Tony Pike: 2nd Round QB Option for the Redskins?
by Kevin Ewoldt on Feb 26, 2010 9:18 PM EST
in Redskins Analysis
48 comments
I am still not sold Jason Campbell is the QB for the 2010 Redskins. The week leading up to the start of free agency is the equivalent of the flop coming in Texas Hold 'Em, and something stinks. Shanahan only said, "Campbell is our QB," and people ran wild with that. Yes, that's true...he is currently our QB. That doesn't mean he will be in a week. Since Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen seem less likely, Tony Pike is a name that has been on a lot of 2nd round radars. So, it's worth taking a look.
Tony Pike | 6'6 - 223 | QB | Cincinnati | Senior
2009: 62.4%, 29 TD, 6 INT, 12 sacks (Missed 3 games - forearm)
2008: 61.4%, 19 TD, 11 INT, 18 sacks (Broke forearm - 6 screws & plate)
My Take:
The major criticism, which Tony admits, is that a large majority of the snaps he took in college were out of the shotgun (Spread Offense). So, the rhythm and footwork off the drop steps will need a lot of work. Other than that, he is impressive. There is a 10-minute highlight video after the jump of his best and worst throws, and he clearly shines. What stands out to me is how much he resembles Peyton Manning, which I later discovered he follows closely. Specifically, his stance in the shot gun, his ability to step away from a pass rush, and the release. The difference is Pike has some wheels and has a nice slide (cough, Jason, cough). Pike throws VERY well on the run, which is needed with the current state of the Redskins Oline. One concerning thing is he likes to throw against his body. That certainly won't fly in the NFL, and he'll learn that quick enough.
Scouting Analysis, Highlights (Video) , and Combine Interview (Video) after the jump...
Accuracy: Smooth, accurate throws to either sideline. On the money with slants, giving receivers a chance to make a play after the catch. Puts good air under the deep ball when the receiver is behind his man and calmly throws to the wide open man with a little off the ball when defenders fall down. Makes the behind-the-shoulder throw when needed. Places end zone throws where only his receiver can make the play. Accurate with a defender draped on him. Height and delivery make most of his misses high. Throws sideline passes too far inside where corners and safeties can make the play.
Arm Strength: Average to above-average arm. Typically throws with seemingly little effort but recognizes when he really needs to step into one. Throws outs to the short or far side with plenty of strength. Tight spiral on most passes, but will wobble a bit when putting air under the throw. Good touch on short throws. Has zip on intermediate throws when arm drops into three-quarter slot.
Setup/Release: Usually works out of the shotgun, but is also poised taking the snap under center. Agile coming out from the snap to hand off despite his height. Stands tall (literally and figuratively) and carries the ball well in the pocket. Quiet feet and shows good balance when not pressured, but tends to get skittish and leave the pocket unnecessarily. Mostly over the top with his delivery with nice follow through to ensure accuracy. Drops his arm into a three-quarters slot when the time is right. Steps up into the pocket, keeps his eyes downfield and deliver. Lapses into a wind-up at times instead of his typically quick release.
Reading Defenses: Recognizes defense's weakness and exploits it. Height allows him to survey the field and find second or third option when patient, but often bird-dogs primary option, allowing defenders to knock down passes or jump routes. Doesn't recognize zone corners or safeties waiting for his late throws. Puts balls into traffic, putting his receivers at risk over the middle, or throws across his body over the middle when trying to make a play. Floats passes down the middle, allowing safeties into the play. Can throw before his receiver makes his break on out routes. Needs to sell ball and pump fakes better.
On the Move: Unexpected mobility for his size. Some elusiveness in the pocket and in the open field. Runs with the ball too loose inside and outside the pocket. Doesn't go down as easily as you would think given his lean frame; able to step away from players falling at his feet or trying to cut tackle him. Feels back-side pressure and capable of staying ahead of quick defenders to get the ball away. Will slide when prudent, although it is a bit awkward because of his height. Makes accurate short, intermediate and deep throws running to either his left or right, keeping his shoulders square while moving down the line.
Intangibles: Strong competitor; no problems with his work ethic or ability to run an NFL offense. Stepped up his leadership as a senior, but there are still questions there. Durability is a major concern given his lanky frame and injury history. Missed four games in 2009 after needing surgery to replace a damaged a protective six-inch plate already inserted in his left (non-throwing) arm from a break occurring in 2008.
Highlights:
Interview at combine:
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im not sold on Jason
being the man this year myself after hearing today that we were going to tender Jason and that he was not guaranteed to be the starter if we retain him
'' If we score , we might win . If they dont score , We will win '' Willis White
Cincinnati won all but the Sugar Bowl against Florida in 2009.
Pike did not play in three games, but he had good stats even when the team lost the Sugar Bowl.
A game by game result are shown on this link -
http://espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=169390
Pike sucked when it mattered...
And that was against Pittsburgh and Florida. If the backup (Collares) was eligibile this year, I would take him over Pike. Are you guys really that desperate to replace Campbell with these guys that suck. Only late round guys that deserve a look is Lefevour and Perriloux. Everyone else is a guaranteed downgrade.
Tony Pike
KevinE, most reports that I’m reading have him going in the 3rd or 4th round. Has anything changed recently that has bumped him up to the 2nd round? I wouldn’t mind taking a shot on him in the 3rd or 4th round, I like his skill set in general, but a 2nd rounder seems like a reach at his point. Here is a scouting report that has him at #94 overall:
http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2232
by Dewey LaMarr Hoyt on Feb 27, 2010 12:02 AM EST reply actions
We have no third round
because of the Jarmon pick in the supplemental draft last summer so if we really want him it’d likely be a second round pick unless we’re damn sure he’ll still be on the board in the fourth.
by SkinsOsTerps on Feb 27, 2010 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
One of the scouting reports had it at 2...he seems to be legitimately a #3 tho, yea
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Feb 28, 2010 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
I agree with you Kevin, sounds like they will draft a QB.
Not sure about Pike at 37, seems too early for him. He looks fragile and didn’t look very good during Senior Bowl week, but his offensive scheme might actually fit into what Kyle is looking for.
It does sound like Big Mike is going to personally scout each and every one of these QB’s, going so far as attending every Pro-Day. I don’t think he knows what he is going to do yet, but it is sounding like Campbell is not in their future plans.
Thanks Kevin
When I viewed Shanahan’ s remarks on the Redskins, Campbell and Portis I noted the less than stellar endorsement of Campbell. I also noted that Shanahan only committed to Campbell being at the Pre-Draft Mini-camp.
I believe they will draft a QB as well as bring in a veteran QB, and possibly end up Trading Campbell before the season ends.
Pike would be a great addition, his knock of not winning the big games or stepping up in the big games that is where coaching can take over, such as the coaching of Shanahan, I really like the direction of the skins.
Pike was not the full-time starter until his junior year,
when an injury forced him into action. He has had injury problems of his own. He played in one of the weakest BCS conferences in college football. Unless he is taken as a project QB in the 4th or later, I don’t believe he is worth the pick.
If we are indeed looking at a QB in the draft, why not just step up and take the best one in Bradford. The kid is a proven winner, with amazing accuracy and good arm strength. Sam Bradford started for one of the best teams in the country as a red-shirted freshmen where he put up great numbers. In his sophmore heisman year, he shattered records. This kid has all the intangibles that you look for in an NFL QB. Baring the injury, he is the best QB in the last 5 years.
If he’s there at #4, why pass him up. The QB class isn’t that deep this year, but the O-Line class is the deepest in the past 10 years. Lets get the good QB early, like most successful franchise do(ala. Colts, Eagles, Chargers, Giants, Packers), and get O-linemen with the rest of our draft picks(even the one we get when Campbell’s offer by another team isn’t matched by the Redskins).
If they want Bradford, they have to jump to 1.
The buzz on Bradford will continue to escalate until his pro-day. If he passes that with flying colors as expected, there is very little doubt that he won’t go number 1. Either the Rams or one of several teams will jump on him at 1.
like lefvevour better ..
i have no problem with pike but i think lefvevour is a little bit better. with all this qb talk . where does colt brennan fit in on this team will he get a shot or will they cut him loose ???
Most of you know by now
my feelings on this Jason thing and drafting a QB this year. I don’t like the smell of things now, but if the Shanny’s are convinced that Jason won’t be able to run their offense, we just really don’t have a choice now, do we? – but to go along for the ride.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
I don't like it either
I don’t care if Campbell isn’t the long term guy (though I am still a JC fan and I’d love for it to work out if it can) but we really need to use our 1st and 2nd rounders on O-line assuming we aren’t going to trade into more picks. The way I see it we need at minimum a starting caliber LT and a Guard, preferably RG immediately. Even then that would leave us with Heyer still at RT who in my opinion is serviceable at best but should not be a starting tackle plus an aging Rabach at center. He has been injury free so far but at his age I’m not comfortable relying on it. I think its fair to say that the only O-lineman we can rely on almost certainly is Dock and that isn’t the position to be in. If they can find a diamond in the rough type QB in round 4 or later I’d be OK with it but I still feel like we have needs at LB and maybe FS that may need to be addressed. When it comes down to it I just don’t think a QB makes sense.
by SkinsOsTerps on Feb 27, 2010 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
Jason Campbell will be the Redskins starting QB ... Like Jason Campbell said in his recent interview "he will win the staring job".
If he is given the chance to compete for it he will be the starter no question at all. He has more mental and physical toughness then any rookie QB. You can not take the pounding he took and not have mental and physical toughness. This is what seperates rookie qb’s from veterans. WELCOME TO THE NFL ROOKIE !!
This is what seperates rookie qb’s from veterans
Kellen Clemmons was a veteran QB for the Jets yet Sanchez unseated him for the starting job. I know that Pike is not the same caliber of QB that Sanchez is but you never know what may happen. Besides I think Pike may be an afterthought. Uncle Dan has his eyes set on Bradford. Honestly if Clausen or Bradford aren’t availble for whatever reason, Tebow might be worth some sort of consideration, if only a small one. He is not projected to go as high (in some mock drafts) as people think. He may be worth a look – not necessarily a draft pick, but at least a look.
Kellen Clemmons was not as good as Jason Campbell is either. So this whole point is moot.
by LETJASONPASS on Feb 27, 2010 6:56 PM EST up reply actions
...not as good as...
I wasn’t comparing Campbell to Clemmons. All I was saying was that it is possible for a rookie to unseat a veteran. Here is some food for thought… if I am not mistaken, Campbell didn’t start as a rookie. Clausen, Bradford, Tebow and maybe even Colt McCoy are good enough to start in the NFL. Now, expectations will have to be lowered but if Sanchez can lead a team to the playoffs anything is POSSIBLE!
Tebow?
Maybe as an H-back or Safety project in the 6th round. If he stays at QB, he’ll be the next Danny Wuerffel.
by Dewey LaMarr Hoyt on Feb 27, 2010 7:13 PM EST up reply actions
what crack pipe r u smokin…he may or may not be the leader we need. but i know he has had no shot with the crap we surrounded him with. leadership is a concern. the rest i not.
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 1:19 AM EST reply actions
I'll plead ignorance
If we’re going for a project QB, what’s wrong with the one we already have? (Colt Brennan)
I never heard much from Zorn in regards to Colt, so I’d assume he’s just nowhere close to ready since he doesn’t seem to have the attention of anybody…
If this is the case, is he worth developing? Or should we just cut and move? I’m not happy with Campbell, but I don’t want to waste our early round picks on a guess QB. We have too many glaring concerns on both lines. (especially O line)
At least I'm also a Redskins fan... oh wait. My sports life sucks.
Colt
Zorn said he was not ready and that was obvious b/c Colt got shredded in pre-season against #1 and #2 defenses. You have to move forward assuming he wont’ make this team, but he will have the chance to compete.
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Feb 28, 2010 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
since we will have to give up a lot to move up three spots, i think the redskins will PROBABLY wait to see who falls to them at #4. Chances are either Okung or Bradford will be off the board but not both.St Louis nabbing Bradford is the most likely scenario- despite what the experts say! They are wrong a lot!. the fact is he is the most accurate QB in college, heisman trophy winner, and Drew Brees recovered from the same surgery (I believe) and lit up the league on the way to winning the SB. STL will sign him unless he is deemed unfit to recover and Bradford would not work with a doctor who thought that! They call it getting a second opinion.
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 12:14 PM EST reply actions
we need two starting tackles out of the draft- 1st and 2nd round pick. it is too expensive to sign good ones via free agency. no project QBs before then. i can live with bradford and a starting LT if he really is that good. i am not in a position to really know. anything less than that is really a mess, imho.
as much as i like shanahan, i really hate the fact he will be 60 years old at the start of the season with a 5 year plan. it just smells like we will be rebuilding again in 5 years!
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 3:25 PM EST reply actions
I think the hope
is that Shanahan the younger will be built up to be the head coach heir apparent.
by SkinsOsTerps on Feb 28, 2010 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
oh and another observation…our receivers have not shown they can consistently make the tough catches some of these guys made in this highlight reel. maybe we should look at their receivers instead of their QB … therein might lie the gems ? lol
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 3:33 PM EST reply actions
moss did it in the NFL … this is an OU highlight reel with a smaller and lighter ball thrown by a weaker arm QB. where is his pro highlight reel. half the length will be him standing in street clothes with a taped up knee. that really is a silly comparison lol
but to your point, i do like his hands. best on the team. my comment was more generally geared to our receivers as a unit: moss, are, kelly, marko (who never plays for some reason) and thomas. collectively, they do not consistently make tough catches. at times, they have made a tough catch. that is a fair statement based on the games i saw.
at this point, receivers are really not a position of concern or need- we have about 7-8 first three rounds draft choices tied up in those guys- and more including the ones wasted on the guys they replaced! its a major reason we have no line.
we have to get two starting takles out of the draft, min. maybe someone knows if there is a starting quality takle UFA, but i have my reservations that one is available and can be acquired cheap enough for us to still have money to address our other needs. maybe bradford is worth the #4 but my hunch is that if we think he is, then STL or someone else certainly will position themselves to get him top 3. two months b4 the drat there are always smokescreens. but this is not rocket science.
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
Well
I still say we trade Jason, this will give us Colt Brennan, and which ever QB we pick up Bradford or Pike wouldnt be bad. Getting Bradford from the Rams might be tough now unless of course we trade them Jason and our 4th pick for their number 1 and a second or 3rd pick.I would still love for Brennan to get his chance to be our starter, as Okung will and shoul be available at number 4 and would be a great addition to our OL.
Shanahan and Bruce Allen both said this team is not rebuilding
This means they wont have 2 Qbs to never take a regular season snap be the 1 and 2.
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
by Kevin Ewoldt on Feb 28, 2010 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
when you win less than 5 games, you are rebuilding by definition! lol
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
For the Love of Colt
When did a good showing against a scout team defense and a terrible showing against 3rd stringers equate to a starting caliber QB. Enough with Brennan. He’s fodder.
see we agree- no clausen!
pike is just in no mans land for us. he is not worth the 2nd round pick- for us- not when we need two starting tackles, period.
i can live with our #4 and jason for their #1 and a second rounder. that could be a good trade for both teams. not a third rounder, though. and provided we picked up bradford and twotackles with our two second round picks
id also be happy with jason and our first and second round picks going to tackles
you probably can sense my theme- our line absolutely sucks horse manure. and it needs intensive care and attention or we just wont have a shot next year. outside of dockery, casey rabach is the only one you can even point to and say this guy might be OK and probably will play 12 games. that is pathetic- worse than pathetic.
colt brennan has not shown he is ready enough to be considered for anything more than a shot in preseason. but i am happy to see him have a shot in preseason. though if it is not obvious, coaches ram their system down the throats of the players, regardless of skill sets, and pick favorites despite fielding the best team (often based on salary to keep mgmt from acknowledging a mistake) . andray blatche of the wizzards is a perfect example. it took the organization blowing up the team for this guy to get minutes and he is playing like an all star- 36 points, 15 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and only 3 turnovers tonight. that is his 7th monster game in a row.
the redskins have decent players who have not played too, i m sure. davis comes to mind immediately. probably our two young receivers if they stay healthy. but it is not on the line- that we know. they played and are horrible.
by les boulez bomber on Feb 28, 2010 9:30 PM EST reply actions
It's not too early to put Jarrett Brown in this conversation.
West Virginia quarterback has the best arm coming out, and he has excellent athletic skills.
Needs a year or two to develope as he is a one year starter, but has tremendous upside. He was hands down the best QB at Senior Bowl week and the combine. He did not have the best game at the Bowl, but that was due more to his inexperience than his skill-set. After Bradford and Claussen, Brown is the next best QB in my opinion. He is going somewhere in the 2nd round.
LOL
“What stands out to me is how much he resembles Peyton Manning, which I later discovered he follows closely. "
From the highlights, he throws more like Dorsey from Miami. No where near the arm Peyton had at TN.
He’s a bust.
JJ Fe
looks like he
depends too much on speed and moving around; as we all know does not equate well in the NFL.
JJ Fe
I think highly of tony pike
i think he would be a great pick, with two major cons: injury history (particularly worrisome given skins o-line issues of the past) and majority of time spent in the shotgun in college (i don’t see shotgun/spread offense being very congruent with shanahan’s style)… that being said we’re talking about a 6’6" kid with a hell of an arm, a surprising amount of touch on his throws, who can escape pressure and make plays on the run… its hard not to like all that
I think there is too much time between
the Super Bowl and the draft. Hence, at QB we have the DeFlavor of the week, who is both superstar and monumental dud depending on who you are speaking to.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
here is what they had to say about pike after the combine workout
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d816a7fab/QB-standouts
by les boulez bomber on Mar 1, 2010 8:01 PM EST reply actions
haha
Like Brian Billick has any room to discuss QBs w/ the 15 he went through in BAL.
"I am excited about starting 2009. We are looking forward to an outstanding year. We're on our way. We have a lot of healthy players this year." - Vinny Cerrato
Only time I saw him......
Was against my dilapidated Illini squad this year. The commentators made him sound like the second coming of Joe Montana, but he played only an average game against a defense that lacked any sufficient pass defense against a “top tier” QB. Accuracy was indeed great, helluva nasty arm, but it seemed to me that he was a little behind on checking off his receivers. Maybe it was just that my Illini gave him so many choices that it looked like Christmas to him, but still, ya gotta worry about that stuff….. He did look fairly mobile though.
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