Combine Chatter

Besides the workouts on the field in Indianapolis this weekend, there was plenty to talk about over a beer or a cup of coffee between the National Football Post and those in the game. Here are some things I saw and learned at the Combine.

Crabtree Doesn’t Measure Up

I’ve said it before about the NFL Combine: In Indy, there’s nowhere to hide when it comes to height and weight — and Michael Crabtree found that out when he arrived for the weekend. Beyond the fact that news of his foot injury shook the entire Combine — something I’ll write about later today -- he also measured two inches shorter than his listed 6-foot-3 frame in the Texas Tech program. Lots of mystery right now about the possible top-five draft pick. Any time something unexpected hits the surface in Indy, people start talking — and panicking.

Thompson Talks Kampmann

For all of those Packer fans worried about Aaron Kampmann, their Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end, moving to outside linebacker in Dom Capers’ new 3-4 scheme, you can relax a bit. At the media podium inside Lucas Oil Stadium, Green Bay GM Ted Thompson said Kampmann will only align at the linebacker position about 50 percent of the time and will have his hand on the ground at defensive end in most, if not all, of the Packers’ sub packages (nickel, dime). It makes sense, and it will allow the Packers to get the most out of Kampmann at both positions. He is too talented rushing the passer to drop him into coverage from the linebacker position on third downs.

Andre Smith’s Escape From Indy

We all know the story by now, but in case you were watching the NBA or were at the museum this weekend, Alabama tackle Andre Smith decided to catch an early plane back home to ‘Bama — but he forgot to tell the league about it. I’ve seen some flat-out stupid behavior before in this league, but this move by Smith tops them all and will live in Combine lore for a long time. The talk in Indy said his stealth mission to the airport — coupled with his suspension from the Sugar Bowl — might cost Smith top-five money on draft day. His excuse was lame, his apology scripted and his weekend a total bust.

Bills Want More From Whitner

People I talked to close to the Bills said the team wants to see safety Donte Whitner make more plays in the passing game — and they want him to last. The only solution I heard was moving Donte to free safety full time. The Bills are a Tampa 2 defensive team, but they play their share of Cover 1 and Cover 3 in their eight-man front, which moves Whitner into the box — and adds more hits onto his career. After seeing the result of the enormous physical contact to strong safeties such as former Bear Mike Brown and the Colts’ Bob Sanders, the move to free safety makes sense for Whitner. The Bills drafted him too high to waste him down in the box on Sundays.

Washington Wanted Release From ‘Skins

Marcus Washington, who played the past five seasons in a Redskins uniform, was released over the weekend. A former teammate of mine, and the life of the locker room and huddle (he used to recite lines from “Old School” and “Napoleon Dynamite” during games), Marcus wanted out of D.C. He experienced some injuries the past couple of seasons and found himself off the field on third downs — a time when many defensive players make their money. Although the release may be a surprise to some Redskins fans, Washington wanted a fresh start with a new franchise.

Williams and the Saints

I bumped into my old defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, who is now the new defense boss for the Saints. This move didn’t get as much media exposure as it probably should have, but I still believe Williams is the best coordinator in the game, and it was hard not to notice his enthusiasm when talking about coaching on a team that included Drew Brees and an explosive offense. It’s a lot easer for an attacking coordinator like Williams to take some chances in his game plan, knowing that Brees and the offense are going to put up points. It’s only February, but if the Saints make some additions to the defensive side — which I expect they will with Williams in town — they’re going to be tough to beat in the NFC South.

Confident Terps Rookie

When Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey took the podium inside the media room the other day, he proudly announced that he wouldn’t “strain” himself when he ran his 40-yard dash for the NFL world to see, which made me laugh — for about 10 minutes. I like confident players, but I can’t stand arrogant rookies. However, the guy delivered, running a 4.27 and 4.29 from our sources inside the dome, and had an official league time of 4.3. Folks, that is monumental speed. Now all he has to do is show up in the stat column this fall — and drop the attitude when he walks into an NFL locker room.

Rex’s Dance

When asked about free-agent safety Jim Leonhard, new Jets coach Rex Ryan told the media he wouldn’t give up any draft picks for players. OK, but signing Leonhard — a free agent — wouldn’t cost the Jets any picks. According to our own Michael Lombardi, the Jets will make an offer to Leonhard as soon as the market opens. Funny how coaches try and sidestep questions, but that answer pretty much showed that Leonhard is on the Jets’ wish list.

Agents Galore

Ran into a lot of agents over the weekend, and I pretty much got the same response from all of them -- a business card and a rundown about how great their prospects are. After a couple of beers, their guys went from being first-day guys, to first-round guys. But after a few Bud Heavies, I also went from a guy who writes about WWE Divas on Fridays to J.D. Salinger.  Good times.

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