then be able to address OL. Having two 1st rnd picks may give us the luxury to take Mike Iupatti even though traditionally guards are not taken in the 1st round.

[Diggi]

I really like Morgan Burnett as a SS. He is strong vs the run and he is somewhat of a ballhawk. I think he is the best fit for us. We need a safety that can be a force vs both the pass and the run. He and my man Dashon Goldson would make a pretty good safety combo. I think Burnett will be available to us in the 2nd round also. That is just an added bonus because we will then be able to address OL. Having two 1st rnd picks may give us the luxury to take Mike Iupatti even though traditionally guards are not taken in the 1st round.

Spoken like my true sig haha. I think Burnett might be better at FS though I think he's a bit better than Goldson in pass coverage and Goldson likes to hit anyway. But I think Burnett would be a steal in the 2nd, I'll just cross my fingers.