The Iconocast: The Yellow First Down Lines On Your Television

The Iconocast sent us some interesting information that we wanted to share. We're not sure who he received the information from but we hope you enjoy it.

Today I found out how the lines projected on the field during a  televised football game work.  What is happening behind the scenes of this seemingly simple line  projection is actually quite complex. Putting that yellow line across  your television screen to mark a first down or a blue line to mark the  line of scrimmage requires numerous technicians, 3-D mapping of every  NFL field, copious amounts of sensors, eight computers, at least four  people, and, according to Fox broadcasting, approximately $25,000 per game!  To get a better understanding of just how this is done, let’s start by  looking at the problems that have to be solved. No NFL field is exactly  the same. All fields are contoured to allow for water drain-off. As  such, every field has its own unique shape. Because the lines are  computer generated, making a 3-D map of the football field that the  computer can recognize is necessary. The computer then has to know the  orientation of the field with respect to camera positions. This allows  the line to show up in the correct perspective based on where every yard  line is. Because that same camera moves, the system has to be able to  sense the movement and understand how to change where the line is based  on the camera orientation. Further, due to the fact that the game is  filmed by several different cameras at different places in the stadium,  the system has to do all of the work for multiple cameras at the same  time. The system must also be able to sense when players, referees, or  any object other than the field, crosses the yellow line, so it doesn’t  paint the line over the top of them. Finally, the system must also be  aware of any overladen graphics that the network might impose on the screen.  To solve all of these problems, technicians start with a special camera  mount that records all of the camera’s movements such as zoom, focus,  and tilt. This information is then fed to the computer so it knows what  each camera is doing in real-time. Further, before the game starts,  technicians make the needed digital 3-D model of the field being  broadcast. Since all the camera locations are known by the computer, it  can then take the 3-D model of the field, the locations and actions of  the cameras, and orient the first-down line accordingly.  The ability to show the yellow line on the field and not on anyone or  anything that it crosses is another matter altogether. This is  accomplished by using layers of color. The technicians input different  color layers into the computer before each game. One layer usually has  colors like the greens and browns of the field. These colors will  automatically be converted to yellow when and where the technician draws  the yellow line. A cornucopia of other colors that could show up on the  line (things like the players and officials’ uniforms, shoes, flesh, the  ball itself, or any overladen graphics) are added into a separate visual  layer. If any color other than the calibrated greens and browns get in  the way of the yellow line, those colors remain and the yellow line  disappears.  During the game, the computer continually analyzes all this information  to decide where the yellow line should go, feeding the data to a linear  keyer to superimpose the line onto the appropriate pixels in the video  and refreshing it at an astounding 60 times per second. Walla! Every  drunken football fan at home can now easily see where the 1st down line is! 

Draft Rewind 2008 - BenJarvus Green-Ellis - New England Patriots

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS: Mississippi, 5105 219 4.65. Three-year starter that is inconsistent to let the play develop. Drives legs on contact. Tough runner that runs hard. Runs with his pads over his toes. Can take and give out hits. Sudden first step. Not a fumbler. Competitive back that has questionable vision and running instincts. Runs the inside and outside zone plays. Not an elusive runner. Not used as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Body cradle catcher. Not a hand catcher. Learns with normal reps. Has been durable over career. OSR:20/33. Seventh round/priority free agent. (A-30 3/8, H-9, SS-4.50, BP-24).

Draft Rewind 2008 - John Sullivan - Minnesota Vikings

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about JOHN SULLIVAN: Notre Dame, 6034 301 5.43. Four-year starter that makes all the line calls. Quick initial move. Gets depth and follows through to finish block when pulling and trapping. Light feet in pass protection. Plays square. Can anchor versus power. Has the size, strength, balance, and base to control defender and stop a charge. Keeps hands inside frame to stun and control pass rusher. Good lateral range. Quick initial set and lateral foot slide. Can wall off and change direction. Good effort player that hustles to make a second block. Competitive, smart, and athletic. Struggled in Senior Bowl practices. Inconsistent to pull and hit target on the run. Was on the ground after overextending and lunging. Did not bring his feet. Waist bender. Inconsistent to lock on and finish a block. Short arms. Has been durable and reliable over his career. OSR:30/42. Third/fourth round. (A-31 1/2, H-10, BP-21, 10-1.83).

Draft Rewind 2008 - Chad Henne - Miami Dolphins

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about CHAD HENNE: Michigan, 6027 230 4.97. Four-year starter from Wyomissing, PA. Played in a pro style offense. Missed three games with a separated right shoulder in 2007. He is a right handed passer. Demonstrated physical and mental toughness over his career. Makes good decisions. Demonstrates good velocity and arm strength. Deliberate and quick to set up point. A take charge guy that is a good leader. Accuracy is dependable short and medium. Puts air under the deep ball. A smart and competitive athlete. More of a 3/4 arm type passer. Stays locked on to his primary receiver at times instead of looking off the coverage. Can throw a fast ball into the seam between defenders. Better in the pocket but can roll out and throw accurately. Active like Peyton Manning calling audibles and pointing out protections. Strong and durable. Somewhat mechanical in his passing. Will step into his throws. Student of the game. Will try to stick the ball into tight spaces. Better in the pocket than on the run. Can sidestep a rush but is not a running threat. It appears that he reads half of the field with the play side receivers running various route combinations. He always has an outlet receiver he can drop the ball off to if needed. As in the Florida game, if he gets the ball out on time, he can throw a laser into tight spots. Ball velocity 53 mph which is good. OSR:14/17. Second/third round. (A-31 5/8, H-9, SS-4.43, VJ-25.5).

Draft Rewind 2008 - Branden Albert - Kansas City Chiefs

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about BRANDEN ALBERT: Virginia, 6055 309 5.41. Junior entry. Three-year starter with long arms and big hands. Good athlete for a big man. Just started playing football as a high school junior. High on pulls and will lose his feet as he adjusts on the run. Caught a tackle eligible pass in the Bowl game against Texas Tech. Started 11 games at left guard and played left tackle against Middle Tennessee and Pittsburgh. Needs more lower body strength and power. Has a tendency to gain weight. Inconsistent to move and slide his feet in pass protection. Will bend at the waist. Top heavy pusher in the run game. Not a natural knee bender, but a forced one. Will overextend at times on base blocks. Inconsistent to keep his feet under him. Doesn’t bring his feet. Fringe flexibility. Inconsistent to finish blocks. Will play up on his toes at times. Lacks required flexibility. Will have technique breakdowns with his hand use inside the frame. Not consistent to punch and control. Question concentration and competitiveness. More athlete than football player. Could play with a more stout base. High risk pick, boom or bust. OSR:11/42. First/second round. (A-35 1/2, H-10 1/2, BP-23, 10-1.78).

Draft Rewind 2009 - Mike Thomas - Jacksonville Jaguars

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about MIKE THOMAS: Arizona, 5077 195 4.30. Three-and-a-half year starter. Ultra productive. All time leading Pac-10 reception leader. Built like a running back. Shorter than ideal, but has the Carolina’s Steve Smith’s explosiveness out of his breaks. Hand catcher that rarely drops a pass. Excellent in space. Everything he does is sudden. No holdup on the line. Will go inside and catch a pass. Competitive. Slippery after catch. Not easy to tackle. Scrappy receiver with good concentration and focus on the ball. Played in the Senior Bowl and the East- West game. Works back to the quarterback. Gets open and makes plays. Will lay out for the low ball catch and go up after a high throw between defenders. Can make you miss in the open field. Outstanding lateral quickness. Rated as the third best athletic receiver at the Combine. If you liked Eddie Royal in 2008, you’ll love Thomas, especially if you get ill every time you see a six-foot-three receiver drop a catchable ball. Good agility and body control. Good balance after contact. Smart enough to play in different alignments. Plays through injury. Tough and consistent. A good route runner that will win at the ball. OSR:3/ 38. Third round. (A-31, H-9 3/8, VJ-40.5, SS-4.28).

Draft Rewind 2008 - Pierre Garcon - Indianapolis Colts

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about PIERRE GARCON: Mt. Union, 5117 210 4.45. Three-year starter. Small college receiver that is a terrific athlete. Had the third best workout of 52 receivers at the Combine. Productive over his career. Excellent hands to snatch and pluck the ball. Natural catcher. Good upper and lower body conformation. Tough kid that will catch the ball in traffic. Good focus. Can make the overhead catch. Adjusts to a bad pass. Can make the tough and low ball catch. Good eye/hand coordination. Good effort to run after catch. Can break tackles this level. Good blocking effort. Good sustain and finish. Dominant Division III receiver. Developmental type receiver that may be a Don Beebe type. Must learn all receiver nuances from A-Z to play on Sundays. Competitiveness, athletic ability, and effort are there. Bench pressed 20 reps. OSR:3/52. Seventh round/ priority free agent. (A-31 1/8, H-9 1/2, SS-4.21, VJ-36.5).

Draft Rewind 2008 - Duane Brown - Houston Texans

What Ourlads' NFL Scouting Services said about DUANE BROWN: Virginia Tech, 6041 315 5.09. Three-year starter. Former tight end that is naturally athletic. Long arms and big hands. Thick upper and lower body. Good use of hands. Light on his feet. Has a chance to learn and play all five line spots or be a blocking tight end. Versatility will make him valuable to any team. Mobile and strong. Good initial quickness. Strong week at the Shrine game. Demonstrates good body control and balance. Two point stance in pass protection. Quick hands to punch or control in run block. Can stone a pass rusher with his punch to stop a charge. Gets pop and push. Walls off the backside. Effective to block corner support on pull. Good initially. Needs to finish to the whistle. Plays on his feet. Will mirror and slide his feet to wall off edge rusher in pass protection. Solid senior year where he elevated his aggressiveness and techniques. OSR:6/42. 2nd/3rd round (34 1/4, H-10, BP-24, 10-1.78).

Draft Rewind 2008 - Jordy Nelson - Green Bay Packers

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about JORDY NELSON: Kansas State, 6025 217 4.55. Three-year starter. Productive. Soft suction cup type hands. Will reach and extend for the ball. Competitive receiver that will catch the ball in between the hash marks. Quick double moves and creates space. Good concentration and body control to make the tough catch. Focus in the crowd. Gets open. Big slot type receiver that can create a mismatch. Runs strong after catch. Always going forward. Not easy to bring down. Clutch third down receiver. Can elude or run over a tackler. Mentally and physically tough. Plays fast and with a good tempo. Consistent off the ball. Escapes press. All the Kansas State opponents knew he was going to get the ball and he still escaped and made the catch (122-1606 yards, 13.2 ypc, 11 TDs). Drops his weight in and out of cuts. Gives effort to block. Needs to finish better. OSR:15/52. Third/fourth round. (A-32 1/2, H-10, SS-4.37, VJ-31).

Draft Rewind 2009 - Sammie Hill - Detroit Lions

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about SAMMIE HILL: Stillman, 6037 329 5.15. Four-year starter. Long arms. Can anchor versus the run. Wide body that can stack the run at the point of attack. A developmental type player that has measurables and some pro physical skills. Has gotten by because he is bigger and stronger than the players he lines up against. Needs technique work in every phase of his game, including use of his hands to disengage. OSR:29/30 rated with defensive ends. Seventh round/priority free agent. (A-34, H-9 1/2, BP-27, 10-1.72).

Draft Rewind 2008 - Eddie Royal - Denver Broncos

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about EDDIE ROYAL: Virginia Tech, 5095 184 4.46. Four-year starter. Runs sharp routes and snatches the ball in his hands. Sudden and explosive. Good adjust to bad balls. Demonstrates rare quickness when using double moves and getting into and out of the pass routes. Has run after catch and return skills. Impressive Combine workout. Put up 225 pounds 24 times. Soft hands. Catches ball away from his body. A natural speed guy with lateral quickness. Physical blocker despite size. Highly competitive. Explosive and smooth. Gains separation with sharp cuts and darting moves. Good field awareness after catch or returns in the open field. Elusive and slippery. Hits the seam as a returner full speed. No hold up on release. Can adjust and make the overhead catch. Tough kid that will catch the ball in a crowd. Effective short as well as a deep receiver. Good vision to track the ball. OSR:8/52. Third/fourth round. (A-31, H-8 5/8, SS-4.35, VJ-36).

Draft Rewind 2007 - Doug Free - Dallas Cowboys

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about DOUG FREE: Northern Illinois, 6062 324 5.22. Four-year starter. An aggressive, solid effort player with good flexibility. Has good upper body fundamentals. Carries hands and strikes inside punch well. Shows very good awareness in zone blitz and games in pass protection. Plays left tackle but is projected to the right side. Physical and dominating player at times. Position/wall off blocker that creates seams for the running backs. Better run blocker when blocking with angles. Good angles to second level to cut off linebackers. Runs well and projects to a good puller at guard or right tackle. Durable over his career. Will overextend on punch and needs work on the lower half in pass protection. Will get weight to outside and lose a rusher inside. Inconsistent to handle edge speed and an inside slant move. Tall and angular. Long arms and big hands. Will compete. More physical than explosive off the ball. Has the quickness to maintain contact and adjust to movement. Gets high on pulls, but walls off linebackers on fold blocks. Tends to hop and shift weight outside and struggles to a counter move on the inside from a wide rusher. Needs to work on keeping his hips down on shuffle and redirect in pass protection. Plays with a narrow base. Plays with good football instincts and awareness. Third/fourth round. (A-35 5/8, H-10 5/8, BP-22, 10-1.82).

Draft Rewind 2008 - Ahtyba Rubin - Cleveland Browns

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about AHTYBA RUBIN: Iowa State, 6026 315 5.24. Two-year starter. Junior college transfer. Long arms and big hands. Looks like a solid 3-4 nose tackle candidate. Did a good job at the Senior Bowl filling gaps and holding his ground on inside running lanes. Good short area quickness. Plays on his feet. Thick butt and legs. Quick laterally. Does a good job of keeping leverage on the ball. Hustles to make plays on the perimeter or down the field. Has the innate strength to push the pocket. Also had a strong Shrine Bowl. OSR:11/16, for all defensive linemen: 39/46. Edge speed:left 2.03, right 2.06. Average for all the linemen at the Combine was 2.07. Struggled in the short shuttle at 5.04 and 3 cone/8.07. Fourth/ fifth round. (A-34 1/2, H-10 1/4, BP-35, 10-1.79).

Draft Rewind 2006 - Andrew Whitworth - Cincinnati Bengals

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about ANDREW WHITWORTH: LSU, 6070 334 5.17. Four-year starter. Can sit down in pass protection and control defender with his big hands and long arms. Manhandles ends and tackles with his hand strength. Big and strong. Smooth and athletic footwork on switch blocks. Plays on his feet. Physical with functional strength. Locks out and locks up defender. Can dominate players with his explosive punch. A stout blocker that can get movement off the ball in the running game. In the East-West practices and game, he demonstrated a good punch and aggressive run blocking. Locks on and steers the defenders. Runs his feet once engaged and overpowers the defensive ends. Physical on the second level. Works to finish his blocks. Played left tackle at LSU. First or second round. (A-35, H-10 1/8, BP-28, 10-1.81).

Draft Rewind 2009 - Johnny Knox - Chicago Bears

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about JOHNNY KNOX: Abilene Christian, 5114 185 4.30. Two-year starter. Junior college transfer from Tyler Junior College. Explosive small college receiver. Catches the ball in his hands. Smooth and fluid route runner. Good adjustment to off target passes. Demonstrates open field running skills as a returner and a receiver. Didn’t seem to play as fast in equipment. A developmental type receiver that has some pro measurables and skills. Had the fifth highest rated athletic workout at the Combine. Productive with 121 catches for 2227 yards and 30 touchdowns. OSR:5/38. Seventh round/priority free agent. (A-31, H-9, VJ-35, SS-4.15).

Draft Rewind 2007 - Ryan Kalil - Carolina Panthers

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about RYAN KALIL: Southern Cal, 6026 299 5.01. Three-year starter. Clearly one of the best centers in the 2007 draft. An athletic and sound technician who is the leader of the offensive line. Makes the calls for the interior line. Physical, intense, and aggressive competitor. Quick hands to get into defender and control him. Strong hands to position and lock out on nose tackles. Does a good job on hand placement to regain his leverage. Quick and athletic feet to adjust with lateral slide to movement. Good change of direction and flexibility. Sudden to reach and cut off the linebacker’s pursuit. A good effort player that takes good angles. Keeps feet and stays up on block. Solid in space to run through and finish. Marginal size for position. Needs to add bulk and strength to anchor and hold ground. Arms are shorter than ideal. Will overextend at times. Outstanding initial quickness to gain position on the defender. An intelligent and steadying influence on the line. Good body control to get out of trouble, redirect and shift his weight. Sudden pivot and turn. Mentally tough and consistent. Plays with good knee bend and in a football position. Light feet and finish ability. Second round. (A-31 1/2, H-10, BP-34, 10-1.76).

Draft Rewind 2008 - Steve Johnson - Buffalo Bills

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about STEVE JOHNSON: Kentucky, 6017 210 4.60. One year starter. Junior college transfer. Improved during his senior year and was actually the Wildcats’ go-to receiver. Made the clutch catch when needed. Somewhat of a long strider. Picks up speed as he goes down the field. Needs to improve his footwork to get into and out of his breaks. A good athlete that will compete for the ball in a crowd. Has some run after catch ability. Just started scratching the surface of his ability in 2007. Developmental possibilities. OSR:23/52. Seventh round/priority free agent. (A-32 3/4, H-9 5/8, SS-4.28, VJ-32.5).

Draft Rewind 2007 - Ben Grubbs - Baltimore Ravens

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about BEN GRUBBS: Auburn, 6026 311 5.21. Three-year starter. Athletic and competitive with good aggressiveness. Long arms and big hands. Quick to cut off slant move. Downfield effort and hustles to make a second block. Generally hard to knock off his feet. Plays with his head on a swivel and is alert for blitzes and games. Effective on pulls. Gets high but seals target. Maintains a good base in run and pass blocks. Keeps his hands inside frame to control defender. Slides his feet and mirrors defender in pass protection. Can sit down and anchor. Aggressive downfield and in space. Effective combo blocker to second level. Team runs behind him in short yardage and goal line. Plays high at times in pass protection and when pulling. Will overextend and waist bend as a run blocker. Slender calves. Needs to work at dropping his weight better versus the bull and power rush. What you see is what you get. Solid technique player. Good durability. Has not missed a game in his career. Effective run and pass blocker. Good to above average explosiveness. Ability to recover with good body control. Quick hands to get on defender and control him. Mentally tough. Can make mental adjustments on the move. Has the ability to quick set with body quickness. Changes direction and redirects with natural body control. Plays square and can shadow pass rusher. Light feet. Stays balanced when he blocks on the move. Can anchor versus power. Second round. (A-33 1/2, H-10 1/4, BP-29, 10-1.84).

Draft Rewind 2008 - Sam Baker - Atlanta Falcons

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about SAM BAKER: Southern Cal, 6045 309 5.30. Four-year starter. His father, David, is the commissioner of the Arena Football League. Aggressive and competitive. Played left tackle for the Trojans but may project to the right side in the NFL. An average athlete that is always a little behind his opponents movement. To regain body control and balance it takes him a split second. Question his upper and lower body strength. Will battle but is not a natural. Mentally tough. Consistent to make mental adjustments on the move. Flashes an explosive punch at times. Better blocking down than in space. Struggles against edge speed to get depth then redirect rusher. Gets high and loses knee bend in pass pro. Durable over his career. A journeyman type that is a potential starting left tackle. Can play four of five positions. Demonstrated good flexibility in the Senior Bowl. Can anchor and slide his feet. Timing on his punch in pass protection needs to be improved. Arm length is shorter than ideal for a left tackle. Did not workout at the Combine. Second/third round. (A-32 3/4, H-9 1/4, BP-28, 10-1.83).

Draft Rewind 2007 - Levi Brown - Arizona Cardinals

What Ourlads NFL Scouting Services said about LEVI BROWN: Penn State, 6054 323 5.39. A four-year starter that came to Penn State as a defensive tackle. Plays left tackle. Good size, strength, balance, and quickness for the position. A natural knee bender with range, body control, and mobility. A good athlete with functional play strength. Smooth and athletic in his movements. Good combination of quickness and strength. Outstanding second level production for a big man. A talented tackle that dominates competition. Pass protects in a good football position (bent knees) and stays square to defender as he mirrors and slides his feet. Quick reactions to recover on blitz pickup. A versatile offensive lineman that could play either tackle or either guard. A physical and power type player. Will get high at times and get driven back or leveraged. Inconsistent to finish his blocks. Below average hand placement. Will overset in pass protection at times. Long arms and an explosive punch. Good initial quickness to get into the defender. Controls the defensive tackle with his hands, but is inconsistent. Keeps a good base and fit on the defender. Generally plays with good knee bend. Light and nifty feet in pass protection. Can work defender around quarterback. Thick butt and thighs (a good thing), but slender calves. Can adjust to space on the run; has the athletic ability to block edge speed. A good athlete that will compete. Outstanding size and tools to succeed on the next level. First round. (A-34 3/8, H-9 1/2, BP-31, 10-1.88).

2012 Draft Nuggets - Tony Dye, UCLA, SS

Tony Dye, UCLA, 5110 205

Three-year starter who is a strong run support player. Strong physical tackler with good body control. Will cut, block, or wrap tackle. Quick to read his keys. Willingness to force the action. Plays with strength to contain the edge. Aggressive when playing off blocks. Attacks the line of scrimmage. Productive and active in his play. Good instincts to break and undercut a route. Plays the ball to slap away or intercept. Has the awareness, anticipation, vision, range, and ball reactions to play halves coverage. Competes for the ball in the air. Good position on receiver and plays ball with good timing and leaping ability.

2012 Draft Nuggets - Mark Barron, Alabama, SS

Mark Barron, Alabama, 6020 218

Three-year starter who is experienced in special teams’ coverage units. Has a thick strong safety build with long arms. Plays square like a linebacker within five yards of the line of scrimmage. Has the physical ability to stay on his feet and play off blockers. A full contact player with a nose for the ball. A heavy hitter who is aggressive and active in his play. Gets downhill quickly to fill running lanes and force the point quickly. Well schooled in disguising coverage. If he takes a bad angle he has the ability to recover and a closing burst to make the play. Does a good job communicating coverage in the secondary. Animated and active getting players lined up.

2012 Draft Nuggets - Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State, FS

Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State, 6006 202

Three-year starter who is interchangeable as a free or strong safety. Has the ability to key and diagnose a play quickly. Reads patterns and anticipates with quick reactions. Explosive hitter when he breaks up on the ball. Runs through the receiver. However he is not always under control and gets some untimely penalties and will take bad angles at times. A physical enforcer in the secondary. Receivers know where number 10 is at in the secondary. Long arms with good jumping ability. Can cover tight ends and backs out of the backfield. Can stick his foot in the ground and drive quickly on a ball in front of him. Quick burst. Has some hip tightness. Plays the ball. Takes a direct line to the receiver. Has the speed and range to overlap the corner down the field. A confident and daring safety who will undercut a route to make a big play.

2012 Draft Nuggets - Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska, DC

Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska, 5096 204

Three-year starter who majors in man to man coverage. Gets position and plays with good technique. Has natural instincts and reactions. Always in position to make a move on the ball. Will lay out. Can get his hand on the ball to knock it away. Will line up nose to nose to jam a receiver. Good stance, balance, and strength. Physical striker. Doesn’t overextend or lunge. Smooth backpedal with a good base and quick feet. Can stay in backpedal as long as possible. Can transition out of pedal to all route angles. Good stop and go quickness. Quick plant and drive. Has a burst to close quickly on the ball. No false steps. Competitive and tough minded in his play. Plays with confidence.

2012 Draft Nuggets - Zach Brown, North Carolina, OB

Zach Brown, North Carolina, 6020 230

Started parts of two seasons with the bevy of standout linebackers backing up the Tar Heel line. He is all about speed and athletic ability. Runs track at Carolina where he set the indoor 60-meter record at 6.72 seconds. He has also run the 100-meters in 10.6 seconds. Major contributor on special teams’ coverage units. Can stick his foot in the ground and get downhill fast. Sideline to sideline player who will play best as a weakside fast flow linebacker. Active but out of control as a tackler at times. Must learn to adjust his speed on the run and keep leverage on the ball carrier. Quick acceleration with excellent catch up speed. Hard to block because he’s a moving target.

2012 Draft Nuggets - Lavonte David, Nebraska, OB

Lavonte David, Nebraska, 6006 223

Two-year starter and a junior college transfer from Fort Scott Community College. Was the Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year and a first team All-Big 12 pick. A tackling machine, he set a Cornhusker record with 152 tackles, averaging about 11 per game. He also had six sacks for 50 yards in losses. A special teams’ standout on coverage teams. Natural and instinctive in his ability to recognize and react to run or pass. Has a nose for the ball. An impact hitter who loves contact. Reacts immediately to keys. Good football aptitude. Very competitive. Aggressive and physically tough. Explodes downhill quickly on run throughs. An athletic knee bender who plays with balance. Slips blocks and stays on his feet.

2012 Draft Nuggets - Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, IB

Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, 6016 270

Two-year starter who played in numerous games but waited to start during his first two years with a talent laden Alabama defense. He was devastating in the win over Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl, racking up 5 tackles, 3 which resulted in losses, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble. He was named the game’s Defensive MVP. For the year he made 52 tackles, 14 ½ for loss, and tallied 7 sacks. Upshaw played on the edge of the defense, not in the middle where he is projected. Plays well on his feet. High motor, quick twitch athlete who is off on the snap of the ball. Plays with good knee bend and explodes from the ground up when taking on a blocker. Has excellent speed and good range to cover his assignments. Keeps blockers off his body. Uses his hands effectively and can string out a blocker to the sideline. Takes smart angles. Hustles all out and has the speed to make an impact hit. Does not get hooked. Plays with good outside leverage and controls his area in the run game. Reacts well to run or pass.