Time to Feel good about Elflein

[MHS831]

I just watched some Darnold video and I was wondering why we took 3 players off this Jets team.  Then I remembered as a player and a coach, sometime you start watching one player and you notice another.  When I was watching an opposing team's film, I looked for the weaknesses on the OL/DL.  If I saw it, I knew I could exploit it.  When being recruited, I was often noticed by schools watching film on my teammate.  So I started watching #67 on some Darnold tapes.  He was not given much time, but man, Elf had some terrible OL around him.  They were not in sync often, but he demonstrated some intelligence and some nasty. 

 

Positives: Great technique. can not swim move him because he keeps his butt low and back straight--does not lunge or reach.  When stunt goes away from him, his head swivels inside to find the LB or help the C.  He repeatedly showed upper body strength and good mobility.  I did not see him pull, but I saw him take a DT from Left A gap to Right C gap in pass protection, creating a lane for Darnold to run for 20 yards. I saw him shove a Raider DT from A gap to C Gap with his right arm on the goal line.  Excellent footwork. Never off balance, obvious football intelligence based on his head movement (When we had Silatolu, I reported that he was confused and did not know where to look during a stunt--when this happens, expect this...he did not know.  Elf gets it.  He seems to have a bit of a nasty streak too.  He uses all he has on every play.  I NOW like this signing and see why we did it. 

Negatives:  He is not overwhelming and can get bull rushed a bit.  When you do not bend forward, making you susceptible to swimming or getting fooled with a stunt or blitz, there is a bit of a trade off.  So getting bull rushed is part of that balance.  Paradis has the same problem, but he has good balance most of the time.  I did not see Elf pull, but I do not see physical limitations to suggest he cannot. 

Analysis:  Remember Evan Mathis, the Guard Carolina released after drafting in the third round in 2005?  He went on to have a 12-year career, with a couple pro bowl appearances as a LG with the Eagles?  He was a G with the Broncos in Super Bowl 50?  That guy?  Well, he did not start getting it until he was about 27.  Elflein will be 27 in July.  I see Elflein as smarter, more disciplined, and just as aggressive.   All signs are pointing toward the light coming on here.  Put a good LT beside him and he will be really good.  Trust me.  As a C?  I think that may be his spot--but he is an upgrade.  We signed him on the first day of tampering because we were studying up on Darnold, and this guy jumps out at you--like a Nun at a biker rally.  I do not want to oversell him, but if you were like me and scratching your head about the 3-year deal, stop it.  You will see. 

Not sure about Erving--I think they like his ability to provide depth at all 5 spots.

 

Edited April 17, 2021 by MHS831

[CLG]

[TheSpecialJuan]

Good write-up thanks

[DaveThePanther2008]

26 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

I just watched some Darnold video and I was wondering why we took 3 players off this Jets team.  Then I remembered as a player and a coach, sometime you start watching one player and you notice another.  When I was watching an opposing team's film, I looked for the weaknesses on the OL/DL.  If I saw it, I knew I could exploit it.  When being recruited, I was often noticed by schools watching film on my teammate.  So I started watching #67 on some Darnold tapes.  He was not given much time, but man, Elf had some terrible OL around him.  They were not in sync often, but he demonstrated some intelligence and some nasty. 

 

Positives: Great technique. can not swim move him because he keeps his butt low and back straight--does not lunge or reach.  When stunt goes away from him, his head swivels inside to find the LB or help the C.  He repeatedly showed upper body strength and good mobility.  I did not see him pull, but I saw him take a DT from Left A gap to Right C gap in pass protection, creating a lane for Darnold to run for 20 yards. I saw him shove a Raider DT from A gap to C Gap with his right arm on the goal line.  Excellent footwork. Never off balance, obvious football intelligence based on his head movement (When we had Silatolu, I reported that he was confused and did not know where to look during a stunt--when this happens, expect this...he did not know.  Elf gets it.  He seems to have a bit of a nasty streak too.  He uses all he has on every play.  I NOW like this signing and see why we did it. 

Negatives:  He is not overwhelming and can get bull rushed a bit.  When you do not bend forward, making you susceptible to swimming or getting fooled with a stunt or blitz, there is a bit of a trade off.  So getting bull rushed is part of that balance.  Paradis has the same problem, but he has good balance most of the time.  I did not see Elf pull, but I do not see physical limitations to suggest he cannot. 

Analysis:  Remember Evan Mathis, the Guard Carolina released after drafting in the third round in 2005?  He went on to have a 12-year career, with a couple pro bowl appearances as a LG with the Eagles?  He was a G with the Broncos in Super Bowl 50?  That guy?  Well, he did not start getting it until he was about 27.  Elflein will be 27 in July.  I see Elflein as smarter, more disciplined, and just as aggressive.   All signs are pointing toward the light coming on here.  Put a good LT beside him and he will be really good.  Trust me.  As a C?  I think that may be his spot--but he is an upgrade.  We signed him on the first day of tampering because we were studying up on Darnold, and this guy jumps out at you--like a Nun at a biker rally.  I do not want to oversell him, but if you were like me and scratching your head about the 3-year deal, stop it.  You will see. 

Not sure about Erving--I think they like his ability to provide depth at all 5 spots.

 

The most telling point is that we signed him immediately.  They had to realize that this guys has some great tools and will be a huge upgrade at guard and maybe take over center if and when Paradis moves on. 

[ClawOn]

Much more insightful and interesting than the typical "this guy sucks" or "Superb Owl."  Seriously well done op. 

[pantherclaw]

Appreciate you sharing your perspective!

[MHS831]

People a lot smarter than I am saw something, and I had to know what it was.  This is finding a diamond in the rough if it works out.

And since I was watching Darnold film, this was not highlight fluff.

[Carolina Mike]

This was some good information! Reminds me of how the huddle used to be. Thanks!!

[LinvilleGorge]

I remember liking him as a draft prospect. Haven't paid any attention since then, but hopefully he'll do well for us.

[MHS831]

2 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I remember liking him as a draft prospect. Haven't paid any attention since then, but hopefully he'll do well for us.

He really has not been on a good OL, but he seems to have aged well.  We shall see.  Is he our center of the future?  Present?  LG and that's final?

[pantherclaw]

3 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

People a lot smarter than I am saw something, and I had to know what it was.  This is finding a diamond in the rough if it works out.

And since I was watching Darnold film, this was not highlight fluff.

Yeah. Despite what the masses believe,  our staff are going to sign guys that they think won't work. Now I realize not all of them will materialize, but I don't believe they are without talent.  I don't have the time to look at each guy with a critical eye anymore..at least not until our games are being played. 

I also believe that our coaches have a hand it it too. 

I also pray for no major injuries. The oline is so difficult to get good, consistent play out of when the lineup 8s constantly changing.  I also feel most fans have no idea how hard it is on the coaching staff in those situations.  

Anyways, didn't mean to ramble.

[KSpan]

1 hour ago, MHS831 said:

I just watched some Darnold video and I was wondering why we took 3 players off this Jets team.  Then I remembered as a player and a coach, sometime you start watching one player and you notice another.  When I was watching an opposing team's film, I looked for the weaknesses on the OL/DL.  If I saw it, I knew I could exploit it.  When being recruited, I was often noticed by schools watching film on my teammate.  So I started watching #67 on some Darnold tapes.  He was not given much time, but man, Elf had some terrible OL around him.  They were not in sync often, but he demonstrated some intelligence and some nasty. 

 

Positives: Great technique. can not swim move him because he keeps his butt low and back straight--does not lunge or reach.  When stunt goes away from him, his head swivels inside to find the LB or help the C.  He repeatedly showed upper body strength and good mobility.  I did not see him pull, but I saw him take a DT from Left A gap to Right C gap in pass protection, creating a lane for Darnold to run for 20 yards. I saw him shove a Raider DT from A gap to C Gap with his right arm on the goal line.  Excellent footwork. Never off balance, obvious football intelligence based on his head movement (When we had Silatolu, I reported that he was confused and did not know where to look during a stunt--when this happens, expect this...he did not know.  Elf gets it.  He seems to have a bit of a nasty streak too.  He uses all he has on every play.  I NOW like this signing and see why we did it. 

Negatives:  He is not overwhelming and can get bull rushed a bit.  When you do not bend forward, making you susceptible to swimming or getting fooled with a stunt or blitz, there is a bit of a trade off.  So getting bull rushed is part of that balance.  Paradis has the same problem, but he has good balance most of the time.  I did not see Elf pull, but I do not see physical limitations to suggest he cannot. 

Analysis:  Remember Evan Mathis, the Guard Carolina released after drafting in the third round in 2005?  He went on to have a 12-year career, with a couple pro bowl appearances as a LG with the Eagles?  He was a G with the Broncos in Super Bowl 50?  That guy?  Well, he did not start getting it until he was about 27.  Elflein will be 27 in July.  I see Elflein as smarter, more disciplined, and just as aggressive.   All signs are pointing toward the light coming on here.  Put a good LT beside him and he will be really good.  Trust me.  As a C?  I think that may be his spot--but he is an upgrade.  We signed him on the first day of tampering because we were studying up on Darnold, and this guy jumps out at you--like a Nun at a biker rally.  I do not want to oversell him, but if you were like me and scratching your head about the 3-year deal, stop it.  You will see. 

Not sure about Erving--I think they like his ability to provide depth at all 5 spots.

 

Honest question to make sure I read this correctly - are you saying that this writeup is based on viewing 9 plays? You may have edited that comment out at this point.

Edited April 17, 2021 by KSpan

[MHS831]

2 minutes ago, pantherclaw said:

Yeah. Despite what the masses believe,  our staff are going to sign guys that they think won't work. Now I realize not all of them will materialize, but I don't believe they are without talent.  I don't have the time to look at each guy with a critical eye anymore..at least not until our games are being played. 

I also believe that our coaches have a hand it it too. 

I also pray for no major injuries. The oline is so difficult to get good, consistent play out of when the lineup 8s constantly changing.  I also feel most fans have no idea how hard it is on the coaching staff in those situations.  

Anyways, didn't mean to ramble.

Rambling is the window to the idle brain.  (People tell me that all the time) Ha.  No, good to hear your views--you are usually on point.

[pantherclaw]

I try.