Vinny Curry Works to Prove Doubters Wrong
The hybrid defender from Marshall is becoming used to constant questioning coming from his critics.
Vinny Curry, the NFL Draft prospect from Marshall, is used to having to prove himself.
His first real challenge began shortly after his high school days when he was a college nonqualifier and had to spend a year a Harmony Prep, a college preparatory school in Cincinnati, Oh.
"It taught me a lot of discipline," said Curry at the NFL Combine back in February. "I disciplined myself to prove to the NCAA that I could be a college student on a high level.
"I’m graduated. I graduated this past December. So everything just worked out for the best and I feel like that right there just told me an honorable lesson that school is very, very important. From that day on I was determined to get my degree."
Curry went on to have a prolific college career at Marshall that culminated in 2011 with being named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year and to several All-American teams as well.
He now awaits a job in the NFL, but the doubts remain.
As a product of Marshall, Curry has to show he's a special athlete despite coming from a mid-major conference that plays against substandard competition. He admits it's a constant uphill climb.
"Oh yeah, hands down," said Curry. "But I like stuff like that. I love being the underdog. I feel the underdog always works harder, always has something to prove. That’s my personality. I feel like I always have something to prove."
Curry played defensive end in a three-point stance for the Thundering Herd, but if he's drafted by a team that runs a 3-4 defense like the Green Bay Packers, he'd have to transition to outside linebacker.
And still people are skeptical.
"I don't know if he's athletic enough to stand up and drop and do all those things," said Draft analyst Mike Mayock of the NFL Network on a conference call with reporters.
The Packers have an obvious need at outside linebacker opposite Clay Matthews and could use someone to aid their ailing pass rush that was largely ineffective last season.
Green Bay experimented with several players at their right outside linebacker position last year with Erik Walden getting the bulk of the playing time, but opportunities were also given to Brad Jones, Frank Zombo and Vic So'oto and none of them created a lasting impression.
The Packers own the 28th pick in the first round this year, and it's possible Curry could be drafted as early as late first round or sometime in the second.
What needs to be decided is whether the Packers would value Curry over other outside linebacker options that might be available like Alabama's Courtney Upshaw, Illinois' Whitney Mercilus, USC's Nick Perry and Boise State's Shea McClellin.
Curry has a little bit of experience playing in a 3-4 during his freshman and sophomore years, but he acknowledges he'll need a period of adjustment.
"My first two years in college we ran a 3-4 system," said Curry. "It would be back to getting in that. It would take a little time getting used to it, getting back to it."
Whatever system Curry ends up playing in, there's no doubt his production was both good and consistent in college.
Just when you think it can't get much better than 94 tackles, 18 for a loss and 12 sacks as junior, Curry's encore performance included 77 tackles, 22 for a loss, 11 sacks, seven forced fumbles and three blocked kicks as a senior.
Whether the Packers will value that steadiness, that reliability enough to make Curry a first-round selection will be found out on Thursday April 26 when the Draft occurs.
If they do, they'll be getting a player that will strive to become better, according to Mayock.
"I admire his game," said Mayock. "I admire what this kid is. What that is he's a lunch pail guy that works his tail off. He's got some talent."
Comments (43)
April 03, 2012 at 12:25 pm
I could totally live with him as a first or second round pick at ROLB. Saw him play in the Senior Bowl and thought he looked much better than Upshaw. Senior, mature, well-spoken, good athlete, works hard… like him a lot from what I've heard and seen.
April 03, 2012 at 01:30 pm
too slow
April 03, 2012 at 01:49 pm
Watch his games, watch his senior bowl practice, watch him in the senior bowl, he's as fast in a 5 yard split and in short space as any other defender on the field not named Ingram.
He can't survive in prolonged coverage, but what 3-4 linebacker can. More importantly, you can flex him inside or out due to his hand speed, bull rush and power.
40 times for conversion players have little meaning.
April 03, 2012 at 03:31 pm
If you're referring to his combine 40 time (4.9), you could cross-reference his pro day 40 (4.6).
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/x1556330603/Curry-goes-faster
I'm pretty sure the latter is more reflective of his abilities.
April 03, 2012 at 09:34 pm
Yeah-no one ever runs a stupidly fast time at their pro-day. Pro-day stats are highly questionable. I'll stick with my original comment-"too slow".
He'll be a real good 43DE... He'not a linebacker.
April 03, 2012 at 10:00 pm
Curry's pro day was as good as Ingram's pro day, Mercillus's pro day and far better than Upshaw's pro day. What was your point about pro days again? (Hint: read slowly before responding).
P.S. - $1,000 says you've never seen any of the above outside of YouTube.
April 04, 2012 at 05:37 am
What's youtube?
By the way-sorry for offending you by having an opinion that differs from yours.
You must be right (again).
I must be wrong (again).
I keep forgetting how many of the BLOG Posters on this site are actually expert talent evaluators.
PS-did you just compare curry to Ingram?
April 04, 2012 at 07:25 am
Challenging content in your two word opinion saying hes, too slow. Now I'll challenge your reading. I said Curry's pro day was just as good as Ingram. Better 10 yard split, same 40, stronger and as explosive on the testing. Didn't say he had the same upside or draft position.
Just sharing the fact that hes not, too slow. Did you watch these guys play in games?
April 04, 2012 at 09:18 am
I have no problem with you "Challenging content in your two word opinion saying hes, too slow."
My problem is with comments such as...
"Hint: read slowly before responding"
"$1,000 says you’ve never seen any of the above outside of YouTube"
"Now I’ll challenge your reading."
You just come across as very condescending.
I give an opinion.
You give an opinion (which, I will admit is usually more "researched" than mine) but then feel the need to throw in a "shot".
you're a tool.
April 04, 2012 at 10:19 am
You're right, probably is condescending. I'll be more conscious about it in the future.
April 04, 2012 at 10:50 am
cow42
Don't question the ability of CSS to evaluate talent. I'm sure he has access to all game film just like all of us do. I'm sure he flies all over the country watching college players work out prior to the draft just like all of us do. I'm sure he also has a front seat at the combine & any pro-day he chooses ( just like all of us do).
'Tool' is being kind.
PackerAaron
April 04, 2012 at 01:48 pm
"‘Tool’ is being kind."
I love how you attack him personally, Rocky, but are completely unable to refute any of his actual points.
April 04, 2012 at 11:12 am
He should question it, Rocky. No problem there. I'll give specifics if I can, otherwise I won't comment if I've never seen him play or only seen him in shorts at the combine. I don't care to comment if it's not an informed opinion, because I really don't know.
Nice strawman, by the way. I've never claimed access to any of the above, nor have I claimed to be an expert.
April 04, 2012 at 11:32 am
Watching a college game on the 'tube' on a Saturday afternoon is hardly a definitive means to have an 'informed opinion' about any college player.
Strawman --- (again)-- LOL --- I'll give you credit. You are a 'funny' dude.
April 04, 2012 at 12:52 am
When talking fractions of seconds, Speed and Quickness are things that can be improved with weight lifting and drills.
April 04, 2012 at 05:39 am
Can't "teach" fluidity.
Currys a down lineman not a linebacker.
April 04, 2012 at 07:19 am
Moving the goal posts in your argument now cow. Talking fluidity is completely different than speed. You said, "too slow". He's not. Totally different discussion about hip flexibility in space.
April 03, 2012 at 04:36 pm
I'd be thrilled if we got him. I noticed him more than anyone else on d during the senior bowl. He gets pressure constantly. McClellin would be a reach at 28 IMO.
April 03, 2012 at 06:34 pm
Third rounder.
April 03, 2012 at 06:55 pm
Just occured to me. Gravatar is a bitch.
April 03, 2012 at 09:30 pm
Huh?
April 03, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Brian, not to give away the product, but you are awfully high on Curry in the preview. Can you add to it a bit? Why this guy over Mercilus when you watch the film?
Brian Carriveau
April 04, 2012 at 07:27 am
It was not my intention to be either high or low on Curry. My intention was to tell the story of him working to prove doubters wrong seeing as that was a compelling storyline in his interview. So I think the ways he has to prove them wrong tend to feature prominently.
April 04, 2012 at 09:55 am
By his own admission, he's a project at OLB.
One source says he's 263.
No way he's picked by the Packers in the 1st round -- being a light-weight, one-trick-pony DE from a lesser conference.
In a later round, he may have real value.
-----NOTE
youtube.com is a website where most links lead to the following message: "your video has been removed."
April 04, 2012 at 10:29 am
Honestly, there's not a single conversion 3-4 OLB (I say conversion, because basically they all are outside of Alabama which is one of only a handful of FCS schools that runs a 3-4 defense) that's not a project. I don't think there's a 'safe' guy in the bunch. Every kid, including Upshaw and Ingram, scare me as prospects.
Upshaw is violent, plays down-hill and will beat lineman down by Q4. But he's inflexible, not very athletic and stiff.
Ingram is active and athletic, but he can get absorbed by NFL lineman. He reminds me of a former 'safe' prospect in Aaron Curry, one of the biggest busts in recent drafts.
You're right about Curry and level of competition, but I couldn't disagree with you more on him being a one-trick pony. His moves aren't as violent as Upshaw, not as sudden as Ingram, but he has just as many moves at the line of scrimmage.
I haven't seen anybody else play, outside of Mercilus and McClellin, can't comment on them.
Comes down to what defensive coordinators value in the position. I wouldn't like Upshaw if I were Capers. You can't move him around as much, awful in space. I would like Curry far more, you can slide him inside. Team like the Jets would love Upshaw.
April 04, 2012 at 11:19 am
At his size, I'm thinking he can't just play as a down-lineman/pass-rusher kind-of-guy -- what I may inarticulately call a "one-trick-pony," even though he has a variety of quality moves. I don't think he's big enough to defend the run.
At his size, he's got to cover as well. Although he played 3-4 in his first two years, he says that "It would take a little time getting used to it, getting back to it."
I just don't see GB taking a "project"/developmental player in the first round.
I don't see a "safe" player either -- even at a much higher selection. Since TT says quality big men are hard to find, I could see him going with Reyes, a solid if not spectacular guy.
April 04, 2012 at 11:45 am
Most have Curry projected as a 2nd rounder. Another interesting note from CBS.
"He is more likely to add weight at the next level so he can play strong-side end or possibly even a five-technique if a 3-4 team projects him to be capable there."
April 04, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Interesting observation from NFL front office men when interviewed by National Football Post:
"Vinny Curry, Marshall: Physically, there is no doubt the 6-3, 266 pounder can play linebacker in a 3-4. He explodes off the edge and can get under blocks. Curry has speed and is a natural pass rusher. The only issue, according to multiple scouts, is whether or not he can learn a new position and master it."
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/NFL-scouts-a-look-at-the-top-OLBDE-p...
April 04, 2012 at 01:31 pm
Did he rush standing up? If not, he cannot say he explodes off the edge. Even that is projection. Maybin exploded off the edge as well. From a 3 point stance.
And the Packers defense don't allow their OLBs to play with their hands down like Dallas, Houston, NY... do. That could change this season, though.
April 04, 2012 at 01:40 pm
A web-site versus CBS ---- a bit of a mismatch I'd say.
Another interesting note: from R. Lande at SportingNews ----
"Curry lacks the ideal bulk of a 4-3 end as well as natural read-and-react skills. He also does not have the necessary experience to play in space as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme."
"Though he clearly has power, he must add weight to his frame and improve the way he uses his hands to fend off run blockers. He must also improve his awareness skills to develop into an every-down player. At times, he is overly aggressive when he tries to set the edge. "
April 04, 2012 at 01:42 pm
I don't disagree with what you're saying, but can't say I like the Maybin example either. Curry is a football player, Maybin never was.
April 04, 2012 at 01:46 pm
National Football Post has former NFL players, agents and executives that contribute to the analysis. All the writers post their profiles, you need to look at their backgrounds before making that statement. That's as much if not more than CBS offers. Can't see how it's a mismatch.
As to the second point, it's not at all uncommon for a 4-3 end to be around 270 lbs.
April 04, 2012 at 01:50 pm
"Curry is a football player, Maybin never was."
Straw man at it's best. ---- LOL.
April 04, 2012 at 01:58 pm
You still don't know what a stawman argument is, do you?
April 04, 2012 at 01:59 pm
I'm well aware of NFP from their day 1 inclusion on the web.
You're using the straw man (it's actually two words) argument again. I never said anything about their attributes or lack there of. CBS just has many, many more resources to obtain more valid info. Next you'll be saying CHTV is on par with PFT.
April 04, 2012 at 02:04 pm
Add irony to the list of concepts you can't grasp.
April 04, 2012 at 02:14 pm
Attacks, name calling, mention of straw man (two words)-----
All indications that your argument is no longer valid. You're so easy to predict.
April 04, 2012 at 03:17 pm
Why waste your keyboard arguing with an expert CSS?
April 04, 2012 at 03:22 pm
As always, RS, great insight, great question.....
April 04, 2012 at 03:32 pm
You guys need to get a room.
April 04, 2012 at 03:27 pm
We're all Packer fans here guys. We can disagree and do it in a manner that is not personal. I mean, it'd be different if we were Viking rubes, but come on guys..
Take it easy.
April 04, 2012 at 03:38 pm
A disagreement would imply that there're opinions involved.
A god's opinion is a fact. You cannot argue with facts.
April 04, 2012 at 05:23 pm
I have the perfect analysis of Curry. If the Packers draft him then his combine time was an anomaly, his technique unsurpassed and his future limitless. If another team selects him he is both slow and undersized, stupid with no potential and no where to hide. Done. Next.