Tom Zbikowski "Don't call me that again"

I've been campaigning to draft this guy for months

Tom Zbikowski is “all day tough”. That was the quote used by Head Coach Charile Weiss to describe his Senior Safety. In 2005, Zbikowski burst onto the scene and Notre Dame enjoyed one of its best records in recent history. He was responsible for 4 touchdowns, including an amazing punt return against eventual champs USC.

2006 was not as good to the senior safety, nick-named Tommy Z. Although he increased his total tackles, he did not register an interception and his punt return average dropped from being ranked nationally in ‘05 at 13th to 40th in ‘06. However, he still did manage to score twice. Once as a punt returner and once as a strong safety. Although some of the obvious big play ability was missing, he still showed some flashes of his ’05 form. Not too many punt returners have more than one score and even less Defensive Backs have a touchdown.

Zbikowski is a nationally ranked golden gloves boxer as well. This provides him with the hand/eye coordination and quickness as well as nimble feet. Strength, quickness and agility are strengths in both football and boxing, so these traits are pluses. He was an option quarterback in high school, which allows him to see the field as well as he does. He does have above average explosion when closing in on the ball/ball carrier and is rarely caught from behind once he builds up his speed.

Tommy Z. bounced back to have a senior senior year. Zbikowski leaves Notre Dame with 300 tackles, the eighth-most in school history and the most ever for an Irish defensive back. He's also tied with Tim Brown and Ricky Watters, among others, for the most punt returns for a touchdown in school history with three. He has the speed (4.48) and agility to cover space at the safety position. He also has a knack for making big plays and being around the ball, which is important for a defensive back. He has average man to man skills, something that can be improved on at the next level. He had some disappointing moments last year, but normally is a solid tackler, whom knows when and where to deliver the big hit.

Overall, Zbikowski would be a great 3-4th round pick at this point. His skills are comparable to Pro Bowler Mike Brown of the Chicago Bears. They are about the same size, speed and play with a chip on their shoulders. Both are leaders and if Tommy Z. can focus all of his intensity on just football, he will be a steal to whomever snags him in the 2008 NFL Draft. He will need to have a very fast workout at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine to regain his once lofty draft status.

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_..._zbikowski.htm

At senior bowl practice:

Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski looked smooth in coverage and did a nice job on the tight ends. Maybe he isn't as one-dimensional as everyone thinks...

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/fea.../north123.html