Official 2014 Combine Thread

[Joemailman]

Looks like today is Probe Day. Workouts start Saturday.

[mraynrand]

Looks like today is Probe Day.

Harlan?

[MadScientist]

Looks like today is Probe Day. Workouts start Saturday.

Harlan?

Aliens.

[mraynrand]

[Joemailman]

Packers one of 10 teams to interview Badgers OG Ryan Groy at Combine. http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/246376631.html

[MadScientist]

Packers one of 10 teams to interview Badgers OG Ryan Groy at Combine. http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/246376631.html

One site has him pegged as a 7th rounder. The Packers have had success with 7th round UW linemen before.

[run pMc]

One site has him pegged as a 7th rounder. The Packers have had success with 7th round UW linemen before.

Wouldn't be a bad pick in R7 IMO. Measured 6'4 1/2, 316 pounds in Indy, could bulk up to 325 and played all over the line, which is valuable and TT loves those kinds of players:

During his time at Wisconsin, Groy played guard, tackle and center. He was a first-team all-Big Ten selection by the coaches in 2013 and is following in the footsteps of a long list of Wisconsin linemen who have been drafted into the NFL.

If he's talking to 10 teams he might go higher than R7. WI guys often do lousy on the bench-press since that wasn't a big emphasis under Barry and Bialema. Wonder if that will be the case here and he drops for it.

[Joemailman]

There are differing opinions about Groy at different sites. He's rated anywhere from a 4th round prospect to 7th round. Detractors point to a perceived lack of agility and flexibility. He could help himself at the Combine if he performs decently in some of the agility drills.

[ThunderDan]

There are differing opinions about Groy at different sites. He's rated anywhere from a 4th round prospect to 7th round. Detractors point to a perceived lack of agility and flexibility. He could help himself at the Combine if he performs decently in some of the agility drills.

Funny, I was just listening to the Lucas & Lepay talk radio show driving into work and they said his strength will be his agility and mobility. Think he will be looked at at C for many teams.

[Fritz]

Well, you all know Ted's MO. If the Packers showed up, that means they're not interested.

They'll draft some other lineman in the sixth round who will tell us he's surprised because the Packers never talked to him, except once when a scout asked him in passing for directions to the front desk of the hotel.

[pbmax]

Funny, I was just listening to the Lucas & Lepay talk radio show driving into work and they said his strength will be his agility and mobility. Think he will be looked at at C for many teams.

Mike and Matt are great but they occasionally see the world through Cardinal glasses. Each of them was convinced the Packers screwed up Kevin Stemke when he was in camp with the team. He got a camp workout and was released. Was picked up by three other teams a kicked in a few games but generally was not retained beyond emergency duty.

They thought the Ray Guy winner was a lock and that the undrafted status was a mistake.

[pbmax]

McCarthy Press Conference at Combine

-Rappoport's Smaller/Faster/Athletic-er report SHOT DOWN by Mike. Says he has never been part of a conversation about wanting to be smaller on D line.

-He does say they wish to be more "different" in how they use their front.

-Most important thing about combine is interviews but have to ask tougher questions, as players are more prepared than ever

-Likes Thanksgiving Day game, likes mini-bye week

-Will watch Cincy tape this offseason for notes on Minny, spend a week each offseason on Division rivals. Hopes they play them later in the schedule.

-Bulaga rehab on schedule. He is in Florida now. Has promised to call him this offseason to tell him whether he will be playing LT or RT, no decision yet. That's very neighborly of Mike.

-Defensive front packages limited by injuries

Packer Report @PackerReport 1h
"We're definitely not going to get smaller," MM adds.

Jason Wilde @jasonjwilde 1h
McCarthy on @rapsheet report on remaking D-line: "I've never been part of conversation that you want your DL smaller. That's not accurate."

Pete Dougherty @PeteDougherty 1h
... have guys that can rush outside and inside. but we're definitely not going to be smaller. [This is tail end of comment Wilde quote plus line about different]

-On QBs says he wants both Flynn and Tolzien back but also says they want to sign all their guys. But does mention both QBs by name

-Says OL depth is best they have had under him

-On D, have to use all of scheme and empty the guns. Frustrated with moving parts (injuries) but have to use everything in game plan

-"Bettter job using personnel" on D

-Datone Jones camp injury set him back. Thinks he is primed to take big second year step. Jones and Mathews injuries were reason not being able to use all schemes on D

Pete Dougherty @PeteDougherty 1h
MM what he looks for when interviewing QBs: the way they communicate what's on film, can they tell you play called, the defense, who center

Pete Dougherty @PeteDougherty 1h
declares for protection. QBs should be at top of list for explaining scheme and what's on video.

Jason Wilde @jasonjwilde 1h
In side session at #NFLCombine, #Packers coach Mike McCarthy says playing Micah Hyde at safety on some downs is an option.

Wes Hodkiewicz @WesHod 1h
McCarthy won't rule out Micah Hyde playing safety. Wants him to be a three down player

Packer Report @PackerReport 52m
In hallway, McCarthy said team needs to make more plays at safety. Didn't rule out Hyde having some sort of role at that position.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet 52m
#Packers are letting BJ Raji & Ryan Pickett walk. So, if McCarthy says they are not getting smaller, who will they find bigger than those 2?

RAP DOES NOT SAY IF THIS IS FACT OR JUST RESTATEMENT OF UFA STATUS

Packer Report @PackerReport 52m
McCarthy had no medical updates on Franklin, Jolly and Finley. Was hopeful Franklin would be ready for season.

[Smidgeon]

Well, you all know Ted's MO. If the Packers showed up, that means they're not interested.

They'll draft some other lineman in the sixth round who will tell us he's surprised because the Packers never talked to him, except once when a scout asked him in passing for directions to the front desk of the hotel.

Sounds about right.

[run pMc]

Jason Wilde @jasonjwilde 1h
McCarthy on @rapsheet report on remaking D-line: "I've never been part of conversation that you want your DL smaller. That's not accurate."

Mincing words, but this depends on your definition of 'smaller'. I actually think they want to get taller at DE. It's not surprising but perhaps worth noting he didn't dispute the faster/athletic claims. I think they want leaner, taller, more athletic guys who can run and rush the passer vs. short fatties who can't. They will still need size and a couple of guys who can play the run...so will be interesting to see how they remake the DL.

Packer Report @PackerReport 52m
In hallway, McCarthy said team needs to make more plays at safety. Didn't rule out Hyde having some sort of role at that position.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet 52m
#Packers are letting BJ Raji & Ryan Pickett walk. So, if McCarthy says they are not getting smaller, who will they find bigger than those 2?

RAP DOES NOT SAY IF THIS IS FACT OR JUST RESTATEMENT OF UFA STATUS

Am curious to know Rapoport's source or more details...at this point I could go on twitter and make random claims about Raji and Pickett. Raji's contract demands and Pickett's age will be obstacles to them staying in GB.

As for playing Hyde at safety, there are some who thought it might be his best spot, but IIRC when he was at Iowa he played safety for a couple of games due to injuries and wasn't good at all...so I'm a little skeptical. The coaches clearly think he can make the switch, though. Either way I still think they need another safety, either via FA or draft (or both).

[pbmax]

Here is a far more thorough write-up by McGinn on McCarthy's press conference.

Someone on this board thought (or reported) that like Jenkins and Matthews or Raji and Matthews, Neal would be paired next to Matthews to create a nightmare for pass protection. McCarthy said they never got to it because of injuries and players moving around by necessity and not design.

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-plan-to-get-creative-with-defensive-looks-b99210737z1-246645691.html

He is still positing the Seahawks as the Defense to emulate, but otherwise, its a great writeup.