If you are not a draft junky
like myself (or you just speak regular English), you may find yourself needing
subtitles during this weekend’s draft. Fear not, the 12oz staff has provided
you the NFL Draft Terminology Guide so you do not need to feel nervous about
watching the draft and sounding like an idiot when you don’t understand the
words coming from the announcers mouths. Rest easy folks! With this guide at
your fingertips, even the most novice Draft watcher can follow the nonsensical
BS slingin lingo that the “draft experts” will be throwing around on this
weekend….we will also point out the subtle racial profiling that goes on
during the draft coverage through the use of these terms – speaking of which,
while watching, be sure to note how all black QBs are compared to other black
QBs, white WRs are compared only to other white WRs, and all black QBs are
labeled as “having the ability to run the read option” – i.e. Geno Smith is
being discussed as a read option –RGIII type - QB – despite only having 343
yards rushing (total) over a 4 year career – or 1.4 yards per carry!). So, without
further adieu, I present you:
The 12oz Pro-Spective NFL
Draft guide
Athlete
A player that has great
athletic talent, but generally sucks at football.
Profile: This
is a designation that is used strictly for black players.
Example: Jerome Simpson
Best Available
Not necessarily a great player
(though he can be), but he is better than the players that are left.
Profile: n/a
Example:
n/a
Big Arm
This is not a reference to
that actual size of the guys arm. No, this is in reference to how far and hard
a QB can throw the ball.
Profile: A QB
that can throw the ball very far and hard; the exact opposite of Jon Kitna
Example: Matthew Stafford
Boom or Bust
The “Forest Gump – Box ‘O
Chocolates” of draft picks. The guy might be great, or he may suck, and not
much in between.
Profile: A
player with one standout year at college.
Example: Boom – Cam Newton;
Bust – Akili Smith
Can’t Miss Prospect
A guy the “experts” think will
be a star and has approximately 0 chances of sucking.
Profile: This
is a guy that has had consistent success at the college level and fits every
stereotype for the position he plays (size, speed, strength, knowledge, etc)
Example: Andrew Luck
Cerebral
A smart player.
Profile: A
player whose physical tools are not impressive, but is a great player because
of his knowledge of the game.
Example: Wes Welker, and to a
certain extent, Tom Brady and the Manning Brothers
Change of Pace Back
A fast RB that shares time
with a bigger, more powerful RB.
Profile: A fast
RB who does not play all the time. Though technically a big and powerful RB
could be considered a Change of Pace Back if the starter was small and fast
(i.e. Jerome Bettis to Willie Parker), the Powers that Be who determine how the
terms are to be used have saved this one strictly for the fast RB.
Example: Darren Sproles
Cover Corner
This one is redundant. A CBs
job is to cover a receiver. If the guy is not a Cover Corner, I would suggest
not drafting him.
Profile: Every
CB who ever played.
Example: n/a
Downhill Runner
A RB who runs straight ahead
and does not do much shifting from side to side. I would like to meet an Uphill
Runner. I would assume an Uphill Runner has very powerful legs!
Profile: Powerful
RBs that run straight ahead.
Example: Jerome Bettis
Every Down Player
A guy who does not have to
come off the field in certain situations.
Profile: Hopefully
most players.
Example: 95% of the NFL
Fluid Hips
One might think someone with
fluid hips may have troubles holding up on a football field. Clearly they would
be wrong. This is a guy that can turn from front to back (and vise versa) very
quickly and in one fluid motion.
Profile: Good
DBs.
Example: I am sure Deion
Sanders had very fluid hips.
Football IQ
This is a guy that knows the
game of football very well…this is generally a guy that gets little credit for
their athletic ability.
Profile: Because
this is a player whose athleticism is generally being downplayed, this is a
term often used to describe a white player.
Example: Clay Matthews
Football Player
This is a great one
popularized by Jon Gruden and apparently signifies a guy that seems to love the
game. One would think if the guy is not a “Football Player” you would not want
said guy on your team.
Profile: Good
player who does the little things needed to win.
Example: Russell Wilson
Franchise Quarterback
A QB that is worthy of big
time money and is worthwhile building your franchise around.
Profile: A QB
with Super Bowl expectations.
Example: Tom Brady
Freak
A guy that has the speed and
body control of a small guy, but in a big man’s body.
Profile: Usually
a defensive end that is 6’5”+. 270lbs+, and runs incredibly fast. This is a
term generally reserved for a black player. A white player of this mold is a
High Motor guy.
Example: Javon Kearse
Good Anticipation
This player seems to know what
will happen a moment before it actually happens.
Profile: A guy
that takes chances, but rarely gets burned by the chances.
Example: Ed Reed
Good at the Point of Contact
Not really sure what the hell
this one means, nor do I believe those that use it know what the hell it means.
I suppose it means the a defensive guy fights off blocks and tackles well and
an offensive guy breaks tackles well.
Profile: Any
successful defensive or offensive player ever.
Example: I am pretty sure Ray
Lewis was pretty good at the Point of Contact
Good Ball Skills
This is not a guy that can
spin a football on one finger Harlem Globe Trotter style. This apparently means
a guy is good at catching the football, aka “Good Hands”
Profile: A WR
or DB who is talented at catching the football.
Example: Randy Moss
Good Base
A guy that keeps his feet
wide, therefore keeping his balance.
Profile: Generally
used in reference to OL or DL. Guys without Good Bases do not last long in the
NFL.
Example: Geno Atkins seems to
have a wonderful base.
Good Between the Tackles
A RB that runs well up the
middle of the field.
Profile: A
powerful “downhill runner.” This RB is often times paired with the ever popular
“change of pace back”…though not always (see example below).
Example: Adrian Peterson
Good Hands
A guy that does not drop
passes.
Profile: A WR
who actually does what he is paid to do, catch the ball.
Example: AJ Green
Good Intangibles
A guy that is not necessarily
the best player, but finds a way to win or get the job done.
Profile: This
is more often than not a term saved for the white player and often times
accompanies the High Motor.
Example: Tim Tebow
Good Leverage
A player that bends at the
knees and stays lower than his opponent.
Profile: Usually
a defensive player or OL. Players without the “good leverage” designation are
those you normally see laying on their back.
Example: Geno Atkins
Good Locker Room Guy
This is a guy that is a good
leader and an easy player to coach. A hard working guy that takes
responsibility and has the ability to lead.
Profile: Team
captains.
Example: Peyton Manning
Good/Low Pad Level
This is one of my all-time
favorites. A close cousin to the “Good Leverage” designation. A guy that bends
his knees, plays low, and is hard to tackle (as an offensive player) or a good
tackler (as a defensive player).
Profile: This
is a designation saved mostly for RBs and defensive players.
Example: Emmitt Smith had
excellent pad level.
Good in Space
What guy isn’t good in space?
If the game of football was played in open space, everyone would have a shot at
being an NFL player. This is a guy that does well in the middle of the field
with no script to follow.
Profile: Generally
a slot WR that can make big plays off of short throws.
Example: Wes Welker is “Great
in Space.”
Grinder
This
is a guy that does the dirty work. Doesn’t look pretty, but gets the job done.
Profile: Usually
an offensive lineman – generally a white OL. Rarely is this term used for a
black player – a black player with these skills is an “Athlete” or
“Instinctive.”
Example: Alan Faneca
Heavy Hands
Makes 0 sense. Apparently this
means the guy blocks (or fights off blocks well).
Profile: A good
lineman (OL or DL).
Example: Orlando Pace had very
heavy hands
High Character Guy
Close relative of the “Good
Locker Room Guy.” Means the guy has never been arrested.
Profile: This
is a designation usually saved for a black player that is nice and hasn’t been
arrested. Essentially the equivalent to the “Good Locker Room Guy” but for a
black player.
Example: RGIII is a “High
Character Guy” that is very close to being a “Good Locker Room Guy!”
High Football IQ
Apparently this is a
designation for players who are not stupid.
Profile: This
can be any player but linemen. Linemen are rarely, if ever, referred to as
“High Football IQ” guys…even though OL players are usually very “High IQ.”
Example: Peyton Manning
High Motor
Probably my favorite. This is
a guy that tries hard and seemingly gets more out of his body than is expected.
Profile: A
white player that does not get credit for being athletic. His playmaking
ability is attributed to his “no quit” attitude, not his athletic ability. This
is the white equivalent of the “Freak” or “Athletic” designation. Therefore,
players cannot be a High Motor Freak or High Motor Athlete…unless maybe they
were mixed (ala Blake Griffin).
Example: Justin Smith is the
all-time “High Motor” man. Clay Matthews and JJ Watt are also pretty “High
Motor.”
High Upside/Ceiling
A guy that has great
“Measurables” but has underperformed, yet shown flashes of greatness.
Profile: Often
times a small school guy that has flown under the radar.
Example: Jason Pierre Paul
Intriguing Prospect
Means the analyst doesn’t know
shit about how good the player is. May be good, may be a waste of a pick. A
player that your eyes like, but your mind says to avoid.
Profile: A
player who should be good, but has never shown the ability to match his
potential.
Example:
Lacks Speed for the Next Level/Elite Level Speed
A slow player.
Profile: A
player that was extremely productive at the college level, but the scouts just
can’t explain his success due to his “Measurables.” This is usually a
designation for a white player (though Jerry Rice was in this category).
Example: Not sure if Jordy
Nelson fell into this category, but he likely did.
Mearsurables
The measurements (height,
weight, hand size), speed, and strength of a player.
Profile: n/a
Example: n/a
North South Runner
A cousin of the “Downhill
Runner” and close relative to the “Between the Tackle Runner.” This is a RB
that runs straight ahead and does not make many lateral moves.
Profile: A 4
yards and a cloud of dust type RB.
Example: Mike Alstott
Playmaker
A guy that makes a lot of big
plays.
Profile: On
offense, this is usually a small and quick WR or RB. On defense this is a guy
that forces or recovers a lot of turnovers.
Example: Percy Harvin
Possession Receiver
A WR that has good hands and
runs a lot of shorter routes over the middle.
Profile: A big
WR that does not have a lot of speed, but does have good hands.
Example: TJ Houshmanzedah
Plug and Play
Not a video game. No. This a
player that can immediately start on an NFL football team.
Profile: Usually
a 3 or 4 year starter at the college level with consistent and impressive
stats.
Example: Andrew Luck
Potential
A player that sucks.
Profile: A
player with great god given talents and “Measurables” who sucks at football and
will be out of the league and broke in 2 years.
Example: JaMarcus Russell
Project
A player with great
“Measurables” who has not played much football but has a “High Ceiling.”
Profile: A
“Freak” “Athlete” with great “Measurables” and a “High Ceiling.”
Example: Jason Pierre Paul
Pure Corner
Another term with little to
know true meaning. This is apparently a guy that fits exactly what “experts”
think a CB should be (whatever that is).
Profile: Usually a very athletic and natural CB with “Good
Ball Skills.”
Example: Darrelle Revis
Quicker Than he is Fast
This term is tied to its’
cousin “Shifty.” A guy that is very quick, but not overly fast in long straight
lines.
Profile: Small RBs and WRs that are very quick.
Example: Wes Welker
Raw Talent
I football player that is a
“Freak” or “Athlete” but has barely played football.
Profile: As you may guess from the “Freak” or “Athlete”
designation, this is generally a term reserved for a black player.
Example: Ziggy Ansah
Reach
This is a guy that is picked
before some ESPN announcer thinks he should be picked.
Profile: Usually a very good and productive player that is
not flashy, but does what you want a player of his position to do. This player
also plays a position the team who drafts him needs help at.
Example: Levi Jones
Read Option Type Quarterback
The Read Option is a type of
offense that requires the QB to handoff (or fake a handoff) on most every play
and then decide to either make the handoff, run himself, or throw based off how
he reads the defense.
Profile: This is an “Athletic” QB and though a few white QBs
run this (Tebow, Johnny Football, etc), this is a designation generally
reserved for black QBs. In fact, almost all black QBs are given this
designation even if running is not part of their game (see Geno Smith).
Example: RGIII
Runs Behind His Pads
Another catchy phrase some
analyst invented. I would like to see the guy who does not “Run Behind his
Pads!” In fact, I don’t know what the hell this means.
Profile: Any guy that plays football and knows how to
properly put on his pads.
Example: n/a
Run Stuffer
A player that is good at
occupying blocks and clogging up the running lanes for a RB. This one actually
makes some sense.
Profile: A very large man that plays on the DL.
Example: Sam Adams (pre Cincinnati days)
Second Gear
A guy that is fast and hard to
catch. This is a strictly offensive
player. According to those privileged enough to use this one, a defensive
player does not have this gear…unless he gets the ball in his hands (via
turnover or as a returner), at which time, he may have that “Second Gear.”
Profile: A very fast player with the ball in his hands.
Example: Mike Wallace
Shifty
A guy that can make hard cuts,
lateral moves, and is very hard to tackle. Often times these players are “Quicker
Than They are Fast.”
Profile: Small RBs and WRs that are “Good in Space.”
Example: Andrew Hawkins
Shutdown Corner
A CB that is so good he can
keep a team’s best WR from making any plays. In fact, teams rarely even throw
to the WR covered by this guy.
Profile: Dominant CB who rarely sees the ball thrown to the
player he is covering.
Example: Deion Sanders
Sleeper
A guy that is good, but not
many people have heard of.
Profile: This is a good player that has not been discussed
much in the media…often times because many in the media have never seen him
Example: Terrell Owens
Stiff Hips
Sounds like a problem an old
person has. Refers to a players ability to transition from running backwards to
forwards (and vice versa) and is a damning label for a DB.
Profile: Defensive backs that will spend their short careers
chasing down players that blow by them.
Example: Rod Jones (Bengals CB in the mid ‘90s)
Stretch the Defense
The sibling of “Taking the Top
Off the Defense.” This refers to a fast WR or TE that causes the safeties to
have to play very deep, opening up the middle of the field.
Profile: A speedy WR that usually just runs straight down the
field.
Example: Randy Moss, Willie
Gault, Alvin Harper, Mike Wallace
Sure Thing
This is a guy the “Experts”
claim has 0 risk and will most certainly be good. The equivalent of “Can’t Miss.”
Profile: A guy with a long, impressive, and consistent
college track record.
Example: John Elway
Take the Top Off the Defense
A clever, yet stupid, way of
saying a guy is very fast and can “Stretch the Defense.”
Profile: Very fast WR.
Example: Randy Moss, Willie
Gault, Alvin Harper, Mike Wallace
Tremendous Upside
A guy that has never done
anything good, but the “Experts” think he “should” be good.
Profile: A player that has accomplished very little but has
good “Measurables.”
Example: Vernon Gholson
Trust Your Board
This is not a term used
to describe a player, but rather a team’s drafting strategy. Prior to the
draft, teams rank players on a “Board” and this theory of drafting has the team
drafting the highest player left on their “Board” and not going out on a limb
to pick someone else. Often times teamed up with the “Best Available”
discussion.
Tweener
A guy that is a good player,
but doesn’t quite fit the stereotype for any position.
Profile: A player that is seen as too small for one position,
yet too big for another. Coaches do not know where to play him, and therefore
he normally sucks at both positions.
Example: Reinard Wilson
Value Pick
A player that is still available
to be picked when many thought he would not be.
Profile: This is a player that has been passed by a lot of
teams due to either injury, character concerns, or poor drafting by other
teams.
Example: Aaron Rodgers
Versatility
This is a player that does a
lot of things good and is oftentimes used in a number of different roles.
Profile: A very good “Athlete” and sometimes even a “Freak.”
Due to the “Athlete” and “Freak” designations, this is most often a black
player. Rarely are “High Motor” guys “Versatile,” they are “Grinders” instead.
Example: Charles Woodson,
Champ Bailey, Rod Woodson
Waist Bender
No, this is not a sexual
reference. This is a negative connotation. This is player does not have “Good
Pad Level” and suffers from poor “Leverage.” This player stands up too straight
and bends at the waist rather than the knees.
Profile: Usually
an OL that really sucks.
Example: Daniel Coates (former
Bengals backup TE) was quite the “Waist Bender.”
Wes Welker Type
One of my all-time favorites!
A WR that is not physically imposing or athletically gifted, but has “Good
Hands,” is a “Good Route Runner,” and is generally perceived to be a “Possession
Receiver.”
Profile: This is a WR that reminds the analysts of Wes Welker…by reminds them of Wes Welker, I mean he is
simply a white WR. The guy could be 6’4”, 220 lbs, and run a 4.3 40 yard dash,
but if he was white, he would not remind the analysts of Andre Johnson, he
would be a “Wes Welker Type”
Example: Jordan Shipley,
Julian Edelman, Kevin Walters, Ryan Whalen, Brandon Stokely, Eric Decker, etc.
Winner
A guy that does not impress
you when watching him, but seems to always win. This player is rarely fully
appreciated.
Profile: A player that does not do anything particularly
well, oftentimes looks odd doing things, but seems to “Just Win Baby.”
Example: Brett Favre, Tim
Tebow
Works Well in Space
Who doesn’t? This term is
synonymous with “Shifty” and “Quicker than Fast.” These are guys that turn
short plays into long plays.
Profile: Players that are very hard to tackle and have a
knack for turning short plays into long plays.
Example: Percy Harvin
Workout Warrior
A guy that is a physical specimen
and looks great at the beach.
Profile: A guy
that sucks at football but can run fast, lift heavy weights, jump really high,
and looks like they were chiseled out of marble. This player is generally
drafted very high by teams that are very poor at identifying talent (Jets).
Example: Vernon Gholson
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