lionsfan81
05-01-2007, 07:19 PM
I saw today that nfl.com put up a scouting report on johnny baldwin today, and i gotta say i am kind of excited to see what this guy can do. I think he just might be the steal of our draft.
A ferocious tackler, Baldwin has been a terror for the Bulldogs since taking over inside linebacker duties three seasons ago, leading the team in tackles in each of those three years. While he displays impressive strength, he also has the quickness to drop back and cover in the passing game. (Sounds like the ideal Cover 2 MLB to me)
Positives: Has a lean, well-defined frame with long legs and thick thighs … Quickly digests the plays, making instant decisions toward the ball … Shows proper hand placement to prevent blockers from attacking his feet … Moves well down the line, showing a good short-area burst to close … Stays low in his pads, extending his arms to wrap and secure the ball carrier … Makes quick turns out of his backpedal and mirrors the tight end, doing a nice job of pressing the opponent at the line … Uses his rip-and-swim moves with force … Has great power for his lanky frame, setting a position lifting record for linebackers … Explosive hitter who closes incredibly quick in pursuit … Effective blitzer who backpedals smoothly in pass coverage … Does a nice job using his hands to avoid low blocks … Has the balance and re-direction skills to flash into the plays … Good knee bender with a fluid change of direction.
Negatives: Gets out of control at times, trying to out-muscle blockers rather than slide off blocks … While he is effective in pass coverage, he seems to gather himself a bit before heading up field … Needs to add some bulk to his frame to prevent punishment when trying to get through the inside trash … Seems to work better in space rather than up at the line and could be better suited for the outside … Can get off the edge on the blitz, but does not always locate the ball when in the backfield … Tends to lean into blockers rather than delivering a strong hand jolt in attempts to penetrate, despite his obvious strength.
Compares To: James Farrior, Pittsburgh Steelers … Baldwin has a good blend of speed and strength, but lacks ideal size … He might be a better fit for weak-side linebacker due to his range and closing burst, or, he could be a capable inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme … It is evident that he knows how to tackle and his leaping ability and timing as a kick blocker is an added bonus for special teams.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/baldwin_johnny
A ferocious tackler, Baldwin has been a terror for the Bulldogs since taking over inside linebacker duties three seasons ago, leading the team in tackles in each of those three years. While he displays impressive strength, he also has the quickness to drop back and cover in the passing game. (Sounds like the ideal Cover 2 MLB to me)
Positives: Has a lean, well-defined frame with long legs and thick thighs … Quickly digests the plays, making instant decisions toward the ball … Shows proper hand placement to prevent blockers from attacking his feet … Moves well down the line, showing a good short-area burst to close … Stays low in his pads, extending his arms to wrap and secure the ball carrier … Makes quick turns out of his backpedal and mirrors the tight end, doing a nice job of pressing the opponent at the line … Uses his rip-and-swim moves with force … Has great power for his lanky frame, setting a position lifting record for linebackers … Explosive hitter who closes incredibly quick in pursuit … Effective blitzer who backpedals smoothly in pass coverage … Does a nice job using his hands to avoid low blocks … Has the balance and re-direction skills to flash into the plays … Good knee bender with a fluid change of direction.
Negatives: Gets out of control at times, trying to out-muscle blockers rather than slide off blocks … While he is effective in pass coverage, he seems to gather himself a bit before heading up field … Needs to add some bulk to his frame to prevent punishment when trying to get through the inside trash … Seems to work better in space rather than up at the line and could be better suited for the outside … Can get off the edge on the blitz, but does not always locate the ball when in the backfield … Tends to lean into blockers rather than delivering a strong hand jolt in attempts to penetrate, despite his obvious strength.
Compares To: James Farrior, Pittsburgh Steelers … Baldwin has a good blend of speed and strength, but lacks ideal size … He might be a better fit for weak-side linebacker due to his range and closing burst, or, he could be a capable inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme … It is evident that he knows how to tackle and his leaping ability and timing as a kick blocker is an added bonus for special teams.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/baldwin_johnny