OnTheClockDraft.com - 2008 NFL Draft - North Team Practice Report

Jan 25, 2007, 8:27 PM

by Greg Benjamin and Larry Larmeu

href="/profile/Tyler-Palko/1171">Tyler Palko - Fumbled on a playaction in 7-7 drills and fumbled a snap during the scrimmage. Ran the two minute drill well. Coach Gruden made a comment about him having problems with his elbow.

Drew Stanton - Coaches praised him on his playaction fakes. He had an ugly deepball that was underthrown early on in practice, but he threw a nice 40 yard pass later on during skeleton drills. He was accurate with his short to intermediate range passes.

Troy Smith - Fumbled a snap during 7-7 drills. Looked better in the scrimmage, but he took too many chances over the middle during redzone drills. He threw an interception over the middle today, having thrown one yesterday as well.

Thomas Clayton - Continues to impress running the football. He shows good vision running between the tackles and he has the speed to get outside and turn the corner. He did have a few drops as a receiver out of the backfield.

Tony Hunt - Dropped a couple passes and still doesn't look great as an inside runner--Lacks great vision.

Brian Leonard - Looked good catching the ball out of the backfield.

Kolby Smith - Won't catch the ball out of the backfield unless the ball hits him in the hands.

David Clowney - Showed he could catch with his hands when forced to do so (ball thrown behind him). He still looks a bit stiff and he did make some more body catches today.

Paul Williams - Made a couple nice catches but dropped two touchdowns in redzone drills.

Aundrae Allison - Looked pretty good overall today but he did have a couple drops.

Rhema McKnight - Did a good job of using his body to shield Josh Wilson in the redzone. Still the most consistent receiver on the North squad.

Brandon Myles - Feels the need to jump up in the air everytime he attempts to catch a pass--Doesn't look very natural.

Jason Hill - Had another good day catching the football. He continues to be one of the most consistent receivers here.

Scott Chandler - Caught the ball well on offense but got in trouble on special teams for not making a play on a kickoff that came his way.

Levi Brown - Did well today and has received alot of attention from scouts after practice all week long.

Brandon Mebane - Did well in pass rush drills. Showed a good bullrush and spin move to beat Dan Mozes.

Anthony Spencer - Beat Ryan Harris for a sack in the srimmage.

Amobi Okoye - Did a good job of getting pressure both in the scrimmage and pass rush drills. Once again he saw action at defensive end during pass rush drills.

Paul Posluszny - Received praise from the coaches for his ability to fill the gaps.

Stewart Bradley - Made alot of plays--Seemed to be around the ball all day.

Josh Wilson - Was beat a few times in coverage, but looked alot better than he did yesterday. On special teams he continues to be the best on the team when it comes to fielding punts. He holds the ball a bit high, but he hasn't fumbled yet.

Marcus McCauley - Did a good job of covering Paul Williams all day.

Aaron Rouse - Gave too much cushion and was beaten to the inside during redzone drills.

Eric Weddle - Looks comfortable playing in the box as well as back in coverage.

Mason Crosby - Made kicks as far as 53 yards with the team and an air horn making noise, trying to distract him.

Team Interest:

Chargers - Rhema McKnight
Buccaneers - Paul Posluszny
Jets - Anthony Spencer
Browns - Troy Smith
Ravens - Tanard Jackson

Press Conference Notes:

Amobi Okoye
-Played on the kickoff return team this week for the first time since high school
-Manuel Ramirez (Texas Tech) is very strong
-Weighed in at 287 but will be back at his playing weight (295-300) by the combine

Jon Gruden
-Daymeion Hughes will not play due to injury
-Quarterback rotation will be (1) Troy Smith, (2) Drew Stanton, (3) Tyler Palko
-Eric Weddle can play corner, safety and contribute on special teams
-Believes the Colts will win the superbowl

North Team Practice Report - Thursday