From that powerhouse, Cal Poly :-\
QuotePros: At the lower level, he was a top playmaker who gave fine effort, leading to top production weekly. He has fine closing ability coming down the line and can recover and change direction smoothly. He is constantly around the ball and is a very physical finisher who rarely misses a tackle.
Cons: He does not have ideal size and has little growth potential. He lacks top straight-line speed and measureables. He needs to use his hands more consistently and big offensive linemen with good strength can keep him tied up. His lack of size makes him vulnerable at the point-of-attack, probably limiting him to a situational role as a pro.
Numbers: He led all I-AA players in sacks with 19 and added 24 tackles for loss. At the Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.78 seconds with a 38.5-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-3 broad jump and did 28 reps in the 225-pound bench press.
Skinny: He has excellent character and is only downgraded due to his level of competition. His smallish frame is a concern and despite great production, he was a big fish in small pond that must prove himself in camp to stick with an NFL team.
I like this pick a lot.
He will be our new SAM.
We needed defensive playmakers and got two of them today.
DT and SLB.
I really love this pick. He had an interview on ESPNews the other day and he seemed real smart. He thought he was going to go in the 2nd round, hopefully he feels better that someone traded up for him.
Excellent pick.
The Eagles have drafted out of Cal Poly before.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d5/John-madden.jpg)
This draft is going wayyyyyyyyyy too well right now.
Is Jon Harris still available?
What in god's name are we going to do for WR?
Quote from: Philly Forever on April 29, 2006, 08:35:39 PM
What in god's name are we going to do for WR?
Ummm... use the guys THEY have already?
Quote from: Philly Forever on April 29, 2006, 08:35:39 PM
What in god's name are we going to do for WR?
Oh my god, I guess this means no WRs are left!
Williams, Stovall, Webb, Aromashadu, Avant, Lee, Marshall, and Obamanu are still left.
Brown and Gaffney are the opening day starters either way.
Sadly, we'll have to sleep on it.
I'm not panicking, but I'm just curious what we are going to do.
Apparently ESPN Magazine had him in the 6th or 7th round?
Quote from: Philly Forever on April 29, 2006, 08:35:39 PM
What in god's name are we going to do for WR?
There are still players left. Quit the panicking.
i can't believe Mo Stovall is still available.
Is that right or have I won too few beer pong rounds?
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on April 29, 2006, 08:41:41 PM
Quote from: Philly Forever on April 29, 2006, 08:35:39 PM
What in god's name are we going to do for WR?
There are still players left. Quit the panicking.
QuoteI'm not panicking, but I'm just curious what we are going to do.
Quote from: Susquehanna Birder on April 29, 2006, 08:38:44 PM
Sadly, we'll have to sleep on it.
We can get back into the late third.
Quote from: BigEd76 on April 29, 2006, 08:41:25 PM
Apparently ESPN Magazine had him in the 6th or 7th round?
Gocong? What the hell is wrong with them.
I really hope he doesnt bust, or people will say he's the next Matt McCoy because he was a white LB picked 3 rounds too early.
Well I certainly feel a lot better now that the Eagles have said they project him as a Sam/Joker and also special teamer sounds like a good pick. I was just a little shocked because I hadn't heard of him at all.
Quote from: Dillen37 on April 29, 2006, 08:42:32 PM
Quote from: BigEd76 on April 29, 2006, 08:41:25 PM
Apparently ESPN Magazine had him in the 6th or 7th round?
Gocong? What the hell is wrong with them.
I really hope he doesnt bust, or people will say he's the next Matt McCoy because he was a white LB picked 3 rounds too early.
IGY's gonna blow up over this one... :-D
Click on the little camera next to GoCong's name for a highlight reel (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/phi/)
Reid seems to be really happy about this pick he just said that during the East/West Shrine game he dominated against good competition. Heckert compared him to Westbrook as far as being a guy from small schools but they dominate against their level of competition.
Quote from: Drunkmasterflex on April 29, 2006, 08:48:52 PM
Reid seems to be really happy about this pick he just said that during the East/West Shrine game he dominated against good competition.
He did. He completely owned Miami OT Kelly Butler. Gocong was playing LDE. He completely blew past Butler, and the QB scrambled left all the way to the left sideline and Gocong chased him down all the way across the field and sacked him.
(http://gopoly.com/football/mens/images/Gocong-3.jpg)
They just showed some highlights on ESPN, Kiper loves the pick. He has the sleeper tag. Wears # 53 just like Simoneau.
QuoteChris Gocong Draft Profile
CHRISTOPHER "Chris" GOCONG
Defensive End
California State Polytechnic University Mustangs
#53
6:02.0-263
Santa Barbara, California
Carpinteria High School
OVERVIEW
Two seasons ago, Gocong was an unheralded nose guard fighting for playing time. But a shift to defensive end in 2004 saw the emergence of the most dominating pass rusher of his era in the NCAA Division 1-AA ranks. Since the NCAA began keeping defensive records in 2000, no other defensive player can match Gocong's 42 quarterback sacks.
His performance the last two seasons has drawn considerable praise throughout the collegiate ranks.
"Gocong is just so strong and plays so relentless, I can't find anything wrong with his game. He's the Energizer Bunny out there. It doesn't matter if it's snap one or 101; he's always going the same speed. He's one of the most amazing guys I've seen in college football," said Sacramento State coach Steve Mooshagian.
Gocong attended Carpinteria High School, where he was a three-year letter-winner and starting quarterback and linebacker. He was a two-time All-CIF-Southern Section and All-League defensive selection and a Golden State scholar. Gocong recorded 180 tackles as a junior and 150 as a senior. He scored 11 touchdowns and threw four touchdown passes as a senior. He was also a standout in track and field, setting a school record in the discus (183 feet, 3 inches), twice earning All-League honors in the discus and shot put.
Gocong saw limited action in six games during the 2001 season at Cal Poly, managing only six tackles (3 solos). He redshirted in 2002 and then started the 2003 campaign as the team's nose guard. Gocong totaled 37 tackles (20 solos) with a sack and eight stops for losses that year.
Gocong shifted to defensive end in 2004, leading the nation in quarterback sacks (17.5) while ranking second in tackles for losses (22). He delivered 71 hits (48 solos) with two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception. He finished second in the voting for the Buck Buchanan Award (nation's top Division 1-AA defensive player) and was a consensus All-America choice.
Gocong was a unanimous All-American and recipient of the Buchanan Award in 2005. He set a Division 1-AA single-season record with 23.5 sacks and led the nation with 31 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He ranked second on the squad with a career-high 98 tackles (46 solos) and registered 14 quarterback pressures. Gocong also caused four fumbles, recovered two others and deflected four passes.
In 41 games with the Mustangs, Gocong started 35 times. He recorded 212 tackles (117 solos) and set an NCAA career record with 42 sacks for minus-284 yards. His 61.5 stops for losses of 330 yards rank fourth in Division 1-AA history. He recovered three fumbles and caused six others. He also intercepted a pass, deflected eight others and blocked a kick.
ANALYSIS
Positives: Has adequate upper body definition, but generates good power...Strong wrap-up tackler who stays low in his pads when striking...Shows very good dip and body lean to get an edge on a blocker...Active with his hands in attempts to disengage and has the burst to slip past a lethargic offensive tackle...Wraps and does not soften when tackling, showing intensity and a desire to strip the ball from the ball carrier...Has an explosive initial step coming off the edge, taking good pursuit angles and showing intensity to close...Quick to read blocking schemes and has enough hand punch to shed...Possesses the lateral range to work down the line and the sustained speed to handle long pursuit... Makes good adjustments working down the line, flipping his hips to squeeze through tight areas...Does not shut down until the whistle...Excels at closing down the cutback lanes and will hit and wrap with authority.
Negatives: Has good upper body strength, but lacks the size and bulk to stack and control when redirecting in-line...Can be washed out of the play at the point of attack when he gets high in his stance...Has good hand usage to wrap and secure, but needs to improve his placement in attempts to keep blockers off his body...Can widen blockers to disengage, but does not have much success splitting double teams.
Gocong has adequate muscle definition, good bubble and defined legs. He shows good foot speed, balance and body control, generating an explosive burst coming off the snap. His initial step allows him to get an edge on the blocker and keep the advantage. He is a good read-and-diagnose type that recognizes blocking schemes and is quick to adjust. He has very good snap anticipation, doing a very good job of reading the cadence.
Gocong is best when on the move. He has functional strength, but because of adequate size and bulk, he does not always hold ground at the point of attack and does not have the ability to consistently split double teams. He gets engulfed by larger offensive tackles when trying to shoot the inside gaps and does wear down late in games from the constant battling he faces inside the box. He is best when using his foot speed to come off the edge or make adjustments working down the line in attempts to close on the ball.
His valid speed allows him to widen blockers, and he demonstrates the hands needed to work and control in one-on-one confrontations. He still needs to improve his rip and club moves to defeat going across the face of the blocker, though. His ability to take good angles in pursuit let him close down cutback lanes, and he has a quick burst to close on the pocket coming off the edge. He stays in control and keeps his feet on the move, and has the second gear to chase down plays from behind.
As a pass rusher, he has the acceleration to close, but is best when given a free lane to the ball. He will get bounced around some trying to take the inside lane to the quarterback and does not have the hand jolt to push the guards back into the pocket. He is more effective accelerating off the edge, where he shows very good dip and body lean. He has the flexibility and burst to consistently go by the offensive tackle to attack the passer.
Gocong reminds me a lot of the Seahawks' Grant Wistrom for his tenacity and relentless motor in pursuit. Sure, he gets bounced around quite a bit by bigger blockers working inside, but he will not give up on the play and has the redirection agility to recover and still try to get back into the action. You look at his work ethic and that of the Steelers' Aaron Smith and the Chiefs' Jared Allen, players like Gocong that were groomed in small college programs that were unearthed as finds on the second day of the draft.
INJURY REPORT
No injury report available.
CAREER NOTES
Has been the most dominant pass rusher in the NCAA Division 1-AA ranks the last two years, leading the nation in sacks in both 2004 and '05...Gocong set the Division 1-AA record with 42 sacks for his career and 23.5 sacks in 2005, topping the previous career mark of 33 sacks by Matt Mitchell of Northern Iowa (2000-03) and the old season record of 20 sacks by Robert Mathis of Alabama A&M in 2002. The NCAA began keeping defensive records in 2000...His 61.5 tackles for loss rank fourth all-time in the Division 1-AA ranks behind Sherrod Coates of Western Kentucky (67, 2000-03), Valdamar Brower of Massachusetts (63, 2000-03) and Stephen Baggs of Bethune-Cookman (62, 2002-03)...His 31 stops behind the line of scrimmage in 2005 rank second in Division 1-AA history behind Baggs' 36 in 2003...Starting with the 2004 season opener, Gocong registered at least one quarterback sack in 17 consecutive games.
AGILITY TESTS
Campus: 4.81 in the 40-yard dash...405-pound bench press...Bench presses 225 pounds 31 times... 550-pound squat...374-pound power clean...36-inch vertical jump...32 1/4-inch arm length...9 1/4-inch hands...Right-handed...32/40 Wonderlic score.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Carpinteria (Cal.) High School, playing football for head coach Coley Candaele... Three-year letter-winner and starting quarterback and linebacker...Two-time All-CIF-Southern Section and All-League defensive selection and a Golden State scholar...Made 180 tackles as a junior and 150 as a senior...Scored 11 touchdowns and threw four touchdown passes as a senior...Also a standout in track and field, setting a school record in the discus (183 feet, 3 inches), twice earning All-League honors in the discus and shot put.
PERSONAL
General Engineering major...Brother, Ryan, is a member of the Claremont-McKenna College football team in Los Angeles...Son of Julie and Bruce Kennedy...Born 11/16/83 in Lancaster, California...Resides in Santa Barbara, California.
Courtesy NFLDraftScout.com
Kiper said Gocong will only be a situational DE and a good STer.
Mel, once the players get drafted you have no goddamn clue.
(http://media.statehornet.com/vimages/shared/vnews/stories/41ad381891079-45-1.jpg)
Quote from: SD_Eagle on April 29, 2006, 08:55:22 PM
They just showed some highlights on ESPN, Kiper loves the pick. He has the sleeper tag. Wears # 53 just like Simoneau.
And like HUuuuuuuugh did. :yay
Quote from: SD_Eagle on April 29, 2006, 08:55:22 PM
They just showed some highlights on ESPN, Kiper loves the pick. He has the sleeper tag. Wears # 53 just like Simoneau.
Hopefully that's all he does "just like Simoneau."
the guy played nosetackle & DE in college and he's gonna be our SAM? :paranoid
special teamer...book it!
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:26:14 PM
the guy played nosetackle & DE in college and he's gonna be our SAM? :paranoid
special teamer...book it!
Yes, he is projected as an OLB.
Go read up on him. Pretty good player
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:26:14 PM
the guy played nosetackle & DE in college and he's gonna be our SAM? :paranoid
special teamer...book it!
You are the most miserable SOB I've ever met.
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:27:53 PM
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:26:14 PM
the guy played nosetackle & DE in college and he's gonna be our SAM? :paranoid
special teamer...book it!
You are the most miserable SOB I've ever met.
Now thats saying a lot.
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:27:53 PM
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:26:14 PM
the guy played nosetackle & DE in college and he's gonna be our SAM? :paranoid
special teamer...book it!
You are the most miserable SOB I've ever met.
hah! :-D
nobody on here ever heard of this guy before...he played exclusively on the d-line against garbage competition in college & suddenly everybody loves him at SAM?
bunkley & justice were very good picks but c'mon.
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:33:02 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:27:53 PM
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:26:14 PM
the guy played nosetackle & DE in college and he's gonna be our SAM? :paranoid
special teamer...book it!
You are the most miserable SOB I've ever met.
hah! :-D
nobody on here ever heard of this guy before...he played exclusively on the d-line against garbage competition in college & suddenly everybody loves him at SAM?
bunkley & justice were very good picks but c'mon.
Alot of people here have heard of him. I have. Phreak has.
All you could muster up to say about Bunkley was that they were scrambling to fill Simon's fat farging shoes.
his parents have...his friends
Quote from: Dillen37 on April 29, 2006, 09:33:57 PM
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:33:02 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:27:53 PM
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:26:14 PM
the guy played nosetackle & DE in college and he's gonna be our SAM? :paranoid
special teamer...book it!
You are the most miserable SOB I've ever met.
hah! :-D
nobody on here ever heard of this guy before...he played exclusively on the d-line against garbage competition in college & suddenly everybody loves him at SAM?
bunkley & justice were very good picks but c'mon.
Alot of people here have heard of him. I have. Phreak has.
stop it.
at most, you saw his name listed on a couple mocks.
Nope, I know who he was. He was talked about all week prior to the East West Shrine Game then came up big in the game itself. Just because you dont know who he was doesnt mean other people dont.
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:34:19 PM
All you could muster up to say about Bunkley was that they were scrambling to fill Simon's fat farging shoes.
are you referring to the
joke i posted earlier, oh perceptive one?
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:36:06 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:34:19 PM
All you could muster up to say about Bunkley was that they were scrambling to fill Simon's fat farging shoes.
are you referring to the joke i posted earlier, oh perceptive one?
For something to be a joke doesnt it have to be funny or intelligent?
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:36:06 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:34:19 PM
All you could muster up to say about Bunkley was that they were scrambling to fill Simon's fat farging shoes.
are you referring to the joke i posted earlier, oh perceptive one?
Dude, you've been miserable on this board for so long now, its impossible to tell if you are whining about something or making a joke.
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:33:02 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:27:53 PM
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:26:14 PM
the guy played nosetackle & DE in college and he's gonna be our SAM? :paranoid
special teamer...book it!
You are the most miserable SOB I've ever met.
hah! :-D
nobody on here ever heard of this guy before...he played exclusively on the d-line against garbage competition in college & suddenly everybody loves him at SAM?
bunkley & justice were very good picks but c'mon.
Yes he did play on the line, but according to Reid and Heckert he played a lot from the standing position.
Quote from: Sun_Mo on April 29, 2006, 09:34:26 PM
his parents have...his friends
That girl he felt up at the prom.
Quote from: Drunkmasterflex on April 29, 2006, 09:38:20 PM
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:33:02 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:27:53 PM
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:26:14 PM
the guy played nosetackle & DE in college and he's gonna be our SAM? :paranoid
special teamer...book it!
You are the most miserable SOB I've ever met.
hah! :-D
nobody on here ever heard of this guy before...he played exclusively on the d-line against garbage competition in college & suddenly everybody loves him at SAM?
bunkley & justice were very good picks but c'mon.
Yes he did play on the line, but according to Reid and Heckert he played a lot from the standing position.
well, they picked him...seems like more of a 3-4 olb, imo.
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:34:57 PM
Quote from: Dillen37 on April 29, 2006, 09:33:57 PM
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:33:02 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:27:53 PM
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:26:14 PM
the guy played nosetackle & DE in college and he's gonna be our SAM? :paranoid
special teamer...book it!
You are the most miserable SOB I've ever met.
hah! :-D
nobody on here ever heard of this guy before...he played exclusively on the d-line against garbage competition in college & suddenly everybody loves him at SAM?
bunkley & justice were very good picks but c'mon.
Alot of people here have heard of him. I have. Phreak has.
stop it.
at most, you saw his name listed on a couple mocks.
Actually, I read up on him quite a bit. goeagles99 mentioned him awhile ago and I started looking into him as a SAM LB. HIm and Clint Ingram.
Quote from: General_Failure on April 29, 2006, 09:39:07 PM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on April 29, 2006, 09:34:26 PM
his parents have...his friends
That girl he felt up at the prom.
yeah, but fortunately she couldn't pick him out of a police lineup
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:37:19 PM
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:36:06 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on April 29, 2006, 09:34:19 PM
All you could muster up to say about Bunkley was that they were scrambling to fill Simon's fat farging shoes.
are you referring to the joke i posted earlier, oh perceptive one?
Dude, you've been miserable on this board for so long now, its impossible to tell if you are whining about something or making a joke.
for you...yes, it is impossible. :-D
Apparently Reid said in his PC that the Patriots were trying to trade up to get him at the spot behind the Eagles. So he wouldve been a Patriot had the Birds not taken him.
If Belichek wanted him you know he is a good player.
Gocong video from Google (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2495770760639405136&q=chris+gocong&pl=true)
:yay
here are some combine numbers for gocong and some other de's for comparison:
http://www.sportznutz.com/nfl/draft/2006/combine/defensive_linemen.htm
Spads on Gocong:
QuoteWe're digitizing a DVD on him ... he's UNREAL ... I don't even care who the competition is .. I'm speechless. When it goes up, check it out. I see why the Eagles drafted him. Unreal, and I'm totally serious. Wait until you see the speed.
The more I see and read... the more I'm loving this pick.
I'm getting chub at the idea that this could be the end of the bowtie at SAM.
I'm telling you, this was a good ass pick.
Even though I wanted STovall there, I will take this and like it.
We all spoke about the Eagles needing playmakers and they got two on defense today.
And the defense needed help.
The DL is now a monster. And if Gocong can flip to SLB and contribute some of that speed off the edge...Jesus Christ of latter day saints...Jim Johnson will have endless possibilities.
Speed + getting after the QB = great day
I had Gocong as a 4th rounder in the Eagles mock contest. After all star games and the combine, I heart Gocong.
For Hunt, Tedy Bruschi was a DE at Arizona and I believe held the Div 1-A record for sacks, but made a smooth transition to LB. Gocong has similar size and skills. Watch the LB drills from the combine where they had some DEs work. He's better than Dhani and will make more plays today. IMO, Justice will have the opportunity to compete for LG to get him on the field. I think the Eagles came out of the first day with 3 starters that will be upgrades. I'm ecstatic about their whole draft so far.
I don't know anything about this Gocong, so I'm not going to hype him. Hope he works out. We'll see.
I don't know anything about any of them other than what I've read the past few weeks. What I hear sounds good to me!
Well, as much fun as the draft is...even people that "know" don't really know. I mean, odds are half of the "can't miss" guys probably will somehow do just that. But, based on value and projections, the Eagles did a very nice job today.
Quote from: Diomedes on April 29, 2006, 10:36:25 PM
I don't know anything about this Gocong, so I'm not going to hype him. Hope he works out. We'll see.
i only know what i've read today.
here's what the draft "expert" on that other board says about him:
QuoteThe Eagles are going to use him as a linebacker. He's a defensive end, who they think can play SAM? He's a very promising player from a small school. The Eagles hit it big with Brian Westbrook in the third round a few years ago and maybe they think the same thing with Gocong? I question his ability at linebacker, because he lined up as a defensive end... but with his athletic ability I think he can translate to that position.
QuoteI had Gocong in the third round. Some had him in the second round. He's a good prospect, but I he may be better at defensive end than linebacker? But the Eagles feel he can play SAM.
I had actually read about the other two before today. This is the first I've heard of Gocong. Sounds good so far.
It's been a great day.
Quote from: Dillen37 on April 29, 2006, 08:55:35 PM
Kiper said Gocong will only be a situational DE and a good STer.
Mel, once the players get drafted you have no goddamn clue.
Mel has no clue before or during the draft. He just has a good delivery.
Quote from: hunt on April 29, 2006, 09:26:14 PM
the guy played nosetackle & DE in college and he's gonna be our SAM? :paranoid
special teamer...book it!
And QB in HS. Engineering major. Everyone knows engineers are brilliant.
wtf :-D
(http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/JOENEJALJMOD/gocong2_357_060429.jpg)
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on April 29, 2006, 10:22:59 PM
Spads on Gocong:
QuoteWe're digitizing a DVD on him ... he's UNREAL ... I don't even care who the competition is .. I'm speechless. When it goes up, check it out. I see why the Eagles drafted him. Unreal, and I'm totally serious. Wait until you see the speed.
I can see how some can look at this as a luxury pick. Unless this guy definately plays SAM, he is one of many the Eagles have on the DL and in particular the DE pos.
I would rather have seen Stovall because I think that is a more dire need at this point.
Quote from: Displaced on April 29, 2006, 11:02:57 PM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on April 29, 2006, 10:22:59 PM
Spads on Gocong:
QuoteWe're digitizing a DVD on him ... he's UNREAL ... I don't even care who the competition is .. I'm speechless. When it goes up, check it out. I see why the Eagles drafted him. Unreal, and I'm totally serious. Wait until you see the speed.
I can see how some can look at this as a luxury pick. Unless this guy definately plays SAM, he is one of many the Eagles have on the DL and in particular the DE pos.
I would rather have seen Stovall because I think that is a more dire need at this point.
Heckert and Reid have already said that he is going to be a SAM and Joker. I would think he is going to take some time to develop, but he seems to be a good pick.
Dire need is a relative term, really. No third round WR would have a major impact on the team this year, regardless of need.
Apparently, the Eagles don't see it as such a "dire" need or maybe they know there will be good value later in the draft.
From EMB:
(http://images.sportsnetwork.com/cfoot/1aa/2005_awards/gocong_buchanan2.jpg) (http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/KEPMGBEDCKGP/maher04.jpg)
:sly
See, this is an inherently good pick because, obviously, the Eagles braintrust has come to the conclusion that they simply can't draft linebackers...so the only option is draft another position in hopes of a conversion. Admitting the problem is the first step toward recovery, I hear. ;)
If he pans out, Jim Johnson's got another toy to play with. Maybe this year he won't have to rely on a third string QB building up the defense's confidence in camp and practice.
We'll probably wait to see if Emmons gets cut and sign him to a two year deal to let Gocong progress.
Nice girlfriend/wife
(http://myspace-259.vo.llnwd.net/00408/95/28/408428259_l.jpg)
yeah, i'd ravage her.
Tiny, but racked.
Sweet combination!! :drool
Nice cans, baby.
Welcome to Philadelphia. Go get a job at Delilahs now.
One of my buddies down here went to Cal Poly - San Luis Opispo, and I was joking with him earlier this week about someone from his school actually getting drafted on day 1. Then the Eagles traded UP for him. Ha!
Hey, they only gave up a 7th rounder to move up a few spots in the 3rd, so if this kid has any chance of taking snaps and/or a roster spot away from Dhani Jones or Juqua Thomas... AMEN.
worst pick ever....thank god the first two made up for it
Why and how is that the worst pick ever? ???
(http://myspace-549.vo.llnwd.net/00403/94/53/403813549_l.jpg)
Gocong's cat will KILL YOU.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on April 30, 2006, 02:24:29 AM
Why and how is that the worst pick ever? ???
Think about it... if IGY hates white linebackers, how do you think he feels about pasty Asian ones?
:-D
Seriously though, he falls under the "football player" category. The type of guy that the Pats have been successful drafting. They might not have the best measurables but when the film goes on, they are around the ball making plays.
Of course nothing is locked down about how he'll do, but I really like the pick.
And even if he shteins the bed, the fact that they pulled a coup and got Bunkley and Justice back to back is great.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on April 30, 2006, 02:31:29 AM
And even if he shteins the bed, the fact that they pulled a coup and got Bunkley and Justice back to back is great.
Yep. I don't mind them
taking a flyer after doing so well with those first two picks, especially if they felt Gocong had the best rating of any possible SAM LB left on the board. He will be very good on special teams at the very least, and
should contribute nicely on defense also. They are probably ideally hoping he'll be a 1st/2nd down SLB and will either come off the field or rush the passer on 3rd/nickel downs.
i agree. getting bunkley and justice allows them to take a chance with their 3rd pick.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on April 29, 2006, 09:40:31 PM
Actually, I read up on him quite a bit. goeagles99 mentioned him awhile ago and I started looking into him as a SAM LB. HIm and Clint Ingram.
GE99 is where I heard of him initially. I still think he's a great pick.
:)
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 30, 2006, 02:22:17 AM
worst pick ever....thank god the first two made up for it
Check out his video highlights on PE.com. I don't give a shtein if he's playing against Sacred Hearts High Intermediate squad the kid is a one man wrecking crew. Check out some of those chase downs on the opposing QB's. I'm sold.
SI ranks Gocong as one of their hidden gems (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/specials/draft/2006/04/28/hidden.gems/1.html)
QuoteChris Gocong, DE-OLB, Cal Poly: Another explosive defender who plays with a nonstop motor, Gocong is an undersized end who will move to outside linebacker in the NFL. His skills and speed make him perfectly suited to line up over tackle in a 3-4 alignment. He should also excel on special teams.
Someone asked Reid, "What if Gocong can't cover as well as you think he'll be able to at LB?"
Reid: "Then, we'll just *bring him* more."
OK, then. Reid is obviously sold that the kid can play SAM, though. Loves his smarts and athleticism.
I think that Reid being so confident about him playing SAM is a good sign, too.
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 30, 2006, 02:22:17 AM
worst pick ever....thank god the first two made up for it
Your a moron, the last two players that I can think of that the Eagles have drafted from small schools have worked out very well for them Westbrook and Manneans.
Quote from: Drunkmasterflex on April 30, 2006, 10:26:01 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 30, 2006, 02:22:17 AM
worst pick ever....thank god the first two made up for it
Your a moron, the last two players that I can think of that the Eagles have drafted from small schools have worked out very well for them Westbrook and Manneans.
hehe, if only this guy knew what we've done to his name here at :CF :-D
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 30, 2006, 02:22:17 AM
worst pick ever....thank god the first two made up for it
Worst pick ever????
You are forgetting:
Antone Davis
Mike Mamula
Fred Ex
..................the list is endless.
And the same list can be generated by any team.
Quote from: General_Failure on April 29, 2006, 08:37:54 PM
Brown and Gaffney are the opening day starters either way.
Does anyone seriously think that Andy would have any of the WR's in the draft displace Brown, Gaffney, Lewis of Pinkston in the WR depth chart?
The only way anyone cracks that lineup is through FA. I am not saying that they are tremendous players, I am trying to look at it through Andy's eyes and personality.
Quote from: stalker on April 30, 2006, 10:41:41 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 30, 2006, 02:22:17 AM
worst pick ever....thank god the first two made up for it
Worst pick ever????
You are forgetting:
Antone Davis
Mike Mamula
Fred Ex
..................the list is endless.
And the same list can be generated by any team.
You can add Bernard Williams and Jon Harris to that list, this guy is a third round pick not a friggin first. IGY is just a drama queen.
Quote from: Philly Forever on April 30, 2006, 02:28:24 AM
(http://myspace-549.vo.llnwd.net/00403/94/53/403813549_l.jpg)
Gocong's cat will KILL YOU.
Whoa, maybe we should draft his cat too.
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 30, 2006, 02:22:17 AM
worst pick ever....thank god the first two made up for it
Worst post ever....thank god there are other posters to make up for it
(http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/JOENEJALJMOD/gocong_470_060429.jpg)
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 30, 2006, 02:22:17 AM
worst pick ever
I'm not sold on it, but I gotta say the "worst pick ever" honor goes to Jay Berwanger. Eagles drafted him with the first pick in the first ever college draft and he never played a single down.
Quote from: Eagles 3x on April 30, 2006, 10:57:40 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 30, 2006, 02:22:17 AM
worst pick ever....thank god the first two made up for it
Worst post ever....thank god there are other posters to make up for it
:-D :-D
Quote from: Sgt PSN on April 30, 2006, 11:11:45 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 30, 2006, 02:22:17 AM
worst pick ever
I'm not sold on it, but I gotta say the "worst pick ever" honor goes to Jay Berwanger. Eagles drafted him with the first pick in the first ever college draft and he never played a single down.
Not being fair to Berwanger. He went in the service right out of college. Never even knew he had been drafted til years and years later. I think his son read a story in the paper about the first NFL draft that mentioned his father and then told him the story.
If you want to call this the worst pick ever, the honor has to go to Eagles management for making sure he knew he had been draftted in that new fangled thing called the draft.
Quote from: Eagles 3x on April 30, 2006, 12:11:17 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on April 30, 2006, 11:11:45 AM
Quote from: ice grillin you on April 30, 2006, 02:22:17 AM
worst pick ever
I'm not sold on it, but I gotta say the "worst pick ever" honor goes to Jay Berwanger. Eagles drafted him with the first pick in the first ever college draft and he never played a single down.
Not being fair to Berwanger. He went in the service right out of college. Never even knew he had been drafted til years and years later. I think his son read a story in the paper about the first NFL draft that mentioned his father and then told him the story.
If you want to call this the worst pick ever, the honor has to go to Eagles management for making sure he knew he had been draftted in that new fangled thing called the draft.
Not knocking Berwanger at all. I'm knocking the Eagles for using the NFL's first ever draft pick on a guy who never played for the team...regardless of the reason why.
:D
Quote from: SD_Eagle on April 30, 2006, 11:07:40 AM
(http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/JOENEJALJMOD/gocong_470_060429.jpg)
ha, what a doughboy.
Kevin Allen is the worst Eagles pick ever.
To my knowledge, he's the only player the Eagles drafted who did time in prison for raping someone.
Of course, I could be wrong, though.
This might have been posted somewhere before, but the NFL Radio guys just said the Jets were on the phone with Gocong telling them they wanted him in the 3rd round. Then they traded with the Eagles thinking they could still get him at the 76 pick they were getting from the Eagles. The Eagles then of course took him with the 71 pick they got from the Jets.
FWIW, you've got Mangini from the Pats with the Jets now who wanted Gocong and the Patriots supposedly also wanted Gocong.
Sweet.
I knew that NE wanted him.
But the fact that they stole him from NYJ by tarding with NY is funny
Quote from: PhillyFan on April 30, 2006, 01:17:26 PM
This might have been posted somewhere before, but the NFL Radio guys just said the Jets were on the phone with Gocong telling them they wanted him in the 3rd round. Then they traded with the Eagles thinking they could still get him at the 76 pick they were getting from the Eagles. The Eagles then of course took him with the 71 pick they got from the Jets.
FWIW, you've got Mangini from the Pats with the Jets now who wanted Gocong and the Patriots supposedly also wanted Gocong.
Prior to the draft, Jets tell Gocong they'll take him in the 3rd if he's there (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=uwire-calpolysgocongawaitsnfldra&prov=uwire&type=lgns). Guess we pulled the wool over their eyes, unless the Jets interest was a smoke screen, from that Yahoo article their interest seemed legit.
here's a image of one of his early career games (http://www.cpcgamereviews.com/d/donkey_kong.png)
Quote from: Wingspan on April 30, 2006, 01:24:46 PM
here's a image of one of his early career games (http://www.cpcgamereviews.com/d/donkey_kong.png)
That explains his great barrel-throwing numbers at the combine.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on April 30, 2006, 01:20:44 PM
Prior to the draft, Jets tell Gocong they'll take him in the 3rd if he's there (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=uwire-calpolysgocongawaitsnfldra&prov=uwire&type=lgns). Guess we pulled the wool over their eyes, unless the Jets interest was a smoke screen, from that Yahoo article their interest seemed legit.
Yes, they certainly surprised the Jets with that one. The Jets ended up taking a guy who should have gone a couple of rounds later, IMO, in Schlegel.
they talked about Gocong quite a bit during the televised NFL combine.
Quote from: QB Eagles on April 30, 2006, 01:36:20 PM
Quote from: Wingspan on April 30, 2006, 01:24:46 PM
here's a image of one of his early career games (http://www.cpcgamereviews.com/d/donkey_kong.png)
That explains his great barrel-throwing numbers at the combine.
Which leads us to the conclusion that he could have never played with a little Italian man named Mangini.
Quote from: phattymatty on April 30, 2006, 12:20:57 PM
Quote from: SD_Eagle on April 30, 2006, 11:07:40 AM
(http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/JOENEJALJMOD/gocong_470_060429.jpg)
ha, what a doughboy.
bah! :-D
haha...look at that guy...jesus
i read an interview with him where he says hes a big guitar player...i wonder if he also is into sand art like dhani
classic reid pick where he went for a smart hard working good guy type...biomed engineer and all that ish...which is fine if you wanna do that but dont waste a first day pick on a guy like this...
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 01, 2006, 10:31:06 AM
haha...look at that guy...jesus
i read an interview with him where he says hes a big guitar player...i wonder if he also is into sand art like dhani
classic reid pick where he went for a smart hard working good guy type...biomed engineer and all that ish...which is fine if you wanna do that but dont waste a first day pick on a guy like this...
A guy like what? You are assuming he can't play. Only time will tell I like the fact they finally drafted a LB with some size, if you look at this draft there were very few guys that fit the SAM spot. That is why Heckert said they were looking at guys that played DE in college.
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 01, 2006, 10:31:06 AM
classic reid pick where he went for a smart hard working good guy type...biomed engineer and all that ish...which is fine if you wanna do that but dont waste a first day pick on a guy like this...
The difference is that he's not otherwise unremarkable. He's one of those guys that looks like he's blocked and then all of a sudden releases and shoots off like a rocket toward the ball-carrier. Won't it be nice to eventually have a guy line up at SAM that can actually rush the passer and make plays in the backfield once in a while?
Seriously. Don't say the kid can't play just because he's smart and Asian.
IGY is a racist!
sucky sucky fi dolla
i'm more upset with the fact that he's from d2 & never played sam in college than the fact that he looks like an advanced trig tutor.
Quote from: hunt on May 01, 2006, 10:56:40 AM
i'm more upset with the fact that he's from d2 & never played sam in college than the fact that he looks like an advanced trig tutor.
Division 2? ::)
Seriously. Don't say the kid can't play just because he's smart and Asian.
whats asian have to do with it...im going by reids history and this is a classic pick by him that doesnt work...its matt mccoy....matt ware....billy mcmullen...sean considine...unathletic hard working solid people picks who cant play and were taken to high
he was clearly a second day pick...there were so many better people on the board that could have beentaken there its not funny
so i would say dont call it a good pick just because hes smart and asian
The difference is that at his level, Gocong made a ton of big plays the last two years. A ton.
What did you think of the Westbrook pick in 2002?
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 01, 2006, 11:01:58 AM
Seriously. Don't say the kid can't play just because he's smart and Asian.
whats asian have to do with it...im going by reids history and this is a classic pick by him that doesnt work...its matt mccoy....matt ware....billy mcmullen...sean considine...unathletic hard working solid people picks who cant play and were taken to high
Unathletic? Where's that coming from?
What did you think of the Westbrook pick in 2002?
excellent pick....but again he was an athlete with great skills....no comparison btwn him and these other guys that reid has proven time and time again that more often than not dont work
i have no problem taking people like this...you need hard working special team demons...but you dont need them on the first day
Quote from: Beermonkey on May 01, 2006, 11:05:36 AM
Unathletic? Where's that coming from?
His ass, obviously.
This was right after the combine. Saying Gocong is unathletic and looking at those numbers (three-cone, short shuttle specifically) does not compute. The kid is obviously athletic, if nothing else:
QuoteOne of the great stories of this draft process has been that of Cal-Poly's Chris Gocong. A versatile defensive lineman who played end and tackle in college, Gocong led the Division I-AA ranks with 19 sacks as a senior in 2005. Gocong will obviously be forced to make a huge transition in the NFL. He does not have the size (6-2, 264 pounds) to play inside, but he did show the speed in the 40-yard dash (4.7) and overall athleticism in the vertical jump (38½), broad jump (10-2), three-cone drill (7.03), short shuttle (4.08) and long shuttle (11.35) to be a DE/OLB-type. If nothing else, Gocong should prove to be an effective situational edge rusher in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, which is why I think he's moving up to the early-Day 2 range of this year's draft class.
you think this kid is athletic?...yeah he made plays against pop warner compettion but he has no skill set...he another high motor guy who is smart and will work hard...hes andys 'mormon' pick this year...he will be outclassed at the nfl level...belee dat
QuoteCAL-POLY (SAN LUIS OBISPO): MARCH 13
Only three teams were there -- the Raiders, Bengals and Ravens. The workout was led by Cincinnati linebackers coach Ricky Hunley.
Chris Gocong DL Gocong stood on his performance from the Combine and just did a 42-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-5 long jump, both a little better than he did in Indianapolis. Four different teams will be sending defensive coordinators to work him out in the next month to see if he can switch from defensive lineman to a 3-4 linebacker.
Yeah, obviously unathletic. What's your vertical, IGY? 5.5 inches?
The one main thing most people who have watched this kid play say is that he is extremely athletic.
From NFL.com:
QuoteSUMMARY
Gocong was a frustrating player to grade, because despite his athleticism and flashes of production, he was not a consistent impact player at Cal Poly State. He is definitely a good enough athlete, but he lacks the explosive burst off the ball to be a dangerous edge rusher. Once he gets moving, he shows quickness and can burst underneath the offensive tackle to beat him through the tackle-guard gap, and he has an explosive burst to the quarterback to sack the quarterback. He has the quickness and agility to avoid blockers in space, and he has the playing speed to chase down ball carriers in backside pursuit. He is a smart player, who does not get fooled by mis-direction plays and sniffs out screen passes very well -- and he has the quickness to get outside to break up the pass. He looks much more like a linebacker than a defensive end on film -- he lacks the bulk and strength teams want, and he can be torqued and tossed off his feet way too often at this lower level of football. Overall, teams should be hesitant to draft Gocong before the seventh round, because he is somewhat of a "tweener" and was not a dominant player at a lower level of football. However, he can make it in the NFL as a backup defensive end who contributes in all areas of the game. He would be best-suited to go to a team that plays a 3-4 defense where he could line up as a rush-linebacker -- He could eventually challenge for a starting job if he played in a 3-4 defense. His toughness, competitiveness and athleticism will make him a very good special teams player from Day 1.
STRONG POINTS
Gocong is a good athlete with the quick feet and agility to beat the tackle with a quick spin move back to the inside. He has a good burst off the block and an explosive closing burst to the quarterback -- he does a very good job of running through hits, which helps him make hard hits on the quarterback consistently. He does not hesitate to deliver hard hit to the quarterback right after the ball is thrown. He has experience rushing the passer from a three-point defensive end alignment and from a two-point linebacker stance. He does a good job of maintaining backside contain on plays away from him, and he can disrupt the pass when a quarterback rolls back to the backside that he is protecting. He does a good job of flattening out and chasing down running backs on runs away from him.
so because he ran good in some cones means hes athletic...that combine garbage...the only reason athlete and this kid is mentioned together if because he doesnt have a position so for a DE he might appear to be athletic and because he dominated against scrubs in college...but this guy isnt turning and running with te's and hes not nearly quick enough to get around nfl caliber tackles...hopefully he will be a dominant special teamer
well have to agree to disagree on this one and see what he does in the league
everything i've read says he could be a decent situational pass rusher as a DE or possibly as a 3-4 OLB.
the eagles supposedly drafted him to play sam in a 4-3 system.
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 01, 2006, 11:16:49 AM
so because he ran good in some cones means hes athletic...that combine garbage...the only reason athlete and this kid is mentioned together if because he doesnt have a position so for a DE he might appear to be athletic and because he dominated against scrubs in college...but this guy isnt turning and running with te's and hes not nearly quick enough to get around nfl caliber tackles...hopefully he will be a dominant special teamer
well have to agree to disagree on this one and see what he does in the league
All I'm saying is that you can complain he has no true position or might not pan out, but his athleticism is pretty much the only thing that the pundits unanimously agree he has going for him. Saying he's *unathletic* shows not only that you formed your opinion of him by some sort of uninformed snap judgement, or that you're too pig-headed to change your mind despite obvious proof to the contrary.
we can argue all day about whether he will be a successful pro player but you cant say he was a third rounder
the eagles took him to early.....thats not up for debate
Quote from: FFatPatt on May 01, 2006, 11:19:55 AM
All I'm saying is that you can complain he has no true position or might not pan out, but his athleticism is pretty much the only thing that the pundits unanimously agree he has going for him. Saying he's *unathletic* shows not only that you formed your opinion of him by some sort of uninformed snap judgement, or that you're too pig-headed to change your mind despite obvious proof to the contrary.
ditto.
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 01, 2006, 11:20:01 AM
the eagles took him to early.....thats not up for debate
Wrong again, Mr. Hyperbole. The Jets were going to take him there. If he becomes a good player for the Eagles, then they took him at the exact point they had to. If he sucks, obviously it was too early.
Didn't they take enough guys in this draft with a "high floor" that they're allowed a pick on a guy they feel has a very high ceiling? I think so.
I'm skeptical on this pick too, but have a "wait and see" attitude about it. Seems a bit high to draft someone who they think can be a SAM linebacker. Here's to hoping they look like geniuses for taking the Conger.
but his athleticism is pretty much the only thing that the pundits unanimously agree he has going for him.
and i disagree with them...he might have shown some athleticism at cal poly but that doesnt mean hes an athlete in the nfl...because the eagles took him youre blindly ignoring the criticism of him...
this from one profile...
Despite being a good athlete with very quick feet, he is not an explosive off-the-ball pass rusher, and he will not be able to beat the offensive tackle around the corner consistently in the NFL. He lacks a real variety of pass rush moves.
thats what im talking about...oooh he has quick feet which means hes an nfl athlete...im not buying it...and again you dont take tweeners who 'might' be a situational player in the third round...unless they have just off the charts raw ability...which this guy clearly doesnt
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 01, 2006, 11:01:58 AM
Seriously. Don't say the kid can't play just because he's smart and Asian.
whats asian have to do with it...im going by reids history and this is a classic pick by him that doesnt work...its matt mccoy....matt ware....billy mcmullen...sean considine...unathletic hard working solid people picks who cant play and were taken to high
he was clearly a second day pick...there were so many better people on the board that could have beentaken there its not funny
so i would say dont call it a good pick just because hes smart and asian
Sometimes you makes some pretty foolish, and mostly baseless statements. You haven't seen either of these guys in game situations.
As for Cocong, at the position, who would you say was a better pick that was left? You can pick, DE or OLB.
When a player they take late doesn't meet your "standards", you bash him/them, then when he does well, like Cole last year, you are pretty quiet.
Your nugget of info on the Cole pick last year (from the same kind of thread about Cole):
Quotealtho he will be a real good one...nobody is going to spend a 2 or a 3 on a guy who is a career special teamer
I understand the skepticism with this pick considering our horrid history with drafting LBs and the fact that this guys from a D-2 school. One thing that encouraged me was watching his highlight reel, he has size and a motor, one of the plays he outruns his entire team and RB with the ball to catch the guy from behind, if he doesn't make the tackle the guys in the endzone for a TD.
hey if you think this is a good pick im happy for you...because its almost a perfect draft if you like it...then again i didnt expect any criticism of the draft from people on the board
i would have taken any of the wr's at that point way over this cat
Gocong is CLEARLY an athlete! And CLEARLY a playmaker! His raw ability is way off the charts! The only question with this kid is will it all equate to this level of competion? And no film or mesurements will tell that. Only opertunity!
And at worst you have a kid that flat out can get after the passer. Weater thats from the SAM or DE or the Joker.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on May 01, 2006, 11:32:12 AM
I understand the skepticism with this pick considering our horrid history with drafting LBs and the fact that this guys from a D-2 school.
::)
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 01, 2006, 11:35:34 AM
hey if you think this is a good pick im happy for you...because its almost a perfect draft if you like it...then again i didnt expect any criticism of the draft from people on the board
i would have taken any of the wr's at that point way over this cat
I would have too, I was aboard the Stovall bandwagon. Was I happy with this pick? Nope. It took watching his highlight reel to not bash the pick.
Gocong is CLEARLY an athlete! And CLEARLY a playmaker! His raw ability is way off the charts! The only question with this kid is will it all equate to this level of competion? And no film or mesurements will tell that. Only opertunity!
And at worst you have a kid that flat out can get after the passer. Weater thats from the SAM or DE or the Joker.
best pick evah?
Quote from: xtacy1238 on May 01, 2006, 11:35:57 AM
Gocong is CLEARLY an athlete! And CLEARLY a playmaker! His raw ability is way off the charts! The only question with this kid is will it all equate to this level of competion? And no film or mesurements will tell that. Only opertunity!
And at worst you have a kid that flat out can get after the passer. Weater thats from the SAM or DE or the Joker.
My eyes!
(http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/mspot/tbs/storygraphics/man.gif)
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 01, 2006, 11:28:10 AM
but his athleticism is pretty much the only thing that the pundits unanimously agree he has going for him.
and i disagree with them...he might have shown some athleticism at cal poly but that doesnt mean hes an athlete in the nfl...because the eagles took him youre blindly ignoring the criticism of him...
this from one profile...
Despite being a good athlete with very quick feet, he is not an explosive off-the-ball pass rusher, and he will not be able to beat the offensive tackle around the corner consistently in the NFL. He lacks a real variety of pass rush moves.
thats what im talking about...oooh he has quick feet which means hes an nfl athlete...im not buying it...and again you dont take tweeners who 'might' be a situational player in the third round...unless they have just off the charts raw ability...which this guy clearly doesnt
Aren't you the guy who was arguing "too high" or "too low" was meaningless Kiper speak? That if you see a guy who can help you it doesn't matter where they're drafted. Sniff, sniff, what's that stench - oh, yeah, hypocrisy.
I know nothing of this guy (hell, I don't know much about Bunkley, except he played at FSU). But you're saying he's a bust is as ridiculous as anyone saying he's the next Lawrence Taylor. Athleticism aside, he's potential only until he shows it on game day.
Gocong is from a Division 1-AA school, NOT a D2 school.
Hence the ::)
Aren't you the guy who was arguing "too high" or "too low" was meaningless Kiper speak? That if you see a guy who can help you it doesn't matter where they're drafted. Sniff, sniff, what's that stench - oh, yeah, hypocrisy.
no i said the term reach should be banned...there is no such thing...there are good picks and bad picks...this was a bad pick
Quote from: PhillyGirl on May 01, 2006, 11:45:22 AM
Gocong is from a Division 1-AA school, NOT a D2 school.
Hence the ::)
Its all gravy since it's not a D-1 school
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 01, 2006, 11:49:16 AM
Aren't you the guy who was arguing "too high" or "too low" was meaningless Kiper speak? That if you see a guy who can help you it doesn't matter where they're drafted. Sniff, sniff, what's that stench - oh, yeah, hypocrisy.
no i said the term reach should be banned...there is no such thing...there are good picks and bad picks...this was a bad pick
Dude, it's much too early to tell. Much. Just like saying he'll supplant Jones. We'll see in September.
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 01, 2006, 11:35:34 AM
then again i didnt expect any criticism of the draft from people on the board
I think the Gocong pick is definitely a risk/reward pick, as is the Justice pick in its own way. I think the Eagles did a nice job of mixing up "project" guys, who they hope will be big-time players for them down the road and "high-floor" guys who can come in right away and make some plays.
You probably barely remember this, but the opinions of Westbrook were similar to Gocong... meaning that most scouts/pundits hadn't seen nearly enough of him and certainly not against "top" competition. So, many had him as a late-round/UDFA, and many had him as a sleeper first-day pick.
I didn't like either of the Eagles last two picks, if you want criticism.
its to early to tell on any of these players.....but prejudging them is what the draft is all about...i find it funny that its ok to prejudge if you have a good opinion of an eagle pick but if you dont like a pick then youre insane and making judgements waaaay to early
Your basing your dislike of him on what exactly?
Was he a bad pick because he played at a D1-AA school? Was he a bad pick because he played against inferior opponents? Was he a bad pick because he absolutely dominated at the level he played at? Is it the high motor, the athleticism... what is it about him that makes him an "awful" pick in your eyes?
Or is it something else, IGY? If you wanted someone else at that pick, then say so. Criticism is fine when it's warranted but yours is baseless and unsupportable in this instance and you're not providing anyone with a logical counter-argument.
As I said above, I know nothing of any of these guys. I only watch pro football. The only guy drafted I know anything about is the goofy dude from the UConn BB team, and I only know his BB skills.
But the prevailing opinion among draft pundits was that Bunkley, Justice and Jean-Gilles were potentially 1st round talent. We got the latter two in later rounds, and had to trade very little to do it. Even with my limited knowledge of these players, that sure sniffs of a successful draft. And even after 6-10, I'm willing to give the FO the benefit of the doubt on Gocong. All the talk the week up to the draft was how were we going to convert one of these WILs to SAM? The FO chose to do it with a DE.
Your basing your dislike of him on what exactly?
andy has a history of like picks in that area of the draft that have been bad
the kid has question marks all over him
he played against inferior competition
there were much better picks to be made at that point
he would have been around in the 4th
people say all the time that they dont want andy taking a wr high because he isnt successful in taking them....same with linebackers...and people say that BEFORE the draft...but yet i cant have my opinion on this guy after hes picked?
saying a pick is bad BEFORE its made = ok
saying a pick is bad after its made = insane
saying a pick is good after its made = smart
i get it
Thanks for not answering my questions.
I'm simply trying to engage you in discussion here. Is that possible?
not only did i answer them but ive clearly stated why he was a bad pick numerous times in the rest of the thread...so really what it comes down to is you dont like my answers...and even more than that you cant handle anyone saying anything remotely critical of the eagles and the gawd andy
the fact that i give them a b+ doesnt matter because theres one pick i didnt like....some of you homers are downright scary
I'm in no way comparing Gocong's skills to any of these following players, but converting a DE to LB is by no means an unusual process as some may indicate.
Of the top of my head, here's some that have made the transition:
Teddy Bruschi
DeMarcus Ware
Shawne Merriman
Terrell Suggs
Jason Babin
It's useless even trying to converse with you, IGY.
I simply wanted you to answer my questions regarding Gocong directly, and instead, you took it as an opportunity to call me a homer and insult me.
Whatever.
i thought you were proud to be a homer...how is that an insult...youre one of the great ones
anyway youre king of the insults...if i searched words like a-hole moron dope ect and your screenname the server would crash thered be so many results...not that i care what you call me but its funny you considering homer to be an insult
Quote from: Beermonkey on May 01, 2006, 12:33:42 PM
I'm in no way comparing Gocong's skills to any of these following players, but converting a DE to LB is by no means an unusual process as some may indicate.
Of the top of my head, here's some that have made the transition:
Teddy Bruschi
DeMarcus Ware
Shawne Merriman
Terrell Suggs
Jason Babin
I see your argument, but how many of those players made the transition to be a 4-3 linebacker?
IGY... I admit that in the past I've gotten into it with you without cause.
I was attempting to change my tack with you and engage you in a topical discussion where you can present your argument and I can present mine.
I was wrong. My efforts in this regard are useless. Unless people are in agreement with you, you really have no interest in discussing anything.
Like I said earlier... whatever.
Quote from: Mad-Lad on May 01, 2006, 12:40:32 PM
Quote from: Beermonkey on May 01, 2006, 12:33:42 PM
I'm in no way comparing Gocong's skills to any of these following players, but converting a DE to LB is by no means an unusual process as some may indicate.
Of the top of my head, here's some that have made the transition:
Teddy Bruschi
DeMarcus Ware
Shawne Merriman
Terrell Suggs
Jason Babin
I see your argument, but how many of those players made the transition to be a 4-3 linebacker?
Good question, I don't know & will leave that up others who follow other teams more than me. The point I really was trying to make was that it's not like attempting to convert a tackle to wide receiver like some people on other boards make it seem.
i dont know what else you want me to say...ive stated my feelings on why i didnt like the pick...numerous times...you dont agree with it...thats fine...but i dont understand why you keep saying i wont have a discussion on it...its all ive done today
I think the issue is tone, IGY. Most people here are saying they really like the pick, and are excited about it. Not that it IS a good pick, but they think/hope it is.
You are saying, emphatically, I might add, that it IS a bad pick. That there is absolutely no hope of Gocong EVER being anything other than a situational player and special teamer. That absolute is what people are objecting to, not the opinion that he might not work out.
We can argue about the small school shtein and we can argue about the history of LBs drafted here and we can argue about everything related to this pick.
But the facts are this:
1. The general consensus here was that they needed playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, right? Well Gocong can be a playmaker. he has shown he can make plays. Yeah it was against the lower competition but you can't teach instinct. And he has a knack for getting to the QB and the football.
2. Stop with the "it was too early" stuff. It was known this weekend that not only did the Jets want him (they thought they could trade back from 71 to 76 and get him) but the Patriots did too. Not to mention most of the draftniks out there said he was a 2-4th round guy.
3. And let's assume that he fails as a true SAM because his coverage is not good or whatever. But let's say that he still gets to the QB and gets sacks and pressure. Is it so bad to have a guy who can get to the QB? Especially in this defense where playmakers was sorely needed. But the Eagles scouts and even Jim Johnson think that he can play the LB position.
regardless that mine may be stronger than most doesnt change the fact that this is still all opinion...if yous would remember that perhaps you wouldnt get quite as upset...tho i still think if the opinion were flipped the other way thered be no complaints
ive said trent cole would lead the nfl in sacks one day...and there isnt a peep out of anyone i regards to my tone or strength of opinion
Never saw that (well, don't remember seeing that). And I'm not the one who's upset. I just think it's a little early (they haven't even been in minicamp yet) to determine with definitiveness that he's a boon or a bust. The film looks nice, let him prove it and judge later.
This type of pick is always hard to get a handle on. It is a riskier type of pick. Being that it is a third round pick who really cares if it does or doesn't work out. You have to take risks occasionally. When they work out great! We get a Brian Westbrook. A third round pick will never be as big a failure as a Mike Mamula for example.
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 01, 2006, 01:13:16 PM
ive said trent cole would lead the nfl in sacks one day...and there isnt a peep out of anyone i regards to my tone or strength of opinion
All I've said to that is that I hope you're right.
If Gocong can come in here and bring pressure off the edge as a situational OLB, I think we'll all be more than happy. Hopefully in a few years he can develop into a starting SAM or even MIKE.... However, I see him as a guy that can possibly make a contribution right away as a situtational player.
Burger King giving his love to Gocong on WIP.
Just reemed callers and told everyone to get off the Stovall bandwagon.
My buddy is a HUGE Patriot fan. Been to every Pats Super Bowl - yes from Hawaii. He said Pats were all over Gocong in the third or fourth.
I heard that's why they let McGinest go... because they thought Gocong could come in year 1 and take over.
I'm lying, yes.
Quote from: FFatPatt on May 01, 2006, 03:54:52 PM
I heard that's why they let McGinest go... because they thought Gocong could come in year 1 and take over.
I'm lying, yes.
Hey, c'mon man. I started that rumor! ::)
How's the weather out in Hawai'i today, Don? Cold, rainy & zesty, I'll bet.
;)
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on May 01, 2006, 04:08:54 PM
How's the weather out in Hawai'i today, Don? Cold, rainy & zesty, I'll bet.
;)
Pretty zesty.
(http://f.screensavers.com/OMS/img/100/hawaiiantropicgirl_215.gif)
Andy on WIP says Gocong has a good chance to be the starter at the SAM spot once the season opens. You paying attention, D'hani?
Schein and Cross on NFL radio just said they thought Gocong would be this years Tatopu. That's pretty high praise.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on May 01, 2006, 05:55:17 PM
Andy on WIP says Gocong has a good chance to be the starter at the SAM spot once the season opens. You paying attention, D'hani?
Too busy playing his air guitar.
i think the real question we need to ask our selves is, can he really be that much worse then dhani? doubtful. so they took a chance in the 3rd round.. big deal. they got two solid WR's after him who won't sniff much playing time this year anyway. what else would they have taken? rb? hahah. fb? hahaha. maybe some depth at cb? .. maybe. not much else really comes to mind. special teams were horrid last year and he'll contribute to that ASAP, and possibly at SAM this year. LB was one of the big needs, now they have Mccoy and Cogong or whatever his name is to check out this year. the LB class wasn't one of the bigger ones this year thats for sure.
Dhani sucks really bad. I can't see how Andy keeps him around if they think Go-go-cong can start.
I think the more likely scenario is that another veteran will be brought in to help until he is ready to start. I don't see Dhani starting under any circumstances though.
I can appreciate wiggy's argument to a degree. I'm not sympathetic to "worst pick ever,' per se. But I can see how someone could see the pick that way.
I've read up on him since the draft, and I can't say I'm in love with the pick given what else was available. But whatever. What do I know?
Still, I'm in the "I'll wait and see" camp. Not the "I can't wait to see" camp.
Quote from: Diomedes on May 01, 2006, 09:25:31 PM
I can appreciate wiggy's argument to a degree. I'm not sympathetic to "worst pick ever,' per se. But I can see how someone could see the pick that way.
I've read up on him since the draft, and I can't say I'm in love with the pick given what else was available. But whatever. What do I know?
Still, I'm in the "I'll wait and see" camp. Not the "I can't wait to see" camp.
I wasn't thrilled with the pick until I knew they were going to make him a SAM LB. The last 2 years with an undersized douchebag at SAM really have made long for the days of Emmons. I think this guy is definately a different player than Emmons, but he could offer more in the long run.
Chris' Myspace (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=46888423)
Her name is Mandy
Yeah, I went back there today and he removed the picture I posted from there before.
Quote from: BigEd76 on May 01, 2006, 10:23:37 PM
Chris' Myspace (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=46888423)
Her name is Mandy
I just added him as friends, lets see if he accepts me.
Quote from: BigEd76 on May 01, 2006, 10:23:37 PM
Chris' Myspace (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=46888423)
on people he'd like to meet, Gocong says:
QuotePres. Bush so I could say "Great job Mr. President....Che Guevara because I see all these t-shirts and don't know who he is"
Too funny.
I like his taste in music. Well the first half of it anyway.
Lamb of God, Slayer, Opeth, Hatebreed... Gocong and I would get along just fine.
Quote from: Diomedes on May 01, 2006, 10:28:48 PM
Quote from: BigEd76 on May 01, 2006, 10:23:37 PM
Chris' Myspace (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=46888423)
on people he'd like to meet, Gocong says:
QuotePres. Bush so I could say "Great job Mr. President....Che Guevara because I see all these t-shirts and don't know who he is"
Too funny.
I saw that and was about to post something about it. Good thing I checked to see if someone else beat me to it. I can only hope he's being sarcastic.
Quote from: MURP on May 01, 2006, 11:25:42 PM
Lamb of God, Slayer, Opeth, Hatebreed
Yeah, this guy is the "Mormon" pick alright.
This made me laugh:
QuoteJets | Team might have traded away Gocong
Tue, 2 May 2006 11:55:16 -0700
Randy Lange, of the Bergen Record, reports the New York Jets might have committed a gaffe when they traded their No. 71 overall draft selection to the Philadelphia Eagles for their No. 76 selection and a seventh-rounder. The Eagles picked DL Chris Gocong with the selection, after showing no pre-draft interest in him. The Jets had visited with the swift defensive end and might have been considering picking him. Gocong said, "I was talking to my agent and we actually expected the Jets to draft us with the 71st pick, but we didn't really know if it was going to happen."
Pres. Bush so I could say "Great job Mr. President
this pick just got a whole lot worse
I wasn't thrilled with the pick until I knew they were going to make him a SAM LB
why does this make the pick more enticing...just because the sand artist sucks?...or because andy and heckert say he can play SAM....if andy can turn a 265 lb div 1-aa DE into an nfl SAM in one training camp then he really might be god...however ill believe it when i see....
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 02, 2006, 08:33:19 PM
Pres. Bush so I could say "Great job Mr. President
this pick just got a whole lot worse
You're assuming he's not kidding.
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 02, 2006, 08:33:19 PM
Pres. Bush so I could say "Great job Mr. President
this pick just got a whole lot worse
I wasn't thrilled with the pick until I knew they were going to make him a SAM LB
why does this make the pick more enticing...just because the sand artist sucks?...or because andy and heckert say he can play SAM....if andy can turn a 265 lb div 1-aa DE into an nfl SAM in one training camp then he really might be god...however ill believe it when i see....
Well because they are in desperate need of an upgrade at the SAM position. I don't think he will be made into an LB in one TC, I am not going to kid myself into thinking otherwise. That being said if he can offer help on special teams and help out in pass rushing situations this year they did very well for themselves considering he is a third round pick.
Would have I liked to see them take Stovall sure, but to think any rookie WR is going to make a huge impact on offense is not realistic. He would have been a situational player much like Gocong probably will be.
Quote from: FFatPatt on May 02, 2006, 08:37:01 PM
You're assuming he's not kidding.
I am. It's a safer assumption than yours, which is that he's intelligent enough to be sardonic. Moreover, given the context of the rest of the site, I stand by that assumption. The fact that this guy still has a myspace account at all supports the argument that he's small time. He's in the NFL, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, and he's keeping a myspace account, updated with actual personal information. He's out of touch plenty enough to support Bush.
Quote from: Diomedes on May 02, 2006, 08:50:30 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on May 02, 2006, 08:37:01 PM
You're assuming he's not kidding.
I am. It's a safer assumption than yours, which is that he's intelligent enough to be sardonic. Moreover, given the context of the rest of the site, I stand by that assumption. The fact that this guy still has a myspace account at all supports the argument that he's small time. He's in the NFL, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, and he's keeping a myspace account, updated with actual personal information. He's out of touch plenty enough to support Bush.
Do you really care what his politics are if he is a good player? Because to me it doesn't matter, everybody in this country is entitled to their opinion.
Do you really care what his politics are if he is a good player?
i care because im naive and still believe theres more to your favorite team than the play on the field...i want them to be likeable as well as win...was it fun rooting for TO?
The fact that this guy still has a myspace account at all supports the argument that he's small time. He's in the NFL, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, and he's keeping a myspace account, updated with actual personal information..
im hoping hes a mindless lemming....thats where ill give him the benefit of the doubt...that hes supporting the president because its the president
which is the better scenario vs him being some sort of fundementalist right winger
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 02, 2006, 09:00:10 PM
Do you really care what his politics are if he is a good player?
i care because im naive and still believe theres more to your favorite team than the play on the field...i want them to be likeable as well as win...was it fun rooting for TO?
Because a guy suports President Bush he can't be likeable? Comparing that to the TO situation is a bit of a stretch wouldn't you say?
I know someone who is the exact same way. He said he could never date a republican. Even if she isn't exteme. He also can't root for someone who is a republican.
All it says to me is there is a screw loose somewhere.
Quote from: Philly Forever on May 02, 2006, 09:35:34 PM
I know someone who is the exact same way. He said he could never date a republican. Even if she isn't exteme. He also can't root for someone who is a republican.
All it says to me is there is a screw loose somewhere.
With someone who is a repubican or your friend?
Friend.
First, he's free to like Bush. I want him to play football. It's his business who he supports, and I really don't care.
Second, Bush is an idiot, a horrible human being, and hands down the worst president this country has yet had.
Third, I'd like Philadelphia Eagle players to focus. Myspace accounts with personal information, political references, and other stupid crap is small time. It's your right as a citizen, but it's about as smart as hanging out at night clubs at three a.m. Just don't do it. Get your shtein together and act like a grown up.
Quote from: Diomedes on May 02, 2006, 09:42:10 PM
First, he's free to like Bush. I want him to play football. It's his business who he supports, and I really don't care.
Second, Bush is an idiot, a horrible human being, and hands down the worst president this country has yet had.
Third, I'd like Philadelphia Eagle players to focus. Myspace accounts with personal information, political references, and other stupid crap is small time. It's your right as a citizen, but it's about as smart as hanging out at night clubs at three a.m. Just don't do it. Get your shtein together and act like a grown up.
FWIW he deleted his Myspace account.
Atta boy! He's wising up.
Quote from: Diomedes on May 02, 2006, 09:42:10 PM
First, he's free to like Bush. I want him to play football. It's his business who he supports, and I really don't care.
Second, Bush is an idiot, a horrible human being, and hands down the worst president this country has yet had.
Third, I'd like Philadelphia Eagle players to focus. Myspace accounts with personal information, political references, and other stupid crap is small time. It's your right as a citizen, but it's about as smart as hanging out at night clubs at three a.m. Just don't do it. Get your shtein together and act like a grown up.
I agree, It just sounded to me as if you were down on him for supporting the current President.
One thing is clear. We're off topic. Let's see what the kid does.
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 02, 2006, 09:00:10 PM
Do you really care what his politics are if he is a good player?
i care because im naive and still believe theres more to your favorite team than the play on the field...i want them to be likeable as well as win...was it fun rooting for TO?
The fact that this guy still has a myspace account at all supports the argument that he's small time. He's in the NFL, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, and he's keeping a myspace account, updated with actual personal information..
im hoping hes a mindless lemming....thats where ill give him the benefit of the doubt...that hes supporting the president because its the president
which is the better scenario vs him being some sort of fundementalist right winger
1. That seems like a knee-jerk reaction to me. Disagreeing with your political view somehow makes him "less likeable?"
2. Remember- he's a kid. He's what, 22? My views are markedly different at 35 than they were at 22.
Quote from: Diomedes on May 02, 2006, 09:42:10 PM
First, he's free to like Bush. I want him to play football. It's his business who he supports, and I really don't care.
Second, Bush is an idiot, a horrible human being, and hands down the worst president this country has yet had.
Third, I'd like Philadelphia Eagle players to focus. Myspace accounts with personal information, political references, and other stupid crap is small time. It's your right as a citizen, but it's about as smart as hanging out at night clubs at three a.m. Just don't do it. Get your shtein together and act like a grown up.
Is it possible that it was never really his account in the first place. I ask this never having actually seen it, so it's an honest question.
Quote from: Diomedes on May 02, 2006, 10:25:32 PM
One thing is clear. We're off topic. Let's see what the kid does.
Agreed.
Quote from: Diomedes on May 02, 2006, 09:42:10 PM
Second, Bush is an idiot, a horrible human being, and hands down the worst president this country has yet had.
Speaking of lemmings.
Quote from: Geowhizzer on May 02, 2006, 10:33:13 PM
Is it possible that it was never really his account in the first place. I ask this never having actually seen it, so it's an honest question.
It was his, I read some of his comments and they were all from his college buddies and friends congratulating him on being drafted.
Interesting pick. Ourlad's mentioned that the numbers he put in college against that competition are comparable to what John Randle did at Texas A&I. I am concerned about moving to outside linebacker, though, simply because they've tried to move players to other positions before (Mark Simoneau, Dhani Jones) and ended up having to bring old players back (Jeremiah Trotter, Shawn Barber). I hope this one works out, but I am sceptical.
QuoteJets | Team might have traded away Gocong
Tue, 2 May 2006 11:55:16 -0700
Randy Lange, of the Bergen Record, reports the New York Jets might have committed a gaffe when they traded their No. 71 overall draft selection to the Philadelphia Eagles for their No. 76 selection and a seventh-rounder. The Eagles picked DL Chris Gocong with the selection, after showing no pre-draft interest in him. The Jets had visited with the swift defensive end and might have been considering picking him. Gocong said, "I was talking to my agent and we actually expected the Jets to draft us with the 71st pick, but we didn't really know if it was going to happen."
Quote from: SD_Eagle on May 02, 2006, 08:10:26 PM
This made me laugh:
QuoteJets | Team might have traded away Gocong
Tue, 2 May 2006 11:55:16 -0700
Randy Lange, of the Bergen Record, reports the New York Jets might have committed a gaffe when they traded their No. 71 overall draft selection to the Philadelphia Eagles for their No. 76 selection and a seventh-rounder. The Eagles picked DL Chris Gocong with the selection, after showing no pre-draft interest in him. The Jets had visited with the swift defensive end and might have been considering picking him. Gocong said, "I was talking to my agent and we actually expected the Jets to draft us with the 71st pick, but we didn't really know if it was going to happen."
Quote from: MURP on May 03, 2006, 12:38:59 PM
QuoteJets | Team might have traded away Gocong
Tue, 2 May 2006 11:55:16 -0700
Randy Lange, of the Bergen Record, reports the New York Jets might have committed a gaffe when they traded their No. 71 overall draft selection to the Philadelphia Eagles for their No. 76 selection and a seventh-rounder. The Eagles picked DL Chris Gocong with the selection, after showing no pre-draft interest in him. The Jets had visited with the swift defensive end and might have been considering picking him. Gocong said, "I was talking to my agent and we actually expected the Jets to draft us with the 71st pick, but we didn't really know if it was going to happen."
:)
Eric Mangini can sit on it and twirl. Oh!
whats even funnier is that they used the pick they traded for on one of the worst players in the draft
Every time Schlegel is in the game (if he ever sees the field), the other team will audible to pass. Easy.
me ruv you rong time
Racist!
link (http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/Fan+Zone/PFW+Blogs/Around+the+NFL/2006/030106.htm)
QuoteDraft Q&A: Chris Gocong
Today's draft Q&A is with Cal Poly DE-OLB Chris Gocong, who was the runner-up behind former teammate Jordan Beck in 2004 for the Buck Buchanan Award, given annually to the best defensive player in Division I-AA, before winning the award this past season when he notched 19 sacks. Gocong put on a strong display of athleticism and intelligence at the Combine last month. Not only did he show off his 38.5-inch vertical leap and run a sub-4.8 40, but he also scored a 36 on the Wonderlic — one of the highest scores this year. No wonder. The kid is a biomedical engineering major at one of the best schools in the country. We talked to him about music, San Luis Obispo and what normal biomedical engineering majors do when they aren't preparing for the NFL draft.
What's your daily routine like these days?
CG: Basically, I go to class — 12 units, three classes — and then work out, and if I have a workout (for an NFL team) scheduled, I'll go do that. And basically, I do that and homework and that's about it.
How hectic has it been with all the workouts and the Combine and all the non-school stuff?
CG: Yeah, it has been pretty tough during school and getting ready for the draft at the same time. My teachers are pretty understanding of my situation.
That was my next question. It has to be a little rare at Cal Poly for a student to go through this routine.
CG: Especially an engineering major. The teachers are all about school. It's tough in that I'll miss a week, and a (missing a) week of engineering classes puts you way behind.
That would have been like me missing a semester of English classes when I went to school. Now you were a Biomedical–engineering major at Cal Poly. What the heck do biomedical-engineering majors study? And more appropriately, what do they do when they graduate normally?
CG: I don't know, I'd probably go work for a company like Stryker. They make like pacemaker leads and implants and stuff like that.
Are you also prepared for a career outside of football just in case the worst-case scenario happens? Are you interviewing with other employers outside the NFL?
CG: No, I am not. I'm totally focused on the NFL. (Engineering) is a great backup plan to have.
Are your parents nudging you at all to be prepared in case things don't work out? How is their role in this whole thing?
CG: I went to Cal Poly for the engineering, and I played football just because I loved to play football. I got to play there and do engineering, and it's a great program. So once I realized I could go on, I could play football, it kind of became ... [long pause] school kind of came second to my workouts, mostly the last quarter. My working out was more important than — doing well at the Combine was more important than doing well in classes that I could retake.
And I promise I won't be sending this to any of your professors ...
CG: [laughs] Yeah, I hope not!
So you said you went to school for engineering and not for football, but clearly you could play a little. How big were you coming out of high school?
CG: I played quarterback and linebacker (in high school). I was probably 6-2 and 230, maybe 225 coming in.
Did you make any of those fancy blue-chip recruiting lists?
CG: No, no.
When did you realistically know you had a chance to play pro ball?
CG: I think that once Jordan (Beck, Cal Poly teammate and third-round pick of the Falcons last year) was drafted, that was the for-sure thing, like, 'Wow, it could be a reality.' And I still had to keep it on the backburner last season, because you don't want to be playing college football thinking about the NFL the whole time, 'Oh, I hope I don't get hurt.' So I just kind of kept it in the back of my mind. And now that my college career is over, I've been focusing on it.
And you stood out at the East-West game. It had to feel good that you fit right in there, as well as the Combine.
CG: I talked to Jordan, and he kind of told me how he experienced it. At first he wasn't sure of himself, that he could play with those guys. And once he started getting into it, it doesn't matter where you're from. You're just playing football. I kind of expected that, and the same thing happened. I started playing, and it felt good. And I came out feeling confident, and I feel that I proved I can play (with players) from bigger-name schools.
And what was the biggest difference? The size of the players? The speed?
CG: I think the biggest difference is the height, just the overall size. The bigger guys are lighter on their feet.
Height and reach, right?
CG: Right. Reach makes a big difference.
As a sophomore, you were playing nose tackle at 235 pounds. What did that teach you about leverage and technique? You had to be pretty precise or you were going to get eaten up, no?
CG: I played nose my redshirt sophomore year. I was about 230, 240. It was one of those things where I would hit my guy and knock him off, but there was no way I could win a pushing contest — there was sometimes a 100-pound difference. I would hit him, do what I am supposed to do and then just get to the ball.
How did that experience help you playing outside?
CG: Yeah, I think it definitely made me a little more rough around the edges. I wasn't — I would be less ... I don't know how to say it. I don't mind going up against a guy who is 70 pounds more than me now. Or take a double team or whatever.
Did you stand up at all in college or did you mostly play down?
CG: I actually played half and half, depending on down and distance, so I would be in a two-point (stance) if we thought it was going to be a run.
It has to at least be flattering that NFL teams were so impressed with your athleticism so far that they want to see you as a linebacker. Do you have a preference?
CG: First of all, it's great to be looked at and to have teams look at me and say, 'OK, he can play this, maybe he can play that.' I think that in my past experience, working at inside 'backer and moving to end, I kind of didn't know how I was going to do at that. But once I started working there, I really started doing well. I think it would be a little bit of a transition (to be a 3-4 outside 'backer), learning some new things, coming from defensive end. But I am confident I can handle those things, drop into coverage, things like that.
What teams do you think have showed the most interest in you so far?
CG: I had my workouts, four over the past week and a half. They were with the Falcons, Patriots, Cowboys and Jaguars.
And what about at the Combine? What teams did you talk to there?
CG: I had, I think, nine interviews. It was really cool to be there, talking to guys like Tony Dungy. You see him all the time on the TV, and he's right there. And he knows my name. That was fun. Most of those (interviews) were getting-to-you things, seeing how I fit in with them personality-wise. My last one, with the Jaguars, that was more breaking film down and talking defenses. They and the Patriots, I would say, have shown the most interest, but who knows?
OK, trivia time. As the Buck Buchanan Award winner this season, do you know who were the last three winners before you?
CG: Uh, Jordan, Jared Allen and ...
Hint: All three are in the NFL today.
CG: I am not sure of the last one.
Rashean Mathis.
CG: Oh really? OK, I didn't know that.
Well, Beck was too easy anyway — he was your teammate. So tell me about this band you are in.
CG: Yeah. We just play every now and then. Lately, we haven't been able to play that much. I have been a little too busy with workouts and such. Actually, our guitarist just cut his finger open.
Ouch! Is he on the team too?
CG: No. But actually, our singer is Kyle Shotwell, and he's our middle linebacker too.
What do you play?
CG: I play bass.
What kind of music is it? What are your influences?
CG: It's kind of bluesy. I would say mostly blues.
Any cover songs? Or mostly original?
CG: No, all original. We like to go in and mess around.
So you have three potential careers now: football, music and biomedical engineering. Last question: What's the best thing about San Luis Obispo?
CG: Oh, man, I don't know ...
Good food? Music? Beaches? The girls?
CG: I would say the best thing about the town is the overall atmosphere. It's not a small town, but it has a small-town atmosphere. Laid back. The city really supports its athletics, and it's a great place to be.
Tomorrow we'll chat with Miami (Ohio) CB Darrell Hunter, sometimes referred to as the "Deion Sanders of the MAC." Wonder why?
QuoteAnd you stood out at the East-West game. It had to feel good that you fit right in there, as well as the Combine.
CG: I talked to Jordan, and he kind of told me how he experienced it. At first he wasn't sure of himself, that he could play with those guys. And once he started getting into it, it doesn't matter where you're from. You're just playing football. I kind of expected that, and the same thing happened. I started playing, and it felt good. And I came out feeling confident, and I feel that I proved I can play (with players) from bigger-name schools.
Coming from a small school that's the best attitude to have.
He played QB in high school, which means he's more experienced at that than at LB.
Quote from: FFatPatt on May 05, 2006, 12:19:32 PM
He played QB in high school, which means he's more experienced at that than at LB.
QuoteCG: I played quarterback and linebacker (in high school).
he played nose tackle as well
all this combined should translate into him being one hell of a special teamer in the nfl
He's the Chuck Norris of the NFL.
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 05, 2006, 12:53:07 PM
he played nose tackle as well
all this combined should translate into him being one hell of a special teamer in the nfl
Not a LB though?
plus if the linc's sound system conks out again, he can go fix it :yay
Not a LB though?
hmmm?
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 05, 2006, 02:07:15 PM
Not a LB though?
hmmm?
I was probably reading too much beyond your sentence. I assumed you were referring to him panning out as nothing more than a special teamer. I know you love the pick, so I was probably premature. ;)
Quote from: Beermonkey on May 05, 2006, 02:20:15 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on May 05, 2006, 02:07:15 PM
Not a LB though?
hmmm?
I was probably reading too much beyond your sentence. I assumed you were referring to him panning out as nothing more than a special teamer. I know you love the pick, so I was probably premature. ;)
IGY is a front office apologist. In his eyes, they can do no wrong.
Gocong signed....another 4-yr deal
Down to 3 picks left (Bunkley, Justice, Avant)