With the 145 pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Bengals select Fresno St. Defensive Tackle Jason Shirley
Go here for the Day 2 Open Thread. Talk about the Shirley pick here.
It was expected that the Bengals go after two defensive tackles, at least, in this draft. Manly to help restock the position after age and ineffectiveness resulted in a poor run defense up the middle and lack of pocket pressure on passing down. Shirley was projected as a late draft pick, if not an undrafted free agent.
There is a character flag with this guy.
Fresno police say Fresno State football star Jason Shirley drove a car into the Sunridge Townhome complex on the 4,800-block of Bonadelle Avenue in Northeast Fresno Monday night.
Shirley is facing two misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and hit-and-run. Police say his BAC levels were 0.11 and 0.12; officers performed two separate tests for accuracy.
More on Shirley's arrest. He was actually suspended two games from Fresno State for "actions detrimental to the team". He returned, played three games, then plowed through an apartment building with a blood-alcohol level of 0.12. He fled the scene. One can argue that Shirley's senior season contradicts whatever firm stance against bringing character problems into the team.
Scouts, Inc. ranks him pretty poorly.
Strengths: Massive prospect with an exceptional combination of height and bulk. Displays outstanding quickness and mobility for his size but only when he's fresh. Flashes some power at the point of attack and can use powerful bull rush to collapse the pocket. Flashes an effective swim move and shows good closing burst once he gets through the line of scrimmage. Has rare upside if he's dedicated to improving his conditioning and technique. Has shown a knack for blocking kicks throughout his career at Fresno State and can contribute on special teams.
Weaknesses: Is a raw prospect with below average technique. Conditioning and stamina are poor. He wears down too quickly and winds up taking too many plays off when tired. He will look sluggish coming out of his stance and he loses most of his power when he fails to play with leverage. He has a history of cramping up and not finishing games. Suffered an injury midway through 2005 that limited him during the second half of that season, sustained a concussion in 2007 and durability is a concern. Suspended two games for conduct detrimental to the team in late August, suspended from school in October following an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, reinstated in mid November but dismissed from team after getting cited for suspicion of driving with a suspended license and expired registration and appeared in only three games during senior season so character is clearly a concern.
Overall: Shirley arrived at Fresno State in 2003 and redshirted the year. In his first three seasons (2004-'06), he appeared in 32 games (13 starts) and recorded 50 tackles (11 for losses) and four sacks. In 2005, he missed two games (and was limited in others) by an injury. In 2007, he played three games and had seven tackles (three for losses), 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Shirley lost most of his senior season to a leg injury; a two-game suspension for a violation of team rules; and, ultimately, a dismissal from the team in November, after his arrest for suspicion of DUI. Shirley is a massive nose tackle prospect with impressive mobility for his size but while he flashes spectacular upside, he is still extremely raw and inconsistent. In addition, there are now legitimate concerns that he could become a locker room distraction. As a result, Shirley projects as a late round pick or rookie free agent.
This page will be continuously updated with analysis.
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10 comments
Comments
Check this out. I think his upside is potentially huge, just like his size and with the zero tolerance policy in place now with Henry- bye bye, it’s worth a shot. This guy is a beast.
by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 27, 2008 2:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yea
Plenty of upside. You’re right about that.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com
by Kirkendall on Apr 27, 2008 2:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not crazy about this one...
After a couple value picks, this one makes me wonder. Sounds like he has the physical tools and he is obviously HUGE—but it also sounds like this guy would have been there much later and the character issues…..
Makes me wonder if the Bengals would have preferred Pressley. Did the Saints screw us twice on DTs this draft?
by goffchile on Apr 27, 2008 2:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No, the Saints didn’t screw us on DTs, Mike Brown did. But, yeah, I was surprised Pressley was around that long and we hadn’t scooped him earlier.
by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 27, 2008 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brown
I understand, and farkin’ feel, the two-decade long frustration with Brown, but how did he screw us? Because he didn’t trade ahead of the Saints?
Blogger at CincyJungle.com
by Kirkendall on Apr 27, 2008 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, exactly, though I’m less pissed about it now than I was when NO drafted Sed.
by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 27, 2008 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d rather have Rivers and Sims than just Ellis.
Shirley could be a monster… best size/speed ratio at DT in this draft.
http://goallineblitz.com/game/signup.pl?ref=2703832
by kirby28 on Apr 28, 2008 7:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Shirley
I may be setting myself up for a big disappointment but Jason Shirley has 5 inches and 30 pounds on Ellis. He outran Ellis by over two tenths of a second in the forty, out vertical jumped him by 8- count ‘em, 8, inches, and his broad jump bested him by over a foot. I know, I know, those workout stats don’t translate necessarily to on the field and, obviously, those off the field matters loom large. But, I’m just picturing this guy, as big or bigger than any OT and dwarfing most centers, just blowing up the middle of that offensive line and, say, planting Roethlisberger on his fat ass. I know it’s a longshot but, until he proves otherwise, I’m gonna give Jason Shirley the benefit of the doubt and assume he’s turned himself around and wants to play ball. Just keep him and Odell from hitting the club- or at least supply them with a driver.
by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 28, 2008 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
jason shirley
I cant believe anybody drafted Jason Shirley especially the bengals with all the off the field issues you have. being from fresno and following the bulldogs, this kid will never amount to anything! He is a headcase. Huge upside on the field but i guarantee you he will never play a down for you. He was in trouble off the field every year for fresno state.
by isom5 on Apr 29, 2008 3:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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