May 2012 - Page 12 of 12 - Last Word On Sports

There have been plenty of articles on the web analysing teams’ needs and who drafted well and who didn’t and so forth and so on. I was going to attempt to write something like that, when I realized NFL football ended almost three months ago and I have no recollection of who was good in what areas and who needs help where. (Note to self: next year, write this stuff down during the season). So here are just a few quick impressions from someone who watches a lot of college football and attempts to follow the NFL in the offseason.

Steals: I thought the Giants might be interested in LSU WR Reuben Randle at #32. I would never have imagined that he would be sitting there for them at #63; everything I read before the draft had Randle as a late 1st-early 2nd pick. He should be a nice replacement for Mario Manningham.

I realize he’s had injury issues, but if you had told me in 2010 that Nebraska DE Jared Crick wouldn’t be taken until the end of the 4th round, I would have said you were insane. If he can stay healthy, he’s a difference-maker for Houston.

I only caught a couple of Arkansas games, so I’m not sure about his skills as a WR, but Joe Adams could prove to be a steal for his special-teams skills alone. If you haven’t seen his punt return against Tennessee this past season have a look! Smart move by the Panthers in the 4th round.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvZdu3RLeLU&feature=fvst

I’ll throw this in for Ben, S Ron Brooks may have been a backup at LSU, but an ESPN the Magazine article estimates that he would have started at “98% of D-I schools”. Nice pick by the Bills.

WTF Moments:

Did Dontari Poe try to kiss Commissioner Goodell? Really?

The person who prank called Mohammad Sanu in the first round and told him he was about to be picked should be ashamed of himself. Its not right to play with a kid’s emotions on draft day and give him false information that he’s a first rounder. Unfortunately Sanu would have to wait over 24 more hours to be picked in the third round.

In the 3rd round, Jacksonville takes… a punter? Really, a punter? With all their needs they couldn’t have got a punter in the 6th or 7th round?

It’s hard to WTF the Patriots, but their 2nd-round pick had a draft grade, according to ESPN.com, of 32. The players drafted before and after him were graded 73 and 86 respectively. According to Ben, who was texting me draft picks at my cousin’s wedding, the guys on NFL Network were basically speechless and had almost no information on the kid. Tavon Wilson couldn’t have been had a round or two later? The Pats do know Al Davis died, right?

The Browns draft Brandon Weeden. Colt McCoy, we hardly knew ye.

The Redskins take 2 QBs in the first 4 rounds. They reeeeeally don’t trust Rex Grossman.

The Jets took Robert Griffin from Baylor in the 6th round, bet you didn’t know there were two Robert Griffins at Baylor.

… and that is the last word.

Drafted 27th Overall by the Phoenix Coyotes.

Henrik Samuelsson comes from great bloodlines, he is the son of long time NHLer, and former Stanley Cup Champion Ulf Samuelsson. His brother Philip was a 2009 2nd round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins and recently won the NCAA Championship with Boston College. Henrik Samuelsson joins Edmonton Oil Kings teammate Griffin Reinhart as first round rated prospects for this years’ NHL Draft.

Right Wing/Center
Born Feb 7 1994 — Scottsdale, AZ
Height 6.02 — Weight 192 — Shoots R

2010-11	U.S. NTDP	USHL	27	4	7	11	78	1	—	—	—	—	—
2011-12	Modo Hockey	SEL	15	0	2	2	12	-7
2011-12	Oil Kings	WHL	28	7	16	23	42	18	11	3	10	13	12

Samuelsson has had an up and down year, and his draft stock has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. He started the year by leaving the US NTDP to go to Sweden and play for his father, who is coaching Modo this year in the Elitserien. He also spent time with Modo’s U20 club. Samuelsson has made it clear however that he considers himself an American and he plans to compete for USA Hockey internationally as he previously did at the World U17 Challenge. After struggling to find ice time in the Elitserien, Samuelsson returned to North American and joined the Oil Kings. Much like Reinhart, Samuelsson’s late season contributions have been invaluable in helping the Oil Kings to a 20 game winning streak (now snapped) and a berth in the WHL final.

Samuelsson is a big bodied, power forward prospect. He’s versatile as he’s been used at both Centre and Right Wing. Samuelsson uses his size and strength to battle opponents for loose pucks on the boards and to plant himself in front of the net. He has soft hands and a knack for banging in rebounds and tipping shots in close. His huge frame is also an effective screen for opposing goalies. Henrik has a good wrist shot and release, and he’s also good on one-timers. Samuelsson has also shown a creative playmaking side, utilizing great vision, and great tape to tape passing skills to rack up the assists in Edmonton. Henrik doesn’t shy away from traffic or from playing a physical game, and has been known to throw a big hit at times. He’s also shown a bit of his father’s legendary mean streak.

Defensively Samuelsson is a conscientious back checker and strong positionally. He is willing to use his size to be physical and again is often involved in battles for loose pucks. Samuelsson is willing to block shots and understands how to cut down on the passing lanes. As the son of a defensive defenceman, its no surprise that Henrik has that aspect to his game.

Skating wise, Samuelsson has good top end speed for a big man and is very strong and balanced on his skates. He could however use some work on his first step quickness, on his acceleration and on his agility. This is one area of his game that is a work in progress. Like many 18 year olds, Samuelsson will also need some time and work in the weight room bulking up before he is ready for pro hockey. Samuelsson is also a bit of a liability to take undisciplined penalties, once again proving the old adage of like father, like son.

Henrik Samuelsson is the prototypical power forward prospect that NHL teams love. Like many big men, he may be a bit of a project but we think he’s got a ton of upside. We think Samuelsson could develop into a player similar to Johan Franzen of the Detroit Red Wings.

… and thats the Last Word.

Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Month: May 2012

2012 NFL Draft: Sleepers and Surprises

NHL Draft Prospect Profile #26: Henrik Samuelsson