FROM WES BUNTING:
Now that the NFL Combine is officially a wrap, NFL scouts and executives are making their way back to their respective organizations to put the weekend in perspective. The National Football Post takes a look at each position and breaks down who had the best and worst performances from each group.
Quarterbacks
The Good: Pat White, West Virginia
Not only did White run in the high 4.4 range, he also demonstrated good arm strength and threw the ball as well as any QB in Indianapolis. White’s pro day could go a long way toward helping teams decide if they want to draft him strictly as a QB.
The Bad: Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas
Brown was selected as a throwing quarterback at the Combine but never seemed to find any kind of rhythm. He lacks ideal arm strength, and I think not being able to throw with the nation’s top QB prospects took a real edge off his game.
Don’t Believe the Hype: Mark Sanchez, USC
Some reports said Sanchez didn’t have the type of performance scouts hoped to see, which isn’t true. Sanchez displayed his competitive spirit by taking part in every drill and showcased better zip and arm strength than expected. He exhibited the best footwork of any QB in the group and looked comfortable throwing the ball to all areas of the field.
Running Backs
The Good: Kory Sheets, Purdue
In a relatively slow running back group, Sheets still ran in the 4.4 range and caught the ball very well during position drills. He now looks like the draft’s top third-down back who has added value as a return man.
The Bad: Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern
Any time you get a running back who is only 5-8, he needs to have some kind of special quality to make it. Sutton’s 4.7 40 time hurt his chances. Don’t expect to hear his name called on draft day.
Don’t Believe the Hype: Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
Moreno clocked a 4.56 but was the most fluid athlete during position drills and gets up to top speed instantly. He has the wiggle to consistently break tackles and will be an impact player at the next level. I don’t think his 40 time will have a significant impact on his draft stock.
Wide Receivers
The Good: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
Any time you get a receiver who stands 6-2 and runs a sub-4.3, it can only help his draft stock.
The Bad: Mohamed Massaquoi, Georgia
Did not impress with his 4.67 time and now will be forced to take on more of a possession role at the next level. The question is, does he have the power and body type to handle it?
Don’t Believe the Hype: Derrick Williams, Penn State
He timed in at 4.62 and didn’t show the type of explosion many scouts expected. However, Williams was battling the flu and should run in the high 4.4 range at his pro day.
Tight Ends
The Good: Jared Cook, South Carolina
Any time a tight end measures 6-5 and 246 pounds, runs in the high 4.4 range, posts a 40-inch vertical and finishes with 23 reps on the bench, it’s considered a great day.
The Bad: Brian Mandeville, Northeastern
NFL Combine doctors discovered a problem with one of his heart valves, which is serious enough to end his football career. Mandeville was a talented small-school prospect who would have been drafted and made a roster. We wish nothing but the best for Mandeville and his future.
Don’t Believe the Hype: Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State
He didn’t run as well as expected, but NFL teams aren’t interested in Pettigrew for his straight-line speed. They like him because he’s a dominant blocker on the outside with the ability to make plays in the pass game. If a team wants him badly enough in the first round, his 4.85 time won’t keep him from being drafted.
Offensive Linemen
The Good: Lydon Murtha, Nebraska
Murtha displayed a rare combination of athleticism for the tackle position, clocking 4.89 in the 40, posting 25 reps on the bench and jumping 35 inches in the vertical. His pure athleticism alone will get him drafted at worst as a developmental prospect.
The Bad: Augustus Parrish, Kent State
Parrish finished the day with a disappointing 5.2 40 time, but it was his stiffness and lack of lateral mobility that really stood out.
Don’t Believe the Hype: Right Tackles with 5.4-plus 40 times
Every year, right side tackles get killed when it comes to their 40 times. This year, Jason Watkins, Fenuki Tupou and Phil Loadholt all posted times over 5.4. But how often do tackles have to run 40 yards? Jeff Otah, a first-round pick in 2008, ran 5.45 last year and now looks on his way to becoming one of the best right tackles in the game. So don’t kill the right-sided players for their “sub-par” 40 times.
Defensive Linemen
The Good: David Veikune, Hawaii
Veikune finished with a 40 time of only 4.87, but he recorded the fastest 10-yard split of any defensive lineman and posted an impressive 35 reps on the bench. He showcases a deceptive first step and has the versatility to play as a down 4-3 DE or a stand-up rush linebacker in the 3-4.
The Bad: Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin
He posted a decent 40 time (4.83) and finished the day with 24 reps on the bench, but his lack of foot quickness and fluidity really stood out during position drills. Finding a position for Shaughnessy at the next level isn’t going to be easy and could cost him big time on draft day.
Don’t Believe the Hype: Evander Hood, Missouri
Hood is no longer considered simply a second-round guy. He’s continued to impress during postseason workouts and had one of the best Combine performances of any prospect. With the lack of talent at DT, Hood is one of the position’s top prospects, and his 4.88 time and 34 reps on the bench will add even more value to his stock. Don’t be surprised to see him come off the board near the end of the first round.
Linebackers
The Good: Connor Barwin, Cincinnati
Barwin finished among the top performers in the 40 (4.66) as well as the 3-cone and short shuttle. He proved he isn’t simply a straight-line athlete and has the versatility to play as a rush end or 3-4 outside linebacker. I think Barwin will become a very good player at the next level and simply has too much athleticism and versatility to not make an impact.
The Bad: Paul Kruger, Utah
Didn’t post a real impressive 40 time (4.85), but it was his lack of first-step burst that may worry scouts. He posted only a 1.74 10-yard split, which may force him into more of a stand-up role at the next level.
Don’t Believe the Hype: James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
Laurinaitis didn’t register one time worthy of a top-10 spot in any of the Combine’s workouts. However, Laurinaitis is simply a football player who sniffs out the ball and makes plays inside. If there’s one position where pure athletic ability is completely overrated, it’s middle linebacker. I can’t see him slipping on many draft boards because of his Combine performance.
Defensive Backs
The Good: Sean Smith, Utah
Not only did Smith run well (4.45), but his fluidity and footwork during position drills was a determining factor in his great day. Smith stands 6-3 and weighs 214 pounds, but he plays like a defensive back who’s 5-10 and possesses the ball skills and versatility to play either corner or free safety at the next level. If any prospect has the ability to jump Malcolm Jenkins as the draft’s top defensive back, it’s Smith.
The Bad: Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State
Jenkins’ day seemed to snowball quickly after he ran a less-than-stellar 4.55. He rebounded well with a good 3-cone drill (5.59), however, the real head-scratcher was his performance during position drills. He looked leggy and struggled with his fluidity in and out of his turns. I don’t think Jenkins will ever be an impact player in man coverage and will likely be forced to move to safety or play in a Cover 2 scheme.
Don’t Believe the Hype: Vontae Davis, Illinois
I said this Tuesday and will say it again today: Something just doesn’t feel right when watching Davis flip his hips and turn to run. He’s an imposing athlete with a great frame and good straight-line speed. However, he showcased very raw footwork and doesn’t have the fluidity I want to see from a man-to-man corner.
Hi Wes,
Above you mentioned that you were impressed with Sean Smith's fluidity and footwork and that he plays like a defensive back who's 5-10. Is that your review strictly from watching him at the combine or do these characteristics translate over to the field from film that you've watched?
Jenkins was a major disappointment. Is that speed even good enough for Free Safety? I like my FS to at least be a sub 4.5 guy (preferably sub 4.4). Maybe with his instincts & ball skills he could compensate & succeed at that position. I see him more as an ideal strong safety if he could be consistently physical enough for run support.
I'd love to get Sean Smith as our Free Safety. It's looking like he's rising fast & will not last into the 2nd Rd.
I'll keep my eye out on Veikune, I like what I've been seeing. Can he be a #1 OLB pass rusher on our weak side (+ run/drop back pass cover) while Parys Haralson rushes on the 3rd down on the strong side?
Can't believe how Andre Smith threw a wrench into the OL situation. He took Oher's 4 spot who has risen to #3. Will be a long shot now to get Oher at 10 (Niners)...dang! But still hoping.....
Pat White has been looking good.
Wes - who do you like better, White or Nate Davis?
One thing that stands out to me at the Combine is it's a time to VERIFY everyone's measurables...many Draft sites have inflated numbers!
Nice piece Wes. I've recently read somewhere that teams pay more attention to times of the first 10 yards of the 40 when it comes to lineman. Mainly so they can get a judge a players burst off the line of scrimmage. Do teams really do this and do you have a rundown of these times?
beauli7: That was the one thing that REALLY popped out at me when I saw Sean Smith the first time, how fluid he was for a guy 6-3. For his size it is really impressive. He plays very low for his size and has a chance to be a VERY good press corner at the next level or FS.
Mike in MD: The thing with Jenkins is that he is so instinctive that he is moving 2 tenths of a second before anyone else is, therefore he is able to make plays that faster guys with lesser instincts wouldn't make. Jenkins will be a good player he just needs to find his niche.
Veikune is a guy to watch out for, I really like his motor and skill set.
Smith may fall to the 49ers at 10, that is VERY possible.
As for who do I like more, its Pat White, the guy just refuses to listen to anyone that tells him, YOU CANT. You have to love his mental toughness an ability to just prove people wrong, he is a winner who is developing into a nice QB prospect.
I don't think White is an NFL qb, at 6-0 he's too small. Only Brees at 6-0 can play qb in the pros and please don't tell me that White is anyway close to Brees! !!Hood had the best combine results and he could be a first rounder. (I hope not so that the Seahawks can pick him in the 2nd round...) I've read many bad comments referring to the surface used for the 40yds and that many players will lower their times during pro days. It's was really that bad?
As always, I've heard mixed reviews on Michael Oher. All who read "The Blind Side" are obviously cheering for Big Mike in this draft, but I saw the SI guy saying he was pretty sure Oher would slip to the second round because of "character issues." And no, he wasn't mistaking him with Andre Smith.
Any quick words on Michael Oher's status post-combine? Thanks as always Wes
Wow, quick response. Thanks Wes, awesome work as usual.
I hope it's Oher that falls to us. I know Singletary can motivate & coach up any of these 2 but Smith having to control his weight year to year makes me nervous.
To me Oher can really thrive in a "family atmosphere" type team that Singletary is trying to create. Plus Oher just needs to be pushed right/motivated & Singletary is a natural master at that. Sing will stay on his tail. I think Oher would be a hand in glove fit with us. He's the safer pick vs Smith.
Come to think about it the way Smith's been acting (really blowing it) he also needs to be shown some direction & needs to grow up. What Singletary could do for Oher, he could do equally for Smith.
I'd be psyched if we get EITHER ONE!
Austin - the knock on Oher is his work ethic (esp Senior year at Ole Miss) & lapses in concentration during games.
During the combine he would handle most guys but occasionally get beat (ex - by Mathews of USC when he pushed him back into the QB dummy).
But he's got awesome feet, technique, & moves very fluidly. He's a natural LT. Has all the tolls but just needs consistent motivation to keep working on his craft & stay focused through the entire games. The thing he has over Smith is he has no character flaws or weight issues.
What I see about Andre is he's more of a monster run blocker. Weight will play a lot into it but he needs to work on his weakness vs speed rushers esp if he's put at LT.
Oher is the better pass pro guy, Smith the better run blocker.
Any chance Barwin will fall to the 16th pick in the second round?
Also, I haven't heard much buzz on Ron Brace. Is he a legit NT prospect and how much did he an Raji benefit from one another? Is the two playing side by side something that NFL teams will factor in the overall evaluation?
I'm hoping that MacXanders have the courage to pick the best player available at 12 and not force a front seven guy. Cushing seems to be the darling of the week among Denver fans and media, and I think that'd be a huge and disappointing mistake.
Of course, I about had a cow over Ryan Clady and he seemed to work out okay.
With so many teams moving to the base 3-4 defense, the personnel to play in these scheme's in now in greater demand. With that being said, do you see Barwin possibly moving into round 1? Although raw, he does offer great athleticism and versatility. He's also been productive on both sides of the ball. Being a Pats fan, I see the obvious comparison to Mike Vrabel and don't think it's too far off (on the surface). Although pick 23 may be high from most other draft predictions I've seen, no one expected them to take Mankins or Watson when they did, so it's definitely possible. Your thoughts?
Lydon Murtha = Roman Fortin
Wes, when are we going to see another mock draft and top 100 or position rankings?
Pat White, Charlie Ward, Tavarius Jackson, Jamarcus Russell, Vince Young...Ahletes, not quarterbacks. Remember the game vs. the pathetic Pitt Panthers? White folded like a soup sandwich.
Drew its not surprsing you thought one of the best left tackles to come out of the draft in a long time Ryan Clady would be a huge dissapointment given your misinformed opinion on Brian Cushing. The guy is an absolute stud physically has been a high end blue chip talent since his junion year of high school. The only potential flag on him is injury otherwise he's gonna be a huge impact on whoever takes him and anything but a "huge mistake."
We'll see skaz. I just hope he proves me wrong someplace other than Denver. Don't like the manufactured combine numbers. Don't like the nagging injuries that signal a guy who has to much muscle for his frame. Don't like the fact that more often than not, USC studs are, at best, ordinary NFL players. Don't like that one NFL exec said that if he had to guess that one guy at the combine was a 'roid hound, Cushing would be that guy. Don't like to hear about how often he overran plays and missed assignments that were largely covered by the mass of talent around him.
The good news is-- as stated above-- I have no illusions that I have the expertise to say that Cushing will bust. I think he will, but I think a lot of wrong things when it comes to the NFL. That's why I'm not getting paid for my opinion.
I'm hardly the only guy that missed big on Clady. A lot of guys that do get paid to evaluate talent missed on him. Besides, my issue with Clady was the about the culture in the Denver locker room more than anything. The last thing it seemed like Denver needed was another soft, finesse player that needed to be coached up. Good thing Clady was far 'angrier' than ANYBODY advertised.
Brown was indeed a disappointment, it was his chance to make notice made.
| powered by TheSeats.com |
Tough to imagine him getting a...
Team hires two strength coaches
But new offensive coordinator...
Wide receiver gets a look
Agent says WR to work out for...
Feb 26, 2009
08:43 AM
Well put on Mandeville, great piece Wes,
you got to really feel for this guy!