MOBILE, Ala. -- Here's what the scouts are saying after watching practices for the 2002 Senior Bowl:
North practice -- Jan. 22
Overall, the North squad has a good defensive line group, a solid but not spectacular running back group, the receivers are not real fast and the quarterback play has been inconsistent. The best group is the defensive line.
Syracuse's Dwight Freeney sprained his ankle in a pass rush drill on a bull rush where he just picked up the lineman and drove him back to the quarterback. He had been dominant as a pass rusher up to that point. Freeney was doing himself a lot of good in the practice sessions. He's probably out for the week and is doubtful for the game on Saturday.
|  | | Sam Houston State QB Josh McCown is replacing the Joey Harrington on the North team. |
Josh McCown, the QB from Sam Houston State, was a late arrival to the Senior Bowl. He took the place of the injured Joey Harrington. McNown made some nice throws in the one-on-one drills. He's a little inconsistent, but threw some nice deep balls during the drills. Illinois QB Kurt Kittner remains hot and cold. He'll make some good throws followed by some poor decisions. His inconsistent practices are a reminder of his play this season.
Larry Tripplett, the Washington DL, has been a little disappointing. He's not a pass rush guy so he needs to be a run stopper. Tripplett doesn't have real quick, explosive feet. He really struggled going through the bags today, tripping and falling through that drill. There aren't any lazy defensive lineman out here. North Carolina DL Ryan Sims looked good again today. His strength and size allows him to control and stack the line of scrimmage. His powerful lower body is the key to his play. He also chases the ball well. Notre Dame's Anthony Weaver is chasing the ball well too. He wasn't as dominant as he was yesterday, though. Weaver is always hustling and plays hard.
Keyuo Craver from Nebraska looks like the top DB on the North squad. He's got good size, speed and ball skills. Oregon's Rashad Bauman is so small. It would be very hard for him to be a starting corner in the NFL because of his size. People could look at him to be a nickel or dime back because of his size.
Colorado TE Daniel Graham continued to show good hands and blocking skills. He's probably the most complete tight end in the draft. Graham will be competing with Miami's Jeremy Shockey to see who goes first. Nebraska TE Tracey Wistrom has been disappointing. He's real skinny. His body size and development just aren't there.
South practice -- Jan. 22
Oklahoma LB Rocky Calmus is light at 225, but instinctive. He was in the right place, but missed some tackles because he's not a strong, physical guy. He has to remain a smart player because he can't step up and take on an iso on the fullback or a guard because he'll get out-muscled. He'll need to be a linebacker who is protected by a defensive line so he can run and make plays. Teammate and fellow LB Brandon Moore didn't look good today. He is supposed to have a stiff back, but looked like he didn't have good feet.
Levi Jones, the offensive tackle from Arizona State, was real impressive today. He showed good feet and hands in the pass rush drill. He did a nice job on Alex Brown. Auburn receiver Tim Carter was surprisingly good today too. He was fluid and showed good speed and route running. Carter looked like he had the ability to separate.
Terrence Metcalf from Ole Miss, Tennessee's Fred Weary and Auburn's Kendall Simmons looked good on the offensive line today. They are all guard-center types and really stood out. This group will be tested Saturday as the defensive tackles are a strength on the North team.
Tulane punter Casey Roussel's leg looked good again, but there are concerns about his hang time, which was about 3.9. Tulane's Patrick Ramsey was a surprise at quarterback today. He's got a fluid throwing motion. He's not real quick-footed or fast, but he's accurate, has a good arm and is smart. He made a good showing today.
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