oldschooler Posted February 13, 2009 Report Share Posted February 13, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Just what is the Combine?[/b][/size] Posted by JoeReedy at 2/13/2009 4:25 PM EST on Cincinnati.com Since you are going to be hearing a lot about it over the next week and a half, a couple of people have e-mailed and asked for more information and history about the NFL Scouting Combine. Here's a brief Q&A: So what is the combine? It's an event where over three hundred of the very best college football players are invited to participate in Indianapolis. Executives, coaching staffs, player personnel departments and medical staffs from all 32 NFL teams are there to evaluate, interview and test them. It's a four-day process that has been called anything from the most intense job interview to the NFL's version of American Idol. What's the history of it? The combine began in 1982 when National Football Scouting, Inc. first conducted a camp for its member NFL clubs in Tampa. It was attended by 163 players. During the first three years, two additional camps were held at different times to collect similar information for teams that did not belong to National Football Scouting. In 1985 all teams decided they would participate in future National Invitational Camps with the goal of sharing costs. The combine has been held in Indianapolis since 1987 after prior stops in New Orleans (1984, '86) and Arizona ('85). Who decides who is invited? A selection committee consisting of directors of both National and BLESTO scouting services, which combined represent twenty-six NFL teams, and members of various player personnel departments. No one knows most of the members of the committee. All draft-eligible players are reviewed and voted on by the committee members. Each athlete receiving the necessary number of votes, by position, is then extended an invitation. What consists during the four days? Let's take the offensive linemen as an example: Day 1 -- Arrive in Indy, hospital pre-exam and X-rays, orientation, team interviews Day 2 -- Measurements, medical exams, meet the media, psychological testing, team interviews Day 3 -- NFL Players Association meeting, psychological testing, team interviews Day 4 -- Workouts, leave Indy[/quote] [url="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=blog09&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3ac78cbe8a-2b47-436d-a33e-623f9b65de7cPost%3a384d6832-7011-4749-bf67-f125ade4984b&sid=sitelife.cincinnati.com"]http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/s....cincinnati.com[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Prospects go to great lengths getting ready for combine[/b][/size] Feb. 13, 2009 By Rob Rang NFLDraftScout.com TEMPE, Ariz. -- With millions of dollars at stake over tenths of a second in a 40-yard dash or eighths of an inch in a vertical leap, pre-draft training has exploded into a highly competitive -- and big-money -- industry the past decade. The training landscape began making a seismic shift when former Boston College defensive end Mike Mamula worked with strength and conditioning coach Jerry Palmieri (now the Giants' strength and conditioning coach) in 1995, and parlayed eye-popping workouts at the combine into being seventh overall pick. If a classic 'tweener like Mamula could turn a dominant workout into millions of dollars, what kind of numbers would an elite athlete generate if similarly prepared? Soon facilities like Athletes' Performance Institute, the Michael Johnson Performance Center and IMG Performance Institute popped up around the country, and are now every bit as integral to the pre-draft landscape as the Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game. Agents are willing to foot the bill to help their clients shave fractions of a second off their dash times, so I accepted an invitation to visit the API facilities in Arizona to see first-hand how several top prospects are honing their skills in advance of the Feb. 18-24 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. I watched as Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith eased himself into the most important stance he has learned in his life. It isn't the two-point stance he played throughout much of his career in the Big 12. It isn't the three-point stance NFL teams want to know if he can effectively run-block out of. Instead, it is the stance from which Smith plans to run the 40-yard dash in front of scouts at the combine. He takes his time. He's balanced, with just enough weight on his hand stretched across the tape meant to mark the official starting point. His back is arched. His legs are staggered. His mind is focused on the first explosive steps he needs to make in the first 10 yards. Scouts are interested in his 40 time, but it's the burst he shows in the first 10 yards that could push him to the top of this year's talented tackle class. Smith elected to go directly to Athletes' Performance following his senior season rather than attending the Senior Bowl. "When I started playing, I thought to myself, whatever year I came out, I wanted to be the highest-rated offensive tackle. I feel that way now," Smith said. He's one of 23 players Mark Verstegen and his staff at API are training for this year's draft. Wake Forest outside linebacker Aaron Curry, Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo and Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis -- all likely first-round picks -- are also here. As is Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, who represents API's best chance at continuing its three-year streak of producing the No. 1 overall pick. There's no time to compare All-American accolades or peer at mock drafts with the internationally recognized Verstegen and his crew of trainers, performance specialists, nutritionists and media coaches on hand -- especially considering the emphases on maximizing each moment to give the players the "Perfect Day." The "Perfect Day" is the expression Verstegen uses to describe what the athletes at API go through. Every athlete who enters the facility is taught to focus on his or her core values, "mindset, nutrition, movement, recovery." While the focus is on making the individual player better, the camaraderie and sense of team at API are everywhere. While future NFL stars are working on explosive starts, Major League Baseball players Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox) and Andre Ethier (Dodgers) are among those perfecting their swings. Players arrive Monday morning, hydrate and are served an individualized breakfast. Each meal is prepared by a culinary staff tailoring the type and serving portions of food based on the recommendations of the nutritionists. "It is quite individualized," Verstegen said. "One player may get 3.5 ounces of salmon, whereas another gets six ounces of salmon, for example." After breakfast, the players get time to relax and digest before beginning their workouts. This begins the supplement process that continues through the day. Power shakes and vitamins are provided as pre-workout, during-workout and post-workout supplements and are placed in cups with players' names on them. Verstegen serves as the Director of Performance for the NFL Players Association and helped create and implement the NFL's policies on player safety and welfare. He might know the NFL's rules better than team doctors, so there's no concern about players ingesting illegal or harmful supplements. After the morning workout, players are moved through a cold tub (50-55 degrees) and into a hot tub (102-104 degrees) to facilitate rehabilitation of the muscles. They then shower, eat lunch, digest and start the entire process over again in the afternoon. On off-days, when their muscles are allowed to relax, massages and mental preparation for the combine -- media coaching, test preparation and video breakdowns of their running and leaping -- are emphasized. The process, with only minor differences, is being played out at facilities across the country. At Michael Johnson's Performance Center in McKinney, Texas, for example, Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree and Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno are among those hoping to improve their draft status with an explosive 40 time. It isn't difficult to understand why Crabtree and Moreno chose to work out with Johnson, holder of 13 Olympic and World Championship gold medals in track and field. Johnson is quick to point out, however, that his facility offers much more than his own reputation. "Players at this level aren't going to risk their own futures based on my reputation," he said. "They won't take it that lightly. They're looking at who is getting the results." In his first year of preparing collegiate athletes for the Combine in 2001, Johnson pupils LaDainian Tomlinson (4.46 according to NFLDraftScout.com records), Freddie Mitchell (4.46) and Will Allen (4.4) all boosted their draft stock with excellent 40 times. Last year, his first at his new facility, Johnson trained former Arkansas running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, who impressed scouts with their interviews at the combine in addition to their on-field work. "A lot of people know how to run," Crabtree said. "And a lot of people are fast, but it all comes back to that mental side, and what you keep in your head every day, and what you take in and what you take out." Moreno agreed. "I do feel faster. Things like the 40 and some of the drills, it's all about technique, and why not learn from the best?" Moreno said. "And I do feel a lot faster ... from the start of the season, even from when I first got here. You can really see things progressing." Progressing is exactly what Verstegen and Johnson anticipate in terms of pre-combine preparation on and off the field. Johnson sees more training facilities breaking down athletes' moves frame by frame on film, as he does, and teaching players to run step by step. "I've never focused on what a guy's 40 time was when they came into camp," he said. "We're trying to teach the players better technique. We're looking at them biomechanically. Looking under the hood, so to speak, so as to teach them the better hip and ankle flexibility so that they'll perform when the lights are brightest at the combine, but also on the football field." Even what a player wears is carefully planned. Verstegen is partnered with Adidas, which has developed TECHFIT PowerWEB athletic apparel. Designed in tops and bottoms that can be worn under uniforms for any sport, the TECHFIT gear is compression-based and features strategically placed power bands that absorb the energy that muscles create to produce a slingshot affect as the athlete moves, increasing speed, power and vertical leap, all while reducing muscle fatigue. The intriguing claims made by Adidas -- that the TECHFIT gear actually produces a 1.1 percent increase in speed, 5.3 percent increase in power and 4 percent increase in vertical jump -- has been independently confirmed by the University of Calgary's Human Performance Lab. API's 23 NFL prospects this year are preparing to wear it for the biggest workouts of their lives. Said Penn State center A.Q. Shipley, "The compression fabric is more aerodynamic, so you feel faster. The power bands stabilize the muscles around your back and thighs, improving your posture, and giving you an extra degree of power." API's athletes won't be the only short-term residents of the greater Phoenix area testing the material. Many of the NBA stars competing throughout All-Star weekend will also be wearing the TECHFIT gear. Now just imagine if Mike Mamula had access to that kind of technology.[/quote] [url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11375289"]http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11375289[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Crabtree won't run 40 at NFL scouting combine[/b][/size] 09:48 PM CST on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 By BRIAN DAVIS / The Dallas Morning News brdavis@dallasnews.com MCKINNEY — Former Texas Tech star Michael Crabtree won't take any chances that will jeopardize his draft status in the coming months. Crabtree, who is projected as a top-10 pick, is still nursing the right-ankle sprain suffered during the AT&T Cotton Bowl. The two-time Biletnikoff Award winner also said Wednesday he won't run the 40-yard dash at next week's NFL scouting combine. Some players projected to be high draft picks are leery of combine drills for fear of hurting their draft status. Crabtree, who signed with agent Eugene Parker, can simply point to his Tech statistics — 231 receptions for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns in 26 games. "My ankle's not the big issue," Crabtree said. "I played hurt during the season. I'm looking forward to getting my ankle better to 100 percent before I perform." NFL scouts who want to see Crabtree will have to visit the receiver's old stomping grounds. Crabtree said he will perform for scouts at DISD's John Kincaide Stadium in late March. Until then, Crabtree is spending most of his time at the Michael Johnson Performance Center. Johnson, the five-time Olympic gold medalist, is helping Crabtree and other draft hopefuls improve their speed in the 40-yard dash with technique work. "We're proving again the environment for him to improve his speed," Johnson said, "and if that's the area he needs to show improvement, it's going to be up to Crabtree."[/quote] [url="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/nfl/draft/stories/021209dnspocrabtree.39498f2.html"]http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dw...ee.39498f2.html[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENGALS666 Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 There is a sports complete about a block from where I work called D1. I know that several Titans do offseason workouts there but I drove by the other day and there was a huge "Welcome NFL Combine athletes" sign out front. Apparently there's a shitload of these kids there getting ready for Indy. Not sure if they let the public in or not.. [url="http://www.d1sportstraining.com/"]http://www.d1sportstraining.com/[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Be prepared: Michael Johnson center readies prospects for scouting combine[/b][/size] 3:01 AM CST on Thursday, February 12, 2009 By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News tarcher@dallasnews.com MCKINNEY — One day after Darren McFadden ran a 4.33-second, 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine last year, the phones at the Michael Johnson Performance Center started ringing like crazy. "We had agents call saying their guy didn't run fast at the combine, and they wanted to send him to us to make him faster in a week for their pro day," said Lance Walker, the center's director of performance training and sports medicine. Johnson and his team of coaches started working with college football players last year to prepare them for the combine. Johnson, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, does not promise to make athletes fast, but he does promise to make them faster. McFadden's fast 40 — as well as a 4.47-second time by the Cowboys' first-round pick, Felix Jones — has made MJPC a destination spot. "That absolutely helped us and not just Darren McFadden, but Felix Jones as well," Johnson said. "Just two great guys that entrusted us to help them, and they're great examples of guys that got here and understood that this was an opportunity to help themselves. And they took full advantage of it. The results showed in their combine and pro day performances and where they ended up being drafted." Five projected first-round picks have been working with Johnson to prepare for next week's combine in Indianapolis, including Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree, offensive tackle Michael Oher (Ole Miss), tight end Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State), running back Knowshon Moreno (Georgia) and defensive tackle Peria Jerry (Ole Miss). The players simulate the combine's workouts — such as the 40-yard dash, 225-pound bench press and three-cone agility drill — for six weeks. They are also schooled on diet, as well as dealing with interviews with teams and the media. Walker, who was an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Cowboys, said they cap the workout sessions to just 20 athletes. They have 14 players this year, up from eight in 2008. The sessions run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and include a half-day workout on Saturday. "I'm proud of the fact that we provide an environment for them here to do the best that they possibly can," Johnson said. "It's a very difficult thing for them to go up there for the biggest job interviews of their lives not to be able to play football."[/quote] [url="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/nfl/stories/021209dnspojohnson.3958a64.html"]http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dw...on.3958a64.html[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Would-be pros get their big audition[/b][/size] [b]NFL SCOUTING COMBINE[/b] By Joe Reedy • jreedy@enquirer.com • February 15, 2009 An NFL Network executive described the scouting combine, which begins Wednesday, as the league's version of "American Idol." While the college season could be considered the regional audition period for seniors and juniors who have declared early for the NFL Draft, more than 300 players have gotten their version of the golden ticket: a trip to Indianapolis. And if you think being judged on "American Idol" is hard, try undergoing three days of testing and team interviews before having to go out on the combine's fourth and final day and run the best 40-yard dash of your life. That's what University of Cincinnati defensive end Connor Barwin and Louisville offensive lineman Eric Wood get to face this week. They have been preparing for the combine the past couple of months. Wood, an Elder High School graduate who was a four-year starter for the Cardinals, sees it as the ultimate job interview. "It's definitely a job interview, and you have 300 people trying to get the same job," Wood said. "You're going there and trying to get paid next season, and you have to be on your 'A' game the entire time. They want to see you at your best and your worst. Hopefully you leave them with a good impression." [b]Beginning of the road[/b] For Wood and Barwin, the path toward the April 25-26 NFL Draft began last season. Besides gearing up for their senior year of college, both had to weigh which agent would represent them when their college careers were over. Barwin received more than 40 offers before deciding to go with X-A-M Sports, which was one of the first firms to show interest in him. Wood also received his share of offers but went with Athletes First, on the recommendation of friend and former U of L quarterback Brian Brohm, who also is represented by the agency. "We usually talk to scouts throughout the league and start getting a sense of some of the intriguing prospects," Barwin's agent, Shawn Smith, said of the process. "We need good football players as well as good character guys, and we do some of the research ourselves. Then we reach out to players and their family." As the Bearcats turned into one of the surprise stories of the college football season, more people began paying attention to Barwin. After moving from tight end to the defensive line last spring, Barwin led the Big East with 11 sacks and earned first-team all-league honors, and UC won the conference title and played in the Orange Bowl, its first Bowl Championship Series game. "It helps you a little bit with the media, but as far as the NFL, it doesn't play any role," Barwin said of the attention. "They're all going to watch the same tapes." Smith liked what he saw from Barwin. "Athletically, he was identified as a guy who was extremely athletic and highly motivated," Smith said. "With the position switch, as the season progressed, it was pretty exciting to follow him and get the reaction from scouts and different teams because it took some time for them to recognize how he was performing." Wood, who started 49 straight games for U of L, was selected to the Big East first team at center for the second straight year and was a finalist for the Rimington Award. But after the Cardinals won the Big East his sophomore season, they struggled in his final two and went 5-7 in his senior campaign. Because Louisville did not go to a bowl game, Wood began training at Velocity Sports Performance in Irvine, Calif., in December. "You learn the most through the hard times," Wood said. "I had never been on a losing team in my life, and chances are I'm going to be on a losing team at some time in the NFL because most don't make the playoffs." Surprisingly, another thing that helped in Wood's development was head coach Bobby Petrino's resignation after his sophomore season. Mike Summers, who was Wood's line coach his first two seasons, left with Petrino for the Atlanta Falcons, and Brent Myers took over the job. "I got to learn a little from both because they have different opinions about a lot of things," Wood said. "When Coach Myers came in, I got a chance to learn some new things. I was lucky. From most scouts I have talked to, they've said Coach Summers and Coach Myers are as good as they get." [b]Making an early impression[/b] Barwin and Wood will have an advantage over many of their combine counterparts because they got to participate in the Senior Bowl last month. Their six days in Mobile, Ala., in many ways formed a mini combine because of the medical exams and team interviews that take place. Barwin was one of five Bearcats invited to play for the North team, which was coached by Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and his staff. Wood was on the South squad that was led by Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio and his staff. Barwin was invited to the game as a tight end, but he also saw action as a defensive end. "Most scouts and teams see me as a defensive player, but I got a chance to show my versatility and willingness to play any position," Barwin said. "The Bengals staff knew a little bit about me, so I was able to do some drills on both sides of the ball. From what I heard at the game, without a coach like Marvin Lewis, it might not have been possible to do that." Wood also got a chance to see how he measured up against some of his competition. Alex Mack of California and Max Unger of Oregon are projected by many to be the top centers in this year's draft. Wood also was on the Senior Bowl's winning team as the South beat the North 35-18. "I had a lot of good guys on the South," Wood said. "I've never been on a team with that much talent at one time. It was good playing with guys like that, and I got to learn a lot." [b]Putting in the training time[/b] Barwin and Wood have spent the past three weeks training for the combine in Indianapolis. While Wood, who has graduated, has been working out in California, Barwin has been training at Ignition Athletics Performance Group in Mason. "The three weeks are pretty packed," Barwin said. "Not as packed as stuff I go through as a student athlete. I believe you're not going to make yourself faster, but you can learn to be efficient in the drills and efficient as possible in your 40 (dash) start. You don't want to waste steps." Most of the training focuses on speed, agility and strength. According to Clif Marshall, the performance director at Ignition Athletics, Barwin has taken one-tenth of a second off of his 40-yard dash time and increased his vertical jump by 2 inches. Both players should be in good shape this week. While the short-term training programs are physically demanding, they are geared toward heavy work early before tapering the week before the combine. "The program is designed where it is overloaded early and it sets you where you want to be," Wood said. "That way you recover way better than when you started it. Hopefully this week I'll be at my peak." [b]Looking ahead[/b] Both players know how important the combine is, but they are trying to be as low-key as possible. They also have tried to block out any talk or speculation about where they are projected to be selected in various mock drafts. "Every player that goes there should be prepared," Barwin said of the combine. "You know exactly what drills you're going to do. You have to look at it as a job interview. You try not to get too stressed out, but be excited to be there." Wood has been a fan of the combine, even getting cable just so he could watch it. His parents bought DirecTV recently so they could see the Senior Bowl and the combine on NFL Network. Wood also received plenty of advice from Brohm, who was selected in last year's second round by Green Bay. "He's said to take it all in and to stay grounded," Wood said. "It's more about helping yourself. I would like to say that I've shut it all out (about the draft), but people are telling me different stuff every day." Smith said a strong combine showing is the best way to impress NFL teams. "It's very demanding, and I think it's structured to be that way," Smith said. "These guys are going from the minute they wake up and are in interviews until 11 at night. It really is an exhausting process, both mentally and physically. ... It separates the real players from those not cut out for the NFL."[/quote] [url="http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090215/SPT0201/902150408/1066/SPT02"]http://news.cincinnati.com/article/2009021...0408/1066/SPT02[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]No combine for them, but pro prospects still high[/b][/size] Feb. 2, 2009 By Chad Reuter NFLDraftScout.com A big step toward completing the NFL Draft process occurs Feb. 18-24 at the National Invitation Camp, recognized as the scouting combine, in Indianapolis. Invitations were extended to 332 players. Two-thirds of combine participants are drafted. Approximately 30-40 players drafted in April will have done so without an invitation to the doings in Indianapolis. The combine selection committee takes a vote before all-star games and campus workouts, when some players are just starting to emerge on the radar of the scouting directors and general managers. Of course, there are occasions when some teams choose not to publicly vote for some of their top "sleepers" because they don't want other teams to discover those players in Indy. There are no glaring omissions from the invitation list this year, making it less likely that a non-combine player will get the call on the first day of the draft like second-round picks Shawntae Spencer (cornerback, San Francisco, 2004) and Matt McCoy (linebacker, Philadelphia, 2005). The 2009 combine is to be held for the first time at Lucas Oil Stadium. These players could be drafted despite being left out of the weeklong parade of prospects in Indy. Even if they're not drafted, multiple teams will be interested in their services this summer. The top 15, ranked regardless of position: [b]OG T.J. Lang (Eastern Michigan):[/b] Played left tackle the past couple of seasons for EMU, but the strength and agility he displayed at left guard (and center) during the Texas vs. the Nation practices could push him into the fourth round a la Josh Sitton (Green Bay Packers, 2008). [b]ILB Frantz Joseph (Florida Atlantic):[/b] The Texas vs. the Nation All-Star Challenge MVP is a strong inside presence who was among the nation's leaders in tackles. [b]OLB Jason Williams (Western Illinois):[/b] Williams' combination of strength at the point of attack and coverage ability during East-West practices opened eyes. [b]OT Sebastian Vollmer (Houston):[/b] Another East-West riser, Vollmer's continued improvement through practice and strong Shrine Game performance has pushed him up draft boards. [b]RB Devin Moore (Wyoming):[/b] It's very odd Moore was not invited to the combine considering Steve Slaton's success as a rookie, even at 5-feet-9 and less than 200 pounds. He could also play some receiver and return kicks. [b]DT Nader Abdallah (Ohio State):[/b] A better technician than he is athlete, Abdallah's skills inside made him tough to beat at times in Texas vs. the Nation practices in El Paso. [b]QB Willie Tuitama (Arizona):[/b] Has the size and tools scouts like in a developmental prospect, which he is because of his lack of accuracy. [b]C Cecil Newton (Tennessee State):[/b] Some teams won't like him because of his lack of size, but those looking for a very mobile center should snap him up before he becomes a highly sought-after free agent. [b]TE/HB Travis McCall (Alabama):[/b] There are plenty of good short-but-stout tight ends/H-backs in the NFL -- see Chris Cooley, Desmond Clark, Michael Gaines, Brandon Manumaleuna -- and McCall's receiving and blocking skills could put him in that category. [b]DE Phillip Hunt (Houston): He's 6-1 but proved to scouts during Shrine week that he can be a terror as a pass rusher. He also uses leverage against taller tackles to make plays against the run on the edge.[/b] [b]SS Keith Fitzhugh (Mississippi State):[/b] His teammate, Derek Pegues, gets the accolades, but Fitzhugh is a solid in-the-box safety with better coverage skills than you'd expect. [b]RB/KR Aaron Brown (TCU):[/b] Although he doesn't look like the typical NFL running back, Brown's quick, smooth and shifty. He could also line up in the slot and contribute as a kick returner. [b]OLB Corey Smith (Cincinnati):[/b] One of the leaders of a strong Cincinnati defense, Smith's lack of height should not be an issue with guys like Gerald Hayes and Clint Session in the league. [b]DE Pierre Walters (Eastern Illinois):[/b] It's hard to imagine a player with Walters' upside and versatility going undrafted. He plays on either side of the line and is still learning how to use his hands on pass rush moves and to shed. [b]CB William Middleton (Furman):[/b] Would make a great zone corner with his size, closing speed and aggressiveness. Also watch out for: [size=1]•[/size] SS Al Afalava (Oregon State) [size=1]•[/size] RB Curtis Brinkley (Syracuse) [size=1]•[/size] TE Kevin Brock (Rutgers) [size=1]•[/size] CB Tony Carter (Florida State) [size=1]•[/size] FB Conredge Collins (Pittsburgh) [size=1]•[/size] DT John Faletoese (California-Davis) [size=1]•[/size] OLB Robert Francois (Boston College) [size=1]•[/size] CB Londen Fryar (Western Michigan) [size=1]•[/size] SS Trimane Goddard (North Carolina) [size=1]•[/size] WR JaRon Harris (South Dakota State) [size=1]•[/size] TE Branden Ledbetter (Western Michigan) [size=1]•[/size] DT Clinton McDonald (Memphis) [size=1]•[/size] SS Terence Moore (Troy) [size=1]•[/size] DE Jeremy Navarre (Maryland) [size=1]•[/size] CB Mark Parson (Ohio) [size=1]•[/size] WR Jamarko Simmons (Western Michigan) [size=1]•[/size] OLB Johnny Williams (Kentucky)[/quote] [url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11331580"]http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11331580[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scharm Posted February 15, 2009 Report Share Posted February 15, 2009 It's a place with a bunch of athletes running real fast but that's not important right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 [quote]By Jack Bechta Posted February 16, 2009 [size=5][b] Agents At The Combine[/b][/size] This week I’ll be heading off to my 18th NFL Combine. Fortunately, I don’t have to run a 40-yard dash or get poked and prodded by 32 NFL team doctors. But I will be networking with GMs and other agents and meeting with some clients. The National Invitational Camp (NIC), more commonly known as the NFL Scouting Combine, began in 1982 when National Football Scouting Inc. first conducted a camp for its member NFL clubs in Tampa, Fla. The key purpose then, same as it is today, was to ascertain medical information on the top draft-eligible prospects in college football. The inaugural NIC was attended by a total of 163 players and established a foundation for future expansion. During the first three years, two additional camps were held at different times to collect similar information for teams that did not belong to National Football Scouting. However, in 1985, all 28 NFL teams decided they would participate in future National Invitational Camps with the goal of sharing costs for the medical examinations of draft-eligible players. After brief stints in New Orleans (1984, 1986) and Arizona (1985), the camp was moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where it has been operated since 1987. (Note: This information was taken from the NFL Combine Web site, nflcombine.net.) There are several reasons you’ll find downtown Indianapolis flooded with about 500 NFL agents. One, they’re required to be there. As a member of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), each agent is required to attend one of three meetings the NFLPA conducts each year in order to keep our certification current. One of those meeting is always on the Friday of the Combine week. The meeting goes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to get the agents up to speed on all union activities, including Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) issues, agent discipline, drug testing, rule changes, player fines, signing bonus language and Player Inc. activities. Players Inc. is the marketing arm of the union. Imagine a large banquet room with 500 of the most competitive and egotistical characters you will ever come across. Occasionally, these meetings can get pretty heated, especially when it comes to the “NFLPA Code of Conduct” rules and their lack of enforcement. Agents are allowed to ask questions and make statements. It’s usually the same guys every year with the same complaints. New agents complain that they can’t fairly compete. Ethical agents complain about unethical agents. Small agencies complain about big agencies. And everybody complains that Drew Rosenhaus is stealing their clients. In the meantime, all the successful agents are on their phones outside the room making deals. The second reason agents are there is to support their new clients who are participating in the Combine. Although the players are tightly sequestered, and the agents are not allowed in the dome (Lucas Oil Stadium), we still show our players that we’re there working for them. We may encourage scouts and GMs to get our clients on their interview lists. Most of the time, the agent is there protecting his turf as well. We may also bump into a Nike or Reebok rep and ask them to pick up our new client. Third, and sometimes the most important reason: We are there to auction off our free agents. This is the time and place where the free-agent market starts to take shape. And yes, even though it would be considered tampering under NFL rules, GMs and agents are quietly discussing interest level and dollars. A few years ago, I represented two high-profile free agents, which made me a popular guy. I met with team officials in their suites, in a bar, at a pizzeria and at an out-of-the-way cubby under some stairs at the Westin. Teams want to let you know they’re interested and want to get an idea what your price tag might be for your client. Once, I met with an AFC Central team in a small restaurant. As I was walking to the table to meet my client’s new suitor, his team owner at the time, also from the AFC Central, walked in right behind me and was seated two tables away. On my way out, the owner sarcastically wished me luck getting a deal done. He knew he couldn’t match the deal I was looking for. One year, I got Matt McBriar’s deal done with the Cowboys on Jerry Jones’ bus. I simply enjoyed the novelty of doing a deal on that thing. During the NFLPA seminar, right outside the banquet hall, many agents congregate and tell war stories about how many draftees they just missed because another agent supposedly screwed them. Then there’s a group of about 20 guys hanging around who look they’re from the Island of Misfit Toys. They all look a tad familiar, but you’re not sure if you know them. If you have a decent client list, though, they will certainly know who you are. These are the beat writers and reporters. (Side note: Guys, since I started writing these columns, I have a newfound appreciation for you.) Other people and things you will see at the Combine: Financial consultants prospecting the agents and draftees. Out-of-work coaches looking for jobs. Out-of-work scouts looking for work. Combine trainers setting up shop to give support and therapy to their clients. Reebok, Nike and Under Armour reps. Team owners, Commissioner Roger Goodell, union chiefs and some NFL TV personalities. A large amount of booze and food being consumed late into the evening. What you won’t see: Women! However, there are four or five female agents who also have to attend this testosterone fest. God help ‘em![/quote] [url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/02/agents-at-the-combine/"]http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/0...at-the-combine/[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 From John Thornton's blog . . . [quote][size=5][b]NFL Combine starts this week[/b][/size] February 16th, 2009 | NFL Future NFL players will be heading to Indianapolis this week to participate in the NFL Combine. Most of these players have been spending the last month or so training in Florida, California, or Arizona. They are sent to these training facilities by their agents in hopes to get in good shape for the combine. As a matter of fact, these guys aren’t even in football shape. They are training for a track meet. Long jump. Vertical jump. Two 40 yard dashes. Sit and reach. 3 cone drill. And these players are stressing out right now. They know what to expect because their trainers are drilling them on what they will do at the combine, but there is still fear of the unknown. Take a guy like [url="http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/Donald-Brown?id=79543#player-profile-tab-set-1:player-profile-tab-overview"][b][color="#660000"]UConn RB Donald Brown[/color][/b][/url]. This guy is a good football player. I watched him a lot this year because the Big East games are on in Cincinnati. He led the nation in rushing this past season, had 261 yards in his bowl game, and now he is getting ready for the combine. Part of his daily routine is [url="http://www.courant.com/services/newspaper/printedition/sports/hc-browndiary0213.artfeb13,0,4069030.story"][color="#660000"]seeing a sports psychologist[/color][/url] to keep him calm in order to perform at the combine. But the truth is that the real test at the combine aren’t the workouts, the real tests are the individual meetings that the player has with each team. How many times have you heard a coach say after a player is drafted, “We really liked him after we met with him at the combine.” I texted [b]Seattle Seahawks scout Charles Fisher [/b]today and asked him what they look for most at the combine and he said, “The interview process is big, and physicals will come into play as well.” Sure guys help themselves in in workouts, guys like East Carolina RB Chris Johnson. He ran a 4.24 40yd dash at the combine and ended up being a surprise 1st round pick by the Titans. And Chris went on to make the Pro Bowl in his Rookie year. But then you have the [url="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?columnist=yasinskas_pat&id=3252718"][color="#660000"]Mike Mumula stories[/color][/url]. He had one of the best workout ever and never lived up to those numbers in the NFL after being the 7th overall pick in the draft by the Eagles. NFL teams know these guys are training for the combine so the good evaluators aren’t that impressed with a good workout. What these guys can’t prepare for is the sit down meetings. A player has no idea what[b] Bill Parcells[/b] is going to ask him when he gets into the Miami Dolphins room, and there is no way he can prepare for that. I hope they all perform well this week. I hope they all relax and treat this like they treat every game they played in college. The more relaxed they are, the better they will perform.[/quote] [url="http://www.allproblogger.com/?p=550#more-550"]http://www.allproblogger.com/?p=550#more-550[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 18, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 [quote][b]SCHEDULE[/b] Saturday, Feb. 21 Group 1 (OL, SPECIALISTS), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE) Sunday, Feb. 22 Group 4 (QB, WR), Group 5 (QB, WR), Group 6 (RB) Monday, Feb. 23 Group 7 (DL), Group 8 (DL), Group 9 (LB) Tuesday, Feb. 24 Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB)[/quote] [quote][b]ON NFL NETWORK[/b] >Live Workouts: Hosted by Rich Eisen with NFL Network analysts Charles Davis and Mike Mayock providing daily reports on the prospects participating in the workouts. Airs live Saturday, Feb. 21 and runs through Tuesday, Feb. 24 beginning at 11 a.m. ET each day. NFL Total Access: NFL Total Access is on location from the Scouting Combine with news, analysis and interviews. Airs live Thursday, Feb. 19 through Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7:00 p.m. ET. Press Conferences: Player, coach and general manager press conferences will air live Thursday, Feb. 19, and Friday, Feb. 20 beginning at 2:30 ET.[/quote] [url="http://www.nfl.com/combine"]http://www.nfl.com/combine[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 18, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Players to watch as the NFL scouting combine kicks off [/b][/size] Updated 1h 29m ago By Sean Leahy, USA TODAY [i]The NFL's annual scouting combine begins Wednesday in Indianapolis. Teams will scrutinize hundreds of prospects through interviews, various tests and workout drills. USA TODAY examines several players to watch:[/i] [b]THE TOP 64: [/b][url="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-02-17-top-64-prospects_N.htm"][color="#00529b"]Best prospects for April's NFL draft[/color][/url] •[b][url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5162"][color="#00529b"]Everette Brown[/color][/url], DE, Florida State:[/b] One of the best pass rushers in this draft, Brown had 21½ tackles for a loss and 13½ sacks last year as a junior. His size (6-4, 252 pounds) and measurables will be under the microscope this week, as he may not fit at defensive end as a pro and may shift to linebacker for a 3-4 team. •[b][url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5135"][color="#00529b"]Michael Crabtree[/color][/url], WR, Texas Tech:[/b] The dynamic receiver has said he won't work out at the combine, but prospects have changed their minds in the past. The underclassman was a highlight machine in college, with 231 catches and 41 touchdowns in two seasons. He had a balky ankle that dogged him last season, and teams will be watching for his 40-yard dash time, whether it comes in Indy or later. •[b][url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5091"][color="#00529b"]Aaron Curry[/color][/url], LB, Wake Forest:[/b] The Butkus Award winner as the nation's best linebacker last season, Curry's versatility adds to his value. He is as comfortable in coverage (six interceptions the past three season) as he is crossing the line of scrimmage (29½ tackles for a loss the past two years). He might be the first linebacker selected. •[b][url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5217"][color="#00529b"]Malcolm Jenkins[/color][/url], CB, Ohio State:[/b] The Thorpe Award winner as the nation's best defensive back last season, the dynamic Jenkins looks to have the skills of a shutdown corner. He intercepted 11 passes in his last three seasons with the Buckeyes, and will likely draw attention from teams picking in the top 10. •[b][url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5205"][color="#00529b"]Rey Maualuga[/color][/url], LB, Southern California:[/b] A fierce hitter who plays inside, Maualuga does not need to come off the field in passing downs despite his size (6-2, 254). He must overcome concerns about his temper and off-field transgressions. He'll be vying for first-round status with fellow Trojan linebackers [url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5206"][color="#00529b"]Brian Cushing[/color][/url] and Clay Matthews, son of the former NFL linebacker. •[b][url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5198"][color="#00529b"]Eugene Monroe[/color][/url], T, Virginia:[/b] Monroe will likely interest teams at the top of the draft looking for a quarterback-protecting left tackle. He was so good at Virginia that [url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=4805"][color="#00529b"]Branden Albert[/color][/url], a 2008 first-rounder of the Kansas City Chiefs and their new left tackle, played guard for the Cavaliers. Monroe's size (6-6, 315) and maturity could heighten his value. [b]•[url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5163"][color="#00529b"]Knowshon Moreno[/color][/url], RB, Georgia:[/b] The underclassman's productivity (2,736 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns the past two seasons) will attract notoriety from scouts. Moreno is hard to tackle, but might need to show more speed to become the first running back selected. •[b][url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5210"][color="#00529b"]B.J. Raji[/color][/url], DT, Boston College:[/b] The big run-stuffer (6-2, 334) will look to build on his strong performance at last month's Senior Bowl. After a senior season that included 16 tackles for a loss and eight sacks, Raji will be trying to boost his stock into top-10 range. [b]•[url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5192"][color="#00529b"]Mark Sanchez[/color][/url], QB, Southern California:[/b] Sanchez played well (3,207 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) in his lone season as the Trojans' starter. But after forgoing the chance to play one more year at USC, he'll need to convince teams that he's not too inexperienced to spend a high draft pick on. •[b][url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5099"][color="#00529b"]Andre Smith[/color][/url], T, Alabama:[/b] A superior left tackle, Smith won the Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman last year. He excels as a run blocker yet is solid in pass protection. He needs to convince teams that his weight (listed at 340 pounds) should not hinder his draft status. •[b][url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5218"][color="#00529b"]Jason Smith[/color][/url], T, Baylor:[/b] After starting his college career at tight end, Smith spent the past two seasons at left tackle. He's still raw, but his size (6-5, 300), speed, versatility and discipline make him attractive. •[b][url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5132"][color="#00529b"]Matthew Stafford[/color][/url], QB, Georgia:[/b] His big arm has made him a potential No. 1 overall pick for the Detroit Lions, who seem to lack a long-term answer under center. The bar for rookie quarterbacks has been elevated by the play of Atlanta's [url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=4637"][color="#00529b"]Matt Ryan[/color][/url] and Baltimore's [url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=4677"][color="#00529b"]Joe Flacco[/color][/url]. Stafford, an underclassman, has not said if he'll work out this week. •[b][url="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=5167"][color="#00529b"]Chris Wells[/color][/url], RB, Ohio State:[/b] His burst and productivity (2,806 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns the past two seasons) are certain, but his durability is not. Injuries cost Wells several games during his Buckeyes career, and he must convince teams he will not break down in the NFL.[/quote] [url="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-02-17-combine-preview_N.htm?csp=34"]http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...ew_N.htm?csp=34[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]No sure things at Combine[/b][/size] By Joe Reedy • jreedy@enquirer.com • February 18, 2009 INDIANAPOLIS – Sometime around 3:15 p.m. on April 25, the Detroit Lions will officially be off the clock after making their pick to open the NFL Draft. The process of whom the Lions, Bengals and others select in the first round starts Thursday at the Scouting Combine. Over 300 draft prospects began arriving in Indianapolis on Wednesday for four days of medical exams, testing, interviews and workouts. There are varying opinions about how much this week’s events can help or hurt a player. “I love the combine because it is like the football Olympics,” said NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock. “The area where some teams get burned though is that they fall in love too much with a kid’s 40 (-yard dash) time.” No one will have a bigger spotlight on them this week than Matthew Stafford. The Georgia quarterback is predicted by most early mock drafts, including Mayock’s and Mel Kiper Jr.’s, to be the Lions’ choice. “In terms of what he has to do, he has to show everybody that he’s not just a thrower, but a pitcher. We know he can throw the 100 miles per hour fastball. What he needs to show is that he can take a little off, be more precise and put some finesse in his throws,” Kiper said. With the sixth pick, the Bengals have been projected to address either the offensive or defensive line. Most have projected a run on tackles in the first round with Baylor’s Jason Smith, Ole Miss’ Michael Ohler, Virginia’s Eugene Monroe and Alabama’s Andre Smith rated at the top. Florida State’s Everette Brown and Texas’ Brian Orakpo are the top defensive ends. It is possible that Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who is the top overall athlete on the board according to NFLDraftScout.com, might still be on the board when the Bengals go on the clock. Coach Marvin Lewis said during the offseason that what the team accomplishes in free agency won’t have a big impact on its draft strategy. Piling up players at one position is possible. As far as picks that might be considered safe for any team, Kiper demured. “There’s no safe pick. Every pick has a risk. That’s why a year or two in, you’ll be happy or disappointed. But if you make me say who the safest is, it’s (Wake Forest linebacker) Aaron Curry (who is projected to go in the top five). He won’t be a bust. Maybe not a boon, but certainly not a bust.” The University of Cincinnati will have six players at the combine. Connor Barwin will work out at defensive end while Kevin Huber is projected to be the top punter in this year’s class. Cornerback Mike Mickens, who injured his knee late in the season, might not take part in workouts depending on his knee. Free safety Brandon Underwood, offensive guard Trevor Canfield and cornerback DeAngelo Smith are the other Bearcats. Ohio State has eight players, led by cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, running back Chris Wells and linebacker James Laurinaitis, who are projected to be first-round picks. Kentucky and Louisville have three players apiece, including Elder grad and U of L center Eric Wood.[/quote] [url="http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090218/SPT02/302180058/1066/rss07"]http://news.cincinnati.com/article/2009021...0058/1066/rss07[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]History by the numbers: Combine has come a long way[/b][/size] Feb. 18, 2009 By Frank Cooney NFLDraftScout.com Coaches, scouts and players will usher in a new era for the National Football League's Scouting Combine as they gather in Indianapolis Feb. 18-24. This year the Combine moves to the new Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, after being held at the venue known as the Hoosier Dome and RCA Dome since 1987. There will be some attention to the results of such events as the popular 40-yard dash at the new stadium because players and scouts have already questioned if the new surface is faster or slower than the one at the RCA Dome. Such seemingly little things have become news in the past. Before 2005, players often complained that their times at the RCA Dome were slow because of the AstroTurf surface. In 2005, FieldTurf was installed at the RCA Dome and nine of the fastest 12 times at the Combine since 2000 have been on the FieldTurf. The good news for the 300-plus players attending the Combine this year is that the surface at Lucas Oil Stadium is the latest version of that same FieldTurf that improved the field at the RCA Dome. Although the Combine is now recognized as a major event that is attended by several hundred members of the media, it was little more than a footnote in most newspapers a decade ago. Back then, it wasn't a product hatched and packaged by the almighty NFL public relations department. It was something that began only as a mundane necessity. In 1982, National Football Scouting, Inc., responding to ideas from some team officials and personnel departments, conducted the first Combine in Tampa. Among the goals was to gather data, including medical information, on the top draft-eligible players. That first Combine was attended by 163 players. In 1985, all 28 NFL teams agreed to participate in the annual Combine, thereby allowing it to be held once a year in one place. Before settling on Indianapolis in 1987, Combines were held in New Orleans (1984, 1986) and Arizona (1985). The NFL Scouting Combine has evolved into a compelling event for football fans who have become adept at understanding and evaluating the intricate data that is compiled. The single most popular event is always the 40-yard dash, which is why attention is paid even to what kind of surface is being used. But when those 40-yard times are announced the next few days from the NFL Combine, there are a few things that should be kept in perspective. The reality is that there is no single "official" time in the 40-yard dash at a Combine. That said, Bo Jackson has the best verifiable time at a Combine with his 4.12 clocking at the New Orleans Superdome in 1986. There are numerous stories that Deion Sanders ran a faster than 4.2 seconds at another Superdome Combine. However, reports indicate that he was timed in 4.28 seconds at best on one of the so-called "official" stopwatches. To understand how there are varying stories regarding so-called "official" Combine times, it is necessary to know how the event is handled. Here is what happens to get the 40 times at the Combine: [size=1]•[/size] Those who participate in the 40 actually run twice, and on each run they are timed by two hand-held stopwatches and one electronic timer (that is actually initiated by hand on the player's first movement). [size=1]•[/size] Combine data put together for NFL teams by National Scouting includes all six of those times for each player, but no single official time. [size=1]•[/size] Team scouts and coaches have various approaches for getting the 40 time they use from those six timings. Some use averages. Some throw out slowest and fastest and then average the rest. Some ignore the whole thing and use a time taken by their own scout. Therefore, Jackson's time of 4.12 at the Superdome is the best ever, verified by numerous reports that week in 1986, including a front page story in the USA Today Sports section. However, beware any 40-yard time that is labeled as "official" from the Combine. In deference to the players, NFLDraftScout.com uses the best verifiable -- or listed -- time from the Combine unless it is conspicuously skewed from the other times, which happens when a hand timer has an itchy trigger finger on the stopwatch. However, the times are usually well grouped. Following are the best 40 times and other data documented by NFLDraftScout.com in all Combines since 2000, a Combine All-Century list: [b]Fastest 40-Yard Dash Times[/b] 4.24 - Chris Johnson, (RB), East Carolina, 2008 4.27 - Stanford Routt, (CB), Houston, 2005 4.28 - Jerome Mathis, (WR), Hampton, 2005 4.29 - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, (CB), Tennessee State, 2008 4.29 - *Fabian Washington, (CB), Nebraska, 2005 4.30 - Darrent Williams, (CB), Oklahoma State, 2005 4.30 - Yamon Figurs, (WR), Kansas State, 2007 4.31 - *Justin King, (CB), Penn State, 2008 4.31 - Tyvon Branch, (CB), Connecticut, 2008 4.31 - Michael Waddell, (CB), North Carolina, 2004 4.31 - Aaron Lockett, (WR), Kansas State, 2002 4.31 - Santana Moss, (WR), Miami, 2001 [b]4.31 - *Johnathan Joseph, (CB), South Carolina, 2006[/b] 4.32 - Tim Carter, (WR), Auburn, 2002 4.32 - *Orlando Scandrick, (CB), Boise State, 2008 4.32 - Chris McKenzie, (CB), Arizona State, 2005 4.32 - Kevin Garrett, (CB), Southern Methodist, 2003 4.32 - Jason Hill, (WR), Washington State, 2007 4.32 - *Chris Houston, (CB), Arkansas, 2007 4.32 - *Troy Williamson, (WR), South Carolina, 2005 4.32 - *Chad Jackson, (WR), Florida, 2006 4.32 - Tim Jennings, (CB), Georgia, 2006 4.33 - Carlos Francis, (WR), Texas Tech, 2004 4.33 - *Darren McFadden, (RB), Arkansas, 2008 4.33 - Chris Chambers, (WR), Wisconsin, 2001 [b]Most 225 Pound Bench Reps[/b] 45 - Leif Larsen, (DT), Texas-El Paso, 2000 45 - Mike Kudla, (DE), Ohio State, 2006 44 - Brodrick Bunkley, (DT), Florida State, 2006 43 - Scott Young, (OG), BYU, 2005 42 - Isaac Sopoaga, (DT), Hawaii, 2004 42 - Tank Tyler, (DT), North Carolina State, 2007 41 - *Igor Olshansky, (DT), Oregon, 2004 41 - Terna Nande, (OLB), Miami (OHIO), 2006 40 - Justin Blalock, (OG), Texas, 2007 40 - Manuel Ramirez, (OG), Texas Tech, 2007 38 - Tony Pashos, (OT), Illinois, 2003 37 - *Wayne Hunter, (OT), Hawaii, 2003 37 - Roberto Garza, ©, Texas AM-Kingsville, 2001 37 - Victor Leyva, (OG), Arizona State, 2001 37 - Moran Norris, (FB), Kansas, 2001 37 - *Vernon Gholston, (DE), Ohio State, 2008 37 - Jake Long, (OT), Michigan, 2008 37 - *Haloti Ngata, (DT), Oregon, 2006 36 - *Vince Wilfork, (DT), Miami, 2004 36 - Liam Ezekiel, (ILB), Northeastern, 2005 36 - Makoa Freitas, (OG), Arizona, 2003 36 - Ryan Denney, (DE), BYU, 2002 36 - Gabe Watson, (DT), Michigan, 2006 36 - Scott Peters, ©, Arizona State, 2002 35 - Will Bartholomew, (FB), Tennessee, 2002 [b]Highest Vertical Jump[/b] 46 - Gerald Sensabaugh, (FS), North Carolina, 2005 45 1/2 - Derek Wake, (OLB), Penn State, 2005 45 - Chris McKenzie, (CB), Arizona State, 2005 45 - Chris Chambers, (WR), Wisconsin, 2001 43 1/2 - Dustin Fox, (FS), Ohio State, 2005 43 1/2 - Kevin Kasper, (WR), Iowa, 2001 43 - Scott Starks, (CB), Wisconsin, 2005 43 - Cedric James, (WR), TCU, 2001 42 1/2 - Nate Burleson, (WR), Nevada, 2003 42 1/2 - Jonathan Carter, (WR), Troy, 2001 42 1/2 - Brock Williams, (CB), Notre Dame, 2001 42 - Boss Bailey, (OLB), Georgia, 2003 42 - Kerry Rhodes, (FS), Louisville, 2005 42 - Ellis Hobbs, (CB), Iowa State, 2005 42 - *William Green, (RB), Boston College, 2002 42 - Santana Moss, (WR), Miami, 2001 42 - Rashad Holman, (CB), Louisville, 2001 42 - Scott Fujita, (OLB), California, 2002 42 - Raonall Smith, (OLB), Washington State, 2002 42 - *Vernon Davis, (TE), Maryland, 2006 42 - Mark Anderson, (DE), Alabama, 2006 41 1/2 - Karl Paymah, (CB), Washington State, 2005 41 1/2 - Reche* Caldwell, (WR), Florida, 2002 41 1/2 - Bob Sanders, (SS), Iowa, 2004 41 1/2 - Tony Fisher, (RB), Notre Dame, 2002 [b]Fastest Ten Yard Times[/b] 1.40 - Chris Johnson, (RB), East Carolina, 2008 1.40 - *Justin King, (CB), Penn State, 2008 1.41 - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, (CB), Tennessee State, 2008 1.43 - Leodis McKelvin, (CB), Troy, 2008 1.43 - Aundrae Allison, (WR), East Carolina, 2007 1.43 - Tyvon Branch, (CB), Connecticut, 2008 1.43 - Marcus Walker, (CB), Oklahoma, 2008 1.43 - Jonathan Wilhite, (CB), Auburn, 2008 1.43 - Will Franklin, (WR), Missouri, 2008 1.43 - Antwaun Molden, (CB), Eastern Kentucky, 2008 1.43 - *DaJuan Morgan, (FS), North Carolina State, 2008 1.43 - Eric Weddle, (SS), Utah, 2007 1.43 - Jonathan Zenon, (CB), LSU, 2008 1.43 - Marcus McCauley, (CB), Fresno State, 2007 1.43 - Quintin Demps, (FS), Texas-El Paso, 2008 1.44 - Tyrell Johnson, (SS), Arkansas State, 2008 1.45 - Terrell Thomas, (CB), Southern Cal, 2008 [b]1.45 - Leon Hall, (CB), Michigan, 2007[/b] 1.46 - Tracy Porter, (CB), Indiana, 2008 1.46 - Gary Guyton, (OLB), Georgia Tech, 2008 1.46 - Colin Branch, (FS), Stanford, 2003 1.46 - Jamaal Charles, (RB), Texas, 2008 1.46 - *Felix Jones, (RB), Arkansas, 2008 1.46 - *Kenny Phillips, (FS), Miami, 2008 1.46 - *Jonathan Stewart, (RB), Oregon, 2008 [b]Fastest Shuttle Times [/b] 3.73 - Kevin Kasper, (WR), Iowa, 2001 3.75 - Dunta Robinson, (CB), South Carolina, 2004 3.76 - Deion Branch, (WR), Louisville, 2002 3.82 - Carlos Rogers, (CB), Auburn, 2005 3.82 - Dante' Hall, (RB), Texas A&M, 2000 3.83 - Terence Newman, (CB), Kansas State, 2003 3.83 - Kevin Bentley, (OLB), Northwestern, 2002 3.83 - Jason Allen, (FS), Tennessee, 2006 3.84 - Justin Beriault, (FS), Ball State, 2005 3.84 - Troy Walters, (WR), Stanford, 2000 3.85 - Rashad Holman, (CB), Louisville, 2001 3.86 - Jason Hebert, (FS), Rice, 2002 3.87 - Randy Fasani, (QB), Stanford, 2002 3.87 - Coy Wire, (SS), Stanford, 2002 3.88 - Joey Thomas, (CB), Montana State, 2004 3.88 - Kevin Curtis, (FS), Texas Tech, 2002 3.88 - Kendrick Starling, (WR), San Jose State, 2004 3.88 - Jeff Shoate, (CB), San Diego State, 2004 3.88 - Ryan Tolhurst, (WR), Richmond, 2002 3.89 - Niko Koutouvides, (ILB), Purdue, 2004 3.89 - Markus Curry, (CB), Michigan, 2005 3.89 - Domonique Foxworth, (CB), Maryland, 2005 3.89 - Charles Tillman, (CB), Louisiana-Lafayette, 2003 3.90 - Kelvin Hayden, (CB), Illinois, 2005 3.90 - Eric Green, (CB), Virginia Tech, 2005 [b]Quickest 3 Cone Drill Times[/b] 6.34 - Sedrick Curry, (CB), Texas A&M, 2000 6.48 - Carlos Rogers, (CB), Auburn, 2005 6.48 - Rogers Beckett, (FS), Marshall, 2000 [b]6.50 - Leon Hall, (CB), Michigan, 2007[/b] 6.51 - Jon McGraw, (SS), Kansas State, 2002 6.54 - *Anthony Gonzalez, (WR), Ohio State, 2007 6.56 - Ben Taylor, (ILB), Virginia Tech, 2002 6.56 - Kevin Kasper, (WR), Iowa, 2001 6.57 - Harry Douglas, (WR), Louisville, 2008 6.60 - Trent Gamble, (FS), Wyoming, 2000 6.60 - Michael Griffin, (SS), Texas, 2007 6.61 - Courtney Roby, (WR), Indiana, 2005 6.61 - Troy Walters, (WR), Stanford, 2000 6.61 - Marcus McCauley, (CB), Fresno State, 2007 6.62 - Dante' Hall, (RB), Texas A&M, 2000 6.62 - Coy Wire, (SS), Stanford, 2002 6.62 - Johnnie Lee Higgins, (WR), Texas-El Paso, 2007 6.63 - Stanford Routt, (CB), Houston, 2005 6.63 - Ketric Sanford, (RB), Houston, 2000 6.63 - *Ben Kelly, (CB), Colorado, 2000 6.63 - Matt Farmer, (WR), Air Force, 2000 6.64 - Keith Brown, (RB), UCLA, 2000 6.64 - Demarcus Faggins, (CB), Kansas State, 2002 6.64 - Tye Hill, (CB), Clemson, 2006 6.65 - *Ray Rice, (RB), Rutgers, 2008[/quote] [url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11394538"]http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11394538[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumble In the Jungle Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 i can't wait to watch the combine on my NFL Network in HD (bengalbacker ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kochman Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 [quote name='Rumble In the Jungle' post='747718' date='Feb 19 2009, 11:29 AM']i can't wait to watch the combine on my NFL Network in HD (bengalbacker )[/quote] :broken: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumble In the Jungle Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 and Kochman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 [quote name='Rumble In the Jungle' post='747718' date='Feb 19 2009, 11:29 AM']i can't wait to watch the combine on my NFL Network in HD (bengalbacker )[/quote] It's great, isn't it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie_B Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 [quote name='Rumble In the Jungle' post='747718' date='Feb 19 2009, 11:29 AM']i can't wait to watch the combine on my NFL Network in HD (bengalbacker )[/quote] It's still funny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]Combine quick hits [/b][/size] By GEOFF HOBSON February 19, 2009 INDIANAPOLIS - Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander and his assistant, Bob Surace, will tell you they like the four tackles that currently sit on top of the draft board. They just won't tell you which order. And, besides, it already changed Thursday morning after they walked out of the first weigh-in of the NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indeed, the one thing for sure on the Bengals offensive line these days is that nothing is for sure, and that's what Alexander and Surace are telling their players when they want to know what position to train for in the offseason. "I tell them that we won't know until after the draft," Alexander said of that weekend of April 25-26. "You could devote a whole web site to the different combinations we can have on the line." He is certain that left guard Andrew Whitworth can play all four spots and that left tackle Anthony Collins can move to right tackle. The weigh-ins aren't just a cattle call. "You get the true heights and weights there," Alexander said. "And a big thing is a guy's reach." That's because the Bengals are looking for a true pass-protector and they think Virginia's Eugene Monroe, Alabama's Andre Smith and Baylor's Jason Smith. But while they think those three along with Mississippi's Michael Oher are all first-rounders, which ones are worthy of the sixth pick is another matter.... With center Eric Ghiaciuc slated to leave in free agency and left tackle Levi Jones and right tackle Stacy Andrews injury question marks, the line is going to get a facelift. Alexander didn't rule out getting a veteran center in free agency, but he also said they could go with one of their young centers like Dan Santucci, Kyle Cook, or Andrew Crummy. "We've gone through the free agents, rate them, then try to get the best players, go through the draft, then sort them out and go," Alexander said. "We could do either (go with one of the young centers or sign a veteran). There are some pretty good (centers) out there. If we get one, great. If we don't, don't chase him just because he's a veteran." New Lions head coach Jim Schwartz put Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis in pretty select company when he talked about the three coaches that have had the most influence on him. Schwartz, who worked for three seasons under Lewis in Baltimore, put him with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Titans head coach Jeff Fisher.... Alabama's 6-4, 332-pound Smith has fallen in some scouts' eyes because they're not sure his feet are quick enough to play left tackle in the NFL. But in his media availability Thursday, Smith said he's certain he can play both and that he's down from 345 and that he never weighed as much as 380. He says he has yet to decide if he'll work out Saturday. He said he only picked an agent two weeks ago (Alvin Keels), hasn't been to the API workout facility in three weeks to four weeks. "I just want to get my numbers where they actually are," he said. "I'm consistent in some areas and not as consistent in others." Even though he wears No. 71 and is from Alabama, Smith didn't follow Auburn's Willie Anderson while he was a four-time Bengals Pro Bowler. Instead, he watched the Redskins' Chris Samuels. Auburn-Bama runs deep. "He was one of the best lineman ever in the history of the University of Alabama," he said. "I wanted to mimic his game and try to have the same accomplishments he did."[/quote] [url="http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=7508"]http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=7508[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 From C Trent's blog . . . [size=5][b]Live from Indy[/b][/size] Thursday 02-19-2009 10:10am ET0 So, three hours after leaving Cincinnati, I'm here at lovely Lucas Oil Stadium for the combine. This is my first combine, so I'm not sure exactly what to expect. I will be using it to do a weekly draft profile, focusing mainly on the guys the Bengals could draft in the first couple of rounds. That means today will be big for me since today offensive linemen are brought in for the media. I'll also talk to a couple of the UC guys about what they're expecting and have that as part of my coverage. Anyway, Dick Jauron is the first coach to talk. I snapped some pics, not sure if it gives you the best idea, but there are three podiums and then several tables around here. The big names will go to the podiums, while others will be at the tables. Jauron got one of the two smaller podiums. Marvin Lewis will speak tomorrow. So here's Jauron in all his glory. [img]http://www.1530homer.com/cc-common/mlib/1120/02/1120_1235056627.JPG[/img] [b] * Following him was[/b] Lions coach Jim Schwartz. He's talked about all sorts of stuff around the No. 1 pick, you know, they're gonna do their homework or something. He was also asked if, "say, hypothetically" a defensive tackle were looking to become the highest-paid player in the game, would it be worth it? "If there's a defensive tackle that dominates the game, there's no reason he can't be the highest-paid player in the game," Schwartz said. [b]* Looking at the [/b]schedule, Mike Tomlin is getting the day off, instead the Steelers are sending the "director of football operations" Kevin Colbert -- wonder what one of those are like. [b][b]OSU's Boone dealing with problems[/b][/b] Former Ohio State offensive lineman Alex Boone came to Indianapolis this weekend expecting the worst after his recent arrest on alcohol-related charges earlier this month while training in California. Instead, he's been surprised by the lack of attention to his arrest and the subsequent charges of public intoxication. According to reports, Boone had to be tasered before his arrest. It was his second alcohol-related arrest, following a drunken driving conviction in 2006. "I made the mistake of doing it and absolutely I'll live up to it and take full responsibility," Boone said on Thursday. "Some of the teams ask me about it, some of them don't. At first I thought it was going to be really hard and thought I was going to have to sink down and stuff, but after going through it a few times some people talk about it and some don't. I did it and I take full responsibility and it won't happen again." Boone said he's gone as far as seek counseling, though he doesn't feel he has a drinking problem. "I've abused it once or twice and I've seen someone about it and as of right now I don't drink," Boone said. Boone said he's doesn't feel pressure has been a cause of his drinking and doesn't want to make any excuses. The 6-foot-8, 312-pounder had a disappointing senior year at Ohio State and saw his stock drop from a second-or-third round prospect to someone who must make a good impression on NFL teams here at the combine. "I'm not really sure about it," Boone said of how his arrest could hurt his draft status. "Right now that's in the past and I'm obviously focused on this week. I made a mistake that I regret and I hope it doesn't hurt me too much." [i]* I'll keep updating this throughout the day...[/i] [url="http://www.1530homer.com/pages/ctrent.html?an=Live-from-Indy"]http://www.1530homer.com/pages/ctrent.html?an=Live-from-Indy[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 From Joe Reedy's blog . . . [quote][size=5][b] We've landed at the Combine[/b][/size] Posted by JoeReedy at 2/19/2009 9:42 AM EST on Cincinnati.com Good morning from Indianapolis and Day 1 of the NFL Scouting Combine. Today's schedule features the offensive linemen and special teams players. UC's Kevin Huber is projected by many publications and draft scouts to be the top punter. Among the coaches and player personnel guys taking to the podium today are new Detroit coach Jim Schwartz, Pittsburgh Director of Player Personnel Kevin Colbert and Indianapolis' Jim Caldwell. Check back throughout the day for updates and comments.[/quote] [url="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=blog09&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3ac78cbe8a-2b47-436d-a33e-623f9b65de7cPost%3a7278e66d-7a87-4b6b-a199-79a0e7db2a44&sid=sitelife.cincinnati.com"]http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/s....cincinnati.com[/url] [quote][size=5] [b]Scene & Heard -- Combine Day 1, lunchtime edition[/b][/size] Posted by JoeReedy at 2/19/2009 12:18 PM EST on Cincinnati.com Early quote of the day from Buffalo's Dick Jauron on how he feels about the way he is perceived by the fans: "I don’t talk to every fan and obviously the ones that I’m closest to perceive me in a very good light." Detroit coach Jim Schwartz has said the team has not made a decision about the future of QB Jon Kitna. With five quarterbacks on the roster already and the Lions talking about taking Matt Stafford with the first pick, "At some point you can only give a certain amount of reps to people. We'll see how things go in free agency and the offseason workouts before we can get a better feel." Andre Smith, who is one of the top five tackles in this year's group, has already interviewed with the Redskins, Panthers, Saints and Jets. The rumors of him being 390 pounds at one time were dismissed, He also does not know if he is going to workout here. His only sack given up in three years at Alabama was to Kentucky's Johnny Williams this past season. Atlanta coach Mike Smith on why the team placed the franchise tag on punter Michael Koenen: "Michael was a vital part to our success, not only as a punter but as a placekicker. He placed the ball in the end zone on kickoffs and with his hang time on punts, we only allowed 41 punt return yards the whole year." This afternoon more of the players start coming in along with a couple other coaches.[/quote] [url="http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=blog09&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3ac78cbe8a-2b47-436d-a33e-623f9b65de7cPost%3a260091ae-e0b5-4b32-ad2f-798eeedbd611&sid=sitelife.cincinnati.com"]http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/s....cincinnati.com[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 [quote][size=5][b]What NFL teams look for in combine drills[/b][/size] By Gil Brandt | NFL.com As the coaches, scouts and general managers from all 32 NFL teams converge on Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine, some fans may still question exactly how this event fits into the overall draft picture. It is certainly a key part of the puzzle. In many cases it is the first time NFL people are seeing the top prospects face-to-face. The personal interviews and the medical testing are invaluable. So, what about the athletic drills? How much does it matter what a quarterback runs in the 40-yard dash or how high a linebacker can jump? Well, it's not more important than a player's overall football ability, but it's part of the detailed analysis teams like to have. When I was with the Dallas Cowboys, we compiled all these numbers and we used them as something to consider if two prospects were viewed evenly. Does it matter if one quarterback runs the 40-yard dash a fraction of a second faster than another quarterback? Maybe not. But if we are looking at two college quarterbacks we like, and we have them rated the same, that might be a case where better combine numbers tilt the decision-making process. It is rare that these drills would come into play before the overall scouting evaluations. With that in mind, here is a primer of what to look for in the various combine drills, along with some numbers that give you an idea of what will be considered a "good" performance, based on position. 40-yard dash The most famous and the most publicized of these drills, the 40-yard dash shows sustained speed over a distance. However, the "40" might be even more important for some positions when looking at the 10-yard and 20-yard splits. The splits are good indicators of a quick first step, something every coach wants to see in all his players. Bench press Bench press repetitions of 225 are the standard. This is more than just an exercise for the biggest and strongest linemen. Most all players need upper body strength to excel. Even those at the "finesse" positions, such as wide receiver, use their arms and shoulders to release from, or shield, their opponents. Vertical and broad jumps Players jump straight up or straight forward without using a first step for momentum. These jumps accurately display a prospect's explosiveness, which is relevant not only for receivers and defensive backs for jump balls, but also by offensive and defensive linemen to move or gain leverage against their opponents. 20-yard and 60-yard shuttles In the "short shuttle," players straddle a yard line, run five yards in one direction, then 10 yards in the other direction, then five yards back to their original starting position. They must touch the ground at each stop except the last. In the "long shuttle," players run five yards, then back to the starting point, then they run 10 yards and back to the startng spot, then 15 yards and back to the starting spot, again touching the ground at each stop but the last. 3-cone drill This drill sets cones five yards apart, forming a right angle. Players run back and forth between the first two cones, touching the ground near both. Then they run around the second cone, weave inside the third cone and around the outside of both top cones back to the stating point. Fluid completion of this drill is a sight to see for any coach or scout. The shuttles and the 3-cone drill display the athleticism crucial to being a quality football player. The speed of the game at the pro level is such that fluid lateral movement and the ability to quickly change direction are critical. In some cases, good times in this drill can trump poor 40 times when it comes to how coaches view certain prospects. Target numbers The Dallas Cowboys have been testing and recording prospects with these drills since the early 1960s. Likewise, most teams have been doing it long enough to know what "good measurables" look like. Sure, some players will blow people away with an amazing 40 time or a record number of reps in the bench press. But it's more important to identify the target numbers that indicate a prospect is worthy of further evaluation. As you follow along and check the results of this year's combine, here are what the target numbers look like by position (note: quarterbacks do not lift weights or run the 60-yard shuttle; offensive and defensive linemen also do not run the 60-yard shuttle): Target test results Drill Significance QB RB FB WR TE OT G/C DT DE ILB OLB CB S 40-yard dash Speed over distance 4.90 4.55 4.85 4.55 4.85 5.30 5.30 5.15 4.85 4.80 4.70 4.55 4.60 10-yard split (40) Initial quickness 1.70 1.60 1.70 1.60 1.70 1.80 1.85 1.80 1.70 1.70 1.65 1.60 1.65 20-yard split (40) Maintain burst 2.85 2.60 2.80 2.65 2.80 3.00 3.05 3.00 2.80 2.75 2.70 2.65 2.60 225-pound bench press reps Upper body strength N/A 20 22 12 22 24 26 26 24 24 23 15 18 Vertical jump Explosiveness, leg strength 30" 36 30 36 32 30 30 30 33 33 36 36 36 Broad jump Explosiveness, leg strength 9'-0" 9-9 9-3 10-0 9-6 8-6 8-6 8-9 9-9 9-6 9-9 10-0 10-0 20-yard shuttle Flexibility, burst, balance 4.30 4.20 4.25 4.15 4,20 4.65 4.55 4.55 4.30 4.20 4.10 4.00 4.05 60-yard shuttle Flexibility, balance, endurance N/A 11.7 11.8 11.4 11.8 N/A N/A N/A 11.8 11.7 11.4 11.2 11.2 3-cone drill Agility, change of direction 7.25 7.25 7.40 7.00 7,30 7.85 7.85 7.75 7.35 7.20 7.10 7.00 7.10[/quote] [url="http://www.nfl.com/combine/story?id=09000d5d80ecd9a3&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true"]http://www.nfl.com/combine/story?id=09000d...mp;confirm=true[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Pro Football Weekly is blogging from the Combine . . . [url="http://nflblogs.profootballweekly.com/NFLdraft/"]http://nflblogs.profootballweekly.com/NFLdraft/[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldschooler Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 From C Trent's blog . . .(You can see Hobson in the You Tube video below) [quote][size=5][b]Andre Smith[/b][/size] [size=5][b]O-Line overload[/b][/size] The way this whole shin-dig works is they keep bringing in players as they finish their measurments and the such. We've already gotten the top four offensive tackles -- Michael Oher, Andre Smith, Eugene Monroe and Jason Smith. If you're searching for a winner of the interview contest, it's Jason Smith out of Baylor. He was absolutely fantastic. Smith was asked about the Bengals -- especially his connection with Anthony Collins -- but said he hopes he's not around when the Bengals pick at No. 6. Some fear he's too small and doesn't have a long enough reach, but the guy is smart and athletic (he's a converted tight end). The other Smith looked like a right tackle, while Monroe was very athletic, like J. Smith. Michael Oher is just pretty big. Oher was another interesting interview. Most know about the book written about his life (and the evolution of the left tackle position) called The Blind Side by Michael Lewis, who also wrote Moneyball (if you haven't read both books, go to the library right now). Anyway, the most surprising thing was Oher said he hasn't read it. He's just heard that it's "pretty accurate." There's talks of making the story a movie, and Oher said he doesn't care who plays him and couldn't name any actors. Was an odd thing, if someone wrote a book about me, I'd want to read it. Hell, I have a Google alert for my name. But, well, nobody's writing a book about me, Oher is out living his. "I'm very smart," Oher said. And then he gave an example, saying he started as a journalism major and switched to criminal justice. That's proof enough for me. Oher, Andre Smith and Jason Smith each said they thought they were the best tackle in the draft. Monroe, who many consider the best tackle in the draft, said "it's not for me to decide." Pretty smart. * I'll keep updating this throughout the day...[/quote] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.