DT: Brandon Mebane, Cal

[Merk]

http://i.a.cnn.net./si/multimedia/photo_gallery/0608/gallery.cfbpack10/images/BrandonMebane.jpg

Height / Weight: 6-1 / 304

Video: #1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kVets7Yx8c)

Official Bio: (http://calbears.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mebane_brandon00.html)

NCAA Stats (http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2006&org=107&player=52)

Strong defensive tackle that usually draws the attention of several offensive players on each play season ... the attention he draws up front frees up the Cal linebackers for tackles ... selected to play in the 2007 Senior Bowl.

2006: A first team All-Pac-10 selection and a third team All-American by Rivals.com ... has anchored the Cal defensive line, recording a career-best 52 tackles, including 10 for losses, despite being double- and triple-teamed every play ... also registered four sacks ... collected a career-high nine tackles, including four for losses in the Big Game against Stanford ... recorded six tackles, including a safety against USC, one of his two tackles for loss in the game ... notched a sack to go with three tackles against Arizona ... earned six tackles against Washington including one tackle for loss... led a crucial goal-line stand against Washington State, being the key stopper on the final fourth-down effort by the Cougars ... forced a key third-down fumble to go with his four tackles against Oregon ... recorded three tackles and a sack against Oregon State ... collected his first sack of the year along with seven tackles against Minnesota ... had four tackles, including a tackle for a loss of three yards and a sack against Portland State ... recovered a fumble and had three unassisted tackles against Tennessee while being double-teamed on nearly every play ... preseason All-American by seven different publications ... on the Watch List for four different national awards.

2005: A first-team All-Pac-10 selection ... honored as Cal's most valuable defensive lineman ... slowed in mid-season by an ankle injury, but still led Cal with seven quarterback sacks despite constant double-teams ... sack total ranked sixth in the Pac-10 ... had 9.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage to rank third on the team in that category ... tallied a season high seven tackles while knocking down a pass at New Mexico State ... had tackles behind the line of scrimmage in eight games ... had 1.5 sacks at Stanford and two tackles for losses against Sacramento State ... started 10 of the team's 12 games as a junior due to ankle injury, but saw action in every game.

2004: Jumped into starting defensive tackle position opposite Lorenzo Alexander after three games, making his first collegiate start at USC after Steve Kelly injured his knee ... an honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection as a sophomore ... played in every game and started at tackle in the final nine contests ... accumulated 25 tackles, 20 of them solo, and six tackles for loss totaling 24 yards ... notched 2.5 sacks for 13 yards and broke up a pass ... top game was vs. UCLA, tallying six tackles, five of them solo and 2.5 for losses of nine yards ... in first start at USC, claimed 1.5 sacks for a loss of eight yards ... other sack came at Arizona, a five-yard loss ... also knocked down a pass at Arizona ... opened season strongly with four tackles at Air Force.

2003: Gained valuable game experience as a true freshman, appearing in four contests ... bagged three tackles ... two of his stops came against Oregon State, while his lone sack of the campaign occurred in Tempe against Arizona State.

High School: Rated the No. 24 defensive tackle in the country by Rivals.com, which also ranked him No. 55 on its California Top 100 players list and No. 67 on its West Top 100 chart ... named to SuperPrep's and PrepStar's All-America team ... rattled off 75 tackles, 13 sacks and two fumble recoveries as a senior ... named the 2002 Los Angeles Central City Player of the Year ... also scored five touchdowns as a fullback ... tabbed first team Best of the West by the Long Beach Press-Telegram, as well as All-West Region first team by SI.com ... all-state choice in 2002 ... selected 2001 Los Angeles City Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 78 tackles and 19 sacks as a junior ... three-time all-city, all-central city and all-league selection ... also a shot putter in track.

Personal: Parents are Walter and Joyce Mebane ... born Jan. 15, 1985 ... social welfare major.


Mebane's Final Career Defensive Stats Year G-GS UT-AT-TT TFL Sacks FF/FR PBU Int
2003 4-0 3-0-3 1-9 1-9 0/0 0 0-0
2004 12-9 20-5-25 5-22 2.5-13 0/0 1 0-0
2005 12-10 16-13-29 9.5-49 7-44 0/0 1 0-0
2006 13-12 21-31-52 10-34 4-21 1/1 0 0-0
Totals 41-31 60-49-109 25.5-113 14.5-87 1/1 2 0-0

[admarc]

Mebane looked real good in one on one drills at the Senior Bowl today. He overpowered Mozes. I think he is a perfect fit for the Bills. He has the power to collapse the pocket and hold ground to stuff the run. He is more than just a space eater. He plays with good leverage and for a big man has a good burst off the ball. I think he is quick enough to cause problems shooting the 1 gap and strong enough to power rush head on at nose.

Here's a video clip , sack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kVets7Yx8c)

[Merk]

Hes still my target in the 2nd



In fact I want to find a way to trade down in the first add a 2nd then draft Mebane and L.Booker in round 2

[Mouldsie]

I'll take Lynch, Mebane, Hughes, and Bishop... thanks.

[gilchristfan]

Jon Gruden formed an opinion about the players on the North team in the 2007 Senior Bowl before he even led them onto the practice field Monday afternoon. Their work on the pristine field turf at Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium in a two-hour Monday session only confirmed that first impression.

“I’ve always felt that the guys who choose to play here are guys that are serious, physical football guys that are going to be factors in the NFL,” said Gruden, head of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching staff that was chosen to direct the North team. “This is an opportunity for our staff to really get behind the scenes with what we think are some of the best players in the country at this point in time.”

Maybe the deepest collection of talented and physical players on the North team is along the defensive line, which features intriguing prospects from the PAC 12, Big Ten and Big 12. The most recognizable names might belong to Ohio State’s Quinn Pitcock, Louisville’s Amobi Okoye and Nebraska’s Adam Carriker but on Monday it appeared as if every player in the group was making his case for rising draft status.

Among those was California’s Brandon Mebane, a 6-1, 304-pound defensive tackle who might measure out as a bit undersized but who showed off impressive power during a lengthy one-on-one session with the North’s offensive linemen.

This drill took place in the east end zone and was clearly a big draw for the assembled NFL scouts dotting the stands in their color-coded gear. As the linemen began to bang away at each other, more and more of the pockets of personnel men moved over into the end zone to get a closer look. At one point, Mebane went head-to-head with the left guard and left him on the ground as he simply bulled over him.

Larry Coyer, the Bucs’ new assistant head coach/defensive line coach, was impressed, giving the Cal prospect a slap on the shoulder and a, “That’s how you do it.” Coyer remained impressed at the end of the practice.

“[He has] a bunch of power,” said the coach, who was essentially in his first day on the job with Tampa Bay. “He’s got a great center of gravity, gets his hips under him and he understands pass rushing. He understands how to use his hips. I’m shocked by him and how quick he is off the ball. He showed great intensity.”

At the front end of what is essentially a week-long job interview, Mebane felt good about his opening practice but chose to focus on the ways that he can improve over the next five days.

“I think it went pretty well,” said Mebane. “I’ve got a lot of things to work on. I need to sharpen up my skills to get ready for the South team on Saturday. There were a couple plays where I made a couple mistakes with my footwork and technique. I’m going to go over it tonight, go over my footwork and make sure I step with the proper alignments. But I think overall we came out with a nice effort. The team came out together and practiced very hard.”

http://www.buccaneers.com/news/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=5634

[admarc]

My notes from the Senior Bowl:

Brandon Mebane continued to impress on the nose. He faced double teams most of the night, which was smart of the south squad because when they left him one on one he penetrated. He ended up with 1 sack and a couple of pressures. When double teamed he not only held is own on most plays, he actually drove both blockers back on several occasions. He battled hard from whistle to whistle. It was really fun watching him go up against Kalil, who did an exceptional job on him the few times he was left one on one, however a few of the botched snaps may have been as result of him worrying about getting in position to block Mebane and Okoye.

[admarc]

I think the Bills need to find a way to draft this kid, even it means reaching a bit and taking him at 12. Ideally they can trade down, pick up an extra second and get Mebane later. However, if they can't get a deal done, like last year with Whitner and McCargo, Marv should pull the trigger even if they have him rated higher than the "experts". There really isn't another player in the draft like him and he is the perfect fit for the Bills at the 1 technique. I don't think he'll drop to the Bills in the 2nd and I don't want them to trade away picks to move up. He will stuff the run, take on 2 blockers, collapse the pocket and make everyone around him better. He isn't fat, he's powerfull and can penetrate with brute force, intensity and great leverage and technique. Kyle Williams will relieve him and can also be paired with Mebane in short yardage packages.

[Mouldsie]

You really think Mebane is a 1st rounder now?

[bcw]

I wouldn't mind trading down and picking him up along with a 2nd round pick. He's not huge but he can hold his ground. Certainly not a pretty pretty but he fills a huge need.

[admarc]

You really think Mebane is a 1st rounder now?

Yes, for the Bills, for several reasons.

System Fit: Mebane is a perfect 1 technique DT. He can take on double teams and collapse the pocket. He also has enough quickness and technique to shoot the gap and get penetration. He really can't be blocked 1 on one and will free up the MLB, 3 tech DT and DE's to make plays. He not only can achieve a stale mate when facing a double team, he plays with such great leverage, strength and technique that he can push two blockers back. That is a rare ability.

Value: There just aren't that many 300+ pound DTs with Mebane's combination of athleticism and strength. After Branch and Mebane who? I like Antonio Johnson's potential, but he is raw. Pitcock doesn't have enough explosiveness to consistently get pressure and may not have the power to collapse a pocket. Tank Tyler is purely a space eater as is Luis Leonard. I believe this year's draft is deep at MLB with players like David Harris, HB Blades, Jonathan Abbate, Desmond Bishop, Zak DeOssie and others all likely to be available in the 2nd round and beyond.

Production: Despite being constantly double and even triple teamed, he still managed 54 tackles, 10 Tackles for Loss and 4 sacks this year. For his career he finished with an impressive 25.5 TFL and 14.5 sacks.

Makes Players around him better: As productive as he was, his real value didn't always show up in his individual stats, it showed up in the production of those around him. Players like Desmond Bishop, Daymeion Hughes and Zak Follet all benefitted by the attention Mebane attracted. In Bishop's own words (http://calbears.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110806aab.html),"He makes a huge impact because the defense starts with the front line. With him on the front line, the attention that he draws from the offensive line, he frees a lot of us up to roam free and make a lot of tackles. We get all the publicity, but he's really the one that makes everything work. He'll still get pressure on the quarterback even with the double team and force him to make a bad throw. That affects the secondary because it makes the interceptions they get a lot easier."

Intangibles: Mebane is widely viewed as a team leader, high motor and unselfish player. The articles and scouting reports seem universal in saying he practices hard every day and does not have lapses in games like most big men.

Experience: Played in every game after jumping into the starting lineup game 3 of his sophomore year. (He missed two starts his junior year with an ankle injury, but still managed to play). He is a smart player who has several pass rush moves, great technique that maximizes his strength and good recognition skills.

Need: Stopping the run is the Bills #1 offseason priority. I don't think the Bills need to abandon the scheme to accomplish this, but they do need to get stronger up the middle. McCargo and Tripplet were brought in to wreek havoc in the backfield. Too often last year Tripplet was blown off the ball, part of the time because he was double teamed. Far too often backs hit the second level untouched. Far too often they had huge holes to run through. Far too often Fletcher got swarmed by blockers. The Bills absolutely need a powerfull NT on the roster to counter physical teams who simply want to pound it down the Bills throats up the middle. A player who will force those teams to throw more and run around the edge, which will give the Bills more opportunities for turnovers and tackles for loss. Mebane not only fills the need to hold up to blockers at the point of attack, he also can create enough havoc himself by collapsing the pocket and shooting the 1 gap.

I honestly believe next to Branch, and not far behind, adding Mebane will help the Bills defense more than any other DTackle in the draft. He will turn their biggest weakness into a strength, give the team flexibility and improve the production of the entire D.

[Merk]

I dont have a problem taking him in the 1st under one condition, we MUST trade down first

[SabreNasty2630]

I dont have a problem taking him in the 1st under one condition, we MUST trade down first


If we were take a guy like him the 1st, I would definately want to trade down 6-9 spots to do so and pick up another 2nd rounder

[gilchristfan]

Yes, for the Bills, for several reasons.

System Fit: Mebane is a perfect 1 technique DT. He can take on double teams and collapse the pocket. He also has enough quickness and technique to shoot the gap and get penetration. He really can't be blocked 1 on one and will free up the MLB, 3 tech DT and DE's to make plays. He not only can achieve a stale mate when facing a double team, he plays with such great leverage, strength and technique that he can push two blockers back. That is a rare ability.

Value: There just aren't that many 300+ pound DTs with Mebane's combination of athleticism and strength. After Branch and Mebane who? I like Antonio Johnson's potential, but he is raw. Pitcock doesn't have enough explosiveness to consistently get pressure and may not have the power to collapse a pocket. Tank Tyler is purely a space eater as is Luis Leonard. I believe this year's draft is deep at MLB with players like David Harris, HB Blades, Jonathan Abbate, Desmond Bishop, Zak DeOssie and others all likely to be available in the 2nd round and beyond.

Production: Despite being constantly double and even triple teamed, he still managed 54 tackles, 10 Tackles for Loss and 4 sacks this year. For his career he finished with an impressive 25.5 TFL and 14.5 sacks.

Makes Players around him better: As productive as he was, his real value didn't always show up in his individual stats, it showed up in the production of those around him. Players like Desmond Bishop, Daymeion Hughes and Zak Follet all benefitted by the attention Mebane attracted. In Bishop's own words (http://calbears.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/110806aab.html),"He makes a huge impact because the defense starts with the front line. With him on the front line, the attention that he draws from the offensive line, he frees a lot of us up to roam free and make a lot of tackles. We get all the publicity, but he's really the one that makes everything work. He'll still get pressure on the quarterback even with the double team and force him to make a bad throw. That affects the secondary because it makes the interceptions they get a lot easier."

Intangibles: Mebane is widely viewed as a team leader, high motor and unselfish player. The articles and scouting reports seem universal in saying he practices hard every day and does not have lapses in games like most big men.

Experience: Played in every game after jumping into the starting lineup game 3 of his sophomore year. (He missed two starts his junior year with an ankle injury, but still managed to play). He is a smart player who has several pass rush moves, great technique that maximizes his strength and good recognition skills.

Need: Stopping the run is the Bills #1 offseason priority. I don't think the Bills need to abandon the scheme to accomplish this, but they do need to get stronger up the middle. McCargo and Tripplet were brought in to wreek havoc in the backfield. Too often last year Tripplet was blown off the ball, part of the time because he was double teamed. Far too often backs hit the second level untouched. Far too often they had huge holes to run through. Far too often Fletcher got swarmed by blockers. The Bills absolutely need a powerfull NT on the roster to counter physical teams who simply want to pound it down the Bills throats up the middle. A player who will force those teams to throw more and run around the edge, which will give the Bills more opportunities for turnovers and tackles for loss. Mebane not only fills the need to hold up to blockers at the point of attack, he also can create enough havoc himself by collapsing the pocket and shooting the 1 gap.

I honestly believe next to Branch, and not far behind, adding Mebane will help the Bills defense more than any other DTackle in the draft. He will turn their biggest weakness into a strength, give the team flexibility and improve the production of the entire D.

Damn, that was a good read. I haven't seen him play, how does he compare to Dorsey? He really sounds alot like him, or at least what I saw out of Dorsey, a guy that can penetrate, doesn't get pushed around very often, and seems to play larger than his listed weight.

[admarc]

Damn, that was a good read. I haven't seen him play, how does he compare to Dorsey? He really sounds alot like him, or at least what I saw out of Dorsey, a guy that can penetrate, doesn't get pushed around very often, and seems to play larger than his listed weight.

Dorsey is a good comparison, similiar size. I would say Dorsey is a little more athletic, Mebane plays with better leverage and strength. If Dorsey were coming out, I'd rank them almost even.

[GvilleBill]

Nice work Admarc, I'm liking what I hear. But I gotta agree w/ Merk that we need to trade down to get him. I would prefer we addressed DT in FA, but this guy could shine through the Okoye love affair quick. I just wish we could bulk up w/o burning the 1st on it.

[GvilleBill]

In case you couldn't tell, I have my doubts about Okoye. Gut feeling, nothing more.

[Mouldsie]

I just wonder if we can get him in the 2nd... he wasn't highly touted until recently and hes not in Kiper's big board.


but like Marv... I'd say if hes the guy you take him.

[admarc]

I just wonder if we can get him in the 2nd... he wasn't highly touted until recently and hes not in Kiper's big board.


but like Marv... I'd say if hes the guy you take him.
There was a slight buzz about him after his senior bowl week, but Carriker and Okoye overshadowed him. We'll see how he tests at the combine and individual workouts. He is not expected to have great measurables, but if he does he may rise some more. I hope I am wrong and he's there at two, but the first mock draft I saw dated after the Senior Bowl (sorry I forgot which site) had him going at #22 to Dallas.

The question may be moot. If the Bills are serious about moving McCargo to NT, than the target is likely Okoye, not Mebane.

[Figurita20]

Stupid question

Who determines the coaches in these senior practices and bowl?

It seems whoever is coaching these guys get a lot inside scoops that otherwise other coaches and front offices don't.

[bcw]

I was wondering the same thing. I'd love to see our staff working with the players before we consider drafting them.

If I remember correctly we were asked to last year but turned it down since our staff was still being put together.

[admarc]

Chris Brown reports the Bills might talk to Brandon Mebane tonight.

Brandon Mebane
Today Posted By: Chris Brown | Time: 4:04 PM ET | Link (http://www.buffalobills.com/blog/index.jsp?blogger_id=1)

BRANDON MEBANE: The defensive tackle from Cal who shined at the Senior Bowl said the reason he fared well at the Senior Bowl was because he had the chance to rush upfield in the Tampa 2 scheme with the Buccaneers coaching staff running the practices. At Cal he was forced to sit inside and grind as opposed to getting upfield like he did at the Senior Bowl. That might make a team like the Bills think he'd be a fit in the Tampa 2 scheme. He said he could play either the three or one technique. Of course some 3-4 teams like San Diego, Pittsburgh and New England have spoken to him and they seem him as a 3-4 end. Mebane told me he thinks he's talking to the Bills tonight. ---

[treydawg]

Question, what does a guy like Mebane do better than someone like Jay Alford who is taller and has better stats?

[emo]

what does he do better than antonio johnson?

how coudl a team with hughes, bishop, and mebane still be awful on defense?

[Mouldsie]

Bigger, stronger...

Didnt Alford play DE? Mebane played NT

[treydawg]

Bigger, stronger...

Didnt Alford play DE? Mebane played NT

no he played dt, jay alford played somewhere in the 290s so saying he is bigger would be wrong as he is 6'3". stronger? i'll have to see the bench press numbers.

[treydawg]

how coudl a team with hughes, bishop, and mebane still be awful on defense?

another question i'd ask.

[Mouldsie]

what does he do better than antonio johnson?

how coudl a team with hughes, bishop, and mebane still be awful on defense?

idk... that is only 3 guys though out 11-13 regulars. they were alright in scoring defense.

SydQuan Thompson a freshman CB got burnt quite a bit. The DE's and pass rush were weak.


its like, why was OSU's defense better after losing all those guys in 06?

[Mouldsie]

no he played dt, jay alford played somewhere in the 290s so saying he is bigger would be wrong as he is 6'3". stronger? i'll have to see the bench press numbers.

screw bench press

it's all about the trunk

[emo]

idk... that is only 3 guys though out 11-13 regulars. they were alright in scoring defense.

SydQuan Thompson a freshman CB got burnt quite a bit. The DE's and pass rush were weak.


its like, why was OSU's defense better after losing all those guys in 06?

oh they weren't, osu's defense made it through the season with smoke and mirrors. To most osu fans it was a matter of time before that house of cards fell in on them. they got incredibly lucky, a lot

[Mouldsie]

also, alford is viewed more as a 3 tech whereas mebane has shown he can do both

[treydawg]

also, alford is viewed more as a 3 tech whereas mebane has shown he can do both

okay, that'll jive. i don't see him as a 1 tech.

[kdhammond]

This guy is a 4th or 5th round pick like Kyle Williams was last year. What is different about this guy than Williams?

[admarc]

Alford has added some bulk for the combine. I thought he played in the 280s. The biggest difference I see between the two is a matter of leverage. Mebane atually turns his realtive shortness into an advantage. He plays with great leverage that makes him extremely effective holding up at the point of attack and able to push larger men backwards. Alford tends to get too high, which makes his lack of bulk, even more of a negative.

As far as stats go, Mebane was clearly asked to be a space eater and took on 2 and even 3 blockers almost every down. It really is amazing that he still managed the number of tfl (14)and sacks(5) he got. He did have more tackles than Alford 52 - 32 and only 2 less tackles for loss. Alford Stats (http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2006&org=539&player=13) Mebane Stats (http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2006&org=107&player=52)

I like Mebane's versatility as a prospective 1 tech guy more than anyone exept Branch in this draft. He may not have the frame to get much bigger than he is right now, but he can improve his strength on a pro conditioning program. You can teach a guy to play with leverage, but it's not too easy. Most big guys get upright when they are tired. I think Mebane does an exceptional job beating his man off the snap and getting under their pads. Do that and you win most battles.

[treydawg]

Alford has added some bulk for the combine. I thought he played in the 280s. The biggest difference I see between the two is a matter of leverage. Mebane atually turns his realtive shortness into an advantage. He plays with great leverage that makes him extremely effective holding up at the point of attack and able to push larger men backwards. Alford tends to get too high, which makes his lack of bulk, even more of a negative.

As far as stats go, Mebane was clearly asked to be a space eater and took on 2 and even 3 blockers almost every down. It really is amazing that he still managed the number of tfl (14)and sacks(5) he got. He did have more tackles than Alford 52 - 32 and only 2 less tackles for loss. Alford Stats (http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2006&org=539&player=13) Mebane Stats

I like Mebane's versatility as a prospective 1 tech guy more than anyone exept Branch in this draft. He may not have the frame to get much bigger than he is right now, but he can improve his strength on a pro conditioning program. You can teach a guy to play with leverage, but it's not too easy. Most big guys get upright when they are tired. I think Mebane does an exceptional job beating his man off the snap and getting under their pads. Do that and you win most battles.

nice breakdown, one thing alford doesn't get credit for this year is playing with a horrible pair of de's on either side. he was often double teamed because of it.

[Mouldsie]

This guy is a 4th or 5th round pick like Kyle Williams was last year. What is different about this guy than Williams?

He'll go higher than that.

[Merk]

This guy is a 4th or 5th round pick like Kyle Williams was last year. What is different about this guy than Williams?


There about the same in the run game but I think Mebane may handle a double better.

Mebane though is a better pass rusher though who gets a consistant push into the pocket

[emo]

I watched 3 cal games this year and didn't notice him once

[TigerJ]

I think it is often considered an advantage for a DT to be short. He can get under the offensive lineman more easily that way. That's where you get the leverage. You still want long arms though. Think gorilla. I wonder if big, tall DTs like John Henderson and Marcus Stroud play with a different technique that allows them to be effective, or they're just really good at getting low.

[Mouldsie]

Long arms maybe but I like sturdy bases...


thats why Bunkely was so overrated

he doesn't have a trunk, he's all upper body.