ESPN on Ragone
Dave Ragone , Louisville
Ragone has rebounded well from a poor Senior Bowl week with a strong Combine showing and a solid workout this week, despite the rain in Louisville.
"He's probably been on the biggest rollercoaster ride of anybody," said a scout. "I mean, Boller's been on nothing but the rise. Ragone started high, slipped terribly and now he's grading up again."
Ragone, a left-hander like Simms, is big at just under 6-4. It's his weight at 249 pounds that draws skepticism.
"He's a heavy-legged guy and it really affects his mobility," said a scout. "He has a hard time getting away from the rush. I was disappointed with his 40 (4.94). I thought he'd run better and I thought he'd be quicker."
Most everyone agrees that Ragone's senior season was ragged, but they don't pin it all on him.
"His protection was terrible," said a personnel man. "He got beat up. I think he probably had to keep that weight on just to handle the beating. All in all, he was pretty productive in his career and I think he's a heck of a competitor."
Added another scout: "Really, from his junior to senior season, he lost a lot of O-linemen and people found out he lost a pretty good receiver in Deion Branch. Most quarterbacks struggle under those circumstances and he still made plenty of big plays."
Another sees him as a worthwhile project.
"He needs some work, especially with his feet," said a scout. "He throws a really good long ball. Like a lot of lefties, for some reason, he's good on the outside stuff, the go routes, the fades. But he's not as sharp, keen or aware of the crossing routes. So, he's got tools to work with, but he does need work."
That was echoed by a team that has dismissed Ragone: "His framing is off a lot of times, meaning the ball does down more often than you like. He's got a stiff upper body."
Another offensive coordinator said he would take his chance with Ragone.
"He's steady and he plays tall -- you don't see him get a lot of balls tipped," this coach said. "I see a strong arm. I see productivity. I see a tough guy and you better be a tough guy to play in this league.
Dave Ragone , Louisville
Ragone has rebounded well from a poor Senior Bowl week with a strong Combine showing and a solid workout this week, despite the rain in Louisville.
"He's probably been on the biggest rollercoaster ride of anybody," said a scout. "I mean, Boller's been on nothing but the rise. Ragone started high, slipped terribly and now he's grading up again."
Ragone, a left-hander like Simms, is big at just under 6-4. It's his weight at 249 pounds that draws skepticism.
"He's a heavy-legged guy and it really affects his mobility," said a scout. "He has a hard time getting away from the rush. I was disappointed with his 40 (4.94). I thought he'd run better and I thought he'd be quicker."
Most everyone agrees that Ragone's senior season was ragged, but they don't pin it all on him.
"His protection was terrible," said a personnel man. "He got beat up. I think he probably had to keep that weight on just to handle the beating. All in all, he was pretty productive in his career and I think he's a heck of a competitor."
Added another scout: "Really, from his junior to senior season, he lost a lot of O-linemen and people found out he lost a pretty good receiver in Deion Branch. Most quarterbacks struggle under those circumstances and he still made plenty of big plays."
Another sees him as a worthwhile project.
"He needs some work, especially with his feet," said a scout. "He throws a really good long ball. Like a lot of lefties, for some reason, he's good on the outside stuff, the go routes, the fades. But he's not as sharp, keen or aware of the crossing routes. So, he's got tools to work with, but he does need work."
That was echoed by a team that has dismissed Ragone: "His framing is off a lot of times, meaning the ball does down more often than you like. He's got a stiff upper body."
Another offensive coordinator said he would take his chance with Ragone.
"He's steady and he plays tall -- you don't see him get a lot of balls tipped," this coach said. "I see a strong arm. I see productivity. I see a tough guy and you better be a tough guy to play in this league.
http://espn.go.com/chrismortensen/s/2003/0321/1527408.html
