Scouts Inc. comparison Adams/Anderson

[brad7686]

Gaines Adams
DE | (6'4", 261, 4.7) | CLEMSON

Scouts Grade: 98


Strengths: Possesses adequate-to-good height and only decent bulk -- but room on his frame to get bigger. Very agile for the position. Displays explosive first-step quickness and good top-end speed as an edge rusher. Displays very good instincts and awareness as a pass rusher. Has long arms, times his jumps well and does a great job of batting down passes at the line of scrimmage. He also has shown good fluidity when occasionally asked to drop in coverage on zone blitzes. He has improved his discipline and technique versus the run. Does a fine job of sealing off the backside. He gets upfield quickly and can be disruptive in the backfield versus the run. Also shows very good change-of-direction skills in space, which allows him to redirect and pursue as a run defender. He is a hard worker with solid all-around intangibles.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal bulk and lower-body strength. He will need to improve his size in order to consistently take on NFL blockers. He absorbs too many blocks and doesn't do a consistent enough job of disengaging once reached. Needs to play with more consistent leverage versus the run. Has a tendency to come out of his stance too high and will allow linemen to get into his pads too frequently. He needs to become more consistent as a tackler. He will overextend at times and gets caught lunging or leaving his feet too frequently.

Overall: Adams was redshirted in 2002. He saw action in 12 games as a backup defensive end for the 2003 season, registering 15 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and one sack. Adams played in all 11 contests with just one start (Texas A&M) in 2004 but did win Clemson's defensive 12th man award after recording 35 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks, and two blocked punts. In 2005, he took over as the starting "bandit" DE and made 56 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 29 quarterback pressures, and three forced fumbles. Adams started all 13 games during the 2006 season, finishing with 62 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.




Jamaal Anderson
DE | (6'5", 273, 4.75) | ARKANSAS

Scouts Grade: 96


Strengths: Possesses outstanding size. Is tall with great weight distribution, long arms and big hands. Displays good lower-body strength and upper-body power. Is able to jar offensive linemen with initial punch. Is smooth and fluid for his size. Possesses adequate speed and is able to change directions quickly for a big defensive end. He displays good combination moves of power and finesse as a pass rusher. Plays with a high motor and is relentless as a pass rusher. He has enough size and strength to effectively hold his ground when teams run at him, so long as he plays with good leverage. He pursues hard from the backside in run-support and he is a powerful tackler.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite top-end speed and will struggle to turn the corner as quickly when rushing the passer off the edge. He does not possess great first-step quickness, either. Fires out of his stance too high and must learn to play with better leverage. Needs to do a better job of using his hands to get off blocks. He will struggle to disengage quickly enough versus the run. Limited experience; he was only a starter for a year and a half at Arkansas before leaving early.

Overall: Anderson saw action in all 11 games in 2004 as a true freshman off the bench and on special teams recording 18 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one blocked punt. In 2005, he once again played in all 11 games but received five starts to end the year after Anthony Brown was injured and registered 47 total tackles including 10.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Anderson then started all 14 games during the 2006 season amassing 65 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, and one forced fumble gaining First Team All-SEC recognition.
Anderson is making the NFL plunge a year early after experiencing a breakout season as a junior in 2006. The good news and bad news with Anderson is that he's still relatively raw. While he may not be ready to contribute as an every-down player as a rookie, he displays the physical tools to develop into an upper-echelon starter if he continues to work at the next level. Anderson should be one of the top three or four defensive ends selected -- most likely in the mid-to-late first-round range.



Basically the way i felt about the two, Adams is the better pure speed rusher, one of the best i have ever seen at the college level. He does everything well-first step, balance, speed, moves. Anderson definitely has better size and plays tougher. Apparently he needs some technique work and Adams could stand to gain a few pounds. I think it is easier to get stronger than it is faster, and i think it will be easier for Adams to rush the passer at the next level, and easier for Anderson to stop the run. I guess we will have to wait till the combine to gain more perspective.

[brad7686]

Also, here is Alan Branch

Alan Branch
DT | (6'5", 328, 5.23) | MICHIGAN

Scouts Grade: 98


Strengths: A massive two-gap interior defender with excellent height, bulk and strength. He possesses a massive frame and is able to occupy two blockers in the run game. He shows good initial quickness for his size and typically does a solid job of playing with leverage for such a tall guy. He shows good balance and body control for his size. He gives a great effort on most plays and shows better than average stamina for his massive frame. He can take over a game when he's fresh and gets his motor running. He is more of a two-gap fit, but he often will disrupt plays in the backfield by using his quickness, size and strength to penetrate. He is a powerful tackler with impressive wrap-up skills for his size. He displays the ability to collapse the pocket with a powerful bull rush. He's versatile and has experience playing NT, DT and DE in three-and-four man fronts.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal explosiveness. He's quick for his size but lacks the speed and closing burst to consistently make an impact as a pass rusher in the NFL. He's mostly a one-dimensional bull rusher type. He needs to improve his arsenal of pass-rush moves. He has room to improve in terms of using his hands to play off of blocks. Durability is only a minor concern after missing two games due to a knee injury in 2005.

Overall: Branch appeared in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2004 seeing time at defensive tackle, defensive end, and on special teams registering five total tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks. In 2005, he played in all 12 games starting the final 10 contests and recorded 31 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble, again seeing action at both defensive tackle and end. Branch settled into a starting spot at defensive tackle for all 13 games in 2006 and finished the season with 25 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles earning First Team All-Big Ten accolades.
Branch is an all-around gifted defensive tackle prospect with an outstanding combination of size, power and quickness. He has experienced playing end in a 3-4, the three-technique in a 4-3, and nose tackle in both alignments. Regardless of where he lines up, Branch fits best in a two-gap scheme. In our opinion, Branch is the most complete all-around interior defensive lineman in the 2007 class and he should be a top-10 pick.

[Smithian]

Gaines Adam < Jamaal Anderson(At life.)

[frankcal20]

All I know is I want a good player who can come in immediately and play. I heard we are getting a kicker in the 1st round.

[sch1977]

Well if these projections are correct, it would be nice to trade down a few spots and get Anderson---maybe picking up an extra pick or 12 along the way.

[HEROHAMO]

I say we do whatever is possible to get both of these guys. Trade away the rest of our picks or maybe a future first rounder to get both Jamal A. and Gaines Adams.

[fredp45]

Trade away the rest of our picks?

What picks?

We have a 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th and maybe another 6th or 7th round pick.. If we want to give away our entire draft next year we could get a top 10 pick this year and get both guys...

[Smithian]

Gaines Adams might be better for the first year or so considering he has had more time at DE than Jamaal, but Jamaal Anderson is on a whole different level of athletic freakish-ness than our entire D-Line right now. Difference between Jamaal Anderson and most big time athletes is you can put his production up with most of the top DEs in the nation. He lead the SEC in sacks!

Though, to be fair to Gaines Adams, he had a better DE on the other side of him. Antwain Robinson was actually the one leading the SEC in tackles for a loss and sacks for a good portion of the year.

I'll be happy with Branch, Anderson, or Adams, but you know who I want.

[1niksder]

I'll be happy with Branch, Anderson, or Adams, but you know who I want.

You want a player to be drafted from Arkansas every year
I'm wit cha this year

[Chris Luva Luva]

Gaines Adams might be better for the first year or so considering he has had more time at DE than Jamaal, but Jamaal Anderson is on a whole different level of athletic freakish-ness than our entire D-Line right now. Difference between Jamaal Anderson and most big time athletes is you can put his production up with most of the top DEs in the nation. He lead the SEC in sacks!

Though, to be fair to Gaines Adams, he had a better DE on the other side of him. Antwain Robinson was actually the one leading the SEC in tackles for a loss and sacks for a good portion of the year.

I'll be happy with Branch, Anderson, or Adams, but you know who I want.

So when you say freakish, do you mean Javon Kearse freakish, or Dwight Freeny freakish?

[Smithian]

Hm... Tough one... I'd say he fits the Julius Peppers mold. Not as good, but the same type of player.

Between Freeney and Kearse, I'll go with Kearse since Anderson might be bigger than Freeney already.

[The Hogster]

Now trust me, I know that one play doesn't deifine a player, but check this out on Gaines Adams.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=W2AwqVOTKRY

[brad7686]

I guess it really depends on what you are looking for, but if you are looking to add an impact pass rusher who will translate to the NFL it is Gaines Adams. He is hellish. He will be able to turn the corner with ease at the next level. His first step, speed, balance, and technique are unmatched by any other DE in this draft.

[DaRealistJoka]

At this point in time I am sold on Branch because I actually seen him play a little, I seen Gaines play and he was my pick all season until afer the season because I think Branch has the size and quickness to be a Henderson type player and maybe even better. But Anderson is gettin a lot of attention and I dont know him at all to be sold on him, I tried to read post from people, but it is like am reading Mel Kiper bio of him, and not there point of view, so that being said can somebody please explain to me ( somebody that actually seen him play) why Anderson is better then Gaines and Branch? Positives and Negatives, and what he will bring to the Redskins?

[UK Skins Fan]

Question: with Andre Carter already on the roster, do we have room for another end who might be vulnerable against the run? Certainly, you wouldn't want two players like Carter lining up at each end position.

If we're going to get an end, then he'd better be good against the run, because we're looking to replace Daniels or Wynn rather than Carter. I'm all for drafting a passrusher who can come in for long yardage situations and boost the pass rush, but not with the sixth pick. If we're going to draft somebody at #6, then I'd want the guy to be a starter.

That's why I'm not sure about Adams. He may be the best pass rusher, but how many downs can he play for us? Anderson looks like a better all round bet, but I have the impression that he's a project as well.

[PulpExposure]

Question: with Andre Carter already on the roster, do we have room for another end who might be vulnerable against the run? Certainly, you wouldn't want two players like Carter lining up at each end position.

I believe the Colts just won the Superbowl with that exact setup. Neither Freeney nor Mathis can play the run worth a damn.

That's why I'm not sure about Adams. He may be the best pass rusher, but how many downs can he play for us? Anderson looks like a better all round bet, but I have the impression that he's a project as well.

It's really freaking hard to find a great passrusher. That's why they're at such a premium. If you have the opportunity to get one, you have to take it. That being said, I have never seen him play so I don't know if Anderson is a great passrusher. I have watched Adams, and he is, with that sick explosion off the ball.

[DaRealistJoka]

Question: with Andre Carter already on the roster, do we have room for another end who might be vulnerable against the run? Certainly, you wouldn't want two players like Carter lining up at each end position.

I believe the Colts just won the Superbowl with that exact setup. Neither Freeney nor Mathis can play the run worth a damn.

That's why I'm not sure about Adams. He may be the best pass rusher, but how many downs can he play for us? Anderson looks like a better all round bet, but I have the impression that he's a project as well.

It's really freaking hard to find a great passrusher. That's why they're at such a premium. If you have the opportunity to get one, you have to take it. That being said, I have never seen him play so I don't know if Anderson is a great passrusher. I have watched Adams, and he is, with that sick explosion off the ball.

You're absolutely right it is rare to find great pass rushers because that is a skill that cannot be taught. His first step explosion and quickness cannot be taught but you can teach a player to play the run better, because all you have to learn is strength, staying low at POA, and attitude.

[HEROHAMO]

We should take Jamal Anderson.
Pros
1. 6-5 278lbs is a very thick bulky 278lbs.
2. Very strong against the run
3. Good athletic ability for his size
Cons
1. Is raw talent and needs to be developed
2. Football IQ needs to be developed
Gaines Adams
pros
1. Excellent pass rusher
2. Very good Athlete quick,fast and strong

3. Very smart player
Cons
1. Is a thin 6-4 250lbs-260lbs.
2. Redskins were horrible against the run last year we need a run stopping presence at DE as well as pass rush.
3. Andre Carter 6-4 250lbs /Gaines Adams 6-4 250-260lbs// that is a very small lineup for a Dline that got smashed against the run. Obviously a free agent DT would help a lineup like this.

Alan Branch
Pros
1. Massive Size 6-7 320lbs
2. Very Strong against the run.
Cons
1. Not much of a pass rusher but will help D overall. Not much negative to ALan Branch. He is a fine DT.

All these players are fine athletes and very good. Overall I believe Jamal Anderson will help us the most. For the fact that he is stout against the run and also provides a pass rush.

With our current D line Andre Carter, Cornelius Griffin, and the rest of the starting D line is up in the air.
If we go Branch we get bonified run stuffer and we can benefit from his presence immidiatley. Mainly because a D tackles job is to stuff the running lanes and occupy blockers.
If we decide to go Gaines Adams we hope he provides a pass rush. Also we have to hope he is not liability against the run especially with a Dline that is small and giving up yards already. If we cant stop the run there will be no pass rush.
If we go Jamal Anderson he shouldnt be a liability against the run for his is Thick for his size and very stout against the run in college. He also provides a decent pass rush. Adams seems to be better at pass rush but overall I like Jamal Anderson for overall game.

I would go with Jamal First choice. If he is gone by 6 then I opt for ALan Branch. Gaines is a fine player but I believe he is the type of player who would be a wonderfull addition to a team who is already stout against the run and needs a pass rush. Redskins D was close to last against the run last year so with Jamal I believe we potentially get an all around Defensive end in essence killing two birds with one stone. We still need to pick up a free agent DT if we go the Dend route. If we go with Branch I just dont see any available talent at Dend available.

[fleetus]

Branch imo. We're not the Colts nor should we aspire to play a Colts style defensive system, known for being gouged bt RB's all over the league. They did not get to the super bowl on the merits of their defense. Their defense got drug along by their offense. (much like Rex Grossman got drug along by the Bears defense)

That said, while I think improving the pass rush is much needed and wouldn't complain if they draft one of the DE's, I think Branch would be the best pick. Branch would free up Griffin to attck the QB more. Something we saw him do quite well prior to last year. We also saw the defense do quite well prior to last year with a group of run-stopping d-linemen. Gaining pass rush to the detriment of run defense is not an improvement in the Gregg Williams system. Draft Branch and we'll own the middle of the line. Andre Carter and Cornelius Griffin would benefit as well as the linebackers behind them.

[brad7686]

I don't know if everybody has forgotten or something but the reason the defense was so bad against the run is because they got worn out all day with the pass, got exhausted, and then got gouged in the second half of games. It gets hard to stop the run when you are on the field 24/7. The biggest difference in the D in 06-07 is that the pass D dropped like 20 spots in NFL rank. A. We need to get Clements. B. We had better get somebody to put some pressure on the Qb because the skins set a record for least amount of sacks and turnovers. Anderson may be able to rush the passer in the NFL if he can improve his technique and quickness, but that is a big if. Successful pass rushers in this league are extremely fast and have good arms and technique. i.e. Gaines Adams. Also he is not as bad against the run as Carter. Not even close. Carter looks like a runt out there sometimes.

[fleetus]

Some perspective on Anderson from CBS:

Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas: Anderson is another big name, big producer who could experience a drop on draft day. With monster performances against the elite SEC teams, Anderson's statistics appear to be both consistent and dominant. Statistics rarely tell the whole story, however, and this is true in Anderson's case. He has great size, long arms and an explosive burst off the snap, all of which he uses to generate pressure on the quarterback. Anderson was switched from right end to left end in 2006, meaning he was lined up opposite the right tackle, usually the lesser of an offense's pass blockers. Also, the Arkansas defense frequently used stunts and blitzes to free up Anderson in his pursuit of the passer. A former wide receiver who has grown into a 6-6, 275 pound monster, Anderson has as much upside as any defender in this draft and is a virtual lock for the top 10. But there has to be some "buyer beware" with him as Anderson isn't the finished product his 2006 statistics indicate.

[UK Skins Fan]

Well, neither Adams nor Anderson seems to be a finished product to me. Branch is the nearest thing to the finished article, and the one most likely to make an immediate impact.

I understand what you guys are saying about not missing the opportunity to pick up a great pass rusher though - I'd love the Redskins to get their very own Charles Haley.

If I was GM of the Redskins, I'd probably end up trading down simply to avoid having to make a decision on these three, but then I'd make a lousy GM. Wouldn't stop me getting a job with the Redskins though...

[fleetus]

I agree on the trade down idea. One player is not going to turn around this defense. In fact, I think the problems on defense are more psychological and many of the players we have are good enough to get the job done. We just need better depth so when guys like Shawn Springs and Cornelius Griffin get hurt, we can still play tough.

However, given my choice of DL's, right now, pre-combine, I'd take the behemoth!

[PulpExposure]

but then I'd make a lousy GM. Wouldn't stop me getting a job with the Redskins though...

Yeah it does. You specified you'd be a GM...that's enough to stop you from getting a job with the Skins. Lousy or not *grin*.