Article of the day

I generally try to feature an article each day from another Big Ten blog. Usually they're from Penn State blogs, sometimes from other sites. Please check out the author's Web site. I always supply the link in the introduction.

Here's the scouting report I got on Dan Connor, from NFL Draft Countdown. I added the Web site to the list, for future reference.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 233 | 40-Time: 4.65

Strengths:
Above average athleticism...Reliable tackler...Will deliver the big hit...Physical and aggressive...Adequate timed speed...Has sideline-to-sideline range...Does a solid job in coverage...Smart with excellent awareness and instincts...Versatile...A hard worker and leader...Intense and competitive with a non-stop motor...Tough...Has a lot of experience against top competition...Productive...Great program pedigree.

Weaknesses:
A tad undersized and needs to bulk up...He will have to get stronger...Has trouble taking on blockers head-to-head...Isn't stout at the point...Lacks fluid hips to turn and run in man coverage....A little rigid and mechanical...Minor character concerns.

Notes:
The latest product of Linebacker U...Older brothers Jim (Boston College) and Mike (Lehigh) both played college football...Could project inside or outside at the next level...Was suspended for a few games in 2005 for making harassing phone calls to a former assistant coach..He may have been a little overhyped by the media...A weakside prospect who carries a pro grade similar to Paul Posluszny's a year ago.
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Career Statistics
Year GP TKL TFL SACK PBU INT
2004 10 85 4.5 1.0 0 1
2005 9 76 5.5 1.5 8 0
2006 13 113 9.0 5.0 2 2
2007 13 145 15.0 6.5 6 1
Totals 45 419 34.0 14.0 16 4

This is one of the most realistic analyses I've seen. The rest of the draft board is very well done, also. NFL Draft Countdown does the best job of remaining objective in their picks and projections, not letting biases get in the way, or media hype. They look at the real player and what that player can really do in the NFL.