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Russell Lande Recognizes Real Talent


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Stephen Dunn/Getty

February 26, 2013, 8:23 pm

Russell Lande pretty much does it all when it comes to NFL scouting and the draft combine.  He joined Chad on Flight 750 Tuesday to discuss the combine’s events so far.

Lande says that even with the great year Kenjon Barner had for the Ducks, he probably will not be drafted very highly because he is sort of a situational back who will not carry the rock too often at the next level.

“I think the best he’s probably going to be drafted is probably going to be the third round.  But I would guess the fourth is probably more likely.  I think what you’re looking at with him is sort of a change of pace guy.  He can catch balls out of the backfield, carry the ball a few times a game and potentially even do some returning.  When you look at him you hope that the best case scenario is he turns into someone like a Darren Sproles.”

Lande also talked about Alabama Crimson Tide Lineman Barrett Jones.  Lande suggests that Jones could end up being the steal of the draft.

“Scouts view him as sort of the classic overachiever.  He’s not a great athlete.  He’s not a real powerful kid.  All he does is find a way to get his hands on his man and keep him out of the play.  He’s probably going to be a second or third round pick.  And I have a feeling when he gets in the NFL, he’s going to be one of those guys that gets in the lineup and ends up staying for 10 years.”

And finally, Lande talked about Tyrann Mathieu and the future of the Honey Badger.

“He is an explosive, athletic football player.  Because of his size he’s going to be a nickel corner, which in today’s NFL, if you’re the third corner, you’re pretty much a starter.  So I think he can be a starting corner as a nickel corner who makes dynamic plays defensively and on Special Teams.  The key is: At what point do you take a risk on a short corner who has has off-the-field issues?”

Take a listen to the interview and be sure to check out Lande’s great work with National Football Post, the Big 10 Network and www.russlande.com.