11 great NFL draftisms

The NFL draft has its own language, and every year it evolves. To help ensure there are no misunderstandings during next week’s draft coverage, here’s a helpful guide to the 11 best draftisms.

"Dancing bear"

Best example: Louis Nix

Most recent developments in draftisms owe their origins to Mike Mayock, a fast-talking film fiend and metaphor maestro who has become the draftnik union leader.

He coined “dancing bear” to describe a defensive lineman who's a mountain of human, yet impressively agile. This year likely first-round pick Louis Nix earned the prized Mayock designation.

"He's quicker than he is fast"

Best example: Calvin Johnson

There's always been a difference between quick (acceleration) and fast (top-end speed) in the eyes of talent evaluators. But the way this one rolls off Mayock's tongue is just...really Mayock.

"Junk in the trunk"

Best example: D'Brickshaw Ferguson

This one kicks it back to, oh, about 1997. It's pretty self-explanatory: a lineman on either side of the ball with an ample rear he uses to either accelerate as a rusher, or maintain his base as an effective pass protector.

"Good in a phone booth"

Best example: Michael Crabtree

The wide receiver or running back — or in the modern NFL, even a few tight ends — who can apply the shake and/or bake anywhere. The next natural progression of this draftism is "good on a log ride".

"Not a natural bender"

Best example: John Jerry

Really, who is a natural bender? I firmly believe bending was not intended to be a natural body movement. Swiveling the torso? Sure. Leaning back? You betcha. But bending? The worst.

This refers to an offensive lineman — often a tackle — who can't get low easily with the massive poundage he's carrying around.

"Heavy-legged waist bender"

Best example: Morgan Moses

This is a lineman who bends at the waist to get low. To have the best strength and base, it's ideal to bend at the knees. Possible first-round tackle Morgan Moses is a bit of a waist bender, though that can be improved with the right coaching.

"Good bubble" 

Best example: Eric Ebron

This is a staple in scouting reports used in the past to describe the physical gifts given to Vernon Davis, Kenny Phillips, and this year Eric Ebron. The phrase again points to the hind region, and the strength within. It refers to posture, and the ability to consistently maintain a "ready" position despite an overall large body.

"He can be the face of a franchise"

Best example(?): Tom Brady 

I really don't believe anyone has ever been drafted with this given serious consideration. Yeah, you don't want a high pick to be a jerk, and it's also nice if he's an articulate, well spoken individual. But you know what's the most important? If he's good at football. This is arbitrary gibberish. Nonetheless, it might be used to downgrade Teddy Bridgewater.

"He's a winner"

Best example: Tim Tebow

A cousin of "IT" factor below. This is a vague, blanket statement about a quarterback using a vague, blanket stat when there's nothing deeper to say. Classic drivel.

"Got that IT factor"

Best example: Patrick Peterson

I have no idea what this means, because no one does. Yet you'll hear it a few times next week, mostly from Jon Gruden.

"He sees ghosts”

Best example: Blaine Gabbert

A quarterback whose spidey senses go to threat level orange too easily. He prematurely tries to escape what feels like a collapsing pocket, when really he’s just fine and there’s little danger. Also known as the Blaine Gabbert syndrome.