Top-rated CB prospect turned in a disappointing time at the combine. Joe Fortenbaugh
For most people, it’s hard to imagine that a couple tenths of a second could cost a person millions of dollars.
But that just happens to be the reality of the NFL draft—and it’s a reality that Florida cornerback Joe Haden has been living for the last few weeks.
Haden—regarded by many as the top cornerback prospect in this year’s draft class—ran a disappointing 4.57 and 4.60 in the 40-yard-dash at the NFL combine in February, prompting many to speculate that the former Gator’s draft stock could be falling.
However, the cornerback’s father and trainer, Joe Haden Sr., says the poor times were a result of a lower back sprain the 20-year-old has been nursing, according to Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post.
“We had stopped doing some of the heavier lifting, but it just stiffened up on him, one of those things,” Haden Sr. told Volin. “It just really affected him. I wish I had known, because I would have had him not even work out.”
Poor 40 time or not, the 5’11”, 190-pound Haden is still the cream of the crop in this year’s draft class when it comes to the cornerback position. He recorded 197 tackles and eight interceptions over his last three years at Florida, earning All-American honors in 2009. The young cornerback proved time and time again—which you can see on the tape—that he had the skill set and athleticism to match-up with some of the country’s elite wide receivers (i.e. Mardy Gilyard and Julio Jones).
The good news for the Haden doubters is that he’s got another chance to improve on his 40 time from Indy when Florida hosts its pro day on March 17 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh
What is wrong with you Mark?
Guy said he had a bad back... what details are you looking for? Beat it dude.
Kevin,
And the value of this news item is what, exactly?
Time and money was spent on this. For what purpose?
How will this impact the NFL Draft?
The upcoming NFL season?
Why have you chosen to consider this as anything more than mindless drivel by Volin at the Palm Beach Post and this reprobate with the Peat, Repeat Fetish?
That's nice. Me thinks they'll try T.J. at RT during training camp a bit and draft a suitable guy to play behind Cliff for a couple of years.
goew
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Mar 12, 2010
11:41 AM
Florida's Haden ran 40 with back sprain
B-o-o, h-o-o.
Fortenbaugh, you didn't tell us what Haden had for breakfast prior to his 40. Or the size of his stool in the crapper afterward. Or how his mother/girlfriend/children were feeling that day. Or whether he liked ESPN's Top 10 Plays that morning.
Or how much his agent paid you to post this garbage. Or the denominations of the currency involved. Or the location of the bank. Or how you plan to cleanse the money.
C'mon, Fortenbaugh, get to the real story. Details, son, we need details!!!!!!