NFL Combine Discussion

[Atlas]

Scouts are saying the two WVU participants (RB Charles Sims and DL Will Clarke) performed very well and should say their draft value increase....

:homer:

 

[buckeye]

Mack and Shazier showed why they are the top two linebackers in the draft. Two most explosive linebackers physically. Barr showed his skill set...his awesome bend. Not quite Dion Jordan in regards to bend and acceleration as he flattens out, but he is also a better more natural pass rusher.

Clowney and Donald were A+ combine performers. Donald just justified his Top 15 projection despite being small. Physically, he is elite.

I also liked how the second tier talent in the front seven showed they are up to snuff physically. Jeffcoat, Martin, Hageman, Marcus Smith.

That is what is going to make this draft "special"...those tier two guys proving they are indeed legitimate tier two players and they are showing their physical numbers are there.

Having watched Shazier the last couple years... he is an absolute animal and has all the physical tools. Not sure where he fits in at the pro level though. That will be his biggest issue, kind of a tweener.

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[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Having watched Shazier the last couple years... he is an absolute animal and has all the physical tools. Not sure where he fits in at the pro level though. That will be his biggest issue, kind of a tweener.

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He is a 43 WILL linebacker. Three down player. Going to be insanely productive at the pro level. Almost immediately, barring injury.

I like him just as much as I liked Bobby Wagner and Lavonte David coming out.

 

[Rayman]

I thought he'd be a high selection anyway (despite certain prognosticators saying he was a borderline first rounder at best), but Aaron Donald's performance today, there's no way I can see Aaron Donald lasting to #16.

And for the fourth-straight year, I will be denied seeing the interior lineman I had a hard-on for in a Cowboy uniform.

 

[JimLeavy59]

So many players I'd love see in Green Bay, wonder TT makes a move to get an extra first round pick?

 

[mcstl25]

I swear on all that is holy if the Rams draft an offensive lineman at #2 I'm going to lose it...

 

[buckeye]

I swear on all that is holy if the Rams draft an offensive lineman at #2 I'm going to lose it...

Trade down to 4 or 5 and take Watkins

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[ThomasTomasz]

I swear on all that is holy if the Rams draft an offensive lineman at #2 I'm going to lose it...

Clowney, move Long inside for passing downs like the Giants did when they had their glut of defensive lineman.

I'm actually thinking the Rams trade again. Someone is going to be enamored with either Clowney or another QB, and he will be able to secure another first round pick. RGIII is the gift that keeps giving.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

NFL Draft Scout CB times and team predictions:

Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard, NFLDraftScout.com's top-ranked cornerback, posted a surprising 4.42, likely cementing a spot in the top 15 in Tuesday's mornings defensive back workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Dennard's game tape was enough to win over coaches and evaluators. The blazing unofficial time to open the final days of workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium pushes him over the top. He posted an unofficial 4.46 on his second 40.

Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert (4.35, 4.38 unofficially) will battle to be the first cornerback off the board, but scouts aren't all convinced Gilbert's athleticism translates to the field. Undoubtedly he's the most naturally gifted athlete. He had seven interceptions last season and with his size (6-0, 202) and arms, projects as a No. 1 cornerback.

It was thought Dennard's time might be closer to Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden at 4.6 -- that didn't disqualify Haden from being a first-round pick. It turns out he is closer to Dee Milliner's test results. Milliner, the top-ranked cornerback out of Alabama in 2013, was 13th overall after posting two stunning handheld times under 4.4 (4.31, 4.37) at last year's combine.

Ohio State junior Bradley Roby rates as a first-round talent. Heart, work ethic and off-field character questions could be hushed by his speed and testing numbers. Roby wasn't unproductive for the Buckeyes, but his inconsistency in 2013 was a red flag. Roby said Sunday that he coasted through preseason knowing he wouldn't play in the opener (suspension). That's the kind of confession general managers list in bold type on a scouting report.

Of course, some of those same evaluators will circle in permanent ink the 4.40-second unofficial 40 time he posted Tuesday, too.

Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (4.52 unofficial on his first run, 4.50 on the second) also confirmed NFLDraftScout.com's evaluation as the top-ranked safety in the class. Louisville's Calvin Pryor works out Tuesday afternoon in the second DB group. What Clinton-Dix brings is a centerfield safety who can cover tight ends or receivers in man coverage if schemes require.

Pryor is NFLDraftScout.com's second-ranked safety and No. 28 overall. He had a 34 1/2-inch vertical and 9-8 broad jump -- average overall and below-average for top-40 safety prospects -- and then, in the second group of defensive backs to run Tuesday, posted an unofficial 4.62 in his initial 40. His workout was regarded as a more important piece of his final draft grade than others in the position group. The Chicago Bears (14), Pittsburgh Steelers (15) and Dallas Cowboys (16) are in the market for safety help if not found in free agency.

Dennard was Mr. Consistency for the Spartans, and he plays with the pure dynamism and animated, infectious spirit coaches and teammates appreciate and admire. Other than perhaps wildcard Virginia Tech corner Kyle Fuller (who timed unofficially in a surprising 4.4 flat on both 40s Tuesday), Dennard is the best football player -- instincts, awareness and intelligence -- at the position.

"I think he's a pretty good corner," said Ohio State's Bradley Roby.

Dennard needs an ideal scheme fit, a team that presses at the line to physically jam and re-route receivers, or his shot at stardom is nil. He is not a superb or rare athlete and could be overlooked. There are also questions about durability including shoulder and head injuries.

Oklahoma State's big-bodied man cornerback wasn't a major surprise -- his fluid movement skills were expected test off the charts.

"I ran a 4.33 a couple weeks ago and that was just my first attempt," Gilbert said.

He's trying to erase two Sharpie markings on his scouting report that won't be easily overcome. The gambler has "average ball skills" despite decent interception totals in his career. The more stinging criticism is easily seen on game tape. For his agility and ability, Gilbert is toasted more than Eggos, and that's a fatal flaw if scouts and coaches don't believe technical adjustments will correct it.

Gilbert spent time with Dennard in Orlando. Gilbert said Dennard is a wise guy, always making jokes, but scouts might agree that Dennard gets the picture with Dennard.

"He calls me 'Pretty Boy,'" Gilbert said. "He makes fun of me because I always take selfies on my phone."

Rice's Phillip Gaines set a breakneck 40-yard pace with matching unofficial 4.34s. Even if that holds up expectedly as an official time, Gaines would barely squeeze into the top 25 verified cornerback times of the century according to NFLDraftScout.com records (below).

Follow Jeff Reynolds on Twitter @ReynoldsJD

TOP CORNERBACK 40-YARD TIMES VERIFIED BY NFLDRAFTSCOUT.COM

TIME/YEAR/PLAYER/SCHOOL/HT/WT/ROUND/OVERALL/TEAM

4.25 2011 Demarcus Van Dyke / Miami / 6-1 176 / 3/81/Raiders
4.27 2005 Stanford Routt Houston / 6-2 193 / 2/38/Raiders
4.29 2005 *Fabian Washington Nebraska / 5-11 188 / 1/23/Raiders
4.29 2008 Domq. Rodgers-Cromartie Tennessee State / 6-2 184 / 1/16/Cardinals
4.29 2012 *Josh Robinson Central Florida / 5-10 199 / 3/66/Vikings
4.30 2005 Darrent Williams Oklahoma State / 5-09 176 / 2/56/Broncos
4.31 2004 Michael Waddell North Carolina / 5-11 187 / 4/124/Titans
4.31 2006 *Johnathan Joseph South Carolina / 5-11 193 / 1/24/Bengals
4.31 2008 Tyvon Branch Connecticut 6-0 204 / 4/100/Raiders
4.31 2008 *Justin King Penn State / 5-11 192 / 4/101/Rams
4.31 2011 *Patrick Peterson LSU / 6-0 219 / 1/5/Cardinals
4.31 2013 Terry Hawthorne Illinois / 6-0 195 / 5/150/Steelers
4.31 2013 Darius Slay Miss. State / 6-0 192 / 2/36/Lions
4.32 2003 Kevin Garrett SMU / 5-10 194 / 5/172/Rams
4.32 2005 Chris McKenzie Arizona State / 5-09 185 / Undrafted
4.32 2006 Tim Jennings Georgia / 5-08 185 / 2/62/Colts
4.32 2007 *Chris Houston Arkansas / 5-10 185 / 2/41/Falcons
4.32 2008 *Orlando Scandrick Boise State / 5-10 192 / 5/143/Cowboys
4.32 2010 Akwasi Owusu-Ansah Indiana (PA) / 6-0 207 / 4/126/Cowboys

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...mbine-gaines-flies-dennard-gilbert-make-gains

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Good read, especially relating to Sam, and the comment from Colbert about this being one of the deepest drafts we could see. Would be excellent for both the Rams and Browns if they could turn one of their first rounders into extra picks.

The 2014 NFL combine concluded Tuesday with defensive backs tearing up the track, including the three seniors earning first round grades from NFLDraftScout.com -- Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard, Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert and TCU's Jason Verrett -- each of whom posted impressive times in the all-important 40-yard dash.

Looking for a broader scope of the 2014 NFL combine's biggest stories? Here are 10 takeaways you need to get caught up.

10. Dennard, NFLDraftScout.com's top-ranked cornerback and reigning Thorpe Award winner as the nation's top defensive back, officially clocked in at 4.51 seconds, a time that paled in comparison to some of his peers but when taken in conjunction with his fluid hips, physicality and awareness, puts him in position to earn a spot among the top 15 selections.

At 4.37 and 4.38 seconds, respectively, Gilbert and Verrett turned in the two fastest times among all athletes tested Tuesday.

Due to Gilbert's inconsistent technique and Verrett's size (5-foot-9, 189 pounds), not all scouts are convinced either will is a surefire star in the NFL but given the explosive athleticism they demonstrated Tuesday, expect some team to gamble in the first round on this being the case.

9. Missouri defensive Michael Sam entered the combine as one of its biggest stories. Considering the relative lack of athleticism he demonstrated during workouts, however, some will characterize him as one of the week's biggest disappointments.

Sam, himself said, Monday that he was disappointed in his 25 1/2-inch vertical leap (nevermind his 4.91 40). We can understand why.

In 2004, Miami (Fla.) nose tackle Vince Wilfork's vertical was 26 inches at his pro day. Wilfork, the behemoth Pro Bowl lineman for the New England Patriots, was 6-1, 329 during the pre-draft measurements (safe to say he might be up a few pounds, or 10). Last February, eventual No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher had a 28 1/2 vertical. A reminder -- he's 6-7, 302 and plays offensive tackle.

The vertical and broad jump were not impressive for Sam, nor were they as vital as position workouts. He was tight and stiff in the hips and ankles and kept his head down and chest up through linebacker drills.

The workout proved what Sam showed at the Senior Bowl last month -- that his niche to begin his NFL career will be on special teams and as backup depth who might eventually get time in nickel pass-rushing situations.

8. Running backs worked out Sunday at the combine but San Diego State junior Adam Muema was not among them.

That's because he left the workout early, citing God's plan for him. According to a report from the U-T San Diego, Muema said that he was "following God" who told him that his dream of playing for the Seattle Seahawks would come true if he left Indianapolis before testing.

Muema, currently NFLDraftScout.com's 30th rated running back, was given a 4th to 7th round projection from the NFL Advisory Committee according to the report. The 5-foot-9, 205-pounder has good quickness and lateral agility. He does not possess ideal speed or power and projects best as a chance-of-pace back.

The fourth all-time lead rusher in school history with 2,955 yards and 34 touchdowns, including 1,244 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2013 despite being hampered early with an ankle injury. He's only the fourth Aztec -- behind Marshall Faulk, Paul Hewitt and Ronnie Hillman -- to ever put up multiple 1,000-yard seasons.

Muema is expected to work out at San Diego State's Pro Day. It remains to be seen if the Seahawks will be represented. It seems highly unlikely that all 32 teams will be - which, of course, they were this week in Indianapolis.

7. While Muema elected not to participate, Kent State's Dri Archer certainly did, recording the 40-yard dash in a staggering 4.26 seconds.

Archer came up short of the combine record, but left no debate as to who the fastest running back is at the 2014 Scouting Combine, posting a 4.26-second 40-yard dash on Sunday. The former Kent St. speedster was a full 0.15 faster than Georgia Southern's Jerick McKinnon.

While the NFL credits Chris Johnson with the combine record with a 4.24 clocking in 2008, NFLDraftScout.com records list Trindon Holliday (2010) and Marquise Goodwin (2013) with 4.21 times. Archer's 4.26 ranks in a tie for seventh-fastest since 2000.

Everyone knew Archer was fast. The bigger question entering the combine was the straight-line speed of some of the elite running backs in this class. Arizona's Ka'Deem Carey, NFLDraftScout.com's top-rated running back entering the week, turned in a highly disappointing 4.70 time that could certainly affect his draft stock.

6. South Carolina superstar Jadeveon Clowney was equally astonishing and exasperating in Indianapolis. The No. 1 rated player in the draft, did enough to show why, with a 40-yard time that was announced in 4.53 second, a vertical jump of 37.5 inches, 21 reps on bench and a 10-03 broad jump after measuring in at 6-foot-5, 266 pounds.

He had promised a 40 time in the 4.4 range, but at 4.53 is among the best ever for defensive ends at the combine. Four other defensive ends have run as fast or faster this century at the combine on NFLDraftScout.com's list.

The best time this century for a defensive end at the combine came in 2002 when UAB's Bryan Thomas, at 6-4, 266, was clocked in 4.47 and was the 22nd overall pick (New York Jets).

While he certainly wowed with his straight-line explosiveness, Clowney did not to participate in shuttle drills or the positional workouts, citing a hip flexor. By not fighting through the injury, Clowney did not take advantage of an opportunity to win over critics, who question why he wasn't more productive in 2013 despite his obvious talent.

5. Pittsburgh's Aaron Donald stole Clowney's spotlight, dazzling during combine drills the same way he did throughout the 2013 season. Thought to be undersized at 6-0, 285 at Pittsburgh, played big last season and is getting bigger in the post-season.

His explosive power was obvious in games, were be blew up the line of scrimmage and led the nation with average sacks per game (1.6) and tackles for loss (2.4). On Monday, he showed why. He blasted through 40 yards in 4.68, had a 32-inch vertical and benched 225 pounds 35 times.

This should validate that this mighty mite of an interior lineman -- think John Randle skill set -- could move up in the first round of the draft.

4. Moving up in the first round of this draft is a legitimate accomplishment, as several long-time scouts praised it for its talent and depth.

"I've been doing this 30 years," Pittsburgh Steelers' general manager Kevin Colbert said, "this is the deepest draft I've ever seen."

A record 102 underclassmen entered this year's pool, which clearly improvement the depth of the talent pool but also added to its unpredictability.

"The juniors added into it make it a very talented group," Colbert said. "With the juniors and redshirt sophomores, we are very cautiously optimistic about their emotional and physical readiness for this huge jump. Even though it's the most talented group I've seen, it's probably the most immature group."

3. Mike Mamula might be the most famous workout warrior in combine history. Scouts are left to wonder who among this year's class could someday join him in infamy.

One player who certain to have scouts returning to the film room was Georgia Southern's Jerick McKinnon, a former option quarterback and running back who may have turned in the best all-around workout of any player tested at this year's combine.

The 5-foot-09, 209-pounder showed off blazing speed (4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash), explosiveness (40.5" vertical) and power (32 reps of 225 pounds). Perhaps best of all, he showed quickness and balance in the change-of-direction tests, running the three-cone drill in 6.83 seconds and the short-shuttle in 4.12 seconds.

2. With Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel and Derek Carr choosing not to throw at the combine, Central Florida's Blake Bortles had the stage to show why many have touted him as a possibility to be drafted No. 1 overall by the Houston Texans.

He didn't disappoint with the spotlight on him, displaying his smooth set up and release and tossing darts down the field. Bortles' accuracy and footwork on his three-step drops were excellent, showing very good rhythm, timing and precision to rip it with very good target placement.

He was a tick late with his seven-step drops and has room to improve his feet and balance in this area, but Bortles was still able to be accurate down the field, especially on deep bucket throws.

Bortles wasn't so dynamic as to seal up the No. 1 overall selection -- or frankly, even the No. 1 spot among quarterbacks - but he was good enough to put the pressure on Bridgewater and Manziel to light up their Pro Days, scheduled for March 17 and 27, respectively.

1. The flashy athleticism of the workouts certainly make for the most interesting components of the combine but the event was originally created as an efficient way for NFL teams to generate medical tests for all of the players currently expected to be drafted.

Unfortunately, in what in this regard that plenty of news was created this year with a disproportionate number of high profile players earning medical red-flags.

Alabama offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio (knee), Auburn pass rusher Dee Ford (back), Washington tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (fractured foot) and Notre Dame defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt (fractured foot) have each generated first round buzz in the weeks leading up to the combine but will have to prove their health after medical tests conducted at the combine revealed pre-existing injuries and kept them from participating in drills.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...93/nfl-combine-10-takeaways-from-indianapolis

 

[Golden Taters]

Deone Bucannon going to be the first safety taken.

 

[Matt]

Haven't watched any of it or read up on anything except one thing. Terrance West killed it.

 

[Trmszczykowski]

Why is Clowney talked about as a top pick again? I thought this last season was a dud for him.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Deone Bucannon going to be the first safety taken.

I ain't sayin anything to jinx it, but I'm kinda hoping Bernard Pollard v2.0 goes to the Jaguars. :yup:

 

[Atlas]

That McGill kid, roby, and verrett were the most impressive DBs I saw yesterday. McGill is gonna be a fucking stud in the right system.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

That McGill kid, roby, and verrett were the most impressive DBs I saw yesterday. McGill is gonna be a fucking stud in the right system.

And sadly, all of those guys max out as mid-tier #2 corner projections.

Ain't that some shit?

My favorite DB this year might be Calvin Pryor, btw.

 

[Atlas]

I understand the knock on verrett, he is small, but his coverage and ball skills are top tier. The other two are solid all around though, same as Gilbert.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

I understand the knock on verrett, he is small, but his coverage and ball skills are top tier. The other two are solid all around though, same as Gilbert.

Small-ish corners are the most under appreciated players on O or D. Yeah, covering Calvin Johnson is a problem and its usually where the discussion begins on them.

But who cares?

NFLSABRNERDISM...how many balls are thrown on a game-to-game basis that need to be contested at the highest point. How many wide receivers, even large breed NFL wide receivers are able to come clean enough out of their break to catch the short stuff where their size is used as an advantage over a smallish corner?

With all that said, its not about size so much as it is about length. Funny enough, Verrett is longer than Darqueze Dennard. I like Dennard, but I have a feeling he will have a few corners leapfrog him on draft day and we'll be like "OMGz, WHYYYY?!?!" When the answer will be his length. Last year, length was a theme as a lot of long corners were taken over similarly talented one.

Meanwhile, this draft has some really long corners, Gilbert being one. The kid from Lindenwood is Seahawk, Jags type corner other teams looking to copy the Seahawks mold are going to love. Kyle Fuller is really long. Jean-Baptiste is another guy that will go higher than his talent suggests (like Desir) based on being in the "Seahawk" mold. Your boy McGill another.

The best prospect (won't end up being the best player, but the best prospect)...probably Gilbert. He passes the sniff test physically. Big, long, runs fast, strong. First team All-American. Thorpe Finalist Big time special teamer. Three year starter and has constantly been on the upswing as a player since he first saw the field. That, to me, just comes together and says he is the best prospect in the class. Teams are going to see Revis like physical traits and a similar college player.

 

[SuperKevin]

I want Verrett or Kyle Fuller on the Redskins so badly

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

I want Verrett or Kyle Fuller on the Redskins so badly

As a Jaguars fan, I don't look at anyone under 6'0" unless they have 32 inch arms.