2010 Combine Thread [Archive]

packrulz

02-23-2011, 05:56 AM

The combine kicks off Thursday:
Expect Newton to cement his draft status

Peter Schrager is a frequent contributor to NFL and college football coverage on FOXSports.com. Feel free to e-mail him at peterschrager@gmail.com.

Though it's written off by some as nothing more than a meat market, the NFL Scouting Combine, which kicks off Thursday afternoon in Indianapolis, very much serves a purpose.

The one opportunity for the top 329 draft prospects to work out for all 32 NFL teams under one roof, the Combine provides a level playing field and the chance for a young man to improve his draft stock. The difference between being a first-round pick and a third-day selection is several million dollars. In Indianapolis this week, any of the 329 kids on hand can go and earn that money.

Has the Combine really helped anyone that much, though, you ask?

Umm, yes.

After an eye-popping workout at the Combine, defensive end Mike Mamula went from a late first- or second-round pick to the seventh overall selection in the 1995 NFL draft. And, yes, as any Eagles fan will tell you, the pick traded to acquire Mamula that year ended up being some guy named Warren Sapp.

All-decade cornerback Champ Bailey boosted his stock tremendously in 1999 with a sub-4.3-second timing in the 40-yard-dash. In 2006, Vernon Davis dominated the tight end drills and blew scouts away in Indy, catapulting himself from a late first- to early second-round selection to the sixth overall pick; to this day, that's the highest a tight end has been drafted.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, Troy Williamson, Eric Weddle, Joe Flacco — the list of players who improved their draft “stocks” in Indy and subsequently “earned that money” two months later is deep.

On the flip side, there’s a dubious list of players who did just the opposite during the biggest audition of their lives.

In 2005, Maurice Clarett had one of the more unforgettable (or forgettable, if you ask the scouts) workouts in recent memory, running the 40 in 4.7 seconds. Davone Bess, considered a possible first- or second-round pick coming out of June Jones’ high-powered offense at Hawaii, went undrafted in 2008 after a subpar Combine performance.

In short, this week marks the most important job interview of 329 different kids’ lives. Some of it will take place while they’re in their underwear, too. Nothing weird about that, right?

And America, undoubtedly, will be watching. As Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported this week, 5.2 million American homes watched the Combine on the NFL Network last year. Those TV ratings are better than any numbers Major League Baseball got on ESPN during any given regular-season week of the 2010 baseball season, despite ESPN being in 43 million more homes than the NFL Network. As for the NFL Network, it is sending 23 on-air announcers to Indianapolis this week, about 20 more than what’s probably necessary.

So, who should you be watching this week? Which players have the most on the line? Which drills are the most important? Here’s a viewers guide to this week’s 2011 NFL Scouting Combine:

FIVE BIGGEST STORYLINES
1. Cameron Newton: No one has been as high on Newton as an NFL prospect as I, but that bandwagon will begin to really fill up after this week. At 6-feet-6, 250 pounds, Newton is built like a linebacker, has the running skills of a tailback and is blessed with a cannon for a throwing arm. His throwing motion is already far superior to the ones of Tim Tebow and Vince Young — the players to whom he’s compared most frequently — and he’s about as difficult to bring down as Ben Roethlisberger. His throwing accuracy, his ability to run a pro-style offense and his comfort in reading exotic defenses will be under the microscope this week. But so will his overall character, his suspect past and his off-the-field decision making. Newton, the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner and the quarterback of the BCS national champion Auburn Tigers, enters the NFL under a cloud of controversy surrounding his father’s reported “pay for play” dealings during Cam’s recruitment process and a shady departure from the University of Florida involving the selling of a stolen laptop. Though various TV analysts did nothing but gush over him and avoid these topics altogether as he made the media rounds at the Super Bowl in Dallas, the personnel men of all 32 teams won’t be as kind. It’s going to be an exhausting week for Newton, and there will be no kid gloves behind those closed doors. But if he comes out unscathed and showcases his absurd physical talents in only a few drills, Newton undoubtedly will leave Indianapolis as a surefire top-10 pick in April’s draft. As for those comparisons to JaMarcus Russell that so many NFL writers and fans have so casually thrown around the past six to eight weeks? I've said it once, and I'll say it again: They’re lazy and borderline racist. The only things Russell and Newton have in common are that they're both 6-6 and African-American. They're completely different players, and they're completely different young men.
2. Fairley vs. Bowers vs. Dareus: After Nick Fairley's dominant BCS Championship Game vs. Oregon in January, everyone rushed to crown him as the top overall pick in the 2011 draft. He certainly could be, but I still like Clemson’s Da'Quan Bowers and Alabama's Marcell Dareus to both go before the big fella out of Auburn. The top three defensive linemen in the draft — each with his own strengths and flaws — will look to establish themselves this week as the alpha dogs of this year’s loaded D-line class. Bowers is a beast of a defensive end, a pass-rushing specialist who led the nation in sacks with 15.5. The knock on Bowers is his consistency. Watching the film, he has a tendency to take some plays off. He also beefed up those sack totals against some of the Atlantic Coast Conference's inferior teams. The natural talents are all there, and he'll fare well at the combine, but his biggest questions might be in the interviews with team personnel. Fairley, meanwhile, has been foolishly compared to Ndamukong Suh for the past three months. Trust me, Fairley's no Suh. His legs aren’t built like Suh’s, he won’t be able to rush the quarterback like Suh and he doesn’t have nearly the same technique as 2010’s NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. But that’s hardly knocking Fairley; Suh’s one of the best in the game. Fairley’s still a darn good defensive tackle and has perhaps the most potential of the three prospects. Dareus, though, is the most intriguing of the three players. Capable of playing both defensive tackle in a 4-3 or end in a 3-4, Dareus followed up a fantastic 2009 campaign with a strong 2010, despite battling a series of nagging injuries throughout. He’s stout against the run and is a menace as a pass rusher. Fairley has the most buzz, and Bowers has the most raw talent. Is Dareus the best future pro? We’ll have to wait and see.

3. The missing: Perhaps more than any year in recent memory, the 2011 Combine is littered with prospects who were forced to sit out the 2010 season because of NCAA violations or team dismissals. Among those players scouts will be seeing “in action” for the first time since the 2009 season: Robert Quinn, a 6-6, 270-pound defensive end with a motor that doesn’t stop and a top-10 pre-combine buzz; Weslye Saunders, a gifted 6-5 tight end out of South Carolina who could go anywhere from the second to sixth round; and Marvin Austin, an enigmatic 6-3, 310-pound defensive tackle with all the natural talent in the world but with question marks around his passion and smarts for the game.

4. Sorting out the offensive tackles: Though there’s certainly no Jonathan Ogden or Orlando Pace in this year’s crop of offensive tackles, there’s five to six prospects worthy of first-round selections. Want to sort them out? Good luck. Talk with one scout, and he’ll point you to Nate Solder, a 6-8 converted tight end who’s reportedly capable of running a 4.8 in the 40. Talk with another, and he’ll point you to Anthony Castonzo, a 53-game starter out of Boston College who once upon a time protected Matt Ryan up at Chestnut Hill. Then there’s the tackle with the biggest potential, USC’s Tyron Smith and the kid with the most versatility, Mississippi State’s Derek Sherrod. Somewhere in the first 32 picks, you can slate Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi, too. With a solid combine, TCU's Marcus Cannon could slip into the top 32, as well. There’s no consensus on which one of these guys is the top tackle in the draft. There should be at least some clarity after the combine. Last year, this was the week Trent Williams separated himself from Russell Okung, Anthony Davis and Bryan Bulaga.

5. Will the real Jake Locker please stand up?: When Mel Kiper Jr. announced during Super Bowl week that the Washington gunslinger was “off his big board” during Super Bowl week, it made national news. Naturally, I shrugged my shoulders and kept Locker right where I had him in my mock draft: 10th overall to the Redskins. Though he had an inconsistent senior season and a wobbly performance in Mobile, Ala., a few weeks ago at the Senior Bowl, Locker’s still the quarterback most ready to start now in this entire draft. He’s also arguably the most polished. Gifted physically and as positive a leader as you’ll find from a kid with a losing record in college, Locker’s biggest flaw is his inaccuracy. NFL coaches can teach and work on that. They’re paid to do so. Coming out of Steve Sarkisian’s pro-style offense, Locker has the ability to make reads, is built like a truck and has the right locker-room persona. With the league starving for young quarterbacks who are ready to contribute fight from the start, I’ll keep Locker in my top 10. A strong showing this week in Indy will only help his cause.

gabe

02-23-2011, 09:00 AM

I know Ashley and I can't fucking wait for the combine. Me and her will both do two or three mock drafts and compare one anothers, then the day before the draft ( thurs) we do a two round one and we see who gets the most right. Always a good time!

wist43

02-23-2011, 09:16 AM

Does anyone really think Cam Newton will succeed at the NFL level???

Character issues have him looking more like Ryan Leaf than Joe Montana.

3irty1

02-23-2011, 10:31 AM

Does anyone really think Cam Newton will succeed at the NFL level???

Character issues have him looking more like Ryan Leaf than Joe Montana.

I have a hard time imagining Newton failing. Physically he's just too elite. Even if you take away his cannon arm, he has the size and athleticism of an elite tight end.

Little Whiskey

02-23-2011, 10:41 AM

I have a hard time imagining Newton failing. Physically he's just too elite. Even if you take away his cannon arm, he has the size and athleticism of an elite tight end.

wasn't Reggie Bush supposed to be a game changer? a cant miss prospect? granted he is still playing, but not at the level i expected for all the hype around him.

mission

02-23-2011, 11:02 AM

Wait... So the combine starts tomorrow??

Smidgeon

02-23-2011, 11:15 AM

Wait... So the combine starts tomorrow??

This is what happens when your team never gets bounced out of the playoffs: the offseason is shorter and begins sooner! :D

pbmax

02-23-2011, 11:21 AM

Mike Mamula was not simply a workout warrior. Any reporter who continues to repeat this idiotic meme should be banned like asbestos. And this one is dishonest. First he claims the difference between a good combine and a bad one will be the difference between a first day pick and a 3rd day pick and several million dollars. He then cites Mamula, who he claims went from a high second to a top ten pick. Unless I am mistaken, that is not first versus third day in any draft broadcast schedule.

He was a very productive player at BC. He had 12 sacks as a junior and 17 as a senior (playing both OLB and DE), and was All Big East at a time when the Big East could actually claim to play Division I football. 31.5 sacks in 5 years in the NFL is nothing to sneeze at, especially when the defense was good. And one of those years Mamula started only six games due to injuries and battled a different slate of injuries the season prior to that.

Was he worth a three pick trade up? No. But the Eagles would not have taken Warren Sapp as they didn't want an interior DLineman. And he was better than Derrick Alexander, who would have been another consideration.

You want a workout warrior? Look at Vernon Gholston.

Smidgeon

02-23-2011, 11:26 AM

cheesner

02-23-2011, 12:14 PM

Wait... So the combine starts tomorrow??

Last years (2010) combine begins tomorrow. This year's combine (2011) will occur sometime in 2012.

2010 Combine Thread
The combine kicks off Thursday:

Damn, I can be a smart ass.

Fritz

02-23-2011, 12:54 PM

It's time for the fun! Which player will fall into Ted's lap, or which semi-unknown will he take at a position of not-need this year?

rbaloha1

02-23-2011, 02:14 PM

Does anyone really think Cam Newton will succeed at the NFL level???

Character issues have him looking more like Ryan Leaf than Joe Montana.

Yes. Past issues are not a factor. Too good not pick at #1 overall. IMO not another Jamarcus Russell.

LOL Locker is NFL ready. Obviously does not watch game tape. Inaccurate with poor mechanics. Marvelous athlete.

rbaloha1

02-23-2011, 02:17 PM

wasn't Reggie Bush supposed to be a game changer? a cant miss prospect? granted he is still playing, but not at the level i expected for all the hype around him.

IMO Bush has lived up to expectations. Injuries are the issue. Sure would be nice in Green Bay as a return man and 3rd down back.

Lurker64

02-23-2011, 02:17 PM

It's time for the fun! Which player will fall into Ted's lap, or which semi-unknown will he take at a position of not-need this year?

And remember, we don't have the last pick in the first round, we have the first pick of the second round.

We traded our first round pick for one of these:
http://www.gnewsupdates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Lombardi-trophy.jpg

Best trade ever.

Guiness

02-23-2011, 02:29 PM

Mike Mamula was not simply a workout warrior. [snip]

You're right, and I don't understand why he is always pointed to as proof of falling in love with numbers. He had a reasonably successful NFL career, lasting 5 years before injuries, and lack of desire to play culminated in his retirement. I think it's that second reason that upsets the Eagles fans - he openly said he didn't have any love for football, and didn't want to play anymore. Hard to swallow that.

btw I think he was projected as a 3rd rounder, not a day 3 pick.

Hawk did a video I saw posted on nfl.com that talked about the combine, and that he views it/approached it as a game. He was right to do that, the drills done at the combine are things you can practice and get better at. Mamula, I think, was one of the first to openly admit that he trained specifically to improve his combine numbers, as opposed to just showing up and doing the drills.

Although I think it was more natural abilities than the results of workouts, another guy who vaulted his draft status after the combine was Heyward-Bey, who probably went a round higher than he would have when the Raiders took him.

An interesting guy who is reputed to be ready to wow then at the combine this year is Nate Solder. Apparently the guy is going to run a 4.8 40 at 315lbs! That looks pretty good...in shorts.

Little Whiskey

02-23-2011, 03:05 PM

IMO Bush has lived up to expectations. Injuries are the issue. Sure would be nice in Green Bay as a return man and 3rd down back.

I'm not sure you spend that kind of a pick on a PR/KR(maybe hester) and 3rd down back. I think the Saints expected more out of him from where they picked him.

rbaloha1

02-23-2011, 04:40 PM

I'm not sure you spend that kind of a pick on a PR/KR(maybe hester) and 3rd down back. I think the Saints expected more out of him from where they picked him.

Many experts felt Bush was not an every down back. (Proven to be correct.) However Bush when healthy can have as big an impact as any player on the roster.

packrulz

02-23-2011, 04:49 PM

Last years (2010) combine begins tomorrow. This year's combine (2011) will occur sometime in 2012.

Damn, I can be a smart ass.

Oops! Smart ass! ;)

mission

02-23-2011, 04:55 PM

Many experts felt Bush was not an every down back. (Proven to be correct.) However Bush when healthy can have as big an impact as any player on the roster.

You're right. Some experts did say that and were right.

The flip side of that, and I mean top upside projection, was that he was the next Jim Brown. So I think it's kind of an AJ Hawk situation. We can look at it and find ways to say it was a good pick for #5 given the quality of the draft and he's never missed a game and all of that. There are plenty of people that thought Houston was absolutely crazy for passing on the best thing since Barry Sanders. Texan fans were calling for their GM to be canned right there on the spot.

Massive expectations from a large segment of football in general. Reggie Bush "was amazing!". He's had a real nice pro career and produced well for the Saints at times. Not a Pro Bowl career at least -- no one drafts a RB at #2 and doesn't expect him to be at least a Pro Bowler. You can't really feel he's performed up to expectations.

vince

02-23-2011, 05:17 PM

A pretty decent article that extensively quotes Dorsey on what the Packers look for at the combine:

http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-1/Packers-true-to-draft-philosophy/aa9ce6c7-cd5d-4889-8746-4c67565ec697
Thanks for posting that. I thought this was good in terms of how the Packers analyze character.

“One, are they a good guy? Two, do they work at their craft? Three, do they love football? Four, are they going to be good in the locker room? And five, would you like to have them as your neighbor?” Dorsey answered.

What kind of draft class is this?

“Average,” he said. “The strength of the draft is probably running back, defensive ends, offensive tackles, the top side of the (wide receiver) position. I think (cornerback) is good; I don’t think it’s great. I think safeties are down. I think tight ends are really down.

“The big unknown is the quarterback position. There’s no clear cut (number) one, yet. There are four, five guys who have a chance to establish themselves if they do that right,” Dorsey added.

It was expected that this would be a banner year for quarterbacks. Some scouts think it still is, but Dorsey is skeptical.
I think Dorsey's right to be skeptical about this year's QBs.

Lurker64

02-23-2011, 06:46 PM

I think Dorsey's right to be skeptical about this year's QBs.

"Skeptical" is, I think, the optimist's perspective on this year's QBs. The realist who *has* to take one of these guys is more aptly described as "petrified."

Freak Out

02-23-2011, 07:21 PM

I keep seeing Quinn come up as the first pick in the draft. Sit out 2010 and get picked #1? Nothing like working hard in school eh.....

Lurker64

02-23-2011, 08:23 PM

I keep seeing Quinn come up as the first pick in the draft. Sit out 2010 and get picked #1? Nothing like working hard in school eh.....

It's important to keep in mind that you don't draft guys for what they did, you draft them because of what (you think) they'll do.

Robert Quinn had a more impressive college resume than Clay Matthews III, for the record.

mission

02-23-2011, 09:24 PM

Robert Quinn had a more impressive college resume than Clay Matthews III, for the record.

So did Justin Harrell if I'm not mistaken.

But I get what you're sayin. Quinn is probably reminding a lot of people of Julius Peppers. Very intriguing prospect.

Lurker64

02-23-2011, 09:32 PM

So did Justin Harrell if I'm not mistaken.

But I get what you're sayin. Quinn is probably reminding a lot of people of Julius Peppers. Very intriguing prospect.

Well, mostly what I was trying to say was to make two points, which I think got conflated in a confusing manner.

1) Clay Matthews III did not have an impressive resume coming out of college at all (3 years of special teams, and one year as a starter without great stats)... yet that didn't keep him from being taken in the first round, and that didn't keep him from being a great player.

2) Despite not playing for a year, Robert Quinn's resume isn't actually that bad. The years he did actually play? He was effective as a freshman and monstrous as a sophomore. This is slightly more encouraging than the guys who just did it for one year, and it happened to be the last one.

mission

02-23-2011, 09:40 PM

1) Clay Matthews III did not have an impressive resume coming out of college at all (3 years of special teams, and one year as a starter without great stats)... yet that didn't keep him from being taken in the first round, and that didn't keep him from being a great player.

Can you think of any other guys who took this route? First round picks based on numbers/film/whatever that didn't have college production of a 1st rounder but were taken there anyway. Obviously there are a lot of situations with guys drafted in later rounds who became great players... but to not really do "it" in college, still get drafted in the first round, and then play at an All Pro level in the NFL .. that's gotta be kind of rare ? </tangent>

packrulz

02-24-2011, 03:47 AM

RaInside draft position: 10 key combine battles

By Chad Reuter

Feb. 23, 2011
From a player's perspective, the NFL Scouting Combine is all about separating from the competition.

Beyond running the fastest 40-yard dash or throwing up the most reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, it's up to each prospect to do something to separate himself from players at his position who have similar draft value in the minds of the NFL's 32 decision-makers.

Coaches and scouts view game film as the single-best tool for player evaluation. But because prospects play different schedules against widely varying levels of competition, teams cannot only rely on tape when trying to project players to the next level.

Texas' Aaron Williams is in a likely duel to become the No. 3 corner. (Getty Images) Relative athleticism is an important part of the equation when deciding between two nearly equally productive, durable and coachable players.
This year's draft class has several very close positional races that could be decided by combine workout numbers, interviews and physical and psychological evaluation.

Here are a few of those battles to watch this week:

Third-ranked cornerback:
Brandon Harris (Miami, Fla.) vs. Jimmy Smith (Colorado) vs. Aaron Williams (Texas)

Smith has the inside track behind Patrick Peterson (LSU) and Prince Amukamara (Nebraska) because of his size, length and aggression in run support. But Williams is similar in stature, and although Harris will measure 1-2 inches shorter than the two 6-footers, he's likely to be the fastest of the three. He's capable of making plays against ball carriers on the outside.

Scouts also want to see the prospects make plays on the ball in position drills.

Top-rated defensive end:
Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson) vs. Robert Quinn (North Carolina)

Quinn's medical issue (surgery on benign spinal tumor in high school) aside, both players have top-five talent but must display the athleticism necessary to be feared pass rushers in the NFL.

Bowers needs to be fast and agile in testing to get rid of the "not explosive" label, while Quinn looks to refresh teams' memory of his prowess chasing quarterbacks after sitting out all of the 2010 season due to NCAA suspension for accepting benefits from an agent.

First-round offensive guards:
Rodney Hudson (Florida State) vs. Mike Pouncey (Florida) vs. Danny Watkins (Baylor)

In most drafts, one or two interior offensive linemen go in the first round, so this battle could change the way draft Thursday plays out.

Pouncey played guard and center like brother Maurkice, but must prove he is as tough and competitive. Watkins will turn 27 next fall, but could be the top guard taken if he proves the athleticism to also start at tackle, as he did for two seasons at Baylor. Hudson's smallish frame turns some scouts off, or leads them to grade him as a center, but testing better than expected at about 300 pounds could tip the scales in his direction.

Second-tier 3-4 outside linebacker:
Sam Acho (Texas) vs. Jeremy Beal (Oklahoma) vs. Brooks Reed (Arizona) vs. Jabaal Sheard (Pittsburgh)

Teams using 3-4 schemes looking for pass rush help in the late first or second round may be evaluating these four college defensive ends.

Acho's strength and character will endear him to some teams, and an excellent combine could really push him up boards. Reed's pass-rush moves, long hair, and hustle will remind scouts of Green Bay star OLB Clay Matthews III, but he'll need to show his athleticism before making the comparison truly valid.

After an unimpressive Senior Bowl week, Beal really needs a big combine to have any chance at being a second-round pick. Sheard had a shoulder injury that prevented him from participating in Pitt's bowl game, as well as the Senior Bowl, but teams hope he'll be able to perform linebacker drills to see his fluidity in space.

Top offensive tackles:
Anthony Castonzo (Boston College) vs. Derek Sherrod (Mississippi State) vs. Tyron Smith (Southern Cal) vs. Nate Solder (Colorado)
The top spot among offensive tackle rankings has been fluid for a full year because these top four all have had moments in which they look exceptional -- and all have looked very ordinary. Testing could help determine the ranking order, but team and scheme preference might still dictate that five teams could rank them five different ways.

To earn the top grade on NFL teams' final draft boards, Castonzo needs to look like a left tackle in agility testing and pass-protection drills, Smith must come in over 300 pounds -- he played last season at around 285 -- and meet high expectations in testing, while both Sherrod and Solder need to prove stronger and more flexible than expected.

No. 3 quarterback:
Jake Locker (Washington) vs. Ryan Mallett (Arkansas) vs. Christian Ponder (Florida State)

Unfortunately, most top quarterback prospects decide not to throw at the combine because they prefer to pass to familiar receivers in their scripted pro day. However, the second-tier prospects could really help themselves with a strong performance.

Locker has the most to gain by throwing and needs to make up ground after a lackluster career and Senior Bowl week. Mallett's ability to sling the ball is much less in doubt than his agility, so solid testing there, as well as in interviews, could have his stock on the rise. And a strong medical check could satisfy teams' worries about Ponder's throwing (right) arm, which underwent multiple surgeries over the past two years.

Second-tier running backs:
Kendall Hunter (Oklahoma State) vs. DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma) vs. Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State) vs. Daniel Thomas (Kansas State) vs. Shane Vereen (Cal)

There is an absolute logjam of running backs with second- and third-round value. The group ranges in size from diminutive but tough 'Quizz Rodgers (5-7, 190) to big Daniel Thomas (6-2, 225), and the other three are all legitimate rushing/receiving threats who may only be separated by team preference.

Any back exceeding expectations with a hot 40-yard dash (as well as the 10- and 20-yard splits) or agility tests could break away from the rest of the group and follow likely first-rounders Mark Ingram and Mikel LeShoure off the draft board.

No. 1 safety:
Quinton Carter (Oklahoma) vs. DeAndre McDaniel (Clemson) vs. Rahim Moore (UCLA)

Moore was considered the favorite to be the first safety picked this season, but scouts aren't sure he has the instincts or tackling ability to be a first-round pick.

If the bigger, stronger Carter and/or McDaniel can prove nearly as fast and agile as Moore, or display exceptional hands in drills, they cannot only close the gap but surpass the former Bruin on teams' boards.

No. 1 wide receiver:
A.J. Green (Georgia) vs. Julio Jones (Alabama)

Comparisons between these two receivers have been hot and heavy since Green returned from suspension in October. Green's superior agility and big-play ability wowed scouts over the past three years, but Jones' physicality may give him an advantage over the lanky Bulldog at the next level.

If there is little difference between the two receivers in the various tests, Jones' size could push him over the top (if teams can put aside his occasional drops).

First-round wide receivers (pick No. 22-32 range):
Jon Baldwin (Pittsburgh) vs. Leonard Hankerson (Miami, Fla.) vs. Torrey Smith (Maryland)

Baldwin and Hankerson are the sort of tall or big-bodied receivers teams seem to covet late in the first (Dwayne Bowe, Kenny Britt, Michael Jenkins). A better-than-expected 40-yard dash time, or even excellent work in the gauntlet or other receiving drills, could help them gain comparisons to Britt or Jenkins, and not second-round disappointments Dwayne Jarrett, Malcolm Kelly and Limas Sweed.

Smith's after-the-catch ability challenges defenses in other ways, but without the size to match Baldwin and Hankerson -- he's expected to measure around 6-foot, 205 pounds -- he needs to prove he can separate from NFL corners with exceptional speed and short area quickness. Thus his agility tests, not just his 40-yard dash time, must be top-notch to earn a first-round slot.

Chad Reuter is a Senior Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange. Follow him on Twitter at @ChadReuter.

packrulz

02-24-2011, 05:39 AM

Gabe Carimi
Height:6'7"
Weight:327 lbs.
College:Wisconsin
Conference:Big 10
Position:OL

Carimi was the 2010 Outland Trophy winner as the best interior lineman in college football and it appears likely that he will have continued success at the next level. Carimi is simply a "bad man" who looks to punish defensive ends on every play. His non-stop motor, coupled with his ideal size, make him a terror in the running game and he has enough athleticism to hold his own in pass protection. Like all tall lineman, Carimi struggles at times with leverage and may have to make the move to right tackle in the NFL. Overall, Carimi is a beast who should be picked in the middle of the first round.

vince

02-24-2011, 02:19 PM

Obligatory combine post to remind us all how far the Packers have come.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7OC0YbG2fek/R0rPdDaAWNI/AAAAAAAAD00/TsGIUkEw_kg/s400/mikeshermansleeping.jpg

Fritz

02-24-2011, 02:28 PM

mission

02-24-2011, 02:34 PM

Obligatory combine post to remind us all how far the Packers have come.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7OC0YbG2fek/R0rPdDaAWNI/AAAAAAAAD00/TsGIUkEw_kg/s400/mikeshermansleeping.jpg

That never gets old!

This combine is boring so far. They really get their mileage on this coverage, huh? When's someone gonna do something?

Lurker64

02-24-2011, 02:35 PM

"Reed's pass-rush moves, long hair, and hustle will remind scouts of Green Bay star OLB Clay Matthews III."

Some NFL GM: "Hey, that Reed guy has long hair like Clay Matthews, and he hustles like him, too. Let's take him!"

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r3whZx2AXp0/TKc82liVEGI/AAAAAAAAAII/b8QuLXzS4xM/s1600/clay+matthews+for+1002.jpg + http://www.meganandjack.com/mt/archives/photo3.jpg + http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Recruit/750/7_16828.jpg

It'd be like we have a dress code back there...

Lurker64

02-24-2011, 02:43 PM

That never gets old!

This combine is boring so far. They really get their mileage on this coverage, huh? When's someone gonna do something?

Nothing interesting is going to happen until about Saturday. The combine goes in waves, a position group (today is OL+TE+ST) checks in, weighs in, and does medical on the first day; does interviews, meetings, and "psychological testing" on the second day; works out on the third day; and then leaves on the fourth day.

So the OL,TE,ST guys showed up yesterday and they'll work out on Saturday, the QB, WR, RB guys are showing up today and they'll work out on Sunday, the DL and LB groups will show up tomorrow and work out on Monday, while the DB group will show up on Saturday and work out Tuesday.

vince

02-24-2011, 02:51 PM

[QUOTE=Lurker64;580115]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r3whZx2AXp0/TKc82liVEGI/AAAAAAAAAII/b8QuLXzS4xM/s1600/clay+matthews+for+1002.jpg

If I wasn't a Packer fan I'd probably be spewing some totally classless, derogatory stuff about Matthews in that picture.

pbmax

02-26-2011, 03:59 PM

Does anyone really think Cam Newton will succeed at the NFL level???

Character issues have him looking more like Ryan Leaf than Joe Montana.

So far, if presence counts for anything (and it counted against Leaf in a big way), Cam Newton seems far more 'Peyton Manning' (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/26/cam-newton-explains-icon-quote-then-sounds-like-a-star/) and his counterpart Ryan Mallett is channeling 'Ryan Leaf' (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/26/ryan-mallett-on-drug-rumors-obviously-someone-did-that-for-a-reason/)

Fritz

02-26-2011, 06:59 PM

Ryan Mallett, according to my Michigan sources, was quite the flake.

packrulz

02-27-2011, 04:44 AM

Linebacker Rankings
Posted by Kareem Copeland February 26th, 2011, 10:30 am
INDIANAPOLIS – Day 3 of the NFL Combine is set to have defensive linemen and linebackers to come through the media center.
A rush OLB opposite Clay Matthews continues to be a need for the Packers.
Here are the top 20 OLB prospects according to CBSSports.com
Overall rank Pos. rank Name School Ht. Wt.
6 1 Von Miller Texas A&M 6-3 237
16 2 Aldon Smith Missouri 6-4 258
26 3 Akeem Ayers UCLA 6-4 255
28 4 Justin Houston Georgia 6-3 258
48 5 Brooks Reed Arizona 6-3 257
68 6 Bruce Carter North Carolina 6-3 235
80 7 Mark Herzlich Boston College 6-4 250
86 8 Dontay Moch Nevada 6-2 229
102 9 Jeremy Beal Oklahoma 6-2 268
107 10 Lawrence Wilson Connecticut 6-1 225
109 11 K.J. Wright Mississippi State 6-3 246
125 12 Mason Foster Washington 6-1 241
155 13 Thomas Keiser Stanford 6-5 244
157 14 Ross Homan Ohio State 6-0 229
172 15 Chris Carter Fresno State 6-1 246
189 16 Doug Hogue Syracuse 6-3 235
212 17 Wayne Daniels TCU 6-1 257
215 18 Brian Rolle Ohio State 5-10 227
223 19 J.T. Thomas West Virginia 6-1 236
236 20 Adrian Moten Maryland 6-2 225

OL 40 yd dash video: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e7e992/40-yard-dash-results-O-Line?module=HP_cp2

INDIANAPOLIS -- The first day of workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine provided plenty of opportunities for offensive linemen and tight ends to boost their value in the eyes of evaluators.

The emphasis on the 40-yard dash appears to make the rest of the drills irrelevant, but the compilation of data gained from the battery of tests and position-specific drills helps evaluators stack their respective draft boards.

Although this workout is only a small fraction of the evaluation process, the measurables are often the deciding factor between similarly graded players.

With that in mind, let's take a look at some players who will move up draft boards based on their combine performance Saturday:

Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Solder was rated as one of the top offensive tackles on most boards prior to the event, but his dazzling display of athleticism will force evaluators to reconsider his standing on their boards. At 6-foot-8 ¼ and 319 pounds, he posted a 5.05 time in the 40-yard dash, and recorded impressive numbers in the broad (9-2) and vertical jumps (32 inches). More impressively, his times in the short shuttle (4.34 seconds) and three-cone drill (7.44) would rank with some skill positions. He capped the workout by looking smooth and polished in individual drills. He effortlessly changes directions laterally and showed good body control while kick-sliding out of his stance.

Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
Castonzo is vying for the top spot at the position, and his stellar workout only solidified his status among the elite. He posted the best short shuttle time (4.40) at the position and showed better-than-anticipated lateral quickness and agility in position drills. His balance and body control were outstanding in individual drills, and his technique was sound in all aspects. Although he is close to his ceiling as a player, his skill set is ready-made for the pro game.

Kris O'Dowd, C, Southern California
O'Dowd opened some eyes with his solid performance during the workout. His 5.16 time in the 40 ranked among the upper-echelon at the position. He recorded a 32 ½-inch vertical jump and a 4.59 short-shuttle time, which revealed his underrated explosiveness and athleticism. With a solid skill set to complement his athletic ability, O'Dowd has thrust himself into the conversation as a quality value pick.

Virgil Green, TE, Nevada
Green was one of the most impressive athletes at the workout. He posted impressive numbers (42 ½ inches in the vertical jump, 10-10 in the broad jump and 4.64 in the 40) in most of the drills, and his explosiveness was apparent in position drills. Although he isn't polished as a route runner, his speed and quickness are intriguing to offensive coaches looking for explosive weapons to add to their lineup. His workout will not move him dramatically up draft boards, but it will prompt several evaluators to take a closer look at his game tape.

Jordan Cameron, TE, Southern California
Cameron is one of the better athletes in the draft. The former basketball player posted the second- fastest 40 time (4.59) of all tight ends and led the group with a 4.03 short-shuttle time. He was outstanding running routes in individual drills. He showed outstanding body control getting in and out of his breaks, and he catches the ball well with his hands. He was one of the most natural pass catchers on the field, and scouts are beginning to salivate about his immense talent and potential.

Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter @BuckyBrooks

Fritz

02-27-2011, 09:32 AM

Human nature such as it is, and lacking any depth of knowledge, I of course look at the top of the list of outside linebackers and hope TT can get one. However, TT and his staff have all this info I don't, have talked or will talk to a number of them, and so they may be licking their chops over a guy who's number fifteen or twenty on that list. Then I'll be disappointed that the Pack didn't get the "better" guy whose name I know. Then I bitch about Ted's obscure ways. And I bitch that he gave up more than the usual to move up to get this no-name dude he coulda got by staying put. Then the guy turns out to be named Clay Matthews, and I slink away and hope no one bumps that thread up...

pbmax

02-27-2011, 10:02 AM

Pugger

02-27-2011, 12:29 PM

Is CM3's little brother an ILB?

Lurker64

02-27-2011, 02:38 PM

Is CM3's little brother an ILB?

Yes, he's not big enough or athletic enough to play outside.

If we could draft Brooks Reed, and then replace Desmond Bishop with Casey Matthews... imagine the hair!

Lurker64

02-27-2011, 02:43 PM

Stephen Paea, DT Oregon State, just obliterated the combine bench press record with 49 reps. That was awesome to watch.

swede

02-27-2011, 02:57 PM

Stephen Paea, DT Oregon State, just obliterated the combine bench press record with 49 reps. That was awesome to watch.

Although strong, Paea lacks the consonants to make it at the next level.

swede

02-27-2011, 03:34 PM

With an eye to the 32nd pick, I think picking a first round tackle is a long shot for us, but if we pick one, Bucky fans are going to be happy. Tyron Smith didn't work out, but his pro day is coming up and he looks like a fantastic athlete with very good tape of his career at USC, so Costanza and Solder, who both looked very, very good, and the aforementioned Tyron Smith are simply going to be gone by the 32nd pick. Carimi and Sherrod become the two tackles that might be there for us to think about. IF there at #32, Carimi could be the pick since the drop-off in talent at LT seemed pretty pronounced after him.

packrulz

02-27-2011, 03:49 PM

I think Carimi will be a good LT, they could groom him for when Cliffy retires, but the DT class this year is supposed to be very deep, it's always nice to have the beef up front to shut down the running game. TT will have a shot at a quality player with the 32nd pick.

INDIANAPOLIS — Oregon State DT Stephen Paea broke the NFL Scouting Combine’s 225-pound bench-press record Sunday with a stunning 49 repetitions.

Paea, who told reporters he notched 48 reps Monday, broke the previous mark of 45, set in 2000 by Texas-El Paso’s Leif Larsen, which was tied in 2006 by Ohio State DE Mike Kudla, then again at last year’s combine by Arkansas guard Mitch Petrus.

“I’ve been blessed the last couple months to prepare for this event,” Paea said about 45 minutes after the lift. The 6-foot-1, 303-pounder later added: “I think I could go back and do another one.”

Paea, who can bench a max of 550 pounds, according to his bio, expressed pride in the coaches and trainers who prepared him.

Paea has an interesting back story. He grew up playing rugby in Tonga and didn’t pick up football until moving to the United States at 16. He played high school football in Provo, Utah, then attended Snow Junior College in nearby Ephraim for one year before landing at Oregon State.

Paea, rated as Mike Mayock’s No. 5 defensive tackle, was invited to the Senior Bowl last month, but he couldn’t participate while recovering from a damaged lateral meniscus in his right knee.

Here are the top bench-press results at the combine since 2000:

Paea: 49
Petrus: 45
Kudla: 45
Larsen: 45
Jeff Owens, DT, Georgia (2010): 44
Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State (2006): 44
Scott Young, G, BYU (2005): 43
Tank Tyler, DT, North Carolina State (2007): 42
Isaac Sopoaga, DT, Hawaii (2004): 42

– Marc Sessler

Lurker64

02-27-2011, 04:05 PM

I think Carimi will be a good LT, they could groom him for when Cliffy retires

Between Carimi and Bulaga, Bulaga is the left tackle and Carimi is the right tackle.

gbgary

02-27-2011, 04:32 PM

swede

02-27-2011, 04:36 PM

Between Carimi and Bulaga, Bulaga is the left tackle and Carimi is the right tackle.

Absolutely agree with this.

swede

02-27-2011, 04:37 PM

pbmax

02-27-2011, 05:09 PM

as for newton...i've heard numerous people (commentators) say he won't make it in the nfl. some team, at the beginning of the draft, is going to be pressured, by need or because he's black, to pick him and end up regretting it and setting the team back even further.

Names?

He had a poor throwing workout, but he projects better than Tebow who still went in the first round.

As for Carimi mentioned elsewhere, McGinn had two personnel sources who said they didn't see Carimi at Left Tackle.

Joemailman

02-27-2011, 05:37 PM

Names?

He had a poor throwing workout, but he projects better than Tebow who still went in the first round.

As for Carimi mentioned elsewhere, McGinn had two personnel sources who said they didn't see Carimi at Left Tackle.

If they don't see Carimi as a LT, they might not see him as a RT either.

http://packersnews.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110227/PKR01/110227020/Draft-could-determine-where-Lang-plays-on-offensive-line

“We’re playing our best football when we have two left tackles,” McCarthy said. “The thing about the old right tackle, you had the big tight end right next him, but you play with an open edge as much as we do with no tight end right next to him, you better have a right tackle than can pass protect too. Ted and I talk about this a lot, we don’t do the big mammoth right tackle, athletic left tackle.”

Lurker64

02-27-2011, 05:47 PM

Absolutely agree with this.

Which is not to say that we shouldn't pick Carimi at #32 if he's there. In the modern NFL you need a guy who can pass block on the edge on the right side too, he just doesn't need to be quite as effective a pass blocker since teams do still tend to put their best pass rushers on the QB's blind side (it's where Peppers plays, it's where Allen plays, it's where Freeney plays, etc.)

So you want to comprise your left and right tackles out of two guys who can both pass block effectively, but if they're both effectively ambidextrous, and they're 1A and 1B as relates to pass blocking, 1A is always going to be on the left side.

The other benefit to drafting a guy like Carimi or Ijalana, is that they could conceivably be plugged in at left guard to replace a departing Colledge.

pbmax

02-27-2011, 07:08 PM

Clay was down to 230 lbs for the combine. But his 40 time was 4.77 and 4.84 according to Wilde.

hoosier

02-27-2011, 07:27 PM

Clay was down to 230 lbs for the combine. But his 40 time was 4.77 and 4.84 according to Wilde.

Doh. I think the Packers may have some OL who could do better than that.

vince

02-27-2011, 07:41 PM

Lurk your guy Randall Cobb had a good day at the combine.

Joemailman

02-27-2011, 08:06 PM

Which is not to say that we shouldn't pick Carimi at #32 if he's there. In the modern NFL you need a guy who can pass block on the edge on the right side too, he just doesn't need to be quite as effective a pass blocker since teams do still tend to put their best pass rushers on the QB's blind side (it's where Peppers plays, it's where Allen plays, it's where Freeney plays, etc.)

So you want to comprise your left and right tackles out of two guys who can both pass block effectively, but if they're both effectively ambidextrous, and they're 1A and 1B as relates to pass blocking, 1A is always going to be on the left side.

The other benefit to drafting a guy like Carimi or Ijalana, is that they could conceivably be plugged in at left guard to replace a departing Colledge.

I could see Ijalana at G. It might be his best position, but Carimi? I know he played some there at the Senior Bowl, but he's a 6'7" inch guy who according to some reports doesn't bend well. Just can't see him getting low enough in run blocking to be effective at G.

Lurker64

02-27-2011, 08:13 PM

I could see Ijalana at G. It might be his best position, but Carimi? I know he played some there at the Senior Bowl, but he's a 6'7" inch guy who according to some reports doesn't bend well. Just can't see him getting low enough in run blocking to be effective at G.

Long term, guard isn't ideal for Carimi but if Clifton has one year left in him, he'd probably be a sufficient upgrade over Colledge that we could make it work for a year.

Joemailman

02-27-2011, 08:23 PM

My guess is they'd move Bulaga to LG, where he could be great, and put Carimi at RT.

Lurker64

02-27-2011, 08:30 PM

My guess is they'd move Bulaga to LG, where he could be great, and put Carimi at RT.

Honestly I think LT->RT->LG->RT may well really screw up his development. Simpler to just keep everybody at two positions.

Bretsky

02-27-2011, 08:39 PM

Yes, he's not big enough or athletic enough to play outside.

If we could draft Brooks Reed, and then replace Desmond Bishop with Casey Matthews... imagine the hair!

ahoh....I'm also very enamoured with Brooks Reed.....of course.....history shows I flock to players with immense talent who might be bad people ...aka...Odell Thurmon.
The above scenario is the one I'd hope for as well. Also, slip on John Moffitt as a future Center for us !

Fritz

02-27-2011, 08:58 PM

Th bench press record was "set in 2000 by Texas-El Paso’s Leif Larsen, which was tied in 2006 by Ohio State DE Mike Kudla, then again at last year’s combine by Arkansas guard Mitch Petrus."

And those guys are all well known perennial All-Pro's in the NFL now.

Bretsky

02-27-2011, 09:00 PM

I'm not ready to curse anybody yet but here are some guys who right now I'd be excited about seeing in Green n Gold

Last yr I really liked Jerry Hughes (turned out to be a bomb up to this point), McCluster, and the Zoltan who is now the Patriots Punter.

Here is a start of a list to bash or agree with

Bretsky

02-27-2011, 09:01 PM

THIS WOULD BE AWESOME

Ryan Kerrigan, DE-OLB, Purdue: 6-4, 267. Intensity level has been compared to Green Bay's Clay Matthews. "He plays his (expletive) off," one scout said. "Will he get blocked and knocked down? Yes. But he gets back up off the ground. I don't know if he can stand up. That's the hardest projection there is. I know one thing: He's a good player." Three-year starter at DE with 33½ sacks. "We think he can stand up," a scout for a 3-4 team said. "He's a Patrick Kerney, a (Kyle) Vanden Bosch. He's just going to make it because he's so persistent and savvy. He cares so much. He's a little tight."

Bretsky

02-27-2011, 09:03 PM

Gabe Carimi, T, Wisconsin: 6-7, 314. Four-year starter from Monona Grove High School. "I think he's probably the most ready to play," one scout said. "He's the most experienced and can probably play early for you. I don't think he will be an elite-type tackle but he will be a good, solid pro." Replaced Joe Thomas at LT for UW. "What he did this year that I liked, he went against Iowa and that guy (Adrian Clayborn) that beat on him the year before," another scout said. "He went out and attacked him and did a hell of a job. I enjoyed that. But you've got to be careful where you draft Carimi. To me, he's a right tackle." Two other scouts also said he was a RT only. "He's not as good as (Bryan) Bulaga," a third scout said. "There's not uniformity in our room that he's a starting-level player. I think he is first-round (pick) almost by default. He gives you length and he's a smart kid (22 on the Wonderlic) and he will battle you. You could do worse."

BUT.......WE DON'T DRAFT BADGERS

Bretsky

02-27-2011, 09:04 PM

J.J. Watt*, DE, Wisconsin: 6-5½, 290. Can play either end in any front and also three-technique DT in a 4-3. "Very physical player," one scout said. "Strong passion. Got better as a pass rusher. Good run defender. Real savvy. He's got nine PBUs (passes broken up) at the line of scrimmage. Just a good, solid football player. He will be a good starter in the league." Caught eight passes as the starting TE at Central Michigan in 2007 before transferring. Two-year starter with 11½ sacks. From Pewaukee High School. "He may not look pretty but the guy has such great eyes and instincts," another scout said. "He plays the first play and the last play the same. He's going to beat you with his motor, instincts and vision. He's always going to make a couple plays."

Bretsky

02-27-2011, 09:05 PM

Robert Quinn*, DE, North Carolina: 6-4, 265. Ruled ineligible by NCAA for 2010 season because of involvement with an agent, then declared a year early. "He's the (second) best D-end but he hasn't played in a year," one scout said. "What team would be willing to take a top-10 pick on a guy who really only played as a freshman and sophomore? He's a good kid. Nothing wrong there. He's a pass rusher with size." Two-year starter with 13 sacks. Diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Disagreement among 3-4 teams on whether he can play LB. "He may not be the sharpest tool in the drawer and he's a little inconsistent in his effort," another scout said. "But when it's time to rush the passer on rush downs he's got a lot to offer. Very fluid. Very good athlete."

Bretsky

02-27-2011, 09:06 PM

Akeem Ayers*, OLB, UCLA: 6-3, 255. Had six interceptions and 14 sacks in 37 games (28 starts). "When he's behind the line there's something missing in terms of his instincts or ball location," one scout said. "Yet, he can cover. He gets interceptions. He's big. He can run. He has a little bit of a mean streak to him." Projected to OLB in a 3-4. "He had a couple big games early this year, then I really do think he shut it down," another scout said. "He just didn't play. He kind of quit against Oregon and in other games. There's a lot of issues in terms of effort and ability to learn the game. He's had a very inconsistent career in terms of his competitive physicalness."

Bretsky

02-27-2011, 09:07 PM

Titus Young, WR, Boise State: 5-11, 174. Made big plays on a consistent basis and has potential as a kick returner. "On the field and off the field, everybody compares him to DeSean Jackson," one scout said. "He's a quick, elusive, explosive, dynamic playmaker. Off the field, he has some issues that need to be researched." Two-year starter with 204 receptions for 3,063 (15.0) and 25 TDs.

Bretsky

02-27-2011, 09:09 PM

Lee Ziemba, T, Auburn: 6-6, 317. Four-year starter at LT. "He's a brawler-mauler tough guy who's pretty smart," one scout said. "He's just ol' country redneck who's gonna beat you with his size and true grit. He's got stiffness in the hips and lacks a little bit of lateral movement."

Bretsky

02-27-2011, 09:14 PM

Cameron Jordan, DE, California: 6-4, 287. Tailor-made to play DE in a 3-4. "He was a first-round pick at the Senior Bowl but he wasn't on tape (during the season)," one scout said. "In one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl, he was the best player there. In the game, he was a lot more like he was on (collegiate) game days. He is physical. He has not been consistent against double-teams. He just is not good at splitting or occupying double-teams." Started 33 of 50 games, finishing with 16½ sacks. "He put on such a show at the Senior Bowl that he'll be top 20," another scout said.

Lurker64

02-27-2011, 09:29 PM

Tomorrow will be really important for the Packers (at least from my perspective). There's a bunch of guys who *could* play OLB in our defense, but it's kind of important to see how they grade out as athletes.

As for Bretsky's list, I like Cam Jordan and Watt but they'll be gone at 32. I like Quinn a lot, but he's like the #2 overall pick and we're not trading up that far. I think Ayers is a tad soft at the point, may be better playing OLB in a 4-3. Ziemba's like a fifth round pick, and he plays pretty stiff. I think Titus Young is an intriguing option, though. I don't think I'd take him at #32, and he probably won't be there at #64. I like Young, but I think that Thompson is a big fan of larger wide outs. If we would pick a WR at #32, I think it might be someone like Hankerson out of Miami.

swede

02-28-2011, 12:07 AM

packrulz

02-28-2011, 04:45 AM

INDIANAPOLIS — Mark Ingram arrived at the NFL Scouting Combine hoping to silence questions about the knee injury he suffered last season at Alabama.

Alabama RB Mark Ingram runs the 40-yard dash Sunday during the NFL Scouting Combine.
Ingram took a step in that direction Sunday by participating in the 40-yard dash, but the marquee running back in this year’s draft class isn’t its quickest, finishing well out of the top 5 at 4.62 seconds.

The 5-foot-9 Ingram, who rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns while winning the Heisman Trophy in 2009, told reporters Friday that he has shed about 10 pounds — weighing in at 215 — and said he feels “more explosive” at the lighter weight.

“Ingram’s probably disappointed in his 40 time because he lost the weight to enhance his 40,” NFL.com’s Steve Wyche said. “But he’s not a blazer, he’s not expected to be the next Chris Johnson. That’s why the comparisons, at least physically and speed-wise, to Emmitt Smith are pretty accurate.”

The best 40 of the day went to Da’rel Scott at 4.34 seconds. Scott was Maryland’s second-leading rusher in 2010 behind Davin Meggett with 708 rushing yards. Scott is considered a burner but injury-prone.

This year’s running back class hasn’t generated a ton of enthusiasm, at least not like 2008, when Chris Johnson, Rashard Mendenhall, Jonathan Stewart, Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Ray Rice and Matt Forte were coming up.

Here’s the top finishers in the 40:

1. Scott: 4.34
2. Mario Fannin, Auburn: 4.38
3t. Derrick Locke, Kentucky: 4.40
3t. Jordan Todman, Connecticut: 4.40
4. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma: 4.41
5. Roy Helu, Nebraska: 4.42

– Marc Sessler

INDIANAPOLIS — In what definitely was the B-side to Oregon State DT Stephen Paea‘s hulking 49 reps in the 225-pound bench press Sunday, Ohio State’s Ross Homan led all linebackers at the NFL Scouting Combine with 32 lifts.

The 6-foot, 240-pound Homan — viewed by some as an undersized, weakside backer with good instincts — wasn’t the only Buckeye to crack the top 5, as Brian Rolle came in fourth with 28 reps.

Marquee prospect Von Miller from Texas A&M found himself well down the list with 21 reps, and Oregon’s Casey Matthews notched 13.

Here’s the top 5 among linebackers:

Homan: 32
Justin Houston, Georgia: 30
Mark Herzlich, Boston College: 29
Brian Rolle, Ohio State: 28
Orie Lemon, Oklahoma State: 27

– Marc Sessler

packrulz

02-28-2011, 05:34 AM

INDIANAPOLIS – Maybe this year’s draft will help the Green Bay Packers decide where to play offensive lineman T.J. Lang.

Lang, a fourth-round draft pick in 2009, has been a backup his first two seasons in the NFL but is a viable starter at either right tackle or left guard heading into 2011. He’s played both positions for the Packers, along with left tackle, and the organization remains split on whether guard or right tackle is the best place for him.

If the Packers select a tackle in the early rounds of this year’s draft, maybe that will decide Lang’s future for them. Perhaps the same if they take a guard.

For now, Lang’s best chance to get into the starting lineup is at left guard, especially if the Packers don’t re-sign Daryn Colledge, whose free-agent status remains in flux with the league’s collective bargaining agreement set to expire this week and no new agreement in sight.

But there are plausible, if less likely, scenarios that have Lang competing for the starting job at right tackle in 2011 also.

“I always thought T.J. was a left guard or a right guard,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said at the NFL scouting combine last week. “But he’s pretty natural outside. You don’t want a guy to get into that he’s a jack of all trades master of none. I think we need to find out, he’s getting to that spot where he needs to go compete somewhere. That’s a great question, because I always thought he was a guard, but he’s pretty natural at tackle.”

Going into the offseason, Chad Clifton seems likely to return as the Packers’ starting left tackle at a salary of $5.25 million when the 2011 season opens. He’ll turn 35 in June and has a long history of sore knees, which are reasons to wonder whether he’ll hold up for another year. But he came back from knee problems early last season to provide solid play protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ blind side, and he maintained that level at the end of the year, when older players sometimes fade. He also did not have any surgeries this offseason.

“Yeah, we certainly plan on him being with us,” General Manager Ted Thompson said.

That means the Packers’ first-round pick last year, Bryan Bulaga, won’t be their left tackle in 2011, at least as long as Clifton is healthy and maintaining an adequate level of play. Bulaga likely will remain at right tackle for a second season after starting there 16 games last year, playoffs included, in place of injured Mark Tauscher.

Bulaga still looks like Clifton’s successor at left tackle – during the stretch run last season, quarterback Aaron Rodgers several times referred to Bulaga as the left tackle of the Packers’ future – and for that reason there’s a chance the Packers could move him to left guard. That way, he’d have an easier transition to left tackle if he were needed to replace Clifton during the season. That also would put Lang as the front-runner to start at right tackle, depending on this year’s draft.

Bulaga’s future could change if the Packers draft a tackle they think is better suited long term for the left side, and McCarthy said that regardless, the Packers want left tackle-type athletes on both sides because he runs so much offense out of spread formations that both can end up on islands as pass blockers. Also, defenses more than ever are moving their best outside rusher against the weaker tackle on passing downs.

“We’re playing our best football when we have two left tackles,” McCarthy said. “The thing about the old right tackle, you had the big tight end right next him, but you play with an open edge as much as we do with no tight end right next to him, you better have a right tackle than can pass protect too. Ted and I talk about this a lot, we don’t do the big mammoth right tackle, athletic left tackle.”

McCarthy wouldn’t say whether Tauscher will be back with the Packers this year, though his return appears unlikely. Tauscher turns 34 in June, and after a long, accomplished 11-year career his body is breaking down, as evidenced by the shoulder injury that ended his 2010 season after four games.

McCarthy said he spoke with Tauscher on the Wednesday after the Super Bowl and wanted to wait a while before they seriously addressed Tauscher’s future. Tauscher has one season left on his contract at a salary of $4.1 million. If they don’t meet by March 3 and there’s a lockout, they won’t be allowed to have contact until there’s a new CBA.

“Just get some distance (from the end of last season), sit down and talk,” McCarthy said “We have a great relationship with Mark, see where he’s at, see where his mind is at.”

Regardless of where the Packers play Lang, they have another potential future starter at guard or center in Nick McDonald, who made the roster last year as an undrafted rookie out of Division II Grand Valley State.

The 6-foot-4, 316-pound McDonald needs an excellent offseason to improve himself physically. A lockout could set back his development if it wipes out the team-run offseason workout program, which is the optimal way for a player to get stronger and improve individual skills.

“I think (McDonald) definitely has a chance at center, and I think he’s a very natural guard,” McCarthy said. “I like his body. I think he’s definitely a guy that has a very bright future.”

McDonald’s rise onto the roster last year was a surprise, because he regularly was beaten, often badly, in one-on-one pass blocking drills during training camp. But in games, he proved to be a tough, physical fighter, and he has the kind of big, square build and strong anchor that hold up well in interior line play in the NFL.

“Your interior linemen, one-on-ones is not their best drill,” McCarthy said. “I remember (former NFL center) Tim Grunhard in Kansas City, Tim was a hell of a football player. You’d go to one on one, he’d get his (butt) kicked every day. What you have to do is watch their feet. If you’re watching a guy winning and losing (the drill), that’s not as important as watching his feet – his hips, feet and ankles.”

packrulz

02-28-2011, 05:36 AM

INDIANAPOLIS – University of Miami cornerback Brandon Harris could be in play for the Green Bay Packers on draft day as much as anyone considering that General Manager Ted Thompson tends to go for talent over need.
Thompson has the luxury, regardless, of not being in need of an immediate starter at any position except, maybe, outside linebacker.

Harris ranks No. 4 among cornerbacks, according to CBSSports.com, and measured 5-foot-9, 193 pounds. He was listed as 5-11 in college. Harris had a team-high 10 pass break-ups, was named All-ACC and was a Jim Thorpe award semifinalist.

Harris said Sunday at the NFL combine that he allowed one touchdown last year and models himself after Packers cornerback Charles Woodson.

“He’s a taller corner, but he does a lot of the things I do in my game,” Harris said. “He plays the slot. He blitzes and gets his head in the run game. He’s just a great athlete.
“That’s the guy I want to mimic my game after.”

Harris was a virtual stream of consciousness and emphatically jumped from subject to subject. He was poetic in his love for Miami and former UM players. Harris was simply hyped to be in Indianapolis.

“I think I’m more excited than (teams) are to meet them,” Harris said. “They’re excited to meet me, but it’s always been my dream to be here. To be here and to shake some of these coaches hands – it’s exciting.”

The Packers had some with success with a Miami cornerback during the Super Bowl run. Undrafted free agent Sam Shields took over the nickelback position and was a vital component of the defense. He played corner for just one year at Miami.

“I noticed it and it was great,” Harris said. “Sam was able to come in and earn his way on the field. He made a lot of great plays for them. That excites me to watch a guy like Sam Shields come in as a free agent and represent the University of Miami and represent his family well.

“He played opposite of me. I remember him just coming in on the off time, trying to get the extra skills in, trying to get a hold of the position. This was a guy that played receiver. To go to Green Bay and win a Super Bowl as a rookie is very impressive.”

MSU's Jones Defends His Decision

Michigan State inside linebacker Greg Jones was named Big Ten defensive player of the year as a junior in 2009, but chose to return for his senior year. He posted 154 tackles, 13.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks that year for a MSU team that went 6-7.

The Spartans went 11-2 in 2010 and won a share of the Big 10 title with their defensive leader. But Jones numbers slipped – 106 tackles, 10 for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles.

He was asked Sunday why the decision to come back?

“It was a family decision,” Jones said. “We initially weren’t all on the same page. It took us a while, we went back and forth.

“I don’t regret anything.”

Jones was proud of returning to win a Big Ten championship.

“I’m more mature than I was then,” Jones said. “Overall, mentally I became better. I got better in the pass, which is what I wanted to do. And I wanted to become a better tackler.”

Jones measured at 6-foot, 242 pounds. He played inside during his collegiate career, but some project him as an outside linebacker.

“(It’s) looking like mostly inside right now, but I really want to show them that I can play outside linebacker, also,” Jones said. “At this point in time, I’m a lot more comfortable against the run, but what I want to work on is dropping back in the pass.”

Jones is ranked the No. 2 inside linebacker by CBSSports.com and projected to be selected in the second round of the draft. His stock fell with his numbers his senior year.

“It was difficult because I didn’t understand,” Jones said. “If you’re a leader of your team and your team does well and you lead your team to victory, doesn’t that make you a better leader? For people to say that, I don’t know what that means. Because you can have 200 tackles and go 0-for in games. So I don’t know if that makes you a better player or not.

“I received a lot more double teams and triple teams, especially in pass rush and just normal (scheming). A lot more than I did normally. But I felt like I produced. My team won. I did what it took to win.”

pbmax

02-28-2011, 08:07 AM

From Football Outsiders: (http://footballoutsiders.com/extra-points/2011/new-speed-score-record)

28 Feb 2011
A New Speed Score Record! Mario Fannin

Although I was one of the few FO folks who didn't make it to the Combine this year, I'm happy to report on a bit of news: We have a new record Speed Score.

Auburn running back Mario Fannin ran a 40-yard dash that's been timed at 4.31 seconds; he weighed in at 231 pounds, producing a Speed Score of ... 125.5! That narrowly beats out the previous record score of 123.5, set by Brandon Jacobs during the 2005 Combine. It's the highest score since Chris Johnson put up a 121.9 before the 2008 draft.

As I mention every year when Speed Score comes up, just because Fannin has a high Speed Score does not indicate that Fannin is guaranteed to be an excellent NFL running back. He had fumble issues last year and only touched the ball 330 times in four years at school. 18 of his 61 carries this year came against Louisiana-Monroe and Chattanooga. Chances are that he's an athlete without the ability to produce at the NFL level.

But would I pick Fannin with a sixth- or seventh-round pick? Absolutely.

Wonko from the Bolts from the Blue blog has Speed Scores for every other NFL running back.

Posted by: Bill Barnwell on 28 Feb 2011

pbmax

02-28-2011, 08:17 AM

Speed Scores for 2011 Combine RBs
courtesy of Wonko, Bolts from the Blue
http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2011/2/27/2019159/nfl-combine-2011-rb-speed-scores
And what its supposed to tell you: http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/predraft/2009/04/in-the-cattle-call-that.html

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k75/paisans_2006/speedscores.png

Joemailman

02-28-2011, 08:28 AM

John Clay ran a 4.77. Ouch.

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 08:46 AM

All of you Jeremy Beal fans, take him off your OLB board... he ran a 5.13 twice.

Nobody needs slow, undersized pass rushers.

prime311

02-28-2011, 08:56 AM

Mike Mayock, the only draftnik who matters IMO, called JJ Watt the best 5 technique he's ever seen. How awesome would that be to see him lined up on the other side from Clay Matthews. Maybe a homer wish, but a pick that fits. Watt is considered a 1st rounder but no one knows just where he'll land. We have picks to trade up if we need to, and we probably would need to. Would be a great replacement for Cullen Jenkins.

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 09:18 AM

vince

02-28-2011, 09:30 AM

You're the man Lurk. Joe too. You guys really know your draft stuff. Keep it coming and thanks!

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 09:37 AM

Joemailman

02-28-2011, 09:39 AM

All of you Jeremy Beal fans, take him off your OLB board... he ran a 5.13 twice.

Nobody needs slow, undersized pass rushers.

Any word on what his 10 yard time was? That would seem to be more important than his 40 time if you're gauging his ability to rush the passer.

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 10:03 AM

Any word on what his 10 yard time was? That would seem to be more important than his 40 time if you're gauging his ability to rush the passer.

They didn't show it, but you don't run a 5.13 with a good 10-yard split without people noticing that something is wrong in the last 30 yards (like when a guy pulls up with a hamstring or something).

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 10:10 AM

Dontay Moch: 42" Vert, 4.35 second 40 yard dash. I'll take him at 32. I want him on the Packers, he can rush the passer in the NFL.

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 10:19 AM

Other OLB prospect 40 times:
Brooks Reed: 4.67 unofficially, 4.66 on his second run. Looked explosive.
Aldon Smith: 4.74

Robert Quinn, who we will not draft, ran a somewhat disappointing 4.73.

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 10:21 AM

Watt ran a 4.78, unofficially. Like a 1.75 10-yard.
Muhammed Wilkerson: 4.99.

Joemailman

02-28-2011, 10:44 AM

Looks like losing the weight didn't help John Clay much. At least not enough. http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/117038248.html

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 10:50 AM

Casey Matthews isn't working out today, he hurt his shoulder doing the bench press yesterday.

swede

02-28-2011, 11:59 AM

Casey Matthews notched 13.

My sixteen year-old 150 pounder puts up 225 twice. An NFL linebacker wannabe only putting up 13? That is stunning to me.

Oh well, Casey only has to pick up Matt Forte and throw him on his ass one rep at a time. Maybe 13 is enough.

swede

02-28-2011, 12:00 PM

Casey Matthews isn't working out today, he hurt his shoulder doing the bench press yesterday.

Okay...now I feel like an a$$hat.

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 12:03 PM

Okay...now I feel like an a$$hat.

They were calling it a subluxation. I have no idea what that means.

swede

02-28-2011, 12:08 PM

They were calling it a subluxation. I have no idea what that means.

He partially dislocated a shoulder joint most likely. Shoulder problems tend to be chronic and are re-injured easily. Linebackers are very, very vulnerable when it comes to shoulder dislocations on the field--I wonder if this is a flare-up of a previous injury. I'd almost think so.

This is pretty sad for Casey.

His brother's reputation was going to get him drafted three rounds early. Now I'd be stunned to see him go before the 6th. Shoulder injuries suck.

mraynrand

02-28-2011, 12:09 PM

Casey Matthews isn't working out today, he hurt his shoulder doing the bench press yesterday.

I have Harrell on the line for some weightlifting safety tips

Fritz

02-28-2011, 12:14 PM

What about the coveted 3 cone drill? How'd these fellas stack up on that? Moch, for instance?

swede

02-28-2011, 12:14 PM

Safety Tip Number 1: Don't squat the trainer's golf cart even if the other guys call you a pussy.

swede

02-28-2011, 12:17 PM

What about the coveted 3 cone drill? How'd these fellas stack up on that? Moch, for instance?

Yesterday I was having trouble getting the NFL's site to sort the 40 times and other events by position. Has anyone found another site that is showing the results by position?

Bretsky

02-28-2011, 12:19 PM

For you 3-4 OLB fans, both Ryan Kerrigan (4.67) and Sam Acho (4.62) ran pretty well (Kerrigan is a first rounder probably while Acho is a later round guy most likely). Neither of them broke the coveted 1.60 barrier on their 10-yard splits, which tends to separate out elite pass rushers.

Our man Mr. Matthews, for instance, had a 1.49 10-yard split.

Kerrigan would be one of my top choices with a chance to be there; he won't put up the sexy numbers but he's got a Clay type motor and I think he'll do well as a OLB in the NFL

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 12:20 PM

Fresno State's Chris Carter is another DE->OLB conversion project who has very good athletic tools. For some reason he's projected as a late-late-late pick... admittedly he's undersized, but it's someone to look into.

Joemailman

02-28-2011, 12:23 PM

Yesterday I was having trouble getting the NFL's site to sort the 40 times and other events by position. Has anyone found another site that is showing the results by position?

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2011/combine/de.html

Joemailman

02-28-2011, 12:27 PM

Kerrigan would be one of my top choices with a chance to be there; he won't put up the sexy numbers but he's got a Clay type motor and I think he'll do well as a OLB in the NFL

I don't think he'll be available. He's attractive to teams who play a 4-3, as well as 3-4. A lot of people think Jax will take him, to play opposite, or in place of Kampman.

RashanGary

02-28-2011, 12:35 PM

My sixteen year-old 150 pounder puts up 225 twice. An NFL linebacker wannabe only putting up 13? That is stunning to me.

Oh well, Casey only has to pick up Matt Forte and throw him on his ass one rep at a time. Maybe 13 is enough.

Sean Jones talks on 107.5 the fan. He was on Friday and said he went to the combine with a bandage on his wrist so he wouldn't have to do the bench press. He said he could only bench 185 lbs coming out of college. Said he had great functional power for power cleans and incredibly strong forearms and hands for moving guys around. He said he played with great natural leverage and power, but for whatever reason could never bench press.

I'm not saying Matthews is great, but 13 reps on the bench doesn't mean he's bad either.

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 12:35 PM

I don't think he'll be available. He's attractive to teams who play a 4-3, as well as 3-4. A lot of people think Jax will take him, to play opposite, or in place of Kampman.

Similar problem with Justin Houston, who's also running very well today. At 6'3" 270 running a 4.63, he's plenty attractive to 4-3 teams too.

pbmax

02-28-2011, 12:36 PM

Yesterday I was having trouble getting the NFL's site to sort the 40 times and other events by position. Has anyone found another site that is showing the results by position?

The second row of choices, the position ones, are toggle switches not a radio button in web terms. You need to select the position you want then unselect all the rest. I spent 15 minutes trying to figure out why WRs kept appearing at the top of the RB 40 times.

pbmax

02-28-2011, 12:37 PM

RashanGary

02-28-2011, 12:39 PM

Lowerbody and core power is 10x more important than upper body. You don't play football laying on yoru back or haning from a bar. Football is played on the ground. Your legs and core do the majority of the work on just about any football movement. You see a blocker using his arms, but look how he's planted. Look at how he's using his core to transfer all of that leg power. Arms, chest are dead last in that equation and that's for blcoking, maybe the most upper body intensive football action.

Top heavy people run around like big stiffs. Every NFL player is strong and explosive from the bottom up, not the other way around.

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 12:51 PM

Sean Jones talks on 107.5 the fan. He was on Friday and said he went to the combine with a bandage on his wrist so he wouldn't have to do the bench press. He said he could only bench 185 lbs coming out of college. Said he had great functional power for power cleans and incredibly strong forearms and hands for moving guys around. He said he played with great natural leverage and power, but for whatever reason could never bench press.

I'm not saying Matthews is great, but 13 reps on the bench doesn't mean he's bad either.

The bench at the combine is used more as an "indicator of weight room commitment" than anything else. Since almost all college-age males will spend a disproportionate amount of their weight room time on the bench.

Regardless, I'm almost certain that Casey Matthews' 13 reps is because he injured his shoulder during the drill more than anything else.

I mean, if a guy hurts a hamstring running the 40 and has a bad time, which are you going to go to: "Long speed doesn't matter that much, anyway" or "He probably would have done better if he didn't injure himself"?

Old School

02-28-2011, 01:06 PM

Somebody tell me, are the number of bench presses related to the length of a players arms as well as strength?

swede

02-28-2011, 01:19 PM

Somebody tell me, are the number of bench presses related to the length of a players arms as well as strength?

Yes. That and some lifters are more comfortable with a narrower grip or a wider grip, slightly changing the length of the push and the muscles that are activated. That doesn't mean that some long-armed guys won't beat a short-armed guy, but the guys with orangutan arms do tend to put up a few reps less than the squatty guys.

I wrote my post ripping on Casey about only getting 13 reps before I found out that he was injured. In fairness to the kid, the official number should be Did Not Participate if he was injured while competing. You wouldn't give a guy a 14 second 40 time if he pulled a hammy at the 10 yard line.

Now the concerning thing with Casey is not 13 reps...it is the fact that shoulder injuries are slow to heal and very difficult to rehabilitate. I was glad that Starks had another five months to heal his shoulder after developing the leg injury in camp.

sharpe1027

02-28-2011, 01:46 PM

Yes. That and some lifters are more comfortable with a narrower grip or a wider grip, slightly changing the length of the push and the muscles that are activated. That doesn't mean that some long-armed guys won't beat a short-armed guy, but the guys with orangutan arms do tend to put up a few reps less than the squatty guys.

I wrote my post ripping on Casey about only getting 13 reps before I found out that he was injured. In fairness to the kid, the official number should be Did Not Participate if he was injured while competing. You wouldn't give a guy a 14 second 40 time if he pulled a hammy at the 10 yard line.

Now the concerning thing with Casey is not 13 reps...it is the fact that shoulder injuries are slow to heal and very difficult to rehabilitate. I was glad that Starks had another five months to heal his shoulder after developing the leg injury in camp.

I would also be worried about injuries being used as an excuse for poor performance. I would not put it past an agent to gamble that explaining away the poor performance with an injury would be less damaging than admitting Casey could only do 13 reps.

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 01:59 PM

I would also be worried about injuries being used as an excuse for poor performance. I would not put it past an agent to gamble that explaining away the poor performance with an injury would be less damaging than admitting Casey could only do 13 reps.

Considering that by all accounts when Casey was lifting he didn't just "stop at 13 unable to get the bar up any further", his left arm just gave out on him. I don't think that's something his agent would orchestrate in order to cover up a poor performance.

prime311

02-28-2011, 01:59 PM

I don't think, honestly, it's a great idea to trade up for a 5-tech this year. There's a lot of good ones who grade out as first or second round prospects this year. It's also not the single most impactful part of the defense, primarily their job is to enable linebackers to make plays.

This is true about the draft being Dline heavy, but also means Watt could end up falling to us, or pretty close to us. I disagree completely on your assessment of the importance of dlineman. If anything I would say our dlineman are at least as importing if not more important then anyone on the field not named Woodson or Matthews. Our defense is predicated not just on taking up blockers, but on getting some push and pressure from the line. Just look at the difference between this year and last year. At the end of last year our dline was gassed and had no push at the LOS and good opposing QB's just tear that up. Lastly, this isnt just any 5T, this is the best 5t he's ever seen according to Mike Mayock, and that to me speaks volumes.

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 02:03 PM

vince

02-28-2011, 02:11 PM

Dom says "Yes, as long as we have the most effective QB in the league who doesn't turn the ball over, can get us out to leads and force teams to play from behind a lot, and as long as we have a great run support d-back like Chuck Woodson, we'll keep playing nickel."

sharpe1027

02-28-2011, 02:22 PM

Considering that by all accounts when Casey was lifting he didn't just "stop at 13 unable to get the bar up any further", his left arm just gave out on him. I don't think that's something his agent would orchestrate in order to cover up a poor performance.

I didn't see anything that gave this much detail. I all saw were statements (mostly by Casey himself) that he couldn't finish his 14th because of the injury. On a similar conspiracy theory, he knew about what he was capable going into the combine. If they knew beforehand that it was really poor who knows... I'm not saying, I'm just saying. ;)

prime311

02-28-2011, 02:39 PM

There's also the issue that this year we ran a nickel defense like 75% of the time. So we would have an average of 2.25 defensive linemen on the field... Raji never comes off the field, and assuming that a guy like Neal or Jolly lives up to their flashes in the past, I'm not sure a 5-tech we would take high would actually play all that much.

I would of course defer to Capers on this: "Hey Dom, are you going to keep playing Nickel all the time? I'm trying to figure out if I need to draft more defensive ends."

I'm not keeping up much hope that we can count on Jolly or Neal next year. I really think DE is a smart pick for us. OLB is (IMO)a position easier to plug someone in then DE, because big bodies don't just come around as often. Its an area we could improve at, but I think our 1st pick is better spent on the line. If we didn't go dline I hope we go OLine, but I'm really not feeling it for any of the tackles that will be available to us at the end of the round. Given whats out there, I think we're more likely to hit on an elite talent at dline more then any other position with our pick. In my ideal scenario we sign Jared Gaither who becomes a FA with the new CBA and use our first pick on DE. WHo knows how the first round will fall though or if Gaither will be available.

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 03:03 PM

In my ideal scenario we sign Jared Gaither who becomes a FA with the new CBA and use our first pick on DE. WHo knows how the first round will fall though or if Gaither will be available.

Jared Gaither isn't going to sign somewhere where he's not going to get to start, and we don't have a starting spot for him (he's not a guard.)

Fritz

02-28-2011, 04:17 PM

Does anyone think a backup NT who could give Raji a breather would be a good idea?

Lurker64

02-28-2011, 04:19 PM

Does anyone think a backup NT who could give Raji a breather would be a good idea?

Isn't that Ryan Pickett?

get louder at lambeau

02-28-2011, 06:08 PM

Isn't that Ryan Pickett?

And Howard Green?

Bretsky

02-28-2011, 06:39 PM

Does anyone think a backup NT who could give Raji a breather would be a good idea?

no.....:)

wootah

03-01-2011, 02:22 AM

Jared Allen also had a 13 on the bench press back in the day. He had a vertical of 33. He turned out OK.

But he definately is one of the exceptions with those numbers.

packrulz

03-01-2011, 04:15 AM

Unofficial 40-yard dash times for D-linemen
Posted: February 28th, 2011 | Frank Tadych | Tags: Sam Acho, 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, Cameron Jordan, Chris Carter, Christian Ballard, Marcell Dareus, Nick Fairley, Ryan Kerrigan, Ugo Chinasa

INDIANAPOLIS — The first group of defensive linemen is done with the 40-yard dash, so we have some unofficial times to pass along.

If there’s a continuing trend when it comes to combine numbers, it’s that the times for defensive linemen are getting better and better every year as the positions continue to evolve. We’ll have more on that later.

For now, here’s a look at some of the early times Monday:

1. Sam Acho, Texas: 4.63 seconds
2. Chris Carter, Fresno State: 4.66
3. Ugo Chinasa, Oklahoma State: 4.67
4. Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue: 4.67
5. Christian Ballard, Iowa: 4.70
6. Cameron Jordan, Cal: 4.71

Two of the top defensive tackle prospects also ran well. Auburn DT Nick Fairley clocked in at 4.82, and Alabama DT Marcell Dareus ran in 4.92.
UPDATE: Moch’s official 40 time was registered at 4.44, setting the Combine record among defensive linemen.

INDIANAPOLIS — Everyone knows Nevada DE Dontay Moch can run. It’s just a matter of how fast.

Moch wears a “DL” on the front of his green NFL Scouting Combine jersey, but his speed is rare and impressive at any position. Moch registered an unofficial time of 4.45 on his first run (and a 10-yard split of 1.62) to set a Combine record for defensive linemen since 2000. If his time stands, he’ll have bested the previous mark of 4.47 by UAB’s Bryan Thomas in 2002.

Moch, who was the 2009 WAC Defensive Player of the Year and 2010 All-WAC First Team, weighed in at 6-foot-1 3/8 and 248 pounds here at the Combine.

NFL Network’s Charles Davis projects Moch as an outside linebacker on the next level, and Bucky Brooks sees him as a situational edge rusher.

“He has a chance to be a special rusher in the right system,” Brooks said.
Illinois’ Wilson tops among linebackers in 40
Posted: February 28th, 2011 | Frank Tadych | Tags: Martez Wilson, 2011 NFL Scouting Combine

INDIANAPOLIS — Now that the linebackers have finished their on-field workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine, we can loop back and give you the official leaders in the 40-yard dash from Monday.

Here’s the top 10:

1. Martez Wilson, Illinois — 4.49
2. Von Miller, Texas A&M — 4.53 http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81e892ba/Top-Player-of-Day-3-Von-Miller?module=HP_cp2
3. Brian Rolle, Ohio St. — 4.56
4. Adrian Moten, Maryland — 4.62
5. Doug Hogue, Syracuse – 4.63
6. Colin McCarthy, Miami –4.65
T7. Ross Homan, Ohio St. — 4.68
T7. Justin Houston, Georgia — 4.68
T7. Scott Lutrus, UConn — 4.68
T7. J.T. Thomas, West Virginia — 4.68
T7. Chris White, Mississippi St. –4.68

prime311

03-01-2011, 09:55 AM

Jared Gaither isn't going to sign somewhere where he's not going to get to start, and we don't have a starting spot for him (he's not a guard.)

I think it's not a tough sell to have Gaither on a play behind Clifton with the intention of taking over at LT if/when he gets hurt or next year at the latest. Especially given the short offseason he'll need extra time to learn the offense anyway and itll be an opportunity to finish his rehab and make sure he comes in fully healed. I could be wrong, but I think you are overestimating his demands. He will expect to be paid like an LT though.

Lurker64

03-01-2011, 10:06 AM

The Ravens will pay Gaither as a starter, and let him start. Why would he come here to sit on the bench and "learn a system", when legitimately pass blocking is the same in every system?

There's a lot of other teams who are bad at LT who would give Gaither a starting spot (Buffalo anybody?) and would at least drive up the price.

It's not going to happen. Plus, we may not get free agency at all this year, or if we do it may well be after the draft.

prime311

03-02-2011, 01:03 AM

Ultimately I think Gaither is going to go wherever he'll get paid the best. Ravens won't necessarily shell out LT money when they have Oher. He'd have the opportunity to play for a Super Bowl winner. This isnt a situation I consider at all likely, its just not completely out of the realm of possibility. It was a best case scenario as I pictured it, not a most likely scenario.

packrulz

03-02-2011, 04:26 AM

Officially, Van Dyke is combine’s fastest player
By Frank Tadych |
Published: March 1st, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS — Miami CB DeMarcus Van Dyke will leave the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine as No. 1 on two lists.

Van Dyke ran an official time of 4.28 seconds in his first 40-yard dash Tuesday, making him the fastest cornerback and the fastest player at the combine.

Van Dyke’s time is the third-fastest 40 at the combine since 2000, behind just East Carolina RB Chris Johnson‘s record of 4.24 in 2008 and Houston CB Stanford Routt‘s 4.27 in 2005.

Official 40-yard dash times for DBs:

1. Van Dyke, Miami: 4.28
2. Patrick Peterson, LSU: 4.34
3t. Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State: 4.40
3t. Chris Culliver, South Carolina: 4.40
5. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska: 4.43
6. Joseph Lefeged, Rutgers: 4.43
7t. Ras-I Dowling, Virginia: 4.46
7t. Curtis Marsh, Utah State: 4.46
7t. Byron Maxwell, Clemson: 4.46
7t. Jimmy Smith, Colorado: 4.46
7t. Shareece Wright, USC: 4.46

Here’s a short list of top official combine times:

1. Van Dyke, CB, Miami: 4.28
2t. Peterson, CB, LSU: 4.34
2t. Da’Rel Scott, RB, Maryland: 4.34
4t. Edmond Gates, WR, Abilene Christian: 4.37
4t. Ricardo Lockette, WR, Fort Valley State:4.37
6. Mario Fannin, RB, Auburn: 4.38
7. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: 4.39

Julio Jones‘ impressive performance Sunday at the NFL Scouting Combine became even more eye-opening Monday, when NFL Network analyst Charley Casserly revealed that the Alabama WR worked out despite a fracture in his foot.

Jones will have a screw inserted in the foot, which will be followed by an eight-week rehabilitation period.

“This guy really helped himself with that workout on Sunday,” Casserly said Monday on “NFL Total Access.” “Showed a little toughness, too.”

Casserly said it will be “touch-and-go” whether or not Jones will be able to work out before the April draft, but added that he had a conversation with a member of an unnamed team’s medical staff, who believes the wideout will fully recover.

“Teams probably aren’t going to shy away from him,” said Casserly, a former NFL general manager.

Jones was impressive during the gauntlet drills Sunday, showing fluidity, good hands and body control while maintaining focus. And while his broad jump was best among receivers (11 feet, 3 inches — 2 inches below the combine’s best since 2000), what caught notice was Jones posting the third-fastest 40-yard dash time at 4.39 seconds. Impressive, given that Jones measured in at 6-foot-2 3/4 and 220 pounds.

Casserly speculated Sunday that Jones would be drafted in the middle of the first round. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks doesn’t expect Jones to last past the Rams, who pick 14th.

“Jones ran faster today than I think anyone thought he would,” Casserly said Sunday. “I don’t think people thought this guy would run a 4.43 (the unofficial time on his first run). He doesn’t play that fast. But he’s a big guy who is physical.”

The news on Jones brought back memories of 2009, when Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree worked out at the combine with a stress fracture in his left foot. Crabtree eventually was taken with the 10th overall pick by the 49ers.

Post Combine mock draft: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/NFL-mock-draft-after-Scouting-Combine-analysis-rankings-030211?gt1=39002
I guess I like this mock draft, getting Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada in the 2nd round would be great!

UPDATE: Moch’s official 40 time was registered at 4.44 seconds, setting the combine record among defensive linemen.

INDIANAPOLIS — Everyone knows Nevada DE Dontay Moch can run. It’s just a matter of how fast.

Moch wears a “DL” on the front of his green NFL Scouting Combine jersey, but his speed is rare and impressive at any position. Moch registered an unofficial time of 4.45 seconds on his first run (and a 10-yard split of 1.62) to set a combine record for defensive linemen since 2000.

If Moch’s time stands, he’ll have bested the previous mark of 4.47, set by UAB’s Bryan Thomas in 2002.

Moch, who was the 2009 WAC Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the 2010 All-WAC First Team, weighed in at 6-foot-1 3/8 and 248 pounds at the combine.

NFL Network’s Charles Davis projects Moch as an outside linebacker on the next level, and NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks sees him as a situational edge rusher.

“He has a chance to be a special rusher in the right system,” Brooks said.

RashanGary

03-02-2011, 12:25 PM

I've never been so disinterested in the draft. I know this is supposed to be a shallow class with all of the JR's going pro last year (to avoid a possible rookie wage scale this year) and then so many of the top JR prospects this year staying in school (avoiding the strike issues).

We pick #32 in the first round. We just got done playing football two or three weeks ago. It just doesn't feel like time to get excited about what is next.

I just had sex with a girl for the first time as a 30 year old so maybe the time with her is taking away from my time with the Packers. This whole time I thought my PS3 and the Packers were the greatest things since sliced bread. Turns out I was wrong, that honor goes to juicy booty, pants down. She's expensive though. I'm taking her out to Applebee's, getting our pictures taken in front of the Lambeau and having the camera helper run off with by camera, etc. . . .

Go Packers.

P.S. BJ's are love in it's purest form, almost like heaven packed into a set of lips with pretty green eyes looking up up at you to make sure everything is alright on my cloud.

Lurker64

03-02-2011, 01:29 PM

Please talk about your sex life elsewhere. Some of us care about the draft no matter what. There are times that I suspect I like the draft more than I like football.

RashanGary

03-02-2011, 01:39 PM

I thought it would be funny. I was thinking how pathetic I am to follow the draft as heavily as I have the last few years and I tried exaggerate the patheticness. Geeze.

TennesseePackerBacker

03-02-2011, 01:44 PM

Hahahaha, what the hell JH? Thank god you finally got laid. Now you need to realize that there are plenty of fish in the sea. Congratulations.

Fritz

03-02-2011, 01:59 PM

Freak Out

03-02-2011, 02:03 PM

Ha ha........fucking awesome.

VermontPackFan

03-02-2011, 02:29 PM

Lurker64

03-02-2011, 04:28 PM

Sorry if I came off too harshly JH, I was just tired and in a bad mood for whatever reason.

Totally reasonable to not be into the draft after you win the superbowl (but honestly, watching 31 teams picking before the Packers, without us trading away our #1 pick, will be sweet.) Probably the reason you don't care that much is that we don't actually appear to need that much, nor will any of the truly sexy prospects be there at #32.

Still, I think your post may have been more worthy of a thread of its own. It's not as though the board has too quick a scroll these days.

Smidgeon

03-02-2011, 04:41 PM

nor will any of the truly sexy prospects be there at #32.

For me, this is it. Usually there's a chance that a sexy prospect will be available when the Packers pick. I simply don't know enough about college players to project who'll be available at #32 and if they'd be any good.

Lurker64

03-02-2011, 05:01 PM

For me, this is it. Usually there's a chance that a sexy prospect will be available when the Packers pick. I simply don't know enough about college players to project who'll be available at #32 and if they'd be any good.

That's probably it. Personally, I watched at least a hundred college football games last season, but that's definitely atypical.

Fritz

03-02-2011, 07:45 PM

oops

Fritz

03-02-2011, 07:48 PM

"...nor will any of the truly sexy prospects be there at #32."

http://blogs.popzara.com/media/8/20080801-fat.jpg

How 'bout this sexy prospect? I think he plays left guard when he's not playing with his nips.

Bretsky

03-02-2011, 08:51 PM

thought it was funny..........and congrads

Now go have a 3sum with two gals..........and tell me about it in the RR thread about nothing !

Bretsky

03-02-2011, 09:01 PM

Like that mock draft; I'd take Watkins at 32 although I'd love Carimi

I agree in that I see him going either to Indy or Phily though

Man, if Watt is a Hoody type of player; I can so see that pic as well. Would love it if the Rams get Julio Jones

Baldwin....from Pitt...........dude is a baller.

Call me nuts but if he's there and there is nothing we love I could so see TT grabbing him as the BPA and shocking all of PR

mission

03-02-2011, 09:51 PM

Baldwin....from Pitt...........dude is a baller.

Call me nuts but if he's there and there is nothing we love I could so see TT grabbing him as the BPA and shocking all of PR

Let's say the red flags are no big deal and he learns how to develop his route-tree ability... imagine a guy that big with his ball skills combined with Finley, Jennings, Jordy, Driver, (Jones, doubtful).. Starks out of the backfield.

Stupid scary.

Fritz

03-03-2011, 05:38 AM

One of the fun parts for TT must be that he really has more freedom now to take the BPA - I'm sure need factors into his thinking - it has to - but now he can take most any position. But even so, I'll still get steamed if he takes a tight end in the first round.

packrulz

03-10-2011, 03:51 AM

Wisconsin

Madison turned into a Who's Who of NFL personnel for Wednesday's pro day. Two Badgers -- defensive end J.J. Watt and offensive tackle Gabe Carimi -- were the primary reason for the delayed traffic patterns near Camp Randall Stadium, and the two teams that played in the Super Bowl were near the front of the line.

Watt's meteoric rise up draft charts since the middle of last season has him sneaking into the middle of the first round and even higher in NFLDraftScout.com's latest mock drafts. Watt isn't built like a prototype pass-rushing defensive end at 6-5, 290, and his 4.81 speed isn't causing a queue of teams projecting him as a 3-4 linebacker in the supersized, Willie McGinest mold.

But his size, better-than-expected explosiveness (37-inch vertical, 1.64-second 10-yard split was only .03 seconds off the defensive end position leaders Robert Quinn of North Carolina, Adrian Clayborn of Iowa and Ryan Kerrigan of Purdue) makes it easier to understand that he could well fit in any scheme. He can move to defensive tackle, play a power defensive end spot in a 4-3 or be the ideal five-technique defensive end in the 3-4 defense.

He's currently ranked 16th overall by NFLDraftScout.com and the turnout of multiple Steelers coaches and scouts, including head coach Mike Tomlin, and a large contingent from the Packers -- coach Mike McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson included -- Bears and Chargers (led by GM A.J. Smith) show the interest is widespread.

Many of those teams could also have interest in Carimi (ranked 22nd overall, fourth at offensive tackle by NFLDraftScout.com). Generally regarded as a right tackle, he could fit on the left side in some offenses.

Expect teams drafting in the 20 range -- Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Seattle -- to consider Carimi depending on how the other three highly regarded offensive tackles in this class come off the board. The Bears draft 29th and sent offensive coordinator Mike Martz and offensive line coach Mike Tice to Madison.