DawgTalkers.net Forums The Archives 2014 NFL Season NFL Draft 2014 The Combine

Greg Robinson lights up combine, while Cyrus Kouandjio fizzles

Bucky Brooks
NFL Media Analyst
Feb. 23, 2014 at 10:12 a.m.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The first day of workouts at the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books. While a number of prospects sent their stocks soaring up the charts, a few players now will need to make amends for poor performances during their pro day workouts down the road. Here are a few of my winners and losers from Day 1:

Winners
Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn: It's hard to find 332-pound offensive linemen with light feet and swivel hips, which is why the combine has been buzzing since Robinson stepped on the turf Saturday. Robinson put on a spectacular show during the workout, showcasing his outstanding athleticism and movement skills in front of scouts. Robinson clocked an official time of 4.92 seconds in the 40-yard dash, while also positing a 9-foot-5 broad jump. He complemented his impressive showing in speed and agility tests with a strong performance in positional drills. Robinson moved like a dancing bear on the turf, alleviating any concerns about his ability to take on elite pass rushers off the edge. Overall, the stellar workout in front of hundreds of scouts and coaches will not only send Robinson's draft stock soaring -- it could make him enter discussion as the draft's top overall prospect.

Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M: Matthews has been cast as a mediocre athlete by the national media, but that perception needs to change after evaluating his performance on Saturday. The Texas A&M star impressed scouts with his balance, body control and burst in position drills. Matthews showed flawless technique executing various kick-slide drills and pull/trap maneuvers. These drills showcased Matthews' superb agility and quickness, while also providing evaluators with a sneak peek at his exceptional footwork and balance in action. With Matthews also displaying better-than-anticipated speed (5.07 in the 40-yard dash), the draft board is starting to get crowded at the top.

Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan: With much of the attention on Robinson, Lewan quietly provided an extraordinary all-around effort at the combine. He recorded the fastest 40 time among offensive linemen, while also displaying impressive explosiveness in the broad jump (9-9) and three-cone drill (7.39). Those marks not only reveal an elite athlete, but suggest that Lewan has the physical tools to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player at the next level. From a position-specific standpoint, Lewan showed exceptional footwork, agility and balance while executing various drills. He floated across the turf on lateral slides, but also showed outstanding body control while changing directions in tight quarters. The combination of athleticism and technical savvy displayed in the workout leads me to believe Lewan should be included in the conversation with Robinson and Matthews as top-10 talents at offensive tackle.

Losers
Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama: Scouts weren't expecting Kouandjio to post jaw-dropping numbers at the combine due to his massive frame, but even his staunchest supporters will have some concerns about his overall athleticism after glancing at the numbers from his workout. Kouandjio ranked near the bottom of his position group in the 40, broad jump, short shuttle and three-cone drill. Additionally, he looked a little sluggish in the change-of-direction drills of the positional workout. Although that's not surprising, based on his mauler/brawler style, the lack of short-area quickness and body control leads to more questions about his ability to handle speed and quickness off the edge. With failed physicals and concerns about long-term knee issues running rampant, it's quite possible Kouandijo slides down most boards following the combine.

Antonio "Tiny" Richardson, OT, Tennessee: Once hailed as a potential first-round selection, Richardson's stock is certain to tumble after a disappointing workout on Saturday. The Tennessee standout clocked an underwhelming 5.30-second 40 time and looked like a limited athlete in drills. He didn't exhibit the smoothness or fluidity that scouts expect from an elite edge blocker. Additionally, my colleague Charles Davis floated the possibility of knee issues torpedoing Richardson's stock. While those reports haven't been confirmed, the combination of medical questions and poor performance could knock Richardson down the charts despite the flashes he's shown throughout his career.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington: Scouts were anxiously awaiting Seferian-Jenkins' workout to see if the Washington product possessed the athleticism and movement skills to make an immediate impact as a versatile tight end. However, a medical issue prevented Seferian-Jenkins from working out in front of his peers. Although the information regarding the failed medical clearance hasn't been revealed, Seferian-Jenkins missed an opportunity to perform in front of every decision maker in the NFL, thus preventing the former Huskies star from closing the gap on top TE prospect Eric Ebron. With all of Seferian-Jenkins' hopes riding on medical evaluations and an "all or nothing" workout later in the spring, the big-bodied tight end will sit on the backburner until both issues are resolved.

Guys in the spotlight on Day 2
Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida: The hottest quarterback in the 2014 NFL Draft can make a good case to be the No. 1 overall pick with a strong performance on Sunday. With Teddy Bridgewater and Johnny Manziel opting out of throwing, the image of a prototypical quarterback firing darts to all areas of the field could leave a lasting impression on a decision maker looking to add a franchise quarterback to the roster.

AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama: McCarron will get a chance to show evaluators that he possesses the arm talent and moxie to be a championship-caliber quarterback at the next level. How well he throws the ball to his receivers on intermediate and vertical routes could determine if scouts view him as a legitimate NFL starter.

AJ was very accurate, maybe the most accurate in that group of QBs.


a lot of QB's lose their accuracy when nfl corners are glued to their man or the route has to be changed.

OK, I have to admit that these comments from Pettine concern me quite a bit.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/02/5_moore_observations_from_day_2.html

“Being a championship quarterback is not making him win the championship himself,” Pettine said Saturday. “You saw that happen in Seattle. Would you put Russell Wilson in the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL? No. It’s a team sport. They played great defense. The supporting cast around him was tremendous. The very first thing that he did was he didn’t lose games when he went out to win them. That’s the key to success."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, how do you judge a top 10 QB?

Wilson is top 10 in most TD passes, and top 10 in fewest INT thrown. He averages over 8 yards/pass attempt. Does he have a great supporting cast? Well, he has a great RB, and a great defense. However, does he have great receivers? I don't think so. I think that his receivers are solid, but not spectacular. Harvin missed almost the entire year, and he was signed to be their #1.

I look at Wilson, and he does so many things well. He might just have the very best play fake in the NFL. He is a short QB, but he does such a great job of finding throwing lanes that it doesn't matter. He can read defenses, and understands how to throw his receivers open. He doesn't have to throw for 300 yards/game, but that doesn't mean that he can't. To me, he is a top 10 QB.

I disagree with Pettine on this one. I think, maybe, that he was trying to make one point, that the team around the QB can help the QB .......... and went overboard. He makes it sound like Wilson just went along for the ride with a great team. I believe that Wilson is a top 10 QB, who happens to play on a damn good team. .

Quote:

---

I think Bortles has the highest ceiling of the QB;s. With that said he currently is a little behind in development in comparision with Bridgewater and Manziel.

---

I liked Bortles before he became famous. I still like him, but I disagree on the highest ceiling statement for the following reasons:

--He doesn't read coverages as well as the other two guys and that is something you don't really "learn."

and

--He doesn't look off safeties like the other two guys.

Yes, he has better size, but I think he projects to be more of a solid qb rather than a sensational qb.

him and farmer are really starting to echo the same statements with regards to the QB position.

which is worrying me. it makes me wonder if they aren't even considering taking a QB with the 4th pick. i really hope its just smoke and mirrors.

its one thing it Teddy or Johnny is not there at 4, its another if either or IS there and we select a different position.

I like both Robinson and Matthews. Lewan has opened up my eyes a bit with his Combine results.

Sefarian-Jenkins says that he wasn't medically cleared to participate. I like him and he should take the opportunity at the pro day to make up for it. Not being able to participate here will hurt him. That might be a good thing for the Browns.

Tell me...............how in the world can you like Mettenberger while hating Weeden? Serious question.

How are they so different?

I just worry that they might not value the QB as much as you must in today's NFL.

Russell Wilson, this "not top 10 QB", threw 26 TD passes against only 9 INT. (Both top 10 best marks for QBs) His completion % was 63.1%, and that is also good for a top 10 mark among starting QBs. (starting 13 or more games)

Wilson also rushed for over 500 yards.

Yeah, I am worried when the new coach doesn't see him as a top 10 QB, and instead, sees him as some sort of game manager type.

Let's hope it is smoke.

Still can't believe we made changes in the FO this late in the game. Freaking stupid!

They may make bad decisions when their receivers are covered tight. But, accuracy is not effected by tight coverage

my response was directed at being accurate in drills.

That just really scares the hell out of me.

I worry that defensive coaches might discount the QB, preferring to rely upon their defense and a strong run game, rather than a strong QB. Now if he sees Wilson as "average", and wants to get us an equally "average" QB, I'd be fine with that .... but I don't think that's what he meant.

I should add that I don't see Wilson as a Peyton Manning type. He might be able to get there one day, but he's not there yet. However, he is a top 10 QB.

jc

Marquis Lee with a 4.5? Yikes. Was really hoping he'd do a lot better than that.

Also why do all the FCS schools have great logos?

I think all that means is they just want the fan base to know if their man is not there at #4 their not gonna take a QB just to take a QB. Which is a good thing, cause that's how we end up with QB's like Quinn and Weeden.

Cleveland Browns' Mike Pettine identified quarterback as an "obvious priority''


Mary Kay Cabot, Northeast Ohio Media Group By Mary Kay Cabot, Northeast Ohio Media Group

on February 22, 2014 at 8:17 PM, updated February 22, 2014 at 8:24 PM

INDIANAPOLIS -- Coach Mike Pettine identified quarterback as an "obvious priority'' for the Browns, regardless if they find competition for Brian Hoyer in free agency or the draft.

"(Hoyer's) proven he can be successful in the NFL, but at the same time, you’re always looking to make the team better and that’s the most important position,'' Pettine said Saturday at the NFL Combine. "So we’re going to do a lengthy evaluation on what’s available in the draft, what’s available in free agency, what’s on campus, and make that decision for what’s going to give us the best chance to win.''

Pettine noted that the Browns have a lot of priorities, "but quarterback is the obvious one, (and) we’re going to be very meticulous there.''

He emphasized that he's not necessarily looking for a Manning-caliber quarterback that has to put the team on his shoulders.

"They come in all shapes and sizes,'' he said. "We’re looking for one that’s going to maximize our ability to win. Even though the quarterback’s a priority, we don’t want to put ourselves in a position where the quarterback has to win the game. I think that’s where some teams make mistakes. Even though it’s the most important position. If you don’t have that guy that you feel, whether it’s (Tom) Brady or (Peyton) Manning that can take over a game and win it for you…. While the quarterback is a priority, we need to make sure we’re solid around him and make his job easier.''

He echoed general manager Ray Farmer's sentiments that the Browns don't necessarily have to find their quarterback early in the draft. They have the No. 4 and No. 26 picks in the first round and the No. 35 pick overall pick (second round).

“With the number of picks we have if we don’t get the quarterback early, all options are on the table,'' said Pettine. "We’re not locked in saying we have to take a quarterback early in the draft. Look at the final four in the NFL last year. You have a sixth-round pick, which is an absolute anomaly in (Tom) Brady, and the first pick in the draft in Peyton Manning. Then you saw the 49ers and Seahawks did it going another way (with a second-round pick in Colin Kaepernick and third-rounder in Russell Wilson). There are a lot of ways to win in this league.”

With top prospects such as Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles possessing completely different styles, Pettine said the staff is versatile to remain open-minded.

"When I look at Kyle (Shanahan's) background, he was able to succeed with a (Texans) Matt Schaub or a (Washington's Robert Griffin III), who I don’t think you can be farther apart on the spectrum of a skill set,'' Pettine said. "So I think that gives me confidence that whoever we take, whoever ends up fitting that position will be a player that gives us the best chance to win.”

JC

Sammy Watkins just ran a 4.34 40

Knew Jeff Janis was fast. Happy he showed it.

I think Garoppolo really looked better than the other QBs. Feet looked better and quicker. Nice tight mechanics and a good over the top throwing motion. His mechanics and technique from toe to throw is just really good. I will be surprised if he makes it out of the first.

Bortles appeared to have tightened his mechanics a great deal. I applaud him for coming out and throwing. For those that have him as a top 10 QB, i think it solidified it for u.

McCarron looked a little uncomfortable in the deeper drops. he does take a nice long first step, which helps his slower feet get back there a little quicker.

biggest winner today were the receivers and especially Mike Evans. I think the kid is top 5 talent. I would love to find a way to get this kid into a browns uniform.

Biggest loser is Carr, whomever advised him on not throwing here where his arm would have blown away the competition were dumb and he is even dumber for listening. Then seeing Manziel standing beside Carr and Bridgewater was alarming and Bridgewater and Carr are small framed QBs but that image is hard to get out of your brain.

Me too. We have a guy who never scouted college guys before and a defensive HC in charge of our draft. What if these guys have the same opinion as anarchy and others?

We'll be doomed.

This is reminding me of passing on Ben and Rodgers and drafting can't miss guys like K2 and Leon.

No, because Mettenberger makes horrendous decisions, holds the ball way too long, is immobile, loses accuracy when pressured, and is a huge injury risk due to how stiff legged he is in the pocket.

Bet you watched as much of him as you did, Teddy.

Your getting to be a real case. You make it sound like if the FO does not follow you were doomed. It's reasoning like that, that weve ended up drafting the Quinns and Weeden's of the world. Your trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Why draft a QB if he's not what they wanted? Does not make sense.

bro did you hear what rich had said about the WR?

something like out of all the WR that ran under a 4.4, only mike wallace has had a 1000 yard season.

whoa.

Actually, it's reasoning like yours why we don't have a QB and have had guys like Leon and K2.

OT class might tempt me to root for us to draft a "value" OT in the 3rd/4th. I think ANY of the two Vols-OTs (Tiny Richardson and JaWuan James) would be killer-value in the 3rd

I don't think either one will last that long. I see jawuan going before tiny. although they played different sides of the line I almost see tiny being played on the right side in the nfl.

So if it's reasoning like mine that we end up with k2's and Leons, whats the reasoning behind us ending up with the Quinns and Weedens?

jc

"hey rich gimme some dap, man"

forget the 40 time. If you want to find mobile linemen only one stat you need to look at and it is the single most important drill at the combines. 3 cone drill

Reasons:

--We passed on top QBs when they were available.

--We settled for lower round QBs, just like you guys want to do AGAIN, and ended up w/guys like Frye and Colt.

--We realized that we could not win w/out a top QB.

--We reached for QBs that had no business being drafted in the first round [Quinn, Weeden]

Now, we once again have a shot at a top QB, and you want to start the same sickening process over yet again.

Good point, Mourg.

Day of the Dawg also had a good point about Jackson being able to fit in w/Norv's offense, but not Shanny's.