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Quick RSP Contest: Mystery Blog Pic

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There’s a header photo on my blog that appears randomly that is not a football player. Be one of the first five to ID the character in the photo and win a free Rookie Scouting Portfolio of your choice from 2006-2011.

Be the first person to name the company he represents and win either a second RSP from 2006-2011 or get a $5 discount on the 2012 Rookie Scouting Portfolio. Be the first person to name the actual person impersonating the character and earn either a second free RSP from 2006-2011 or get a 50 percent discount on the 2012 RSP.

[contact-form] [contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /] [contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /] [contact-field label=”Name of Character” type=”text” required=”true” /] [contact-field label=”Name of company” type=”text” required=”true” /] [contact-field label=”Name of actual person” type=”text” /] [/contact-form]

New York Times Fifth Down Blog Top-Five Series

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Polk kicks off my series of the top-five players at each skill position at the New York Times Fifth Down Blog. Photo by James Santelli.

For the second year, I’ve been invited to contribute my top-five skill players at each position at theNew York Times Fifth Downblog. Today, I begin with Washington RB Chris Polk:

5.  Chris Polk, running back, Washington (5-10, 215)

Physically and conceptually, Polk is almost everything you want from a lead back or a feature runner in the N.F.L. He is one of the better after-contact runners in the 2012 class, but it might not seem that way to some because he frequently he has to work hard to get yardage past the line of scrimmage. Upon closer examination,  he does it with good balance, quick feet and good leg drive after contact. He has some of the more impressive 2-yard runs I’ve seen all year.

He has both punishing power and slippery power, which is an unusual combination for a player. He is strong enough in both his upper and lower body to run through wraps, bounce off hits and ward of defenders with a stiff arm to get yards after contact. He also likes to punish defenders at the end of runs.

But Polk is not just a powerful back. [Click here for more]

Download the 2012 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for analysis of over 151 prospects at QB, RB, WR, and TE.

Reads Listens Views 4/6/2012

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My View of the Gregg Williams Situation

[youtube=http://youtu.be/7X38PCf7kao]

The RB was Giavanni Ruffin. The former East Carolina runner is an undrafted free agent from the 2011 draft class and he’s still working for an opportunity. Thanks to my friend Bryan Zukowski for sharing this video and its powerful message about work and desire.

I like the parable that Eric Thomas – the Hip-Hop Preacher narrating this video- tells of the young man seeking the knowledge and skill of his elder. However, the celebrity examples he provides of 50 Cent not sleeping – and Beyonce not eating – for days leave me wondering if our society takes this message too far. I’m not asking a question for which I think I have the answer.

I truly don’t know the answer. Continue reading →

RSP Contest Winners

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[youtube=http://youtu.be/X7Qya1uVY4o]

Congratulations for Kyle Dwyer, who was the first to correctly name the three University of Miami Hurricanes for yesterday’s RSP Contest.

These three RBs comprised the top-five all-time rookie rushing seasons in NFL history:

  • Ottis Anderson
  • Edgerrin James
  • Clinton Portis

Kyle, Joe Upegui, and David Barr scored a free Rookie Scouting Portfolio of their choice from 2006-2011.

In addition, Jack Heneghan suggested the RSP title “Futures Market,” for my new Football Outsider’s column scheduled for its first run this Monday. I had “Futures” on my short list of titles and I’m going to roll with “Futures.”

Jack’s suggestion tipped it over the edge so I’m giving him a copy of the 2012 Rookie Scouting Portfolio.

If you haven’t checked out the 2012 Rookie Scouting Portfolio, here’s some of the feedback I’ve received this week:

Great work this year, the links [to YouTube highlights and interviews] are a great addition!

-Lami Harmon

Thanks Matt – it’s been a fantastic read so far… just like every other year!

-Mike Torok

Thank you, Santa.  This is the best RSP yet, and I’ve just barely         broken the seal on it.  So much good stuff.  Thanks for your hard work and love of this aspect of the game.
                                            -Dave Hamill
Schwing!!!!
                -David Collins

Remember, 10 percent of all 2012 purchases will be going to Darkness to Light, a non-profit that combats sexual abuse.

I’ll be back tomorrow with Reads Listens Views…

2012 Rookie Scouting Portfolio is Ready for Download!

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The 2012 RSP is ready for download now. If you pre-ordered, you can go directly to this page and enter your login and password.

A big thanks to Jene Bramel doing his part ot edit and Mike MacGregor for getting the download site set up.

Here’s the Tale of the Tape:

  • Approximately 175 pages of magazine style analysis
    • Rankings
    • Player comparisons
    • Skill set break-downs by position
    • Draft history data by position
    • Fantasy football overviews
    • Bookmarked menus for easy drill-down
    • Links to highlight videos
    • Overrated/Underrated/Projects
  • 800 pages of play-by-play analysis on 151 players at the offensive skill positions.
    • Each position has its own criteria and scoring system
    • Play-by-play documentation of what happened and my observations
    • Transparent process to studying players
  • A complete glossary of scoring criteria

Remember, 10 percent of this year’s sales will be donated to Darkness to Light, a non-profit dedicated to preventing sexual abuse.

I hope you enjoy it. If you’re a first-time reader…or even a seventh-time reader, drop me a line and let me know what you think!

Reads Listens Views 3/30/12

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Perhaps the craziest stride on a top college RB ever.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/5mOFEwbOjGo]

Keith Byars might have run like one of the Flintstones, but he had a heck of a career as a Joker for the Eagles and Patriots.

We’re counting down to the 2012 Rookie Scouting Portfolio, which will be available for download on April 1. I’d count on it happening sometime after 7 pm EST. You can pre-order here or download past issues now.

I just finished my initial phase of running back analysis. What’s left is ranking and writing the chapter. All of the notes and reports are ready to place into the chapter. Once that’s done, it’s just a matter of putting together the book.

Here’s a final list of players who will be  in the publication (sorted by alpha). Continue reading →

2012 Rookie Scouting Portfolio Publication Update

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Getting to the end zone on a long drive towards finishing the 2012 RSP. Details below. Photo by Joint Base Lewis McChord

I’ll keep this short and sweet: I’m on schedule for the 2012 Rookie Scouting Portfolio publication to be ready for download the evening/night of Sunday, April 1. If you’ve pre-ordered the publication, I’ll write a blog post and use Twitter and Facebook to notify when it’s ready to download.

Remember, all RSP purchases in 2012 will have 10 percent of its monies donated to the non-profit organization Darkness to Light.

For those of you that have pre-ordered, thank you for not only doing so but suggesting it in the first place. It’s humbling to have this kind of early response for the RSP and I have to tell you that while I have added new analysis to the publication this year, this is the first time in the history of the RSP that I’m actually looking forward to starting the book for 2013 before the 2012 NFL Draft.

You’re a big reason why.

If it goes as planned – and I believe it will – I  think the 2013 RSP will be a significant improvement from the past seven issues combined.

I’ll leave you with some Jarrett Boykin analysis…from a really young draftnik. Awesome early start for this kid.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/jDFXDIUUutY]

Mel Kiper better look out.

Joining Football Outsiders

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I'm not sure what German Shepherd this guy is training (check out the pants), but I'm suiting up for the Football Outsiders' team to write a pro prospect analysis column on Saturdays. Photo from Claremont Colleges Digital Library.

I’m pleased to announce that I will be joining Football Outsiders to pen analysis on pro prospects.  My weekly column will be published on Saturdays beginning this fall until the NFL Draft. I will provide player/game analysis of high-performing college players, including non-skill positions on both sides of the ball.

I’m excited become a part of another great team of writers on the Internet, but nothing else is changing. You can still find me writing fantasy football-related content at Footballguys.com and maintaining this blog. Football Outsiders is an additional opportunity to write about what I study.

I want to thank all of you who read and recommend my work on a regular basis. You’re a great audience and I appreciate the opportunities you have helped to provide. I’m still thinking of a name for the column so if you have suggestions, I’m all ears.

Reads Listens Views 3/16/2012

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Looking for Mr. Dunn? Keep looking…

[youtube=http://youtu.be/yov6BjKx3A0]

I like James, but Dunn was the right talent at the right time.

Blog News

Based on numerous requests in recent weeks, I’m now accepting pre-orders for the 2012 Rookie Scouting Portfolio. Available for download April 1, I am unofficially through with the game study phase of my analysis. I have a few more games of specific players I want to review, but it’s time to put the book together.

You can also purchase and immediately download past issues of the RSP (2006-2011) at the same link. Thanks to my friend, Mike MacGregor who helped me get the purchase area set up during my busiest time of the year.

Remember, 10 percent of my 2012 sales will be going to the non-profit Darkness to Light. The organization is committed to eliminating sexual abuse Continue reading →

Pre-Order the 2012 Rookie Scouting Portfolio

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Ahmad Bradshaw was an RSP fave and 2012 has a lot of players capable of out-playing their draft position. Pre-order the 2012 RSP for the low-down. Photo by Ted Kerwin.

If you haven’t heard, the 2012 RSP is now available for pre-order. Now in its seventh year, I publish the Rookie Scouting Portfolio every April 1. I  have evaluated 161 players at the offensive skill positions thus far. The publication essentially has three parts:

1. Rankings, analysis, and player comparisons: This is generally 120-130 pages of material, much like a draft magazine, but focused solely on QBs, RBs, WRs, and TEs.

2. Appendix of my game-study notebooks: All my raw notes from my database and I also supply a complete grading checklist for each player and game I study. This also includes my scoring process. And last but not least, I also provide play by play notes on each player that is often pages of analysis for each prospect. This blog analysis of players you’ve seen this month draws from these notes.

3. Defined criteria for my scoring methods: How I define a technique and the value I give it.

You can also order back issues of the RSP (2006-2011) from this same link. This year, I’m donating 10 percent of all 2012 sales to Darkness to Light. Its mission:

Our programs raise awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse by educating adults about the steps they can take to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse.

You can learn more about this excellent organization and its noble aim through the link above. In the spirit of transparency, I will provide an annual update and documentation of the monies donated to Darkness to Light on this blog.

Once again, you can pre-order the 2012 RSP or immediately purchase and download past RSPs through this link.