Thursday links

By Rob Staton
I'll be updating my mock draft tomorrow, you can see a top-ten teaser on the right hand side bar. Below are a collection of links discussing ongoing events at the Senior Bowl in Mobile.

Bucky Brooks lists Oregon running back LaGarrette Blount amongst those who have boosted their stock this week: "Blount entered Senior Bowl week amid a host of character questions following his lengthy suspension following a postgame scuffle in the season opener against Boise State. While his character assessment remains a work in progress, Blount has impressed scouts with his solid play throughout the week. Blount has displayed a nice blend of speed and power as a runner, and his nifty footwork allows him to slither in and out of holes. Throw in the fact that he catches the ball as well as some receivers, Blount's value as an every-down back has started to rise in the minds of many scouts."

Matt McGuire isn't as positive about defensive backs Trevard Lindley (CB, Kentucky) and Taylor Mays (S, USC). On Mays' performance in Mobile: "Continues to bomb at the Senior Bowl."

McGuire goes into more detail on his criticism of Mays: "He's really struggling and showing all the weaknesses I thought he had. He's stiff, he doesn't play the ball, and his instincts aren't there. One time, Tebow threw a duck on a skinny post over the middle and Mays was clearly in position to make the pick, but he was too focused on making the big hit. He'll thrive at the Combine, but Michael Johnson did the same, and he went in Round 3. Mays won't go quite that low, but he isn't solidifying a first-round grade this week. I give him a ton of credit for coming out here to try and prove himself - we can't doubt his competitiveness and love of the game."

Albert R. Breer reports similar problems for another big name prospect - Tim Tebow. He quotes a NFC South scout's review of the Florida quarterback: "To me, he’s just not a very good quarterback prospect. Now, if you want to rework his mechanics, his release, try to improve his accuracy, then you see a guy with this big frame that can throw. He’s a big-time project, no doubt."

Rob Rang says West Virginia quarterback Jarrett Brown has been impressive: "For those that haven't yet seen him, Brown is far from another version of Wildcat-specialist Pat White. Brown has a quick release and a strong arm and was fearless Wednesday, attacking all levels of the field despite having already secured his status as one of the risers from this week's action. His strong performance and legitimate upside may have boosted his status into the late 2nd or early 3rd round."

Tony Pauline lists Jared Odrick (DT, Penn State) and Andre Roberts (WR, Citadel) amongst the most impressive performers this week, but isn't sure about Florida State cornerback Patrick Robinson: "The former Seminole star is athletically gifted and physically beats down opponents. But Robinson struggled against quick opponents he could not get his hands on and gave up receptions all week. He really never displayed the ability to make plays on the ball unless he was facing the action."

Mel Kiper discusses Tebow and the Senior Bowl: