Weigh-ins for the 2011 East-West Shrine Game occurred on Monday, but a scheduled practice was moved indoors and became a walk-through due to inclement weather. The 2011 NFL Draft prospects participating in this game finally hit the practice field for real on Tuesday, and pulling together reports from various sources in attendance at the practice, here are a few notes about five of the prospects we're monitoring - and one we hadn't been.
Before we get into the breakdowns, you need to know where they're coming from. Tony Pauline provided his notes on the East and West rosters for DraftInsider.com. Wes Bunting (National Football Post) got a little more in-depth than did Pauline, again providing notes and thoughts on the East and West rosters. Aaron Aloysius, who helps out at SB Nation's MockingTheDraft.com on occasion, had his own recap up at DraftBreakdown.com. Chad Reuter had an in-depth look at many of the same prospects - with different twists on several - at CBSSports.com. All of these analysts are taking in this week's events in Mobile in person.
We'll start with analysis from these four guys on Delaware quarterback Pat Devlin - a mid-round QB prospect that many Bills fans have expressed interest in over the course of the last year - and then move on to five more guys after the jump.
Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware (6'3", 226)
Tony Pauline: "Really struggled to throw the ball. Passes float and wobble. Did not look good."
Wes Bunting: "Spraying the football all over the place, didn't seem nearly as comfortable in the pocket as he did during his time at Delaware… Today he looked fidgety and uncomfortable trying to maintain balance in his lower half while still attempting to get the ball out on time."
Chad Reuter: "He was easily the most impressive passer Tuesday. His footwork and posture in the pocket was solid and he consistently delivered tight spirals. He was generally accurate, throwing a bit ahead of or behind his target, which is largely expected in an all-star setting, as quarterbacks and receivers lack timing based on unfamiliarity."
Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina (6'2", 312)
Tony Pauline: "Started slow but really picked it up. Showed a lot of power, quickness and explosion. Rarely got held up off the line."
Chad Reuter: "Started off strong in one-on-one drills. He flashed quick hands and feet to bull-rush or run around mid-tier prospects… Did stand his ground and move down the line while engaged against the run during live scrimmage… Scouts might want to see more to consider Austin a top-50 prospect."
Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU (6'5", 336)
Tony Pauline: "Like what we saw from Barksdale at left tackle today. Fundamentally sound and cut off the edge in one-on-one drills. Struggled on the right side."
Wes Bunting: "Interesting to learn that he was a former All-American high school defensive tackle and instead of playing behind Glenn Dorsey and company when he got there, he decided to make the move to offensive tackle instead… I would just like to see some girth and more of a killer instinct to his game."
Chad Reuter: "Flashed excellent athleticism coming out of his stance and moving laterally… Barksdale tends to let up after initial contact. Scouts also noticed the former Tigers' tackle was the only player on either side to get treatment for cramps on a 70-degree day."
Cortez Allen, CB, Citadel (6'2", 196)
Tony Pauline: "Looked terrific in drills, very fluid and smooth, yet did not translate those skills into production during one-on-one drills or in scrimmage."
Chad Reuter: "Looks a lot like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with his 6-2, 200-pound frame and quick feet… His height keeps him from transitioning quickly, but receivers find it difficult to escape his long arms and aggressive nature on plays when the ball is in front of him or trying to get past him on double moves."
Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada (6'1", 229)
Tony Pauline: "Solid day. Lined up solely at weak side/strong side linebacker and did not look out of place. Must learn to do a better job shedding blocks and got torched by Jordan Cameron for a long reception but for the most part looks like the light is on."
Chad Reuter: "Struggled in coverage… Moch did show an ability to stick the tight end at the line and run with backs on wheel routes, but lacks awareness, running into defenders and receivers."
David Carter, DT, UCLA (6'5", 297)
Aaron Aloysius: "In 1 on 1s, Carter was simply unblockable, surging past a series of offensive guards. At 6'4 1/2", 297 lbs., Carter possesses excellent length and a quick first step: those qualities could make him a nice fit either as a 3-4 end or a three technique (4-3 DT)."
Tony Pauline: "Looked really solid. Very athletic and beat opponents off the ball a number of times."
Chad Reuter: "Looked quick off the snap in one-on-one drills but lacks the power that would push him into the top half of the draft."