Larry English

[perivolaki]

For all you Larry English fans I heard him on NFL radio tonight. They asked him if he had visits set up with any teams and he said only had one scheduled. He said that he has a visit with the Arizona Cardinals next week.

 

[az jam]

He would be an excellent draft choice, I just don't know if he will be there when we pick at #31.

 

[az jam]

Notes on English from the Combine: His 40 time was 4.82

English was a defensive end at NIU, where he twice was the Mid-American Conference’s defensive player of the year, but a lot of scouts project him as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 system as a pro. The consensus is that cementing himself in that role will be English’s best bet to go in the first round. To that end, English participated in linebacker drills during his workout Monday at the combine (which, like all workouts, was closed to most of the media). His reported results were mixed. English’s time in the 40-yard dash was said to be disappointing. He did not crack the top 10 even among defensive linemen, who typically run about a tenth of a second slower than linebackers. Because he is on the small side at 6-foot-2, 254 pounds, scouts hoped to see more speed from English. However, the quickness he flashed while starring last month during Senior Bowl practices might alleviate some of the concern. English showed off his athleticism Monday with a 36-inch vertical jump, sixth best among defensive linemen at the combine. However, he did not necessarily excel during position drills with the linebackers. One of English’s challenges is to show he can fluidly drop into coverage, a task he rarely if ever faced in college. He apparently struggled in that area Monday. - Nick Hut, Daily Chronicle

 

[WildBB]

I haven't seen him play. I'm sure most haven't seen Northern Illinios play. So we're going by reports on him or maybe one game in the Senior Bowl.

Anyway here are some of his reports. Interestingly Sidbury threw up more bench presses than he did. All the 40 times were not all that impressive this year somewhat. Even Kruger who you thought would be faster was the same.

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/2009/nfl_combine_results.cfm?pos=DE

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I can care less about 40 times. Can the guy get to the QB ?

That is all I care about.

 

[joeshmo]

I just like the fact that we are finally bringing in guys for visits before the draft. The past 5 years we havent done that. Also English isnt the only one I know that for sure, just dont know who the other names are .

 

[joeshmo]

I have actually seen three of his games on tape, after the season of course and I read an article about him I had to find anything I could on him. He wont blow you away with combine numbers but here is what I saw -

Positives -
Explosive first step.
Not a one trick pony, can also play the run.
Not just a speed rush move like 90% of the other pass rushers in college, he can bull rush, spin, swin to the inside, you name it, this kid has pass rush moves that some NFL players are still trying to learn, shows his advanced state of technique.
Good tackler and finisher
Aggresive and physical
Smart and a vocal leader
Non-stop motor
Productive three years in a row.
The only player on that D anyone worried about with constant double and triple teams.
The MAC MVP two years in a row. The only D player to ever do that and only the 3rd player overall.

Negatives -
Dinged up a lot as a Senior, not sure what that is about or if they will linger.
Will probably struggle in space as a 3-4 OLB his first year, and might be limited in that area overall. Predator LB is where he needs to be most likely.
Will without a doubt have to get back down to 255-260 lbs becuase he showed up to the combine at over 270 lbs and it hurt his combine numbers, and that wont cut it if he wants to be a 3-4 OLB in our D. Makes me wonder if he even wants to be a 3-4 OLB considering he showed up to the main stage of the combine at 4-3 DE weight.
Classic played against lower competition arguement.

I love the kid and think he would be a slightly better version of a Titans version of Vanden Bosh If Vanden Bosh could play 3-4 OLB. I would still take Moreno or Wells if they were there though. English would be 3rd on the list with Pettigrew @ #4.

 

[Twist18]

He was a pure monster in college. If I remember right, Terrell Suggs didnt have stellar combine #s either.

 

[Brewster10]

Excellent. He's my favorite if the two big backs arent there

 

[CardinalChris]

He was a very nice interview. I came away impressed. He also said he cares less about playing DE or OLB in either as 4-3 or 3-4. He sounded VERY hungry and confident.

 

[Brewster10]

I think he's ideal for us given that we dont seem committed to the 3-4 yet.. I expect we'll still play a hybrid type... therefore, he could put his hand down and replace Smith when we're in the 4-3.. and he could also play that predator thingy like Laboy when we drop out of the traditional 3-4

 

[anks106]

Will without a doubt have to get back down to 255-260 lbs becuase he showed up to the combine at over 270 lbs and it hurt his combine numbers, and that wont cut it if he wants to be a 3-4 OLB in our D. Makes me wonder if he even wants to be a 3-4 OLB considering he showed up to the main stage of the combine at 4-3 DE weight.

I'm not reading him showing at 270 as wanting to only be in a 4-3. The media and draftniks have already decided he can play the 3-4, He didn't need to do anything to promote that. He showed up at 4-3 size, and if he does well people say he can do it all, if he doesn't (as he didn't, at least in physical drills, I haven't heard how he did in positionals) then people can blame the weight and trying out for a nonideal position. I think it was a calculated move, and he will be fine (and motivated) in either spot.

 

[Buckybird]

trade Boldin and get in position to get him!!! English at 1a, McCoy at 1b. Championship!!!

 

[LittleDavis]

trade Boldin and get in position to get him!!! English at 1a, McCoy at 1b. Championship!!!

English in the 1st and Shonn Green in the second. Boldin and Fitz go down as the greatest tandem of all time.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CARDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

 

[Buckybird]

English in the 1st and Shonn Green in the second. Boldin and Fitz go down as the greatest tandem of all time.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CARDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

I still think English will go before #31.

 

[WildBB]

I still think English will go before #31.

I believe him and/or Maybin will be there for our choosing.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I believe him and/or Maybin will be there for our choosing.

i hope both of them are gone. Maybin likely will be. It's funny how you start to form opinions on guys. The only 2 guys who i'd take at 31 who are DE/OLB prospect and have a shot at being there are Mathews and Johnson. I'm not liking Cushing or English, it's probably too early for Sintim, and Curry, Maybin,and Brown will all be gone. Otherwise, i think a guy like Freeman, Kruger,Barwin or even Sintim could slide to 63 and be better value than English at 31.

 

[lauraw]

what are the quality of players/men that will be there at 63 at de/olb if the cards go rb at #31? never mind, cbus cardfan answered it for me.

 

[Jetstream Green]

who cares so much for his forty time when it is not forty yards from the line of scrimmage to the QB