Official 2016 Combine Thread

[Joemailman]

Also known as The Underwear Olympics.

Wednesday: Media interviews for running backs, offensive linemen and special teamers

Thursday: Media interviews for quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends

Friday: Media interviews for defensive linemen and linebackers
On-field workouts for running backs, offensive linemen and special teamers

Saturday:Media interviews for defensive backs
» On-field workouts for quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends

Sunday: On-field workouts for defensive linemen and linebackers

Monday: On-field workouts for defensive backs

Participants: http://www.nfl.com/combine/participants

Adidas to pay 1 million dollars to anyone who breaks the 40 yard dash record...provided they'rer wearing Adidas footwear. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25478650/adidas-offers-1m-to-break-the-40-yard-dash-record-at-nfl-combine

[pbmax]

Louis Riddick ‏@LRiddickESPN
Jared Goff: 6040, 215, 9 hand

Dane Brugler ‏@dpbrugler 12m12 minutes ago
9-inch hands for Goff. Not ideal but not a deal-breaker. Others similar: Carr (9 1/8"), Tannehill (9"), Kap (9 1/8")

Michael Tanier ‏@MikeTanier 13m13 minutes ago
I am going to start an alt metal techno Combinecore band called Nine Inch Hands.

[Cheesehead Craig]

Todd McShay's helpful guide to the Combine:

Hi there, I'm Todd McShay and this is my guide to the combine. (http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/14837586/todd-mcshay-guide-every-combine-drill-nfl-draft)

[pbmax]

Ryan Wood ‏@ByRyanWood 36m36 minutes ago
Jaylon Smith said he really enjoyed formal interview with #Packers: "Yes. I love them. Mike McCarthy ... wow. That was a great interview."

Ryan Wood ‏@ByRyanWood 29m29 minutes ago
Smith said #Packers among 23 formal interviews at combine. He knows his fit in GB. "One thing I bring to the table is the coverage aspect."

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 14m14 minutes ago
Difficult day for #NotreDame LB Jaylon Smith, who had his medicals. Ankle & knee nerve issues, teams believe he's out for 2016 -- at least

Ryan Wood ‏@ByRyanWood 3h3 hours ago
Ohio State's Darron Lee says he has a formal meeting with #Packers tomorrow at NFL scouting combine. He sees himself as an ILB in 3-4 D.

[run pMc]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 14m14 minutes ago
Difficult day for #NotreDame LB Jaylon Smith, who had his medicals. Ankle & knee nerve issues, teams believe he's out for 2016 -- at least


Wow...gotta think that would knock him out of R1.

[Joemailman]

Ryan Wood ‏@ByRyanWood 36m36 minutes ago
Jaylon Smith said he really enjoyed formal interview with #Packers: "Yes. I love them. Mike McCarthy ... wow. That was a great interview."

Ryan Wood ‏@ByRyanWood 29m29 minutes ago
Smith said #Packers among 23 formal interviews at combine. He knows his fit in GB. "One thing I bring to the table is the coverage aspect."

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 14m14 minutes ago
Difficult day for #NotreDame LB Jaylon Smith, who had his medicals. Ankle & knee nerve issues, teams believe he's out for 2016 -- at least

Ryan Wood ‏@ByRyanWood 3h3 hours ago
Ohio State's Darron Lee says he has a formal meeting with #Packers tomorrow at NFL scouting combine. He sees himself as an ILB in 3-4 D.

Don't you think the source of this could be a team that would like Smith to slip to them?

[pbmax]

Don't you think the source of this could be a team that would like Smith to slip to them?

Oh, absolutely. We are in silly season right now.

[run pMc]

I thought the medicals were shared? Isn't that one of the (original) reasons for having the combine?
Nevertheless, I wouldn't doubt someone spreading a false rumor about his medical in hopes he slips to them. It is definitely silly season.

If it is true, knee + ankle nerve issues could be serious.

[woodbuck27]

Don't you think the source of this could be a team that would like Smith to slip to them?

I believe this:

If LBer Jaylon Smith slips all the way to the NOP. 27 pick I hope the Packers take a moment of serious thought and nab him dependant on the medical care he's undergone. He looks like a steal at NO. 27.

I believe other teams will see this and he's off the board well before the Packers pick in Rd. 1

OLB Darron Lee most likely won't be available at NO. 27. He's a TOP 20 Pick.

[Carolina_Packer]

If anyone is watching the combine now, the TE class is going to do their work-out, so we can see who jumps out.

[Carolina_Packer]

Jerrell Adams of South Carolina was the only TE who ran the 40 who had any serious speed. Many TE's, including Henry, decided not to run the 40. Adams is in the 4.6 range. The others looked more like small OT's, and some ran like it. Now we'll see what Adams looks like on-field. Walter Football has Adams as the 3rd ranked TE behind Henry and Austin Hooper. Keep an eye on Jerrell Adams.

[Carolina_Packer]

Mayock had Hunter Henry, AR, Austin Hooper, Stanford, and Jerrell Adams, SC as the top three performers at TE.

A day two guy might be Nick Vannett of OSU who has nice hands, but needs to hit the weight room. He only had 16 or 17 reps, but I like his potential.

Interesting prospects at TE, likely day three guys are Jake McGee of FL and Beau Sandlands of Montana State (transferred from the U)

[run pMc]

Surprised Vannett "only" put up 16 or 17 reps. He was supposedly underused in OSU's offense, mostly as a blocker.
He's something like 6'6" 260, so pretty big dude. I've read mixed things about McGee but agree as a late round pick might be a good value prospect.

Just checked the bench results. Hunter Henry put up 13 reps, most TE's were i the 17-20 range. Maybe 17 isn't so bad...
http://walterfootball.com/combine2016TE.php

Heard interesting things about Jerell Adams and Bryce Williams from ECU.

[run pMc]

Just saw the 40 times for WR's. Not much speed this year.

[Carolina_Packer]

Just saw the 40 times for WR's. Not much speed this year.

Yeah, I saw that. This is an overall slow year for WR's. I think that might help Braxton Miller's cause, who ran a 4.5 He may not be a polished receiver yet, but he's a dynamic athlete, and I'd take my chances on on him.

They were saying the ECU kid Bryce Williams was not really an inline blocker, and he's not particularly fast, but he has good hands. Kind of a slower Eric Ebron.

[Rutnstrut]

Just saw the 40 times for WR's. Not much speed this year.

But that's not really saying much since the higher rated WR's didn't run.

[smuggler]

Don't you think the source of this could be a team that would like Smith to slip to them?

Seems this is not just draft spin...

From Tony Pauline at Draft Insider:

Finally, those in attendance when Jaylon Smith weighed in yesterday tell me his injured leg looked terrible when he stepped on the scale. Smith struggled moving the leg as well as controlling the leg. I was told it was a glum mood and there was a lot of sadness for Smith from the scouts and coaches on hand. From one source I heard, "I felt like crying for the kid." There are a number of teams who think Smith could fall into the draft's last day.

This really sucks. There's a real chance that this kid will never play football again. Just on a personal level, it sucks.

[pbmax]

^ Is that unusual six weeks out from surgery (Jan 7 or 8th)?

[woodbuck27]

Seems this is not just draft spin...

From Tony Pauline at Draft Insider:

Finally, those in attendance when Jaylon Smith weighed in yesterday tell me his injured leg looked terrible when he stepped on the scale. Smith struggled moving the leg as well as controlling the leg. I was told it was a glum mood and there was a lot of sadness for Smith from the scouts and coaches on hand. From one source I heard, "I felt like crying for the kid." There are a number of teams who think Smith could fall into the draft's last day.

This really sucks. There's a real chance that this kid will never play football again. Just on a personal level, it sucks.

I broke my leg sliding into second base (Tibia and fibia). It was a mess and in a cast 4 months.

Sometimes a Rehab takes time. My first cast was too high. Almost to my crotch so I wasn't able to place the proper weight on it trying to walk. When the specialist asked me to walk after the second cast was put on just above the knee I was in disbelief. The leg felt that wobbly.

I too hope he gets back to full speed. I hope he has the proper medical attention.

[wist43]

Just saw the 40 times for WR's. Not much speed this year.

2 WR's I like didn't run well.

Josh Doctson ran a 4.5 - which is survivable. I like him a lot.

Rashard Higgins ran a 4.64 - hopefully he runs better at his pro-day.

I like the tape of both these guys, but Higgins 40 time is a worry. We can always fall back on the fact that Jerry Rice ran a 4.6.

[wist43]

^ Is that unusual six weeks out from surgery (Jan 7 or 8th)?

6 weeks after my hip replacement, I was still walking with a cane.

Hip replacement and ACL/MCL surgery are two different animals to be sure, but everyone heals differently - I am a very slow healer. My recovery from the hip surgery was double the normal - and that's the way I've been with all my surgeries.

I wouldn't discount Smith on either the ACL/MCL, and the recovery from that, however long it takes. What is worrisome about him is the possible nerve damage.

[smuggler]

Some people take longer to recover to normal waking gait than others. If his limp is that pronounced, he should not have gone to the combine. He should have appealed for supplemental draft eligibility or held his own weigh-in session in a month. He was down nearly 20# from his playing weight, which isn't surprising since he can't squat or deadlift, but it can't be helping him...

[wist43]

2 WR's I like didn't run well.

Josh Doctson ran a 4.5 - which is survivable. I like him a lot.

Rashard Higgins ran a 4.64 - hopefully he runs better at his pro-day.

I like the tape of both these guys, but Higgins 40 time is a worry. We can always fall back on the fact that Jerry Rice ran a 4.6.

Guess the cat is out of the bag on Josh Doctson - Bleacherreport has a write-up on him. He's shooting up draft boards. CBSSportsline has him at #40, so assume he's going up from around that area - looks like it would take a 1st round pick to get him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2620241-josh-doctson-turns-heads-with-explosive-nfl-combine-peformance

I've looked at him a few times now... I found myself looking at other WR's, and then going back and immediately looking at Doctson again just to make a comparison. I like Doctson, along with Coleman, over every WR I've looked at so far. That said, I haven't looked at everyone indepth. I do like him better than Thomas (Ohio State). I didn't think Treadwell looked good or moved well at the combine. He's supposed to be long-gone by our pick anyway.

Coleman is probably my #1 WR now... but I've still a lot of guys to look at.

I'd be okay with either Coleman or Doctson in the first round at this point.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2fd7A14Ubo


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cscYxRq6cfY

[call_me_ishmael]

Braxton Miller will be the best WR from this class when all is said and done IMO. I want him badly - if he is there in round 2 I do give it in a second.

[BZnDallas]

Guess the cat is out of the bag on Josh Doctson - Bleacherreport has a write-up on him. He's shooting up draft boards. CBSSportsline has him at #40, so assume he's going up from around that area - looks like it would take a 1st round pick to get him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2620241-josh-doctson-turns-heads-with-explosive-nfl-combine-peformance

I've looked at him a few times now... I found myself looking at other WR's, and then going back and immediately looking at Doctson again just to make a comparison. I like Doctson, along with Coleman, over every WR I've looked at so far. That said, I haven't looked at everyone indepth. I do like him better than Thomas (Ohio State). I didn't think Treadwell looked good or moved well at the combine. He's supposed to be long-gone by our pick anyway.

Coleman is probably my #1 WR now... but I've still a lot of guys to look at.

I'd be okay with either Coleman or Doctson in the first round at this point.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2fd7A14Ubo


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cscYxRq6cfY

I agree with ya Wist on Coleman and Doctson. Actually I think there are 3 good WRs coming out of the Big12. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on Oklahoma's Sterling Shepard. He seems like a TT guy. All the guy did was put up numbers with less talent at QB than Coleman and Doctson. Was always the big catch in big moment receiver. Being down here in Big12 country I've heard about these guys nonstop. Think they could all be somebody in the right circumstance. AR and this offense could be that circumstance and Sterling2 would be the guy I can see slipping to an open armed TT. What do you think Wist?

[Carolina_Packer]

I agree with ya Wist on Coleman and Doctson. Actually I think there are 3 good WRs coming out of the Big12. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on Oklahoma's Sterling Shepard. He seems like a TT guy. All the guy did was put up numbers with less talent at QB than Coleman and Doctson. Was always the big catch in big moment receiver. Being down here in Big12 country I've heard about these guys nonstop. Think they could all be somebody in the right circumstance. AR and this offense could be that circumstance and Sterling2 would be the guy I can see slipping to an open armed TT. What do you think Wist?

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=125161&draftyear=2016&genpos=WR

I believe they compared Shepard to Randall Cobb during the coverage of the combine yesterday. In fact, Shepard's explosive measurables were better. I'll take all the talent that we can get, but is it realistic to think that they will go after a Cobb clone if they have to pick him in the 2nd or 3rd round? I'm not saying Monty or Abby is as good as Shepard, but wouldn't they already be considered Cobb's backup by position? Again, draft all the talent that you can, but I'm sure they do have to consider where he would fit in the rotation vs. the guys you are already developing. Is there room for him? Is there always room for a guy like this?

[BZnDallas]

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=125161&draftyear=2016&genpos=WR

I believe they compared Shepard to Randall Cobb during the coverage of the combine yesterday. In fact, Shepard's explosive measurables were better. I'll take all the talent that we can get, but is it realistic to think that they will go after a Cobb clone if they have to pick him in the 2nd or 3rd round? I'm not saying Monty or Abby is as good as Shepard, but wouldn't they already be considered Cobb's backup by position? Again, draft all the talent that you can, but I'm sure they do have to consider where he would fit in the rotation vs. the guys you are already developing. Is there room for him? Is there always room for a guy like this?

Good point Carolina. I do think we'd all agree TT is pretty consistent on taking the players that fit his mold though. Wouldn't that mean taking a guy who compares to one of yours already? I think Montgomery is already similar to Cobb and think Davante could turn into Jordy 2.0 (probably not a popular opinion right now). But I think you stack your roster with as many guys that can run your system as you can and Sterling2 seems like a guy that can learn all the WR positions like our offense asks them to do. I guess we'll have to see where the WRs stack up after the combine, but going in, Sterling2 was only the 12-15th ranked WR. Could he fall a bit? I probably don't want him in the 2nd but if he falls to 3 or 4 I'd take a flyer on him. He even seems like Packer people, not the typical WR diva type.

[wist43]

When I was looking at WR's it was with an eye against our current crop of WR's. Jordy being above that fray.

Coleman and Doctson might have a higher upside than either Cobb or Adams. I like Monty much more now than when we drafted him, b/c the concern on him was hands. Not sure how many drops he had, but whenever I was paying attn, he caught the ball cleanly.

Cobb is limited to the slot and gadget plays - which he is very good at. He could never play outside consistently. Coleman is only 5'11", 194, but I think he has better instant acceleration that would allow him to get off the line and create separation downfield.

I see Shepard as more of a Cobb clone - so I'd pass on him for that reason.

I think the criteria for taking a WR high this year should be that he provide either, or both, of these qualities, 1) can play flanker and win outside, and/or 2) is a dynamic playermaker, better than what we have.

[Cheesehead Craig]

Braxton Miller will be the best WR from this class when all is said and done IMO. I want him badly - if he is there in round 2 I do give it in a second.

Miller just makes plays. Really an intriguing prospect.

[pbmax]

Was going to edit this down but running out of time and have to close this browser window or it will drive me insane. One scout's notebook on the offensive side of the Combine.

http://scoutsnotebook.com/2016/02/28/the-combine-checking-out-the-offensive-players/
The Combine – Checking Out the Offensive Players
Posted on February 28, 2016 by Tommy Lawlor
The 2016 Combine is half over, with offensive players having finished up their tests and workouts. Let’s talk about some of the players who stood out, good or bad.

QB Carson Wentz – It should be no surprise that the QB with the most experience under center looked the most natural pretending to take snaps under center and then taking 5 and 7-step drops. Wentz threw the ball very well and had an impressive showing. His footwork was outstanding. Wentz definitely has the physical ability to be a good starting NFL QB. The questions with him will be in regard to the mental side of things. Can he read defenses? Can he make the right pre-snap adjustments? Can he anticipate receivers coming open?

QB Cardale Jones – He got hurt running his second 40-yard dash. It would have been fun to see him throwing in the drills. I’m not a big fan of Jones, but there is no denying that he is very gifted.

QB Jared Goff – Measured in at 215 pounds and with only 9-inch hands. The small hands will be a concern for multiple teams. I thought Goff threw the ball well and looked smooth. He and Wentz were the most impressive QBs. You can see why the consensus is that they’ll be the first 2 taken in the draft.

QB Paxton Lynch – Listed at 6-7, 245 this year. Measured in at 6-7, 244. I wondered if he was really that big. Ran well and jumped well, showing serious athletic ability for such a big guy. Lynch showed an impressive arm and made some terrific throws (especially deep balls), but he needs work as he adjusts to playing in a pro-style system. Looks like a 1st rounder, but a project.

QB Christian Hackenberg – I watched every single college game in his career and I’m not a big fan. I thought the Combine might be a chance for Hack to impress. There is no question that he can throw the ball really well. Hack had some good moments, but hardly did anything to wow the coaches and scouts in attendance. One of my big concerns is footwork and that was up and down in Indy.

QB Kevin Hogan – I do like Hogan, but he didn’t impress. You could see that he lacks a big arm. One of the analysts noted that his motion looked a bit different and that he might be changing that with a QB guru. Hogan isn’t a workout guy. His best asset is his mind and that wasn’t a factor in the workouts.

QB Brandon Allen – I just like the way he throws the ball. Looks very natural and smooth. That’s true in games, the Senior Bowl and Combine workouts. Hands measured in just below 9 inches and that is a concern. Good mid-round prospect.

QB Dak Prescott – I have to admit that Prescott has grown on me. I still see him as a major project, but he does have the physical tools to play in the NFL. Shocks me that Mayock has him rated as the #5 QB. I don’t see anything close to that. Prescott had a solid showing in Indy. I also bet he did very well in interviews.

[pbmax]

WR Laquon Treadwell – Didn’t run a 40 and put up pedestrian workout numbers, but did so at 221 pounds. So often we forget to check out size when talking about verticals, broad jumps and the agility drills. Treadwell caught the ball well and certainly passed the eye test. He just plucks the ball very naturally. If you want a big, physical WR, this is your guy.

WR Tyler Boyd – Another receiver who didn’t run well, but looked good in the drills. Could use a really good showing at his Pro Day to help his status. Has very good hands and looked great in the gauntlet drill. Good possession receiver.

WR Will Fuller – Ran 4.32, fastest among all WRs. Big question with him was how he would catch the ball. Fuller actually did a good job and looked much improved in that area. He still let the ball get into his body a few times. His drops on tape are still an issue, but the fact he’s making progress in that area helps his value. Beyond just showing straight-line speed, was fluid and agile. That’s critical for good route-running.

WR Josh Doctson – Outstanding showing. Looked great in the drills and then had a 41-inch vertical and a 6.84 3-cone time. He ran 4.50 at 202 pounds. That shows speed, explosion and agility, pretty much everything you would want in a WR. And he might have the best hands in the entire draft.

WR Braxton Miller – Good day. Solid showing in the drills and then posted good numbers. Had 35-inch VJ and ran 4.50. Posted great 3-cone time of 6.65. Miller is a project, but sure feels like someone that will pan out and reward the team that takes him.

WR Malcolm Mitchell – Won’t be an early pick, but helped himself. Measured in at 6-0, 198. Ran 4.45 and then had 36-inch VJ. Posted a 3-cone time of 6.94. Ran poor SS at 4.34, but that was the only negative. Also did well catching the ball.

WR Sterling Shepard – I don’t know that Shepard is in the mix for a 1st round spot, but he did everything he could to impress teams. At 5-10, 194, he lacks ideal size, but that’s the only time he comes up small. Ran 4.48. Did 20 reps on the bench. Strength isn’t a necessity for WRs, but watch Shepard block and you’ll understand how it helps him. Had a 41-inch VJ and ran 7.00 in the 3-cone. Really good in workouts as well.

WR Trevor Davis – Kenny Lawler (great name) was supposed to be the Cal wideout that got everyone’s attention. Davis stole the show in Indy. Davis ran 4.42 at 188 pounds. He had a 38.5-inch VJ and did 6.60 in the 3-cone. Beyond posting good times, he looked smooth. Looked very cool and calm while running that outstanding 40 time. Davis looked good in the drills, showing good hands. You can bet teams will be re-watching some Cal tape to take another look at Davis.

WR Devon Cajuste – In terms of raw numbers, Cajuste had the most interesting day of any pass catcher. Measured in at 6-4, 234. Ran 4.62 and jumped 36 inches. Ran amazing 3-cone time of 6.49. Is he a WR, TE or H-back? Different teams will have different opinions, but that size/speed/agility is going to intrigue a lot of people.

[pbmax]

OL Laremy Tunsil – Solidified himself as the top OL prospect. His movement skills were simply outstanding. Really stood out in the drills. Naturally gifted.

OL Ronnie Stanley – A notch below Tunsil, but still outstanding in the drills. Measured in at 6-5, 312 with almost 36-inch arms. Ran 5.20 in the 40. Had a disappointing 3-cone of 8.03. Will need to improve that at his Pro Day.

OL Jack Conklin – Solid showing. Looked natural in the movement drills. We all love the physicality he shows on tape, but I was curious how athletic he would be. Conklin ran 5.00 in the 40. Had an 8’7 BJ and ran 7.63 in the 3-cone. Looks like Top 20 pick.

OL Cody Whitehair – The top OG prospect, but had one red flag. Only did 16 reps on the bench. You need OL, especially interior players, to be stronger than that. Was outstanding on the move. Ran 5.08 and posted a 3-cone time of 7.32. Looked good in drills as well.

OL Josh Garnett – Stanford’s LG is known as a mauler. I was pleasantly surprised by how well he moved in the drills. Looked natural on the move. Did solid in the tests as well, running 5.32 in the 40 and 7.62 in the 3-cone. Put up 30 reps on the bench.

OL Christian Westerman – Mid-round OG who had a solid showing. Ran 5.17. Had a 3-cone time of 7.69. Did 34 reps on the bench. Did a good job in the field drills. Showed a good combination of athleticism and positional ability.

OL Darrell Greene – Interesting guy. Has a thick, powerful lower body. Measured in at 6-3, 321. Ran 5.20. Did 28 reps. He’s a bit stiff, but showed solid movement ability for someone who is more of a power blocker.

OL Jason Spriggs – Great showing. Gifted athlete and posted terrific numbers. Fastest OL, running 4.94. Was tops in the broad jump and second in the 3-cone. Also did 31 reps. Has 34-inch arms so those reps were legit. Looked good on the field. Good LT prospect.

OL Joe Thuney – Lit up the athletic tests. 6-5, 304 and ran 4.95. Did 4.54 in the SS and had 28 reps. As good as those numbers were, I didn’t think his drill work was as good. Definitely a player I need to study more due to versatility and athleticism.

OL Joe Haeg – Small school player who struggled. Did not look good in the drills. Teams will focus on his game tape, but lost a chance to impress the coaches and scouts who were watching up close.

OL Willie Beavers – I thought he showed potential when I watched his game tape. Then disappointed me at the Senior Bowl. I was shocked when Mayock had him listed as his #5 OT prospect. Shocked. Then Beavers went out and looked very good in the OL drills. Showed good feet and natural movement skills. Another player I need to study more closely.

[pbmax]

TE Jerrell Adams – Ran the fastest 40 of any TE at 4.64. Only 247 pounds, but Adams is an athletic pass-catcher. Had a good Senior Bowl and built on that with a good workout in Indy.

TE Beau Sandland – You love when small school guys come to the Combine and put on a show. Sandland is from Montana State so this was a huge opportunity for him. He measured in at 6-4, 254 with long arms and big hands. Did 23 reps on the bench, the kind of strength you want in a TE. Ran 4.74 and had a 35-inch VJ. Had a 3-cone time of 7.10. Caught the ball well in the drills and looked good on the move.

TE Nick Vannett – Followed up his strong showing in Mobile with a good one in Indy. 6-6, 257. Didn’t run the 40, but posted 7.05 in the 3-cone. Had 30.5-inch VJ. Looked very good catching the ball.

TE David Morgan – Another guy from a small school who helped himself. 6-4, 262. Did 29 reps on the bench. Had 3-cone time of 6.93, which is very impressive. Only ran 5.02 in the 40 so he lacks good speed. Did a solid job of catching the ball.

[pbmax]

RB Ezekiel Elliott -The top RB in the class showed his ability. Measured in at 6-0, 225. Ran 4.47. VJ of 32.5 inches was a bit disappointing. Looked good in the drills. You could see he will need to work on his receiving skills. Let the ball get into him too much.

RB Keith Marshall – Ran the fastest time of any RB with a 4.31. Did 25 reps on the bench, showing impressive upper body strength. Only did a 30.5-inch VJ, which is an issue for a RB. He’s 219 pounds. His VJ should be 2 or 3 inches higher…to be mediocre.

RB Derrick Henry -Big man. 6-3, 247. Normally I hate big RBs, but Henry is unique. Great college player who can succeed in the NFL if used right. Ran 4.54, a good time for his size. Had a 37-inch VJ. Had 4.38 SS time, which isn’t great. Solid in the drills. There were times when his length was an issue. Caught most of the passes thrown his way, but doesn’t have good hands. Needs to work on that.

RB Daniel Lasco – Great showing. Measured in at 6-0, 209. Ran 4.46. Had 41.5-inch VJ. His broad jump was an amazing 11’3. Posted 4.26 SS time, which is okay. Looked good in the drills and caught the ball well. Definitely a player to check out more thoroughly.

RB Tyler Ervin -Small RB at 5-10, 192, but showed speed with 4.41 in the 40. Jumped 39 inches. Caught the ball well in drills, which is critical for him.

RB Peyton Barber – People questioned why Barber came out. He explained that his mother is homeless and he desperately needs money. That makes you feel better about his decision to come out. Measured in at 5-10, 228. Ran 4.64 which is okay for that size. Had a good 3-cone time of 7.00. Interesting player.

RB Jordan Howard – Measured in at 6-0, 230. Only did limited tests. Didn’t run the 40. Stood out to me in the drills, but not in a good way. Looked stiff. Need to check for that on his game tape.

RB Wendell Smallwood – Good showing. 5-10, 208. Ran 4.47 and posted great 3-cone time of 6.83. Only jumped 33.5 inches. I was impressed by him in the drills. Also looked good catching the ball.

[pbmax]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CcVMbqLWEAAbTQM.jpg:large

[Joemailman]

http://walterfootball.com/combine2016rumors_tony.php


NFL Combine: Sunday Notes. 12:35 p.m.

Monday's defensive back workout will set the pecking order at safety with the prime suspects being Keanu Neal of Florida, Darian Thompson of Boise State and Vonn Bell of Ohio State. As previously mentioned, Neal has been outperforming Bell regularly in combine training.

The belief is at least one safety will go in the late part of the opening round, and there's a chance two end up in the first frame. I'm hearing if you want a chance of selecting one of the top safeties, you'll have to move in front of Tennessee at the top of Round 2. I'm told the Baltimore Ravens are a team that could trade back into the bottom part of Round 1 to grab one of the safeties.

I'm told the Oakland Raiders won't let Darian Thompson get past them in the second round.

As of right now, people feel Jack Conklin is the player most desired by the Green Bay Packers, but it's very unlikely the Michigan State tackle falls that far. The contingency plans for the Pack seems to be Jason Spriggs at this point.

Teams were impressed with Germain Ifedi's workout, and there's a feeling the Texas A&M offensive tackle could slide into the late part of Round 1. I'm told right now Seattle and Denver are the teams targeting Ifedi late in round one.

Read more at http://walterfootball.com/combine2016rumors_tony.php#W3x2S7t5AmLr2b11.99


Finally, those in attendance when Jaylon Smith weighed in yesterday tell me his injured leg looked terrible when he stepped on the scale. Smith struggled moving the leg as well as controlling the leg. I was told it was a glum mood and there was a lot of sadness for Smith from the scouts and coaches on hand. From one source I heard, "I felt like crying for the kid." There are a number of teams who think Smith could fall into the draft's last day.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/combine2016rumors_tony.php#uUQJJMeBz5Qpg6fC.99

[call_me_ishmael]

if Jaylon Smith falls to the Packers in the second, you pick him up and stash him. Give him a red shirt and have 10 successful years of a top 10 talent. Too bad Myles Jack isn't still banged up and will fall. That cat is going to be good.

[wist43]

I think I like Spriggs over Conklin long-term... Spriggs will take a year or two to muscle up. He lifted well at the combine, but functional strength on the football field is more than pumping 225 lbs to exhaustion.

As for Smith - it all depends on each teams medical report on him. A lot of teams will take him off their board entirely. If he goes fairly early, at least one teams medical staff told their front office that he will eventually be fine. If he drops and continues to drop - then it is obvious that there is universal concern about his injuries.

Devon Cajuste is an interesting guy that could be had a little further down in the draft - I liked his tape; but whoever takes him will have to do so with idea of creating specific matchups for him. Can't in-line block at all, but is a good open field blocker on DBs. All depends on a team having some imagination in how they use him. I think he could be an effective weapon if used correctly.

[Deputy Nutz]

If Smith has nerve damage to the knee that could take more than 8-10 months to heal and that would have a significant delay to him getting back to the football player he was in college. I simply don't think Ted Thompson is willing to take that risk.

I think I had Cajuste in an earlier mock draft I did where I focused heavy on the TE position. I thought he would be a good fit and create a match up problems in the slot.

Spriggs is a better athlete but Conklin is good football player that would push to start at left tackle. The Packers don't exactly need a left tackle right now so Spriggs could have time to polish his game.

[Deputy Nutz]

I thought Joe Schoberts numbers were going to be better. He had a decent day at the combine, but I thought he would run under a 4.7 and that his vertical would have been better than 33.5". They are not terrible numbers, I just thought that he could do better and with a great combine he could move into the second day of the draft.

[Cheesehead Craig]

Smith is going to be an UDFA. I don't really see teams using a draft pick on someone who's got his issues.

[Guiness]

Smith is going to be an UDFA. I don't really see teams using a draft pick on someone who's got his issues.

Wow, from a potential top 5 pick (I don't believe #1) to possibly un-draftable. Haven't heard anything about him having insurance, either. Kid is a poster child for fixing some of the money issues with college ball. There's a chance he never gets an NFL contract.

I wonder why he didn't stay in school, why he showed up at the combine at all. He's getting some bad advice, IMO.

[Patler]

Wow, from a potential top 5 pick (I don't believe #1) to possibly un-draftable. Haven't heard anything about him having insurance, either. Kid is a poster child for fixing some of the money issues with college ball. There's a chance he never gets an NFL contract.

I wonder why he didn't stay in school, why he showed up at the combine at all. He's getting some bad advice, IMO.

He didn't stay in school because he probably wouldn't have played this Fall, and by next year he would be nothing but an afterthought. If he did try to play this Fall, and played poorly, his stock would drop for sure. His best shot at a decent rookie contract might be to hope a team is willing to take a risk on him based on his stellar season this year and some recent notable injury recoveries by other players.

[Guiness]

RB Peyton Barber – People questioned why Barber came out. He explained that his mother is homeless and he desperately needs money. That makes you feel better about his decision to come out. Measured in at 5-10, 228. Ran 4.64 which is okay for that size. Had a good 3-cone time of 7.00. Interesting player.

I don't know how you can question an RB coming out if he's going to get drafted. With the shelf life those guys have they have to collect their paychecks while they can. Is there any reason to believe another year in college would've improved his draft status?

[Guiness]

He didn't stay in school because he probably wouldn't have played this Fall, and by next year he would be nothing but an afterthought. If he did try to play this Fall, and played poorly, his stock would drop for sure. His best shot at a decent rookie contract might be to hope a team is willing to take a risk on him based on his stellar season this year and some recent notable injury recoveries by other players.

You have a point, and it's a hard thing to gauge. I don't think a guy like that would be an afterthought a year from now, he needs to get healthy and pass a physical, then teams will want to talk to him.

I think the question is will a team take a flyer on him, put him on the payroll, and he can rehab with NFL facilities? That's a chance. If he'd stayed in school, he'd have another year of education, but what sort of medical facilities/health insurance? I'm sure I have no idea how that would work.

[smuggler]

Smith is going to be an UDFA. I don't really see teams using a draft pick on someone who's got his issues.

A team drafted Lattimore after much worse injury woe. Someone will draft Smith and stow/rehab him. It's just a matter of when. Honestly, 3rd-4th is probably where some team takes the gamble. Don't be shocked if it's the 49ers again.

[Patler]

You have a point, and it's a hard thing to gauge. I don't think a guy like that would be an afterthought a year from now, he needs to get healthy and pass a physical, then teams will want to talk to him.

I think the question is will a team take a flyer on him, put him on the payroll, and he can rehab with NFL facilities? That's a chance. If he'd stayed in school, he'd have another year of education, but what sort of medical facilities/health insurance? I'm sure I have no idea how that would work.

At this point, he might be hoping for a Marcus Lattimore type deal. Latimore tore ligaments in two successive years, Left ACL one year multiple ligaments, and knee dislocation in his right the following year. His injury was so bad many called it the most devastating knee injury from football ever. It was reported that he tore all four major ligaments and sustained significant nerve damage, making it worse then the three ligament tear Willis McGahee suffered. One ortho wrote an article at the time that not too many years earlier, Lattimore wouldn't have even had a functional knee for walking without a brace. Yet Lattimore declared for the draft and was drafted in the fourth round, even though everyone knew it would be at least a year, if he ever played.

McGahee, Lattimore and Gurley were all drafted without having recuperated from knee surgeries, and McGahee and Lattimore had even worse injuries, I think, then Smith had. Lattimore never came back from his injury. If he had not declared for the draft that year, he never would have been drafted.

All Smith needs is for one team to believe he will eventually play again at something near the level he played at this past year. I suspect team will take the chance in rounds 2-4 on him. At that point, his potential will far out shine anyone else available.

[Pugger]

Smith sang McCarthy's praises after his interview, he was very impressed. If he is still there in round 3 I wouldn't mind Ted taking that gamble. If Smith can play anywhere near what he did before the injury later this season or in 2017 he'll be the steal of this draft.

[Patler]

Smith sang McCarthy's praises after his interview, he was very impressed. If he is still there in round 3 I wouldn't mind Ted taking that gamble. If Smith can play anywhere near what he did before the injury later this season or in 2017 he'll be the steal of this draft.

Especially if GB gets a couple 4ths as compensatory picks, I wouldn't mind them using their 3rd or one of the 4ths for him. I don't want to see them use their first or even 2nd on him. He is a guy I wanted to see in GB before the injury.

Really unfortunate too, because the play he was injured on was a shove from behind after he let up at the end of a play, causing him too lunge forward awkwardly and twist his knee.

[Patler]

Wow, from a potential top 5 pick (I don't believe #1) to possibly un-draftable. Haven't heard anything about him having insurance, either. Kid is a poster child for fixing some of the money issues with college ball. There's a chance he never gets an NFL contract.

I wonder why he didn't stay in school, why he showed up at the combine at all. He's getting some bad advice, IMO.



Apparently Smith has a nice insurance policy, and might collect something even if he is drafted, but out of the first round:


Smith, who entered the draft as a junior, has a $5 million loss-of-value insurance policy and would have the possibility to collect on at least some benefit if he is not selected in the first round, sources told ESPN's Darren Rovell last month.

[Guiness]

Apparently Smith has a nice insurance policy, and might collect something even if he is drafted, but out of the first round:

Nice, good for him.

I hear what you're saying about the dangers of not entering the draft. Right now, teams can say "well, he just had the surgery, of course he can't pass the physical". A year from now if he still can't pass it, no one will touch him for sure.

[call_me_ishmael]

Apparently Smith has a nice insurance policy, and might collect something even if he is drafted, but out of the first round:

I always wonder how much these policies cost and who pays for them? I mean... you can't have an agent in college, so are they taking a loan against future earnings? Gotta imagine a 5M policy for a violent sport like football is a lot of money.

[pbmax]

Better than nothing but if his condition is as bad as some reports indicate then $5 mil is nice but doesn't really cover the loss.

Players pay with pre-approved financing:

The program enables qualifying student-athletes, as approved by the program administrator, to purchase a disability insurance contract with pre-approved financing, if necessary. This program will provide the student-athlete with the opportunity to protect against future loss of earnings as a professional athlete due to a disabling injury or sickness that may occur during the collegiate career.

[Cheesehead Craig]

A team drafted Lattimore after much worse injury woe. Someone will draft Smith and stow/rehab him. It's just a matter of when. Honestly, 3rd-4th is probably where some team takes the gamble. Don't be shocked if it's the 49ers again.

I should backtrack on my statement. Now that I think about it more, someone will draft him like you said, to stash him away and hope for the best with the rehab. I just think back to guys like Harrell and Hodge who were injured in college and we hoped they would heal and be something but we got burned big on them.

[Guiness]

I always wonder how much these policies cost and who pays for them? I mean... you can't have an agent in college, so are they taking a loan against future earnings? Gotta imagine a 5M policy for a violent sport like football is a lot of money.

It would be expensive, but you have to think worth it. If you don't get hurt, you make millions and pay off the price of the policy no problem. If you do get hurt, you aren't out in the cold.

IIRC the students have to pay for it themselves, otherwise the benefit is taxable. If you pay for it yourself, it is not.

[woodbuck27]

Apparently Smith has a nice insurance policy, and might collect something even if he is drafted, but out of the first round:

Patler I'm impressed with your knowledge and follow-up on RB Marcus Lattimore. I wondered (when I was doing my Draft Analysis...) if he could ever rebound to be the exciting RB some of us hoped see in the NFL.

The $5 M$ Insurance Policy and Good for Jaylon Smith. He obviously has that aspect of good advice on his side.

This is a good story to watch.

I'm looking at a Mock Round 1 Draft and Jaylon Smith was slated in this Mock to go at NO. 14....'a High Round Flier' for Oakland.

[Patler]

Patler I'm impressed with your knowledge and follow-up on RB Marcus Lattimore. I wondered (when I was doing my Draft Analysis...) if he could ever rebound to be the exciting RB some of us hoped see in the NFL.

The $5 M$ Insurance Policy and Good for Jaylon Smith. He obviously has that aspect of good advice on his side.

This is a good story to watch.

I'm looking at a Mock Round 1 Draft and Jaylon Smith was slated in this Mock to go at NO. 14....'a High Round Flier' for Oakland.

Lattimore's story is just one that has stuck with me. I felt so sorry for him when he had the two injuries in succession, and the second being such a devastating one. By all reports he was (is) an extremely level headed kid. He accepted things for what they were.

Sounds like Smith is the same.

[call_me_ishmael]

Smith is going to be an UDFA. I don't really see teams using a draft pick on someone who's got his issues.

Admittedly I don't know the extent of the injuries, but I would be shocked if that was the case. I see him going no lower than round #3. I've never seen him play but apparently he was supposed to be right there with Myles Jack as top 5 type players in the draft.

[call_me_ishmael]

It would be expensive, but you have to think worth it. If you don't get hurt, you make millions and pay off the price of the policy no problem. If you do get hurt, you aren't out in the cold.

IIRC the students have to pay for it themselves, otherwise the benefit is taxable. If you pay for it yourself, it is not.

I understand that, but who are these students that have hundreds of thousands of dollars for these things? Seems like a good chunk of 'em are either partnering with an agent early (against NCAA rules) or they are able to take out a loan against future earnings. Not sure how that works exactly.

[Guiness]

I understand that, but who are these students that have hundreds of thousands of dollars for these things? Seems like a good chunk of 'em are either partnering with an agent early (against NCAA rules) or they are able to take out a loan against future earnings. Not sure how that works exactly.

What pb said - pre-approved financing, so ya, essentially borrowing against future earnings. Seems like an exceedingly good bet to make as a prospective first rounder.

[pbmax]

Its Ohio State! What could go wrong?


Best Combine: Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State

Lee ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at 232 pounds, meaning he was a heartbeat faster than most of this year's top receiving prospects. His jump numbers (35½" vertical, 133" broad) were also outstanding, as were his lateral agility drills.

Lee entered the combine as a borderline first-round pick. He's a coverage linebacker, and they are a lot like the running backs they cover on pass routes. Teams just don't prioritize them the way they do pass-rushers or cornerbacks, because they don't see much of a gap between the pretty-good coverage linebackers available in middle rounds and the potentially great ones at the top of the class.

Lee has some awesome film—he nearly ran Notre Dame speedster Will Fuller down from behind, so we already knew he could move—but he had to show athletic potential on the Lavonte David/Thomas Davis level to push his way into the first round.

He did exactly that.

He played Shazier's position at OSU.

[Fritz]

Smith sang McCarthy's praises after his interview, he was very impressed. If he is still there in round 3 I wouldn't mind Ted taking that gamble. If Smith can play anywhere near what he did before the injury later this season or in 2017 he'll be the steal of this draft.


Well, I think this thread has now set up this portion of the draft perfectly: if Thompson takes him in the third or fourth, people will be comparing him to Justin Harrell and wondering why Thompson keeps taking players with injury issues. If Thompson doesn't take him and another team gets him in the third or fourth round, people will scream bloody murder that Ted never takes a flyer on real talent and plays it too safe and that's why the Pack will never get to another SB with him at the helm.

I think we're ready for the draft now.