NFL Draft Stock as Junior: Coffee vs Darby??

[UAME]

Do you think that Ken Darby's saga with the NFL will have any impact on Glenn Coffee's decision on whether to return for his senior year? Of course, this question is based on the premise that Darby had higher draft potential as a JR than he did after his SR season. I realize that each player is unique, and I do remember that KD had some off-the-field issues that might have hurt his performance his last year.

I was surprised to hear that Coffee would seriously consider a jump this year, but maybe he's thinking that the quality of the guys blocking for him has no where to go but down (for his senior year)?

 

[NYBamaFan]

It is hard to guess what he might be thinking, but I really hope that he listens to CNS. If CNS tells him to go, he should go. If not, he should stay. I am sure that there are a lot of people in his ear right now, and I just wonder how many of them really have his best interests at heart.

A bird in the hand vs. the many that might be in the bushes...

 

[trenda]

I was surprised to hear that Coffee would seriously consider a jump this year, but maybe he's thinking that the quality of the guys blocking for him has no where to go but down (for his senior year)?

I think that's one of several factors. I think the bottom line is he's testing this because it's a logical thing to do (and there are no 'costs' for doing it). At the same time, he had a tremendous season this year and it will be hard to replicate that next season. If he can parlay this season into a good NFL contract, why not? I feel like Glen's got his act together and will make a good, sound decision that's best for him.

 

[TDBama78]

imo any back would have had a great season running behind this yrs off. line. next yrs line wont be as good but i dont think it will be terrible either. if i was a nfl scout id say,glenn, show us what you can do with next yrs line and we'll have a better evaluation of your abilities.

 

[rolltidescott]

It is hard to guess what he might be thinking, but I really hope that he listens to CNS. If CNS tells him to go, he should go. If not, he should stay. I am sure that there are a lot of people in his ear right now, and I just wonder how many of them really have his best interests at heart.

A bird in the hand vs. the many that might be in the bushes...

I agree. I'd hate for Coffee to go, but if Coach Saban thinks he should, then GOOD LUCK Glenn.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

This topic has come up in another thread, with about the same comments. However, one factor not mentioned here is the increased competition for PT this coming season. Ingram was out-performing Coffee at times, before he got hurt. Upchurch could be back up to par next year, and then, there's Richardson. If he comes in looking like he did in HS, it's hard to see a RS year for him. On Darby, I don't think he ever came back completely from his surgery. He's never gotten his flexibility totally back, and it affected his running style. Also, his senior year, he wasn't playing in his best condition, owing to off-field issues...

 

[UAME]

However, one factor not mentioned here is the increased competition for PT this coming season.

That's a great point. 2008 was the first season in recent memory where there was a genuine log-jam at RB. I know there have been several years where we anticipated having multiple options, but it seems that circumstances always impacted our depth. Seriously, can anyone remember when the leading rusher from the previous year went through the season 100% healthy, but never rose above 4th on the depth chart??

Here's hoping that same problem emerges at many other positions!

 

[NYBamaFan]

This topic has come up in another thread, with about the same comments. However, one factor not mentioned here is the increased competition for PT this coming season. Ingram was out-performing Coffee at times, before he got hurt. Upchurch could be back up to par next year, and then, there's Richardson. If he comes in looking like he did in HS, it's hard to see a RS year for him. On Darby, I don't think he ever came back completely from his surgery. He's never gotten his flexibility totally back, and it affected his running style. Also, his senior year, he wasn't playing in his best condition, owing to off-field issues...

Good points, all...

 

[tftplisa]

I'm OK either way. On one hand it'd be nice to have a senior who is stong and has proven to be a leader. I can see the NFL because his stock probably won't get much higher and that's a lot of wear and tear on a body.
Next year though, I feel like with Ingram and Richardson as the top 2 backs we'll be in great shape. Both over 210, with good speed and strength. Add Upchurch if healthy, Jeramie Griffin, Terry Grant as a change of pace and we should be awesome. Trent Richardson is going to be a dominating player.

Was it just last year we had no player drafted? Now 3 All-Americans. We could have the number 1 pick (Andre) a first round (Caldwell) and had Cody not decided to stay another top 15.

 

[rolltidescott]

I'm OK either way. On one hand it'd be nice to have a senior who is stong and has proven to be a leader. I can see the NFL because his stock probably won't get much higher and that's a lot of wear and tear on a body.

Next year though, I feel like with Ingram and Richardson as the top 2 backs we'll be in great shape. Both over 210, with good speed and strength. Add Upchurch if healthy, Jeramie Griffin, Terry Grant as a change of pace and we should be awesome. Trent Richardson is going to be a dominating player.

Was it just last year we had no player drafted? Now 3 All-Americans. We could have the number 1 pick (Andre) a first round (Caldwell) and had Cody not decided to stay another top 15.

I like Ingram, but IMO,Coffee was #1 for a reason. Ingram has shown that he'll be a "good one" and I HOPE Richardson is too, but Coffee's still my #1. I hope he returns.

 

[Crimson Pig]

Consider as well, though, the fact that our schedule will be way easier next year. It's possible he could put up even bigger numbers.

 

[trenda]

I guess in making a comparison between Darby and Coffee (Jr. vs. Sr season), I'd be willing to bet that next season's OL (even with the inexperience) will be better at run blocking than the OL for Darby's Sr season. Add in the injury and conditioning and this is probably not a fair comparison to make . . .

 

[NYBamaFan]

I like Ingram, but IMO,Coffee was #1 for a reason. Ingram has shown that he'll be a "good one" and I HOPE Richardson is too, but Coffee's still my #1. I hope he returns.

Coffee and Ingram both trust the line and hit the holes hard. They both assume that the blocks will be there, and attack the LOS. Coffee has better vision so his cutbacks are more effective. He just has an instinct for the game...

 

[NYBamaFan]

I guess in making a comparison between Darby and Coffee (Jr. vs. Sr season), I'd be willing to bet that next season's OL (even with the inexperience) will be better at run blocking than the OL for Darby's Sr season. Add in the injury and conditioning and this is probably not a fair comparison to make . . .

Very good point...

 

[RedStar]

What are the knocks on Coffee? We've watched him play 13 games this year and we should be able to "scout" him as well as any NFL scout could.

He fumbles, too much for a #1 back, but it's something he can work on, and it is something he seemed to get better at as the season wore on.
He seems to tire a little easier than most #1 backs.
Not a great pass catcher, averaging just under 1 catch per game.

Most of these are things he can work on if he comes back.

Attributes:

Speed. I know a lot of people think this is a knock on him, but I think he's proven it over the course of this year, he's a lot faster than people give him credit for.
Size, at 6'2" 200 lbs, he's almost the perfect size, he could add a little weight, again something he could do by the time he graduates next year. He's built like a thoroughbread.
Strength, he's a freak physically.

Anything else you guys can think of?

 

[bamacon]

The NFL looks for key factors in selecting their players. That is why you see a Jerry Rice, Joe Flacco, Tavaris Jackson, or T.O. (or hundreds of others) coming from no name schools being picked in the draft and have excellent careers in pro bowl. I think G. Coffee just has a lot of the traits NFL teams are looking at RB these days.

I think CNS and his words at his most recent press conference are telling in how he discusses this with his players. He gives them an honest assessment on how the NFL works and how the money changes drastically from the first few picks to the 3rd round. He also probably gives his opinion on where he thinks they might be selected, and whether coming back another year and working on things would help.

 

[Bamaro]

Do you think that Ken Darby's saga with the NFL will have any impact on Glenn Coffee's decision on whether to return for his senior year?

It should