Vikings Message Board.Com

fiestavike wrote: His release is crazy quick. It won't suprise me if he turns out to be the best QB in this class, but he has a ton of question marks, mostly based on his level of competition.

fiestavike wrote:He's a gamble for sure. I'd be hesitant to invest more than a 2nd, but I think I'd be willing to do that.

Joe Rexrode ‏@joerexrode1h
Receivers averaged 5.35 per catch against Dennard, lowest figure against a defensive back since BCS era began in 1998.

Joe Rexrode ‏@joerexrode1h
Dennard allowed an average of 0.8198 yards per pass attempt, lowest recorded since NFL Draft Report started doing this in 1968 -- wow.

fiestavike wrote:No doubt about it. I have had the chance to see him play and have been impressed. I am impressed by his accuracy, timing, and quick release. Also, his go to WR is not the type that can bail a guy out. He is a small quick, slot type wr. they have great timing and chemistry. I just bring that up to contrast with a guy like Manziel (who I like for the record) who scrambles and often flings it up and relies on Evans to find a way to come down with it. It seems to me that timing routes have become so crucial in the NFL, and Garoppolo has that ability. Unfortunately I think thats something ponder was never able to develop.

But to be clear, he is a gamble. I'm willing to bet he goes in the 2nd at this point for his upside and the buzz he will generate pre-draft.

PacificNorseWest wrote:Clowney, Barr and I'm adding Dennard to the mix of guys I want with that first pick.

PacificNorseWest wrote:You're right about Barr. 3-4 is ideal on paper because he's one of those uber-athletes and hybrid LB types. I just love his playmaking ability. As a linebacker, very few, if any, can beat him to the edge and as a pass rusher, he's highly energetic, long and athletic.

I don't think he's an exclusive 3-4 backer though. He's just one of those guys that will succeed anywhere on the field. He was an RB and then WR/TE when he arrived at UCLA so when I say anywhere on the field...I mean it.

Strengths: Long, lean athletic frame with plenty of room for additional musculature. Light, quick feet. Good balance and flexibility to change directions and to avoid cut-blocks. Good bend to dip under the reach of pass blockers and possesses the acceleration to close on the ball. An explosive hitter who can dislodge the ball (four forced fumbles in 2012). Good vision and lateral agility to work twists, showing an active jab-step to get the left tackle moving outside before circling back inside to attack the gaps between interior linemen. Possesses long arms and surprising strength to hold up at the point and keep his containment responsibilities. Very smooth in his acceleration when tracking in pursuit, showing good lateral agility and vision to avoid downfield blockers and the strength to pull down ballcarriers from behind. Experienced and active special teams defender.

Weaknesses: Relies on his size and athleticism to make virtually all of his plays. Extremely raw, especially in his use of hands. Is too easily locked up by offensive tackles, tight ends and even fullbacks because he doesn't keep his hands actively ripping away at blockers' attempts to grasp onto his jersey. Loses track of the football, at times, and must do a better job of pursuing downfield when he does find it. Relies too much on his natural explosiveness as a hitter, rather than wrapping his arms around the ballcarrier securely.

Compares To: Clay Matthews, OLB, Green Bay Packers -- Matthews may have emerged as one of the NFL's fiercest pass rushers now but he, like Barr, required quite a bit of polishing to become a consistently dominating force.