atljbo Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/football/smith-has-turned-into-the-pass-rush-whisperer/nkxJ6/#25ae9e53.257071.735708Smith has turned into the Pass-Rush Whisperer By D. Orlando Ledbetter - The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionFLOWERY BRANCH —Former Falcons great Chuck Smith, one of the NFL’s top pass-rushers of the 1990s, has turned into the Pass-Rush Whisperer in retirement.Over the past few years, he’s been hired as a personal trainer to help some of the top NFL candidates get ready for the combine and for their pre-draft workouts.Of the top pass-rushers eligible for the coming NFL draft, which is set for April 30-May 2, he’s trained Missouri’s Shane Ray and Nebraska’s Randy Gregory. However, he’s studied all of the prospects and believes this is a stellar group.The Falcons, who have the eighth pick in the draft, have heavily scouted the group of edge-rusher and appear very likely to select one with their first-round pick.Florida’s Dante Fowler Jr., Clemson’s Vic Beasley and Kentucky’s Bud Dupree, along with Ray and Gregory, are considered the top five edge-rushing prospects in the draft.Falcons“He’s played against some great competition,” Smith said of Fowler. “From what I know about him, he’s a confident kid. He has good range and the ability to be true 4-3 defensive end. He has good explosion. His upside is really high.”Smith played for the Falcons (1992-99) and with Carolina (2000). He was on the franchise’s only Super Bowl team and finished his career with 58.5 sacks.Beasley finished his career as Clemson’s all-time sack leader.“Vic is a really hybrid (defensive/outside linebacker),” Smith said. “His movement is more built to blitz, rush and get up field. He’s quick, but he’s still developing. He has to develop some signature pass-rushing techniques.”Smith had an interesting comparison when discussing Beasley.“I would play him like a DeMarcus Ware,” Smith said. “He’s a rusher. I don’t ever need to put him coverage. He’s like a missile when he gets going.”The question about Beasley is could he play defensive end against the run in a 4-3 defense.“Everything was about size this year, when last year, some of the guys that were hybrids like (Khalil) Mack and (Anthony) Barr, they didn’t have that issue,” Smith said. “You really just play Vic Beasley like the Raiders are going to play Khalil Mack. You put him on that line and he’s coming. He’s your primary rusher.”Ray, the reigning SEC defensive player of the year, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.68 seconds at Missouri’s Pro Day. But Smith is not overly concerned with his speed.“(Former Georgia standout) Jarvis Jones ran a 4.95, and he wasn’t even that big,” Smith said. “If you go back and look at some of the speed-rushers who hit the corner … it has to do with technique, but speed only applies in a phone booth. He only has to be fast in that 10-yard box. He’s quick enough. He’s fast enough.”Smith believes that Houston defensive end Jadeveon Clowney’s freakish 40-yard dash time of 4.53 seconds last season has raised the bar for edge-rushers.“It’s about his quick twitch,” Smith insisted. “Shane Ray has an explosive quick twitch and he is fast. I don’t look at it like a 4.68 is slow. I’m just absolutely floored by the people who are saying that.”Smith also likes Ray’s on-field demeanor. “He has that dog in him,” he said. He also likes his pass-rush moves.“The guys at Missouri use signature pass-rush moves all the time,” Smith said. “He used his rip move, and he uses his hands.”Gregory is considered a top-five talent, but failed a drug test at the NFL scouting combine. It was noted by NFL Radio analyst Pat Kirwan that Falcons president Rich McKay was the general manager at Tampa Bay when the Bucs selected Warren Sapp (12th overall in 1995), after allegations surfaced that he flunked a drug test.Also, Scott Pioli, the Falcons’ assistant general manager, drafted former Georgia standout Justin Houston (third round, 70th overall in 2011) after he failed a drug test.Gregory could be sitting at eight for the Falcons.The Gregory camp has closed ranks after the disclosure. Smith, Gregory’s dad, a military man, and his agent Deryk Gilmore, have all spoken to him at length.“Randy Gregory is going to show that he’s a great example of player who can take care of his business,” Smith said. “He can become a classic example of a guy who knows how to do all of the right things. It’s just a matter of him growing up a little bit.”Everyone sees great potential in Gregory to become a destructive force.“As far as his skill set, Randy is different than any of these other guys,” Smith said. “Randy is a true 3-4 classic pass-rushing outside linebacker. Randy Gregory is special. … He moves like a defensive back.”Smith went so far as to say that Gregory could be used periodically as a secret weapon to cover a tight end.With Gregory’s stock falling, some believe the Falcons, who have shown a penchant to take players without any major character issues, will settle for Kentucky defensive end Bud Dupree with the eighth pick.“He’s fast and he’s explosive,” Smith said. “He’s got to continue to develop.”NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock doesn’t see the Falcons taking Gregory and seems to lean toward thinking they will take Dupree.“His ceiling is as high as any edge-rusher in the draft, including Dante Fowler,” said Mayock of Gregory. “If you take Randy Gregory and the baggage that goes with him, I’m not sure that’s an Arthur Blank-Thomas Dimitroff move. Regardless of how overwhelming the talent may be.”Mayock isn’t the only analyst linking Dupree, who played at Wilkinson County High, to the Falcons.“The Falcons brought in former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as head coach to bring some intensity and pass rush,” according to Rob Rang of nfldraftscout.com. “Dupree isn’t as technically refined yet as some of his competitors, but he has the tools Quinn can develop.”Others don’t believe Dupree, because of his inconsistent play on film, is worthy of such a high pick.“I keep hearing him being elevated,” NFL Network analyst Charles Davis said. “If there is a run on pass-rushers, someone may elevate him up there. I’ll put it to you this way, if Atlanta is sitting there in (the) eighth (slot) and Fowler, Ray and Beasley are gone, Bud Dupree could be bounced into that top 10.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citsalp Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Man don't let KOG read this he will have a heart attack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Great article. Softened me on Gregory some too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Man don't let KOG read this he will have a heart attack. why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atljbo Posted April 20, 2015 Author Share Posted April 20, 2015 Great article. Softened me on Gregory some too.If Gregory didnt have issues..... I like players more then Randy but i like Gregory,... What he can do....To me Randy Gregory is a better version of Anthony Barr as a prospect to me when he was coming out last year... Both have speed to come off the edge with speed big time and both have loose hips and athletic ability that he could cover TEsTo me its about his mental makeup... A big reason why im big on Ray is the reason why Randy Gregory scares me ... Can coach Quinn and Bryan Cox stay on him and keep him focus and on the straight path.If they can ... I have zero problem with drafting him.... Like i said in an earlier post... I feel like all 4 rushers bring something to the table.... With Development they can be very good rushers in the NFL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 If Gregory didnt have issues..... I like players more then Randy but i like Gregory,... What he can do....To me Randy Gregory is a better version of Anthony Barr as a prospect to me when he was coming out last year... Both have speed to come off the edge with speed big time and both have loose hips and athletic ability that he could cover TEsTo me its about his mental makeup... A big reason why im big on Ray is the reason why Randy Gregory scares me ... Can coach Quinn and Bryan Cox stay on him and keep him focus and on the straight path.If they can ... I have zero problem with drafting him.... Like i said in an earlier post... I feel like all 4 rushers bring something to the table.... With Development they can be very good rushers in the NFLGregory doesn't jump out at me man. Not even a little. I'm just softened because he's a fellow military brat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulitik Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Gregory doesn't jump out at me man. Not even a little. I'm just softened because he's a fellow military brat.When I saw that film room study on Gregory and found out he was reading the tackle, instead of the snap, it changed my mind on Gregory, I think that was the big reason he never jumped out to me. Now since that came to light, I think he's the most complete of the pass rushers. Ray is growing on me, but I feel like he's got the highest bust potential. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 When I saw that film room study on Gregory and found out he was reading the tackle, instead of the snap, it changed my mind on Gregory, I think that was the big reason he never jumped out to me. Now since that came to light, I think he's the most complete of the pass rushers.Ray is growing on me, but I feel like he's got the highest bust potential.I watched and laughed most of the way through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulitik Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 I watched and laughed most of the way through.Really? I thought it was pretty illuminating. I think he was more a victim of scheme and assignment. I'd rather move back a few spots if we did pick him up, but I like him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Money Lee Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Randy Gregory moves like a gazelle in space. Those long strides and flexible hips are a D-Coordinators dream. You compare him and Fowler doing the LB drills in the combine, Gregory moved like he was floating in air, Fowler had to put a hand to the ground with **** near every change in direction.Add on his length and strong punch, with the frame to continue to grow, Gregory is the total package.I give Beasley the edge due to his body of work with two years of top notch production and no off the field issues. Gregory is a close second with Dupree, Fowler and Ray all considerably behind. If Gregory is there at 8 and we go in a another direction, I'd be tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osiruz Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Great article. Softened me on Gregory some too.I'm telling you, he's a better anthony barr,he's just freakish fast, and strong for his size. He's also long, and bendy. I doubt he lasts to pick #8 though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citsalp Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 why?Just playing around. I know you respect Chuck Smith, and he thought highly of Gregory in that article. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArthursMoustache Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 I'm telling you, he's a better anthony barr,he's just freakish fast, and strong for his size. He's also long, and bendy. I doubt he lasts to pick #8 though.I dunno, I think he could fall to us. I'm not sure who I would take if between Gregory and Ray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRUNKuno Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Great article. Softened me on Gregory some too.Whaaaaaaaaat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattM12 Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Gregory terrifies me man.... I won't know how to react if we take him at 8.Yeaaaaaaaas, wait, oh god. heart palpitations for the rest of his career, waiting for Schefter to announce a suspension/him to take the money and wash out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArthursMoustache Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Gregory terrifies me man.... I won't know how to react if we take him at 8.Yeaaaaaaaas, wait, oh god. heart palpitations for the rest of his career, waiting for Schefter to announce a suspension/him to take the money and wash out.http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2015/4/20/8457037/nfl-draft-randy-gregory-atlanta-falcons-top-10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osiruz Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 I dunno, I think he could fall to us. I'm not sure who I would take if between Gregory and Ray.Gregory obviously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRUNKuno Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Been conducting this Gregory train since day 1. Easily the most talented pass rusher in this class and it's not even close. The guy could be deadly under Dan Quinn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stizz Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Been conducting this Gregory train since day 1. Easily the most talented pass rusher in this class and it's not even close.The guy could be deadly under Dan Quinn.Doesn't matter when you have a habit that could get you suspended before even playing a down in the league. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSalmon Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 I watched and laughed most of the way through.He's getting handled one on one by either a TE or an OT who'll never play a down in the pros on these "Tackle" reads. To make it worse, this isn't Ray Edwards (when he was good) containing the run.I see Dion Jordan after even re watching it ..hope I'm wrong if we draft him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stizz Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 He's getting handled one on one by either a TE or an OT who'll never play a down in the pros on these "Tackle" reads. To make it worse, this isn't Ray Edwards (when he was good) containing the run.I see Dion Jordan after even re watching it ..hope I'm wrong if we draft him.I have it on good word that we aren't. Quinn and Co don't want to start the new regime with that big of a risk. When I inquired more it seemed it was only about his on-field issues. His off-field are just the cherry on top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoYouSeeWhatHappensLarry Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 I definitely wish this FO was more involved with Chuck. Not to say he's better or whatever than Cox.....just sayin' it seems like a resource that we should have taken advantage of. You can tell he's got the passion and I think he's still a birds-first guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoYouSeeWhatHappensLarry Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 Gregory doesn't jump out at me man. Not even a little. I'm just softened because he's a fellow military brat.I watched him against Miami again the other night....I saw it a bit more than I did the first time around.He plays a **** of a lot stouter than a guy hanging around 230. He's got heavy hands and fantastic burst/flexibility. I still like the others more but I started to "get it" at least in terms of seeing a guy that could be a dominant player someday. Whether he has the capacity to work at it as hard as he needs to is something that I don't know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollo lawson Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 I definitely wish this FO was more involved with Chuck. Not to say he's better or whatever than Cox.....just sayin' it seems like a resource that we should have taken advantage of. You can tell he's got the passion and I think he's still a birds-first guy.agreed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattM12 Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 I definitely wish this FO was more involved with Chuck. Not to say he's better or whatever than Cox.....just sayin' it seems like a resource that we should have taken advantage of. You can tell he's got the passion and I think he's still a birds-first guy.It's a weird one. Surely if he was a really great teacher he'd be a coach in the NFL..? Not hating on Chuck just seems very odd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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