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Percy Harvin Wins Rookie Award

Photo – Percy Harvin - Vikings

The Vikings first year receiver Percy Harvin was named the NFL Rookie of the Year this week after an outstanding '09 season. Harvin was selected in the 1st round last April by the Vikings and has become a key weapon in their explosive offense.

Harvin was among five nominees, including Texans LBers Brian Cushing and Packers Clay Matthews and Ravens OT Michael Oher and Bills S Jairus Byrd.

Harvin set a Vikings record with 2,081 combined yards during the 2009 season that was the second overall production in the NFC. He had two kickoff returns for a touchdown, including a 101-yarder, and ranked fourth in the NFL with a 27.5-yard kickoff return average (42 returns for 1,156 yards). In 15 games, Harvin had 60 receptions for 790 yards and 6 TDs and 135 rushing yards on 15 attempts.

Harvin, who attended the University of Florida, was nominated for seven Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week awards, winning twice.

Scouting Report on Percy Harvin last March in DraftInsiders.com Yearbook prior to being selected in 1st round by Vikings

* Percy Harvin #1 - 5’11” 190 lbs. - Florida - Sp. 4.40 / Rating 90
Hindu Theory - Steve Smith (Carolina)
Electrifying all-purpose junior playmaker has been one of the most explosive performers from the college ranks to enter the NFL early in recent years. Percy is a fast receiver/return specialist who shows explosiveness quickness after he gets his hands on the ball whether as a runner, receiver or a return specialist. He is a premier playmaker who has been instrumental in the Florida national title victories. Despite some concerns about size, he is a tough athlete who is well built, though he has only marginal NFL measureables for the position. He is a highly developed athlete as both a receiver and returner. He is both fast and quick with the explosive burst to separate easily and dangerous to score from any on the field. As a receiver, he possesses fine hands with the separation speed to get deep and hit the home run regularly. He also has outstanding openfield running skills after he gets his hands on the ball to create special problems for a defense. He has the components to become an NFL star - speed, quickness, hands, great vision and the natural running skills to strike from anywhere. After helping the Gators win another national title, he declared for the NFL Draft ’09. He has elite speed to get deep and hit the home run and displayed this consistently over his career. He has the top burst of speed to separate and get past cover men in the deep game to hit the big play. At the line, he needs to show he can beat the bump and run vs NFL caliber defenders after rarely facing that technique in college. His ability to handle the physicality of the NFL game is a major concern despite his big play ability at a very high level in the SEC. Once into his patterns, he can take the short hitch pass and create room to break a big play. His excellent running skills after the catch will warrant a very early selection and probably in the mid first round area. He is especially dangerous on the shorter routes to take the play the distance and is ideally suited for the West Coast offenses. His ability to find the end zone and natural running ability will make him a top commodity in April with every club looking for playmakers. He has fine hands and shows the ability to run sound routes and create separation consistently. He must prove he has the ability to stay on his routes and go over the middle in the NFL game. On the deep pass, he has developed good instincts tracking and the body control and hands to make the big play. He shows the ability to track the deep ball with the savvy to be in position to make the big catch. He is well developed as a route runner and recognizes coverage quickly with the ability to adjust and help his passer. His speed off the line puts him in a position to eat up a corners cushion when he comes off the line clean. Once into his route, he retains his top speed very well at the breakpoint and creates consistent separation. He has sudden speed and is very quick into his routes and cuts with the ability to create space in patterns. He needs some strength development to battle the jam and fight through being pushed off his routes. As a collegian, he was rarely tested with the bump and run and must prove he can beat that technique to become a starting NFL receiver.
The Numbers: As a junior, he started 11 of 12 games and caught 40 passes for 644 yards and 7 TDs for an 16.1. yard average per catch that earned him SEC honors. As a sophomore, he started 10 of 11 games and caught 59 passes for 858 yards, a 14.5 yard average per catch. As a freshman, he started 5 of 13 games and caught 34 passes for 427 yards and 2 TDs for a 12.6 yard average. At the NFL Combine, he checked in over 5’11” and a chiseled 192 lbs. He ran 4.39 and 4.41 times with and 10 reps in the lifting. He stopped due to an ankle injury.
The Skinny: Fast explosive playmaker with the speed and well developed talent to change games quickly as a receiver and returner. He can provide major impact as a rookie return specialist. He is one of the best return specialist in this class and one of the special playmakers in several roles. With the return game playing a bigger role in the NFL, return sensations like Devin Hester have provided incredible impact and Percy can be the next dangerous returner. As a receiver, he is one of the better deep threats in this class, displaying the special burst of speed to get behind the secondary, in addition to terrific run after the catch ability. He needs work on his strength and hand use to better fight off the bump-and-run from physical cornerbacks. As a return specialist, he combines both elusiveness and the sudden speed to pressure defenders. He needs some strength development to hold up vs big NFL athletes. He is a chiseled cut athlete who has been surprisingly durable as a collegian, though he was nicked up during the late ’08 season. He has a nose for the end zone and has produced vs. a high level of competition where he often beat double coverage situations. He is similar to the Panthers’ Steve Smith and former NFL Pro bowl returner Desmond Howard in size, athleticism and big play ability. Top 20 player and an excellent addition to a passing and return game, but he needs a creative coach to get him the touches to make a difference. He is not your classic #1 receiver and how he is used as a receiver will determine his pro success. He needs movement, reverses and slip screens to maximize his big play ability. Teams like the Texans, Chiefs and Bucs have on their short list for the 1st round. Playmaker with the talent to become an impact performer and an NFL star, but only if used properly in the passing game. Big play performer with character issues that hurt his final grade.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

Here is a sample Yearbook '09 Scouting Report from March for the NFL Draft

* Percy Harvin #1 - 5’11” 190 lbs. - Florida - Sp. 4.40 - Rating 90
Electrifying all-purpose junior playmaker has been one of the most explosive performers from the college ranks to enter the NFL early in recent years. Percy is a fast receiver/return specialist who shows explosiveness quickness after he gets his hands on the ball whether as a runner, receiver or a return specialist. He is a premier playmaker who has been instrumental in the Florida national title victories. Despite some concerns about size, he is a tough athlete who is well built, though he has only marginal NFL measureables for the position. He is a highly developed athlete as both a receiver and returner. He is both fast and quick with the explosive burst to separate easily and dangerous to score from any on the field. As a receiver, he possesses fine hands with the separation speed to get deep and hit the home run regularly. He also has outstanding openfield running skills after he gets his hands on the ball to create special problems for a defense. He has the components to become an NFL star - speed, quickness, hands, great vision and the natural running skills to strike from anywhere. After helping the Gators win another national title, he declared for the NFL Draft ’09. He has elite speed to get deep and hit the home run and displayed this consistently over his career. He has the top burst of speed to separate and get past cover men in the deep game to hit the big play. At the line, he needs to show he can beat the bump and run vs NFL caliber defenders after rarely facing that technique in college. His ability to handle the physicality of the NFL game is a major concern despite his big play ability at a very high level in the SEC. Once into his patterns, he can take the short hitch pass and create room to break a big play. His excellent running skills after the catch will warrant a very early selection and probably in the mid first round area. He is especially dangerous on the shorter routes to take the play the distance and is ideally suited for the West Coast offenses. His ability to find the end zone and natural running ability will make him a top commodity in April with every club looking for playmakers. He has fine hands and shows the ability to run sound routes and create separation consistently. He must prove he has the ability to stay on his routes and go over the middle in the NFL game. On the deep pass, he has developed good instincts tracking and the body control and hands to make the big play. He shows the ability to track the deep ball with the savvy to be in position to make the big catch. He is well developed as a route runner and recognizes coverage quickly with the ability to adjust and help his passer. His speed off the line puts him in a position to eat up a corners cushion when he comes off the line clean. Once into his route, he retains his top speed very well at the breakpoint and creates consistent separation. He has sudden speed and is very quick into his routes and cuts with the ability to create space in patterns. He needs some strength development to battle the jam and fight through being pushed off his routes. As a collegian, he was rarely tested with the bump and run and must prove he can beat that technique to become a starting NFL receiver.
The Numbers: As a junior, he started 11 of 12 games and caught 40 passes for 644 yards and 7 TDs for an 16.1. yard average per catch that earned him SEC honors. As a sophomore, he started 10 of 11 games and caught 59 passes for 858 yards, a 14.5 yard average per catch. As a freshman, he started 5 of 13 games and caught 34 passes for 427 yards and 2 TDs for a 12.6 yard average. At the NFL Combine, he checked in over 5’11” and a chiseled 192 lbs. He ran 4.39 and 4.41 times with and 10 reps in the lifting. He stopped due to an ankle injury.
The Skinny: Fast explosive playmaker with the speed and well developed talent to change games quickly as a receiver and returner. He can provide major impact as a rookie return specialist. He is one of the best return specialist in this class and one of the special playmakers in several roles. With the return game playing a bigger role in the NFL, return sensations like Devin Hester have provided incredible impact and Percy can be the next dangerous returner. As a receiver, he is one of the better deep threats in this class, displaying the special burst of speed to get behind the secondary, in addition to terrific run after the catch ability. He needs work on his strength and hand use to better fight off the bump-and-run from physical cornerbacks. As a return specialist, he combines both elusiveness and the sudden speed to pressure defenders. He needs some strength development to hold up vs big NFL athletes. He is a chiseled cut athlete who has been surprisingly durable as a collegian, though he was nicked up during the late ’08 season. He has a nose for the end zone and has produced vs. a high level of competition where he often beat double coverage situations. He is similar to the Panthers’ Steve Smith and former NFL Pro bowl returner Desmond Howard in size, athleticism and big play ability. Top 20 player and an excellent addition to a passing and return game, but he needs a creative coach to get him the touches to make a difference. He is not your classic #1 receiver and how he is used as a receiver will determine his pro success. He needs movement, reverses and slip screens to maximize his big play ability. Teams like the Texans, Chiefs and Bucs have on their short list for the 1st round. Playmaker with the talent to become an impact performer and an NFL star, but only if used properly in the passing game. Big play performer with character issues that hurt his final grade.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

Here is a sample Yearbook '08 Scouting Report from March for the NFL Draft
* Steve Slaton #10 - 5'9" 200 lbs. - West Virginia - Sp. 4.45 - Rating 85
Quick shifty scat back has been one of the better playmakers in the Big East over the past three seasons, earning conference honors annually. Steve completed his college career with another outstanding junior performance, though he struggled with a minor leg injury at the close. He has a very quick burst through the hole with the speed to get to the second level often and outrun defenders. He operated in the wide open WVA offense that featured many playmakers directed by QB Pat White. He can make big plays as both a runner and receiver. In addition, he is a quality kickoff return specialist who may get opportunities in that role early as a pro. He is one of the most well rounded backs in this fine class of runners. He has good strength to break tackles with a sturdy lower body, though he relies mainly on his speed, quickness and incredible cutting skills to get to the 2nd level and make things happen on the perimeter. He was one of the premier runners in the Big East over the past few seasons with 1000+ yards each season. Over the '07 season, he shared touches with freshman back Noel Devine who added his own big play ability. Slaton has a quick burst through the hole with the speed to go the distance from anywhere on the field. Each season, he flourished in this offense and finished his short career with 50 rushing TDs and 5 receiving scores. He has the initial quickness to burst through the LOS and hit the hole before defenders have a chance to react. He gets to the 2nd level easily with the ability to pick and slide within the hole and retain his excellent speed laterally. He has both the quickness and sudden speed to get to the second level and turn up field with the explosiveness to be a big time game breaker. He has a burst of speed within a short area with the ability to cut back and hit a seam and make a big play. He uses his compact frame with good lower body power to break tackles, but it remains to be seen if he can make the tough inside yardage with any consistency in the NFL. His game is top speed, quickness and sharp cutting skills to make tacklers miss and create running lanes. His quick, shifty moves allow him to make positive yardage with little openings. Whether or not he has the power and toughness to pound inside as a pro feature back on a consistent basis remains to be seen with minor career injuries a real concern. He has excellent vision, balance and decision-making to find openings along the line and is very adept at picking his holes with the acceleration through the line to break into the secondary. As a receiver, he ranks with Marshall Faulk and Reggie Bush as a playmaker in that role.

This is the Scouting report on Jacoby Jones in March '07 for Draft Insiders' Yearbook
Jacoby Jones #82 - 6’3� 210 lbs. - Lane College (Tn.) - Sp. 4.45 Rating 82 Hindu Theory Jerry Porter
Huge athletic senior wideout completed a fine career at Lane College after starting his college stay with SE Louisiana. Jacoby is one of the most intriguing prospects in this entire draft class. He has imposing size, speed and AA that translates well to the playing field despite limited experience playing football. He is an explosive wideout prospect with the athleticism to develop into a premier NFL playmaker. He has a huge frame that is outgrowing the wide receiver position, though NFL clubs will still line him up there in training camp. For a player of his dimensions, he moves exceptionally well and has been timed in the sub 4.45 range at 210 lbs. He has adequate hands and is a reliable pass catcher who needs extensive reps after not playing football until late in his HS career and at a lower level as a collegian. He is a legitimate pro prospect with the raw AA and the size and toughness for the position to be one of the biggest sleepers at this position in years. He creates major matchup problems regardless of where he lines up and any level. He is best suited for the wideout role where he has NFL starting ability with development on all areas of play. He gets off the line with a quick burst, though rarely challenged at the lower level. He runs undisciplined routes and needs reps on this basic technique to be more precise in his cuts and ability to find openings in coverage. He has good speed in the mid 4.45 range that allows him to separate in the deep game, though he totally outclassed the athletes he went against at the DII level. He has inconsistent hands that have improved with experience and reps and it is an area that needs development though one that shows upside with late career progress. He uses his massive frame well to outmuscle cover men and shows the toughness to go over the middle. At the East-West Shrine game, he had a good week and has risen up the charts off a strong effort there. He displayed the ability to go over the middle and use his great size to make the tough catch. He has fine leaping ability, which combined with his great height and reach allows him to make receptions receivers that few players can get their hands on the ball. As a senior, he had 68 catches for 822 yards with 6 TDs. As a junior, he had 50 catches for 587 yards with 3 TDs He also gave a strong performance as both a punt and kickoff return specialist. He usually displays reliable hands but needs work catching the ball especially in front of him and not allow the pass to get into his body. He gets off the line with adequate speed but usually gathers at the breakpoint to cut, which allows cover men to close on the ball. He fights off the bump and run easily but his footwork needs work to create separation at the NFL level. He has made several great catches in the end zone where his size and leaping ability gives him a huge advantage in coverage. He showed the ability to get into his routes easily and the sense of route running that surprised scouts at the E-W Shrine Bowl. He needs to create a bigger receiving radius to improve as a pass catcher. He instinctively uses his huge frame to shield defenders from the ball. He displayed the ability to get open and go over the middle with the leaping skills to go up in a crowd and make the catch. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.53 and a 4.60 times with a 34� VJ and a 10’9� BJ. He is similar to the Raiders Jerry Porter in size, frame, AA and hands to make the adjustment to the NFL. He needs development in most areas including his route running, defense recognition and ability to adjust to the deep pass. His strong performance in the postseason suggests that his learning curve could be fast. His fine AA with versatility to help in the return game will warrant an early 2nd day draft pick with the ability to give an offense a unique weapon. Excellent late 1st day addition with upside potential n the right situation to challenge for a starting job with development. Big upside potential to be a solid playmaker and possible NFL star.

This is the Scouting Report for Adrian Peterson in the March '07 Draft Insiders Yearbook

1. * Adrian Peterson #28 - 6’1� 220 lbs. - Oklahoma - Sp. 4.4 Rating 93 Hindu Theory Steven Jackson

Electrifying junior tailback returned for his final game with the Sooners’ in their bowl game, displaying all the talent that made him one of the premier playmakers over his short career. Adrian combines all the athletic talent to become a top flight NFL feature back. After going down with a broken collarbone at midseason during the ’06 season, he returned with a strong performance in the Sooners heart breaking Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise St. His freshman and sophomore seasons were also outstanding performances for the Sooners, though they too were marred by persistent injuries that limited his production. He is an imposing back with an awesome athletic package that includes size, speed, quickness, hands and power. He is very quick to the hole with an excellent burst of speed through the hole that pressures a defense instantly. He has good change of direction skills to create running lanes and the rare breakaway speed to go the distance every time he touches the ball. He explodes thru the hole that allows him to get to the 2nd level consistently with the power to both break tackles and the speed to outrun defenders. He has improved as a receiver and route runner to warrant a high complete grade, in addition to showing the ability to pick up the blitz more consistently. His excellent triangle numbers and natural openfield running skills makes him a threat to break the play regularly and his soft hands as a receiver gives him the ability to make things happen after the catch. He may be the nation’s best player and capable of being one of the special prospects for the NFL Draft ’07 if he proves durable as an NFL performer. He burst on to the college scene with a record setting freshman season when he challenged the 2000 rushing mark. He is one of the rarest running backs from the college ranks over the past few decades, rating with Reggie Bush, and another freshman phenom named Herschel Walker. He has exceptional quickness to the hole with excellent change of direction skills to create running lanes and the rare burst of speed to go the distance every time he touches the ball. Within a short area, his suddenness allows him to create running lanes, using his fine speed and power to be dangerous in any situation to hit the home run. As a receiver, he creates huge problems for coverage while showing fine hands and route running to put him in space to utilize his breakaway speed to make a big play. He is refined receiver though he needs reps in that aspect of play with further route running experience and better defense recognition. His fine cutting skills allow him to cutback fast going through the hole without losing speed and exploding through any opening into the secondary. He ranks with any back in memory and resembles recent NFL stars Edgerrin James and Steven Jackson in his size, speed, AA and openfield running skills. He is also similar to former NFL great Eric Dickerson in most areas especially his straight up running style. Adrian has tried to adjust his running style and runs with a lower pad level, though still too straight up at times that leaves him exposed to many hits. His tremendous big play ability as a runner and receiver makes him one of the special prospects this spring. He was the lightning in the Sooners’ one dimensional offense that relied on him to provide both the big play ability and carry the workhorse load to be the main weapon in their attack. He is a big athletic runner with the combination of speed, quickness, hands, toughness and instincts to become a top NFL feature as a rookie. He is a fast fluid runner with very quick feet, allowing him to accelerate through the hole and hit the opening at top speed. He displays outstanding natural running skills, such as vision, balance, & change-of-direction to consistently get to the 2nd level. He can shift gears, hitting top speed quickly and uses his blockers well to set up defenders, finishing runs with explosive power. He has the power to run between the tackles and the quickness to bounce outside and make a big play in the open field. He is mainly a slashing type runner, who sets up defenders and reads blocks quickly. He carried a big rushing load on a weekly basis and though his durability is a concern, he has all the components to become a top-flight starting feature back. Whether he can carry 300+ times annually as a pro remains to be seen with only one season topping that mark as a collegian. He has shown the ability to get stronger over the course of the game with the power to wear down a defense. He earns much of his yardage after contact, displaying fine strength and balance to get the most of each attempt. He is an excellent receiver who displays very good hands and a good sense in route running and natural talent from early in his career. He moves gracefully into his patterns and has a good feel for coverage and consistently catches the ball, using his terrific running skills after the catch. He occupies the free safety in pass coverage, keeping most other receivers in single matchups. He needs work as a blocker especially his hand technique. He shows the ability to pick up a blitzing backer but must learn to use his hands better to adjust after the initial contact to sustain his blocks longer. He has the toughness, size and AA to have a fast learning curve in that vital role.

"Rookie Super Bowl Starters" - Scouting Reports from Draft Insiders' Yearbook -March '06

The Bears selected Devin Hester in the 2nd round and he set new NFL records with 6 returns for TDs. He was rated the top return specialist by Draft Insiders' and the #4 wide receiver while every other publication ranked him as a cornerback and beyond the top 25 prospects at that position. The Bears selected DE Mark Anderson in the 5th round and he was a force as a pass rusher. He was ranked in the top 50 prospects in Draft Insiders Yearbook and not selected until the 5th round in the draft process.

Actual Scouting Report in the Draft Insiders' Yearbook for the NFL Draft '06

1. * Reggie Bush #5 - 5’11� 200 lbs. - USC - Sp. 4.4 Rating 95
Electrifying junior scatback had another outstanding performance that almost defies description. Reggie is the rarest of the rare running backs and probably the biggest college running back phenom since Herschel Walker. He was the key reason the Trojans won two national championships and almost captured a third title this season. He has exceptional quickness to the hole with excellent change of direction skills to create running lanes and the rare burst of speed to go the distance every time he touches the ball. He explodes thru the hole, allowing him to get to the 2nd level consistently and break the big play. Within a short area, his suddenness has been rarely matched on the football field, making him dangerous in any situation to hit the home run. As a receiver, he creates enormous problems for a defense and refined that aspect of play significantly each season with better route running and fine defense recognition. His great cutting skills allow him to cutback fast going through the hole without losing speed and exploding through any opening into the secondary. He ranks with any back in memory and resembles former NFL great Gale “Black Magic� Sayers in his supernatural openfield running skills and his developed all round game. He is the #1 blue chip prospect for this very talented and deep NFL Draft ’06. As a prospect, he may be the best pro player in any year with the exception of NFL greats, Jimmy Brown and Johnny Unitas. His tremendous big play ability as a runner, receiver or return specialist makes him one of the special prospects this spring. He was the lightning in USC’s potent offense that exploded weekly over the past three seasons, setting new NCAA records along the way. He formed an awesome running back tandem with LenDale White to give the Trojans a thunder and lightning duo that destroyed Pac 10 defenses the past three seasons. He is a compact athletic runner with the combination of speed, quickness, hands, toughness and instincts to become a top NFL feature back very early on. He shared starting duties with White over his career, pressuring defenses with two talented yet distinctly different running styles. He is a fast fluid runner with very quick feet, allowing him to accelerate through the hole and hit the opening at top speed. He displays outstanding natural running skills, such as vision, balance, & change-of-direction to consistently get to the second level. He can shift gears, hitting top speed quickly and uses his blockers well to set up defenders, finishing runs with explosive power. He has the power to run between the tackles and the quickness to bounce outside and make a big play in the open field. Though, he is not a workhorse pounder to run 20-25 times a game between the tackles, he can get that many touches per game and holdup over the season. He is mainly a slashing type runner, who sets up defenders and reads blocks quickly. With the presence of White, he carried a good load on a weekly basis and though his durability is a concern, he has all the components to become a top-flight starting feature back. Whether he can carry 300+ times annually remains to be seen. He needs a spread offense like the Rams used during the late ‘90s with Marshall Faulk, the game’s premier back in that attack. Reggie would flourish in that offense where he would rarely see eight in a box with three WR sets the norm. Despite average size, he has shown the ability to get stronger over the game and he has deceptive power to wear down a defense. He earns much of his yardage after contact, displaying fine strength and balance to get the most of each attempt. He is an excellent receiver who displays very good hands and a good sense in route running and natural talent from early in his career. He moves gracefully into his patterns and has a good feel for coverage and consistently catches the ball, using his terrific running skills after the catch. His presence in the backfield occupies the FS in coverage, keeping most other receivers in single matchups. He needs work as a blocker and must show he is capable of picking up a blitzing backer and protecting his QB. He graded out above average in that role.