Quote: There's 5 teams ahead of us. about 6-7 choices..someone will be there.
It's like Heckert said..."it comes down to combinations from rounds 1-3", beyond this the projections get a little wider. You look for the talent that you had rated in the first 3 rounds that might have fallen.
• Almost without exception, when a Top 5 talent steps up and chooses to work out at the Scouting Combine they usually do extremely well. That held true today with the linebackers as Von Miller of Texas A&M put on a show. Miller posted an official time of 4.53 in the forty at 246 pounds and also looked like a stud in all of the positional drills. At this point it will be an upset if Miller escapes the Top 5 overall on Draft Day. On the other hand, UCLA’s Akeem Ayers disappointed with his times in the low-4.8’s. Ayers, who is considered to be the second best linebacker in this class and a mid-to-late first rounder, will now have to be re-checked by scouts to make sure he plays faster than he times. Martez Wilson of Illinois has the opposite problem. Wilson showcased amazing straight-line speed with a 4.49 clocking, which paced all of the linebackers, but on tape he looks stiff and doesn’t play that fast. Wilson is going to generate a lot of spirited debate in War Room’s around the league between now and the end of April. Georgia’s Justin Houston also performed extremely well. Houston, who could project to either defensive end or outside linebacker at the next level and actually played both in college, ran a 4.68 forty at 270 pounds. Many already had Houston pegged as a first round pick and those types of numbers will only support that case. Colin McCarthy of Miami (FL) also ran better than anticipated, finishing with an official 4.65. Boston College’s Mark Herzlich didn’t run a great forty, with times in the mid-4.9’s, but looked much better in the drills. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday (2/28) @ 2:00pm Central
D-Line Lives Up to Hype
• This defensive line class is generally regarded as one of the best in many years and they certainly showed off their physical gifts in Indy. The most eye-popping number was the 4.44 that Nevada’s Dontay Moch ran, although it wasn’t a major surprise since he reportedly ran a 4.25 on campus last spring. However, there is a caveat as Moch will most likely wind up playing outside linebacker at the next level. Chris Carter of Fresno St., who finished in second place with a 4.62, is in the same boat. Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers opted to wait for his Pro Day to work out but North Carolina’s Robert Quinn was very impressive, running a 4.70 while looking extremely smooth and athletic in the positional drills. DT Marvin Austin, another Tar Heel, also stood out with a 4.80 forty and an excellent ten yard split at 309 pounds. Also hitting the field today were two of the best prospects in this draft, Alabama’s Marcell Dareus and Auburn’s Nick Fairley. Even though Fairley outperformed Dareus from a numbers perspective, most notably a mid-4.8 forty, the former Crimson Tide star was arguably more impressive. Dareus was a little slower with a mid-4.9 but he was also 28 pounds heavier. Either way, both Dareus and Fairley performed like the Top 10 locks that they are. After an amazing showing at the Senior Bowl, Cal’s Cameron Jordan continued to generate positive momentum. In fact, Jordan weighed in at basically the same size as Fairley but still ran a 4.78 forty. For a player most consider to be “unathletic”, Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan sure looked good while running a 4.71 and also excelling in both the d-line and linebacker drills. Missouri’s Aldon Smith also stood out and showcased his athleticism. A couple of potential five-techniques made some waves and helped their causes. Wisconsin’s J.J. Watt, who could sneak into the Top 10 overall on Draft Day, ran faster than expected with times in the low-4.8’s, while Iowa’s Christian Ballard clocked in the low-to-mid 4.7’s. In a bit of a surprise, Sam Acho of Texas looked much better than expected. Not only did Acho run the fastest forty for a true defensive lineman (4.68) but he also looked pretty smooth in most of the drills. With all that talent on hand I could go on and on and keep naming players that stood out like Allen Bailey of Miami (FL), Muhammad Wilkerson of Temple, Corey Liuget of Illinois, Jabaal Sheard of Pittsburgh, Brooks Reed of Arizona, etc. Man, this class is ABSOLUTELY LOADED!!! On the other end of the spectrum, Oklahoma’s Jeremy Beal really disappointed with an ugly 5.15 unofficial average in the forty. Beal is a true ‘tweener who isn't big enough to play end or fast enough to play linebacker at the next level. All in all, this crop of D-Line talent definitely lived up to all the hype. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday (2/27) @ 5:00pm Central
A New Strong Man Record!!!
• For months now everyone has been predicting that Oregon St. DT Stephen Paea would break the Scouting Combine's bench press record. Not only did Paea break the previous record of 45, which was held by former U.T.E.P. DT Leif Larsen, Ohio St. DT Mike Kudla and Arkansas OG Mitch Petrus, he destroyed it. Paea put up an astounding 49 reps of 225 pounds. Unfortunately Paea wasn't able to do a full workout as he is still recuperating from a knee injury suffered at the Senior Bowl.
• For months now everyone has been predicting that Oregon St. DT Stephen Paea would break the Scouting Combine's bench press record. Not only did Paea break the previous record of 45, which was held by former U.T.E.P. DT Leif Larsen, Ohio St. DT Mike Kudla and Arkansas OG Mitch Petrus, he destroyed it. Paea put up an astounding 49 reps of 225 pounds. Unfortunately Paea wasn't able to do a full workout as he is still recuperating from a knee injury suffered at the Senior Bowl.
Funny, I saw the interview with him after....he said he didn't push out the 50th rep because he didn't know he was at 49. He thought he was lower.
Did anyone see Rich Eisen run the 40? I was home sick yesterday and they kept talking about it but I never seemed to see it.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
I love watching that (don't have NFL network, but catch it on the internet). When they put the other guys over him and show how slow he's going, it just cracks me up.
A couple years ago, I laughed pretty hard when they had BJ Raji over him.
I got these from NFL Draft Countdown Name.......................height.....weight.....40 time.......reps of 225 Patrick Peterson........6002.......219.........4.34...........15 Prince Amukamara......6000.......206.........4.43 DeMarcus Van Dyke....6006.......176.........4.28 Jimmy Smith..............6022.......211.........4.46............24 Ras-I Dowling............6013.......198.........4.46............19
I got these from FFTollbox Chekwa, Chimdi ....................................4.33 Gilchrist, Marcus..................................4.46.............26 Harris, Brandon....................................4.43.............13 Sash, Tyler...........................................................11
Boy, if Peterson somehow falls to us at #6, I would be thrilled to have him as a Brown. Sheldon Brown is getting up there and isn't a long-term solution opposite JH. Haden and Peterson would be an awesome duo (at a position that is among the most difficult to fill) for a LONG time.
[color:"white"]"Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."
I would move Peterson to FS and never look back. With his speed and ability to come up and play the slot, he would be a perennial probowler. Think Ed Reed with more speed and better cover skills.
Quote: SEC speed! Gator safety Ahmad Black ran a 4.78. Slower than Ohio State linebackers Brian Rolle and Ross Homan
No doubt Black isn't fast. His instincts took him pretty far in college, but I wouldn't select him in the draft. Maybe bring him in as a FA....he could be a decent special teamer, back-up.
If we are looking to the Gators for a safety...think Will Hill.
I think this whole speed thing in the SEC was by Big 10 folks looking for a reason why their teams usually get hammered by SEC teams.
I don't think the speed was the main factor.
Simply better players and coaches from the top of the league on down..
In all seriousness, I understand your frustration. OSU is a quality program. If they were in the SEC, they would win a bunch of games most years, win their fair share of titles, etc. I don't question that and if you are fair, you know I haven't.
The only thing I have maintained is the SEC from teams 3-4 down is MUCH better then the rest of the country.
As my proof, you can see this at the top.
OSU has been pretty much a 1 man show in the Big 10 for a while....2-3 years???
The SEC has had LSU, Florida, Alabama, and Auburn at the top of the heap the last 5 years at least.
Even the bottom feeders can step up and have a good chance of winning against one of the powers.
The level of competition is way different. It's now to the point is can't even be debated.
I am not going to research things, but the SEC has won WAY more BCS Championship games then any other conference.
What is it at now....5 in a row???
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
Quote: I would move Peterson to FS and never look back. With his speed and ability to come up and play the slot, he would be a perennial probowler. Think Ed Reed with more speed and better cover skills.
Plus it puts ward in the box to kick butt.
Love it.
We're trying to throw the ball downfield and he checked the ball down to Trent Richardson and the Indians on the choice.
I think that Iowa, Penn State OSU and Wisconsin field pretty consistent teams. You could put Michigan in that category until recently. Ocassionally Northwestern, Mich State, Purdue and Illinois will flash, with Minnesota and Indiana the bottom dwellers.
In the SEC conference
Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU are the cream as far as football goes, but you also get South Carolina, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, fielding pretty good teams with Olr Miss, Miss State, Kentucky and Vandy bringing living at the bottom of the pile.
Vandy and Indiana never do well. If we look, Kentucky and Minnesota are similar.
I think the top is higher for the SEC, but the middle and bottom are similar.
There will be no playoffs. Can’t play with who we have out there and compounding it with garbage playcalling and worse execution. We don’t have good skill players on offense period. Browns 20 - Bears 17.
My DVR got angry and didn't record a significant portion of the DL/LB day. Anybody see Bruce Miller? This guy had monster stats with the Golden Knights and I was curious as to how he looked in drills. He played DE in college but is built like a MLB (6'1", 254#). He had the 3rd-most bench reps of everyone at the combine (but he only has 30 1/4" arms). Did he do any positional drills with the LBs? Anyways he's likely going to be a late-round pick and I was curious how he looked because of his college production.
• The 2011 NFL Draft features what is widely regarded to be a lackluster crop of talent at the safety position and that sentiment seemed to be confirmed at the Scouting Combine. Let’s just say there wasn’t an Eric Berry or Earl Thomas in Indy this year… UCLA’s Rahim Moore, who is this class' top rated safety and the only player at the position with a shot at cracking the first round, performed as expected by running in the 4.5’s and also showing well in the drills. Perhaps one of the biggest surprises was Joe Lefeged of Rutgers running a 4.43, which was one of the best times for a safety or cornerback. On the other hand, Florida’s Ahmad Black only clocked in the mid-4.7’s and that combined with his lack of ideal size could really hurt the Gator on Draft Day. Black’s college teammate Will Hill didn’t run as well as expected either and when you factor in some character concerns it may push the talented underachiever into the later rounds. Idaho’s Shiloh Keo didn’t run particularly well (4.7) but caught the attention of scouts in the positional drills. Robert Sands of West Virginia also opened some eyes by running in the mid-4.5’s at 6-4⅜ and 217 pounds. Overall there really weren’t any standouts though and scouts searching for an elite safety prospect probably came away relatively disappointed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday (3/1) @ 3:00pm Central
Cornering the Market on Speed
• History tells us that the cornerbacks usually run some of the fastest times at the Scouting Combine and this year was no exception. The star of the show was LSU’s Patrick Peterson. Arguably the most talented prospect in the entire draft, regardless of position, Peterson ran an amazing 4.34 at 6-0¼ and 219 pounds. Now that is a rare physical specimen. Needless to say Peterson did nothing but reaffirm why he’s considered to be a sure-fire Top 5 overall pick. Nebraska’s Prince Amukamara also came through with a standout performance. For some reason there were people questioning Amukamara’s speed but he quieted those doubters by running a 4.43 in Indy. It will be a mild surprise if Amukamara escapes the Top 10 overall. The fastest forty yard dash at this year’s event was turned in by DeMarcus Van Dyke of Miami (FL), who ran a blistering 4.28. Unofficially Chattanooga’s Buster Skrine ran a 4.29 and 4.36 but somehow when the official numbers came in they listed the small school blazer at a 4.48. Either way, that kid can fly. Colorado’s Jimmy Smith was also extremely impressive, running a 4.46 at 6-2¼ and 211 pounds. That could push Smith into the Top 20 overall, although he doesn’t play as well as he works out in shorts. Virginia’s Ras-I Dowling surprised by running a 4.46 on his first attempt but pulled up lame and was unable to continue the workout. Unfortunately that’s been the story all year with Dowling and durability has to be considered a major concern at this point. Others who opened some eyes with their forty times were Chimdi Chekwa of Ohio St. (4.40), Chris Culliver of South Carolina (4.40), Shareece Wright of USC (4.46) and Curtis Marsh of Utah St. (4.46). One of the days most impressive overall performances was turned in by Brandon Harris of Miami (FL), who not only ran well (4.4’s) but also excelled in the positional drills. As far as those who disappointed, North Carolina’s Kendric Burney isn’t just short (5-6⅜, 196) but apparently slow (low-4.7’s) as well and that certainly isn’t a good combination. Ultimately this was a very impressive, speedy group of corners and after two studs like Peterson and Amukamara everything else was basically just icing on the cake.
Colorado’s Jimmy Smith was also extremely impressive, running a 4.46 at 6-2¼ and 211 pounds. That could push Smith into the Top 20 overall, although he doesn’t play as well as he works out in shorts.
That because offensive coordinators schemed away from his action.
I do agree that Smith will probably be a Top 20 pick [and 3rd CB overall].
»Brandon Harris I think stock has dropped some, measuring only (5' 8) and 191 lbs. Running only an average 40: 4.53 [Tied for 22nd among DB's]
»Marcus Gilchrist stock is rising, he is (a 3 year starter) another 5'8 (195) prospect who had 26 bench presses, 2nd best among all DB's and doubling Harris with 13. He ran a slightly faster 40: 4.51 and had a 38.5 in. Vertical Jump, good for 2nd place and 3 in. greater then Harris (35.5). This is second to 40: times, but still an essential asset for any DB. Broad Jump: [Test a players explosion] Harris --113.0" Gilchrist -- 119.0" Gilchrist also has an inch more of reach.
***
Just a side though here and I don't mean to habitually make mention of short people, but man was there something in the water 21-22 years ago when these prospects where born that stunted their growth? Or is it just a natural cycle and we are on the down swing again. I don't have an answer
When I was growing up I played both ways DB and WR/TE.
My Sons Mother was afraid he would turn out like his Father...so he was not allowed to play football. He did play the other sports and during football season he was out on the links [your kids have a better chance at a sports scholarship in Golf] he got hurt (ankle) playing Legion summer Baseball League and had to miss his first two tournaments (including the Star Beacon open) per Coach's rule he had to sit out the same period, because he was hurt outside of the schools athletic program. So he lost 4 tournaments and failed to place due to the required number to qualify.
He did very well otherwise, but I was bummed for him. He was hoping for a 4 year scholarship threw golf and maybe try out for their Baseball team.
Quote: Mr. Amukamara played himself into a 6 pick...
4.39 and 4.42 speed...Even better...Not that those who've watched this kid didn't already know...
Prince Amukamara/Nebraska: Terrific in all aspects. Quick pedal, fast in reverse and can easily turn and run.
It might just come down to a choice of;;IF a QB is not taken top 5...
Amukamara Jordan
Who's more DOMINANT...
We can't settle for a DL just for cause and need...We MUST go more dominant...
I never questioned Amukamara's speed before the Combine and I think Officially he ran a 4.43.
Still he is number 2 as far as Seniors go, because Jordan is a DE and the position differential slightly favors a Pass rushing DE.
I have him mocked to go to the 9ers @ 7, so it's not a big reach to think he could go to us @ 6. With 'small and fast' BPA we will be looking for @ DE, I think Jordan is not a fit for what we are looking for unless we are projecting him to DT and that's not as far a stretch as some might think.
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