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.
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