Observer Stuff

[The Brain]

Muhammad decision likely by Wednesday
Time an issue for receiver, Panthers
STAN OLSON
Staff Writer


INDIANAPOLIS - The Carolina Panthers and wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad haven't come to an agreement yet, and time is running out.

If Muhammad, who has one year remaining on his Panthers contract, is still on the Carolina roster Wednesday, he will be owed a $10 million roster bonus. The team would like to keep him, but must release him before Wednesday to avoid taking that hit.

The Panthers had been hoping to renegotiate Muhammad's contract to reduce what would be a $12.5 million salary-cap figure in 2005, but negotiations with his agent, Joel Segal, have not produced an agreement.

"We just have to wait and see," Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said Thursday at the NFL scouting combine. "We've been talking, we've had conversations, but we're not close (to a deal). But you never know; that could change in one conversation."

If it doesn't, Muhammad will become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday.

Calls to Segal were not returned.

Kickers produce best test scores

The Wonderlic, a 50-question test with a 12-minute time limit given to players invited to the combine, was taken by each of the 336 who attended last year.The kickers did the best job with it, with five players producing an average score of 29, according to the College Scouting Bureau. Centers were second (10 players, 27.6), followed by quarterbacks (21 players, 25.5).

Then came guards (21, 24.4), offensive tackles (20, 23.9), inside linebackers (nine, 23.4), tight ends (19, 22.2), fullbacks (seven, 21.9), punters (six, 21.3), running backs (23, 20.9), outside linebackers (29, 19.9), defensive ends (30, 19.7), defensive tackles (31, 19.5), receivers (50, 19.4), safeties (25, 18.1) and cornerbacks (30, 17.7).

Notes

• Hurney said he has been speaking with agents for several of his other key players, including linebackers Mark Fields and Will Witherspoon, but no deals were imminent.

• For the first time, a chunk of the combine will be televised live. The NFL Network will provide coverage at 1 p.m. Saturday and continuing off and on through Tuesday.

The coverage will include two hours daily of workouts in the RCA Dome. The live afternoon session will re-air each night at 8.

• League sources said Carolina has shown interest in offensive tackle Fred Miller, who was recently released by Tennessee as a salary-cap casualty.

• Offensive guard Scott Young of Brigham Young finished one shy of the combine bench-press record, knocking out 44 repetitions of 225 pounds Monday.

 

[Louie]

Anyone heard of this guy? Is he any good?

• League sources said Carolina has shown interest in offensive tackle Fred Miller, who was recently released by Tennessee as a salary-cap casualty.

 

[blackcatfan]

Miller has thrived in the Titans' offensive scheme and has had his best two pro seasons from '02-'03. Miller has really improved his technique and feel for his position. He has always been a massive, mauling run blocker. He has excellent lower body strength, shows the ability to move the pile in the running game and plays with a mean streak. Gives great effort on every snap and works to finish his blocks. However, Miller will always be a better run blocker than pass blocker. He just isn't a great athlete. He has a tendency to lunge at his blocks and plays top heavy. Appears uncomfortable in space, lacks great lateral mobility and has problems reaching the moving target at the second level as a run blocker. Overall, While Miller will never be a great pass protector, he has improved enough in that area and seems to get better with age because he's a hard worker.


http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/players/scouting?statsId=3660


I should add that they score him at 72.. Steussie is a 71, Meadows a 69 and everbody's favorite Matt Willig is a 62.

 

[Louie]

so, definetly better than what we got for a RT. :xyzthumbs But, not as good as say Jordan Gross. Would this guy be good enough or do we try to draft a rookie RT on day 1?

 

[magnus]

yeah, he's good enough. Can't hurt to have depth, though.


If the money's the same, I'd rather have this guy. But we're not usually after the 6'6, 335 guys.



[size=+1]2004 Scouting Report - Football Scouts Inc.[/size]
Name: Stockar McDougle
Position: Offensive Tackle
Grade: 73 | Key
Alert: None

Comment:
McDougle plays with adequate leverage and has the lower body strength to move the pile in the running game. Displays a powerful punch, gets good hand placement and rarely loses a battle once locked on. Explodes into blocks and gets great initial pop. Engulfs undersized defenders at the point of attack and has the bulk to wear them down over the course of the game. Doesn't show great footwork, lacks the lateral mobility to redirect in pass protection and is vulnerable to effective double moves. Plays with a narrow base and will overextend at times. Doesn't always play under control in space and lacks the change of direction skills to block the moving target at the second level. Appeared to wear down over the course of last year, may need to shed some weight in favor of endurance and conditioning will always be critical to success. Overall, McDougle played with better intensity last year and his effort appeared more consistent but he remains somewhat raw and he must stay healthy to continue to improve.