Texas vs Nation

[mitchell]

DE/LB Danny Batten & OT Casey Knips will be playing in the Texas vs The Nation game this week. The practices are more important than the game and there should be some good info coming on Knips & Batten's pro chances.


Link briefly mentions Batten as a player to look for:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/s...erprofile-guys

http://texasvsthenation.com/

[mitchell]

Re: Texas vs Nation

Sporting News Russ Lande wrote a quick blurb about 6 players from todays practice. This is what he had to say about Danny.

South Dakota State DE/OLB Danny Batten looked quick and agile in one-on-one pass-rush drills, beating offensive tackles with a quick arm-over moves. In team drills, he showed good instincts and a quick burst to split blockers and hit the running back before he could turn the corner.

http://www.sportingnews.com/college-...vs-nation-dish

There might be more info but you have to pay a 5$ subscription to read all of the breakdowns.

[bugz99]

Re: Texas vs Nation

Sounds like Batten and Knips are having a good showing down south. Here's what they said about Knips:

South Dakota State's Casey Knips has the 6-foot-7, 308-pound frame to play left tackle and proved his strength to DT/DE Lorenzo Washington (Alabama), who looks quick as a pass rusher playing inside this week. Knips tossed him aside and pancaked him during seven-on-seven drills. Knips' feet are not always quick enough to handle speed rushers, and he has questionable strength to play on the strong side. (from cbssports.com)

[Danger41]

Re: Texas vs Nation

Not sure how someone proves their strength but has questionable strength one sentence later.

Either way, nice job boys! Keep it going!

[bugz99]

Re: Texas vs Nation

Not sure how someone proves their strength but has questionable strength one sentence later.

Either way, nice job boys! Keep it going!

It means he is good as a weak side defender (Left Tackle) and not as good as the strong side (right tackle).

[zooropa]

Re: Texas vs Nation

It means he is good as a weak side defender (Left Tackle) and not as good as the strong side (right tackle).

Isn't strong side/weak side more a question of where the tight end lines up than left or right?

[mitchell]

Re: Texas vs Nation

There is a premium in the NFL to have a LT to protect the blind side. (unless the QB is left handed). NFL QB's are supposed to have enough "pocket movement" to avoid pressure from the right side, so the RT is typically more of a run blocker. The defenses also follow this rule too and typically put there best pass rusher on the blind side and the a bigger run stopping DE on the opposite side.

I think what the scout was saying is that Knips has potential to be a good LT with his long arms to fend off speedy DE's but he doesn't have the strength to dominate a DE at the line of scrimmage which is what is needed more from a RT.

My prediction is that Knips gets drafted in the 6th round. Makes practice squad his first year and gains strength and knowledge of both Tackle positions. Makes team as the back-up Tackle in his 2nd/3rd year and has a solid NFL career as back up tackle. If he really puts in the hard work he could become a starter too but starting in the NFL is no easy task.

[Jackrabbit]

Re: Texas vs Nation

This other source raved about Batten on Tuesday, but was more muted on him yesterday. He also pulls out, "The word all week," thing on Casey.

http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/

[MilwaukeeJacksAlum]

Re: Texas vs Nation

This other source raved about Batten on Tuesday, but was more muted on him yesterday. He also pulls out, "The word all week," thing on Casey.

http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/

They also have Batten listed as a LB. He has never played LB. Probably why his "coverage skills" are a little down.

[bugz99]

Re: Texas vs Nation

This other source raved about Batten on Tuesday, but was more muted on him yesterday. He also pulls out, "The word all week," thing on Casey.

http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/

The only reliable source of draft information is from cbssports.com That is from a very reliable friend in the business. I would take other "chatter" (good or bad) with a grain of salt.

[mitchell]

Re: Texas vs Nation

South Dakota State's Danny Batten played inside and outside linebacker this week and might have sealed a draft spot with his ability to handle anything thrown his way.

Other small-school prospects proving themselves solid late-round targets or priority free agents on the line were Casey Knips (South Dakota State) and Chris Campbell (Eastern Illinois). They have the athleticism to challenge for a roster spot at left tackle, with Knips potentially moving to the right side if he shows the strength to handle those responsibilities.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/s...llstar-matchup

[Danger41]

Re: Texas vs Nation

Anyone able to find this game online?

[darkerstill]

Re: Texas vs Nation

There is a premium in the NFL to have a LT to protect the blind side. (unless the QB is left handed). NFL QB's are supposed to have enough "pocket movement" to avoid pressure from the right side, so the RT is typically more of a run blocker. The defenses also follow this rule too and typically put there best pass rusher on the blind side and the a bigger run stopping DE on the opposite side.

I think what the scout was saying is that Knips has potential to be a good LT with his long arms to fend off speedy DE's but he doesn't have the strength to dominate a DE at the line of scrimmage which is what is needed more from a RT.

My prediction is that Knips gets drafted in the 6th round. Makes practice squad his first year and gains strength and knowledge of both Tackle positions. Makes team as the back-up Tackle in his 2nd/3rd year and has a solid NFL career as back up tackle. If he really puts in the hard work he could become a starter too but starting in the NFL is no easy task.

I would put money down that Knips does not get drafted. I like the kid alot, but he won't get drafted. Free agent pick-up at best.

[Kemo]

Re: Texas vs Nation

Texas vs. The Nation Final: Texas 36 - The Nation 17
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/s...rs-past-nation

CBS write up of how the game went:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/s...en-opportunity


No mention of Batten or Knipps performance in either link though.

[JimmyJack]

Re: Texas vs Nation

Texas vs. The Nation Final: Texas 36 - The Nation 17
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/s...rs-past-nation

CBS write up of how the game went:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/s...en-opportunity


No mention of Batten or Knipps performance in either link though.

I watched a little bit of the game. Danny started the game at outside linebacker, and played a bunch of snaps at outside and middle linebacker. He looked tentative (as you'd expect) at the snap, but once he made up his mind, he got where he was going very quickly.