Rocky is Our Man

[BtwnDaTackles]

Greetings all of my fellow brothers and sisters of the growing Redskins Family. First off i would like to say i missed you guys and sorry for my absences from the site. For some reason they actually are serious about the student part of student-athlete hear at Marshall, and for that school has been kicking my Butt. But enough about me, lets talk about my boy Rocky!!!! He is everything we expected and more, simply put he's a younger version of a disciplined Lavar. When LA came into the league he was 6'3, 250, and he ran a 4.5. Recorded 72 tackles his junior year (42 solo) in 12 games. Rocky had 111 tackles his junior year (34 solo) in 10 games, oh yeah six out of the ten he played the Sam, the other three he played the Mike. Rocky plays at a lighter weight also at 6'2, 237 he boasts a 4.6, to boot. Now before i say this i have already taken in to consideration that you will not believe me, however, i have a VERY good source that told me the redskins invited all 3 linebackers Ryans, Jackson, and McIntosh. And had McIntosh graded over both backers by more than 20 percentage points. Outside of A.J. Hawk he was the graded the highest in the draft in athletic Ability (6.5, aj was a perfect 7.0). Guys we really have a star on our hands i have been looking at the post on him. I'm really not convinced that you guys look at him as a serious acquisition. Once again from my source i hear that Rocky is already been given the playbook GW. He going to open our season at the will mark my words.


p.s. Hawk keep your head up boy... i'm glad the redskins picked up a boy from the herd!!!!!

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

Greetings all of my fellow brothers and sisters of the growing Redskins Family. First off i would like to say i missed you guys and sorry for my absences from the site. For some reason they actually are serious about the student part of student-athlete hear at Marshall, and for that school has been kicking my Butt. But enough about me, lets talk about my boy Rocky!!!! He is everything we expected and more, simply put he's a younger version of a disciplined Lavar. When LA came into the league he was 6'3, 250, and he ran a 4.5. Recorded 72 tackles his junior year (42 solo) in 12 games. Rocky had 111 tackles his junior year (34 solo) in 10 games, oh yeah six out of the ten he played the Sam, the other three he played the Mike. Rocky plays at a lighter weight also at 6'2, 237 he boasts a 4.6, to boot. Now before i say this i have already taken in to consideration that you will not believe me, however, i have a VERY good source that told me the redskins invited all 3 linebackers Ryans, Jackson, and McIntosh. And had McIntosh graded over both backers by more than 20 percentage points. Outside of A.J. Hawk he was the graded the highest in the draft in athletic Ability (6.5, aj was a perfect 7.0). Guys we really have a star on our hands i have been looking at the post on him. I'm really not convinced that you guys look at him as a serious acquisition. Once again from my source i hear that Rocky is already been given the playbook GW. He going to open our season at the will mark my words.


p.s. Hawk keep your head up boy... i'm glad the redskins picked up a boy from the herd!!!!!
wow... you got me pumped man... I have a lot of confidence in Rocky, actually I'm expecting to actually see something from him in a Redskin uni and ask for a name change: "RockyTaylor28" How sweet is that!!??

One of the things I love about the Rocky selection is the fact that he is the one LB that has the best chance of starting right away and contributing for a nice SB run. I don't care what we gave and I actually think we will end up winners in the trade.

Good to hear from you BTT!

[redskin_rich]

wow... you got me pumped man... I have a lot of confidence in Rocky, actually I'm expecting to actually see something from him in a Redskin uni and ask for a name change: "RockyTaylor28" How sweet is that!!??

You could always go with "MarcusTaylor28..."

I like Rocky a lot too, though I wasn't thrilled with giving up the 2nd pick in '07, if he becomes a fixture at LB for the next 5 years at least, it will have been worth it. I can't wait to see him play and with his ability, smarts and the incredible coaching we have here, he could be special.

[gibbsisgod]

I will give mad props, if this comes true. Rocky starting that is

[shally]

way too early for those types of accolades.. he has to earn that kind of praise on the field..

[bgforever]

You could always go with "MarcusTaylor28..."

I like Rocky a lot too, though I wasn't thrilled with giving up the 2nd pick in '07, if he becomes a fixture at LB for the next 5 years at least, it will have been worth it. I can't wait to see him play and with his ability, smarts and the incredible coaching we have here, he could be special.


here, here, I am for that.

Of course if its a "U" thang, I have to step aside, cause dem boys done got a crew in here!

hey, got a NICKNAME for the U players!

U Crew

[skins111111]

sounds good to me....can't wait till preseason to watch him shine........sounds like we might have a new Mike in a year or 2, he is very smart. Marshall is decent at Mike and a very good Will

[meloveskinslongtime]

a disciplined lavar arrington sounds nasty ... i cant wait

[DoGood]

You've convinced me BtwnDaTackles. Gibbs and GW look like they picked a guy that was made for the NFL. I like to just sit back and enjoy the ride.:)

[shally]

You've convinced me BtwnDaTackles. Gibbs and GW look like they picked a guy that was made for the NFL. I like to just sit back and enjoy the ride.:)

hope it is the way it plays out...

[CNYSkinFan]

We will see. I am still afraid of Dale Lindsey's love for Warrick Holdman.

[AliBabba]

way too early for those types of accolades.. he has to earn that kind of praise on the field..
Ditto .... I really like the pick, I didn't love what we gave up, but we addressed our most glaring need. However, I am not ready to annoint him a probowler.

And although I love your enthusiasm BTT, a "disciplined Lavar"???? Now that is stretch. Let's see how he looks in the NFL before we are saying he is better than 3 time probowlers.

I'm still not convinced Rocky will start to begin the year. I gotta agree with CNY, what about Holdman? Clemons? As intellectual as I've heard Rocky is, he is competing with a two guys that have 2 yrs up on him in GWs system, as well as the fact that Holdman and Dale Lindsay used to hold hands while in Chicago too.

I'll repeat, I really like the pick, but I'm cautiously optomistic that by the second half of the year, he will be a very solid contributor that makes some big plays, much like his former classmate ST

[HanburgerBum]

BDT, do you moonlight as a scout for the OURLADS scouting service? The reason I ask is that OURLADS has a report on McIntosh no less glowing than yours.

Among the things stated in the report are: 3-down player, sideline-to-sideline LB, can cover backs and TEs, good lateral agility, sound techniques, has a burst to the QB, tough and competitive, athletic and productive, doesn't stay blocked.

In fact, the report doesn't set forth any negatives except for his injury history (shoulder and scoped knee).

While GW doesn't usually start a rookie on opening day, I think there is a realistic chance Rocky will be an exception. Holdman is coming off a poor season. Clemons has not played running downs up to now and in that respect is a rookie just like McIntosh. McCune will be lucky to make the final roster much less start. Also, Rocky scored a whopping 29 in the Wonderlic test (contrast that with Vince Young's 6). Thus, there is every reason to believe that the mental aspect of the game will not be a problem for him.

[csquared]

Greetings all of my fellow brothers and sisters of the growing Redskins Family. First off i would like to say i missed you guys and sorry for my absences from the site. For some reason they actually are serious about the student part of student-athlete hear at Marshall, and for that school has been kicking my Butt. But enough about me, lets talk about my boy Rocky!!!! He is everything we expected and more, simply put he's a younger version of a disciplined Lavar. When LA came into the league he was 6'3, 250, and he ran a 4.5. Recorded 72 tackles his junior year (42 solo) in 12 games. Rocky had 111 tackles his junior year (34 solo) in 10 games, oh yeah six out of the ten he played the Sam, the other three he played the Mike. Rocky plays at a lighter weight also at 6'2, 237 he boasts a 4.6, to boot. Now before i say this i have already taken in to consideration that you will not believe me, however, i have a VERY good source that told me the redskins invited all 3 linebackers Ryans, Jackson, and McIntosh. And had McIntosh graded over both backers by more than 20 percentage points. Outside of A.J. Hawk he was the graded the highest in the draft in athletic Ability (6.5, aj was a perfect 7.0). Guys we really have a star on our hands i have been looking at the post on him. I'm really not convinced that you guys look at him as a serious acquisition. Once again from my source i hear that Rocky is already been given the playbook GW. He going to open our season at the will mark my words.


p.s. Hawk keep your head up boy... i'm glad the redskins picked up a boy from the herd!!!!!
WHOA! calm yourself.Lavar had all kinds of praise coming out too.Like Shally says he has to earn his praise.

[HanburgerBum]

WHOA! calm yourself.Lavar had all kinds of praise coming out too.Like Shally says he has to earn his praise.


Except even in college, Lavar had a reputation of being a free-lancer. I am not aware of any such tendency on the part of McIntosh.

[shally]

BDT, do you moonlight as a scout for the OURLADS scouting service? The reason I ask is that OURLADS has a report on McIntosh no less glowing than yours.

Among the things stated in the report are: 3-down player, sideline-to-sideline LB, can cover backs and TEs, good lateral agility, sound techniques, has a burst to the QB, tough and competitive, athletic and productive, doesn't stay blocked.

In fact, the report doesn't set forth any negatives except for his injury history (shoulder and scoped knee).

While GW doesn't usually start a rookie on opening day, I think there is a realistic chance Rocky will be an exception. Holdman is coming off a poor season. Clemons has not played running downs up to now and in that respect is a rookie just like McIntosh. McCune will be lucky to make the final roster much less start. Also, Rocky scored a whopping 29 in the Wonderlic test (contrast that with Vince Young's 6). Thus, there is every reason to believe that the mental aspect of the game will not be a problem for him.

the wonderlic score looks to be very significant in his selection.. as you say it bodes well for his ability to absorb williams complex linebacker assignments.. that will determine how early we see him on the field

[The Skinsinator]

Good information BetweenDaTackles. I really like the fact that he graded out 20% points over Ryans and Jackson. That is exceptional. His athleticism is unreal and I won't be surprised to see him start by week 5-6. We have to shore this position and must be ready by week 2 at Dallas at a minimum. Sounds like the right guy though.

[meloveskinslongtime]

Good information BetweenDaTackles. I really like the fact that he graded out 20% points over Ryans and Jackson. That is exceptional. His athleticism is unreal and I won't be surprised to see him start by week 5-6. We have to shore this position and must be ready by week 2 at Dallas at a minimum. Sounds like the right guy though.

i hope he starts before then. i just dont fully trust anyone else to start in his place. of course if he isnt ready, then let him take as long as he needs, but for the price that we gave up to get him, i think the coaches believe he can start rather quickly.

[skinfan43]

Some more info on Rocky that GW probably was salivating over:

Roger "Rocky" McIntosh LB 6'2 237 Miami
By: Robert Davis


as a junior... He posted career highs of 111 tackles and 13 for loss, to go with four sacks. McIntosh had another standout season as a senior, finishing with 89 tackles, 12 for loss, and 5.5 sacks.

...excellent athleticism and very good speed. He shows the ability to drop into coverage and cover backs and tight ends down the field. Rocky also shows the willingness to come up and stick his nose into traffic and bring down the ball carrier. He also shows some pass rush potential off the edge with his speed and athleticism.

As an outside linebacker, Rocky McIntosh has shown the ability to be a difference maker in every aspect...McIntosh carries a Day One grade and could really develop down the line.


The Next Big NFL Thing ... Linebackers

By Richard Cirminiello

Rocky McIntosh, Miami – McIntosh is an every down player at the next level, who’s flashed the quickness and strength at Miami to excel at all three linebacker spots. He plays the game very fast and very physically, making his presence felt even when he’s not in on a tackle.
Shades of…Joey Porter

And bonus info on our two UDFA LB's, Spencer Havner and Kevin Simon (from the above article):

One Monster Year from First-Day Money

By Richard Cirminiello

Spencer Havner, UCLA – For the past three seasons, Havner has epitomized the term “tackling machine”. He’s a hearty 6-4 and 245 pounds, and best located on the field by following the pigskin. He lacks top closing speed, which probably kept him from entering last year’s draft, but consistently stays in the mix by anticipating well and taking the right angles. Havner plays smart and is a sure tackler, but needs to get quicker or else be considered a liability on passing downs in the pros.

Kevin Simon, Tennessee – If not for a chequered medical history, Simon would have no business being ranked this low. However, he’s endured a broken ankle and three knee surgeries, the most recent following an ACL tear last September. He’ll be ready by the start of the season, but durability questions will linger. Simon plays at just under 6-0 and 235 pounds, but is a dynamic athlete, who can take over a game with his disruptive closing speed when he’s healthy.


Just some interesting info on our newest LB's, hopefully they're as great as advertised! (still twiddling my thumbs waiting for July...)

[colkurtz]

If Rocky starts, that will be a huge acheivement. Taylor didn't start for 6 games.

Let's see how he does in pre-season before we get all mushy over this guy....

However, I'm pretty excited about him and the other new players on defense:

LaVar WHO?

[JoeDaSchmoe]

All I want is for him to be able to fill his gap. Holdman's already demonstrated that he's completely incapable of doing that. I'm pretty sure that the other team busted a big run to the left side in every single game Holdman started.

[HanburgerBum]

the wonderlic score looks to be very significant in his selection.. as you say it bodes well for his ability to absorb williams complex linebacker assignments.. that will determine how early we see him on the field


Rocky's 29 score on the Wonderlic may even have been under-reported. His agent claims that he actually scored a 31. That is getting up there.

From the last article I read about this test (a couple of years back), professional people like lawyers, doctors and chemists had the best average scores (typically high 20's). So, Rocky is in fine company.

Here is a trivia for you. Who is the only NFL player to ever score a perfect 50 on the Wonderlic? He turned in his answers with time still left on the clock. Hint: a punter from Havard who played for the Bengals. I will let you know after you post an answer.

[colkurtz]

All I want is for him to be able to fill his gap. Holdman's already demonstrated that he's completely incapable of doing that. I'm pretty sure that the other team busted a big run to the left side in every single game Holdman started.

I wasn't impressed with Holdman last season - at all. He got beat and was just below average at best. He's just a fill-in to provide some competition for the spot. I doubt he actually makes the team.

[smoot]

Rocky's 29 score on the Wonderlic may even have been under-reported. His agent claims that he actually scored a 31. That is getting up there.

From the last article I read about this test (a couple of years back), professional people like lawyers, doctors and chemists had the best average scores (typically high 20's). So, Rocky is in fine company.

Here is a trivia for you. Who is the only NFL player to ever score a perfect 50 on the Wonderlic? He turned in his answers with time still left on the clock. Hint: a punter from Havard who played for the Bengals. I will let you know after you post an answer.
i know matt birk had something like a 49

[HanburgerBum]

i know matt birk had something like a 49


49 is not 50. As of last year, the only NFL player to ever score a perfect 50 on the Wonderlic is Pat MacNally (sp?), a punter from Harvard who played for the Bengals a number of years.

While most of the questions are not overly difficult (although a few are very tough), the relatively short time given a candidate to complete the test makes it hard to score a perfect 50.

Among some of the all-time low scores recorded supposedly were those by Joe Montana, Heath Shuler and Vince Young. It would appear that the score is not necessarily an accurate predictor of success. Of course, in Young's case, the jury is still out.

[smoot]

Among some of the all-time low scores recorded supposedly were those by Joe Montana, Heath Shuler and Vince Young. It would appear that the score is not necessarily an accurate predictor of success. Of course, in Young's case, the jury is still out.
theres a rumor, although i cant find anyplace to confirm it, that one of the ravens linebackers, i cant remember the name, scored a 3

[smoak]

All I want is for him to be able to fill his gap. Holdman's already demonstrated that he's completely incapable of doing that. I'm pretty sure that the other team busted a big run to the left side in every single game Holdman started.

Ugh. and in some cases, they busted multiple runs (Bell). Its one thing to get owned by a guy like Tomlinson who is the best in the game (IMO), but Bell!!!??? And what Tiki did against us in NY was really embarassing.

[redskinz#1fan]

If Rocky starts, that will be a huge acheivement. Taylor didn't start for 6 games.

Let's see how he does in pre-season before we get all mushy over this guy....

However, I'm pretty excited about him and the other new players on defense:

LaVar WHO?


Taylor actually started in week 3! Here is the link (http://www.redskins.com/team/profile.jsp?id=1217) for that info.

So Rocky starting from day one, wouldn't be that unheard of. But it would definitely mean something, since GW usually doesn't start rookies.

[PA Skins Girl]

Taylor actually started in week 3! Here is the link (http://www.redskins.com/team/profile.jsp?id=1217) for that info.

That's what I though too. Thanks for the link. I think he missed one start (maybe later in the season) because he was being penalized for missing a practice when he was sitting in jail after his DUI arrest.

[shally]

theres a rumor, although i cant find anyplace to confirm it, that one of the ravens linebackers, i cant remember the name, scored a 3

you would have to intentionally try to get a 3.... just picking random answers would give you a far better score.

[smoot]

you would have to intentionally try to get a 3.... just picking random answers would give you a far better score.
and yet......... like i said its just something ive heard but considering vince young's 6, its possible

[shally]

and yet......... like i said its just something ive heard but considering vince young's 6, its possible

see, i think either someone like that simply doesn't care at all.. or maybe he gets stuck and never gets past the 5th problem..

more than anything it is poor test taking skills, i think

[HanburgerBum]

theres a rumor, although i cant find anyplace to confirm it, that one of the ravens linebackers, i cant remember the name, scored a 3


I hope that was Ray Lewis. He is hard to take, with that ridiculous dance of his.

[Jayman]

Rocky has to have minor knee surgery and will miss mini-camp.

[Dept_of_Defense]

I really hope Rocky does well this year. He seems like he hasn't reached his full potential yet. If anyone can bring that out of him, GW can....

[redwolf1218]

another Rocky article. nothing much new, just something to read.

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=1751

[HanburgerBum]

another Rocky article. nothing much new, just something to read.

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=1751


I really like the fact that the Skins went after Miami players (Kellen Winslow II would have been an exception). These guys know how to play!

One thing about this article puzzled me in that it had Clemons in the mix at WLB. First, I thought maybe the article is just old. But, it obviously was written within the last few days since it stated that all draft picks except for Rocky have been signed. Lefotu was signed just a couple of days ago. Either Clemons has been moved back to the weak side, or the author is poorly informed.

[redwolf1218]

I really like the fact that the Skins went after Miami players (Kellen Winslow II would have been an exception). These guys know how to play!

One thing about this article puzzled me in that it had Clemons in the mix at WLB. First, I thought maybe the article is just old. But, it obviously was written within the last few days since it stated that all draft picks except for Rocky have been signed. Lefotu was signed just a couple of days ago. Either Clemons has been moved back to the weak side, or the author is poorly informed.
it's a new article, but this quote is old:

When training camp arrives, McIntosh will be one of several candidates for playing time at weak-side linebacker. According to Williams, veteran linebacker Warrick Holdman has the edge right now, with Chris Clemons and McIntosh close behind. Second-year player Robert McCune is also in the mix.

that's rehashed from previous quotes by Williams.

[HanburgerBum]

it's a new article, but this quote is old:

When training camp arrives, McIntosh will be one of several candidates for playing time at weak-side linebacker. According to Williams, veteran linebacker Warrick Holdman has the edge right now, with Chris Clemons and McIntosh close behind. Second-year player Robert McCune is also in the mix.

that's rehashed from previous quotes by Williams.


So, the author didn't bother to update the information in his article? Sloppy writing.

[redwolf1218]

So, the author didn't bother to update the information in his article? Sloppy writing.
switching Clemons to the strong side might not mean emphatically that he is no longer an option at the weak side, at least as a pass rusher. on the other hand it might mean that McCune has shown progress on the weak side and with him, Holdman and Rocky, the coaches already see a logjam there. i dont know.

[HanburgerBum]

switching Clemons to the strong side might not mean emphatically that he is no longer an option at the weak side, at least as a pass rusher. on the other hand it might mean that McCune has shown progress on the weak side and with him, Holdman and Rocky, the coaches already see a logjam there. i dont know.


I find it hard to believe that McCune drove Clemons to the strong side. I think it much more likely that Holdman's resurgence and McIntosh's early strong showing caused the position switch for Chris.

If this switch is permanent, I think CC is in a heap of trouble. He is not a particular good run stuffer or a good special team player, according to GW's most recent interview. Playing behind Marcus (a three-down backer), when is Clemons going to see the field? Much more likely, GW and Dale Lindsey would elect to go with a rookie such as Havner who apparently was a good special team player in college.

[FanFromArizona]

I find it hard to believe that McCune drove Clemons to the strong side. I think it much more likely that Holdman's resurgence and McIntosh's early strong showing caused the position switch for Chris.

If this switch is permanent, I think CC is in a heap of trouble. He is not a particular good run stuffer or a good special team player, according to GW's most recent interview. Playing behind Marcus (a three-down backer), when is Clemons going to see the field? Much more likely, GW and Dale Lindsey would elect to go with a rookie such as Havner who apparently was a good special team player in college.


The part that surprises me is that CC is YOUNG and could [if he bulked up] be an excellent pass-rushing defensive end. We will shortly need a replacement for Phillip Daniels in 2-3 years timeframe.

I would hate to see the coaches abandon Chris and not make use of his obvious pass-rushing talents. I would hope that they could harvest his talents and develop him for a few more years.

[Redskin4Life]

I'd hate to bring up something that should have been squashed from last year's discussions but is it possible with all these great options at LB that we might go with 7 LBs and use the 3-4 a lot more this year?

[GWBlitzST]

The part that surprises me is that CC is YOUNG and could [if he bulked up] be an excellent pass-rushing defensive end. We will shortly need a replacement for Phillip Daniels in 2-3 years timeframe.

I would hate to see the coaches abandon Chris and not make use of his obvious pass-rushing talents. I would hope that they could harvest his talents and develop him for a few more years.
Bulked up D end Chris Clemons = Nic Clemons = practice squad at best. I guarantee we draft a sick defensive end next year.

[FanFromArizona]

Bulked up D end Chris Clemons = Nic Clemons = practice squad at best. I guarantee we draft a sick defensive end next year.

We only have a 1st and 3rd rounder this year if we are going to do something.
2nd is gone to get Rocky, and the 4th is gone in trade for Brandon.
We also have to do something for our OLine, we are not getting young there and could possibly be losing Docks this year. I would rather we use our first rounder for the Oline, so the choice really comes down to Chris Clemons or a third rounder or get a free agent.

[redwolf1218]

The part that surprises me is that CC is YOUNG and could [if he bulked up] be an excellent pass-rushing defensive end. We will shortly need a replacement for Phillip Daniels in 2-3 years timeframe.

I would hate to see the coaches abandon Chris and not make use of his obvious pass-rushing talents. I would hope that they could harvest his talents and develop him for a few more years.
he only had what, 2 sacks? he "showed flashes" as Williams said, but that's about it.

[FanFromArizona]

he only had what, 2 sacks? he "showed flashes" as Williams said, but that's about it.


He played in a limited capacity last year. 9 games, 2 sacks. 1 of these 2 sacks I can remember vividly. Eli Manning and Co were in our redzone. Clemons on the left edge sacked Eli for a 12 yard loss and moved them back into a long field goal attempt. It came at a VERY CRITICAL point in the game where the score was close[at least at that point].

I think if he was given enough playing time he could develop into a pass-rusher. When he was given playing time, it was usually on 3rd down in a pass-rushing capacity.

It would just be nice to see him developed, that was all I was saying. Whether or not Greg and Co. sees my point of view, I would not know.
In Gibbs/Williams/Saunders I trust.

[HanburgerBum]

The part that surprises me is that CC is YOUNG and could [if he bulked up] be an excellent pass-rushing defensive end. We will shortly need a replacement for Phillip Daniels in 2-3 years timeframe.

I would hate to see the coaches abandon Chris and not make use of his obvious pass-rushing talents. I would hope that they could harvest his talents and develop him for a few more years.


Hey, I think you may have something there. Isn't CC about 6-3 and 240? Putting 20-25 lbs of muscle on a 6-3 frame seems doable. Do the defensive coaches read this forum? How do we communicate your idea to them?

The coaches obviously don't visualize him as a starter at LB. So, why not try that? A pass-rushing DE is a rare commodity and is worth his weight in gold. I guess the Skins will need to find room to stash him on the roster, while he undergoes this change. That may be easier said than done, given the talent on this team and the fact that the Skins are geared for a deep run in the playoffs.