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2016 NFL DRAFT ROUND 4 GENERAL DISCUSSION

NcPsa10

By NcPsa10,
in Carolina Panthers

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KB_fan Proficient

KB_fan

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Here's Vitale's write up

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/dan-vitale?id=2555218

Overview

Northwestern's "superback" is a one-of-a-kind position in college football, and Vitale's (vuh-TAL-ee) intelligence, size, physicality, and receiving skills were made to fill that role. Hes consistently been a part of the passing game during his career (102 receptions for over 1,000 yards and seven scores his first three years), and when the Wildcats want to focus on the run, Vitale can open up holes for running backs from an H-back or in-line spot. He capped off his career with a second-team All-Big Ten effort in 2015, leading the team with 33 receptions for 355 yards and a career-high four scores.

Analysis

Strengths

Utilized at versatile "superback" position during his time at Northwestern. Has shown ability to line up in slot, from behind center and all points in ­between. Runs better routes than many of the wide outs in this draft. Able to catch throws in traffic and take the hit. Shows no hesitation to stick his nose in the hole and into his intended target as a blocker. Generally solid radar as a blocker. Consistently lands his strikes inside the framework of defender. Team-oriented and highly coachable leader.

Weaknesses

Might be considered a too small for teams looking for a classic lead blocker. Thickly muscled and maxed out frame with little room for additional, functional mass. Missing length and overall mass to get into defender and control him throughout the rep. Not a true thumper as iso ­blocker. Slows feet at point of contact rather than accelerating through his intended target with force. Lacking desired athleticism outside of his frame to sustain as move blocker. Despite his plus route running, doesnt have quickness out of breaks to gain separation as a receiver.

Draft Projection

Round 7 or priority free agent

NFL Comparison

James Casey

Bottom Line

Four-year starter who brings a great work ethic and leadership qualities to the table. Vitale's tape shows a multi-­dimensional player who may fit in with the changing face of hybrid football, but he doesn't really have an element of his game that he can hang his hat on as a true strength by NFL standards. Vitale can do many things for a team, but can he do them at a high level? Vitale's special teams play could be instrumental in making a teams roster.

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KB_fan Proficient

KB_fan

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6 minutes ago, XClown1986 said:

He wouldn't have understood the English audibles and hot routes anyway. 

Could be... but I work with lots of European colleagues (Swiss, German, French, Swedish) as part of an international organization and it continually shames me how excellent most Europeans are in multiple languages.  Most Germans study English as a 2nd language in school... He could be more fluent than we know.

But still good point.  French Canadian David Foucault seemed to struggle a bit with English his first season on our PS.  Don't know how he's doing now.

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