The 2012 Combine and Pro Days Thread

[texbengal]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1332423427' post='1110340']
I've been getting great pro day info from Rob Rang: [url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/rob-rang"]http://www.cbssports...l/blog/rob-rang[/url] Old's posted a few of his things. He's got updates from pretty much every pro day. The best compilation I've found yet.
[/quote]


He's one of the better talking heads/columnists around the draft every year. He and Mayock are two guys I like.

[oldschooler]

[url="https://twitter.com/#!/evansilva"][b]Evan Silva[/b]‏[s]@[/s][b]evansilva[/b][/url]
For comparison, Rob Gronkowski ran 4.65 with the wind & 4.73 against the wind at Arizona 2010 Pro Day. Fleener blows that out of the water.

[url="https://twitter.com/#!/evansilva"][b]Evan Silva[/b]‏[s]@[/s][b]evansilva[/b][/url]
Remember [url="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23Stanford"][s]#[/s][b]Stanford[/b][/url] TE Coby Fleener is 6-foot-6, 247. A 4.45 forty is absolutely insane at that size. Insane.

[Bengals1181]

[color=#333333][font=HelveticaNeue,]
[url="https://twitter.com/#!/RobRang"][b]Rob Rang[/b] [size=4]‏[/size] [s]@[/s][b]RobRang[/b][/url][/font][/color]
[color=#333333][font=HelveticaNeue,]
David DeCastro didn't run 40 as he did it at the Combine; while teammates ran it he spent entire time with [b]Bengals[/b] OL coach Paul Alexander.[/font][/color]

[Lewdog]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1332444599' post='1110563']

[url="https://twitter.com/#!/RobRang"][b]Rob Rang[/b] [size=4]‏[/size] [s]@[/s][b]RobRang[/b][/url]

David DeCastro didn't run 40 as he did it at the Combine; while teammates ran it he spent entire time with [b]Bengals[/b] OL coach Paul Alexander.
[/quote]


Great now DeCastro is ruined before even getting drafted. Maybe it was an intentional ploy by the Bengals to get other teams to see Alexander dumbing him down so they would pass on him.

[Jamie_B]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1332444599' post='1110563']

[url="https://twitter.com/#!/RobRang"][b]Rob Rang[/b] ‏ [s]@[/s][b]RobRang[/b][/url]

David DeCastro didn't run 40 as he did it at the Combine; while teammates ran it he spent entire time with [b]Bengals[/b] OL coach Paul Alexander.
[/quote]


Well now Paul had some time to coach him down, which means he might fall to us.



[quote name='Lewdog' timestamp='1332444734' post='1110566']


Great now DeCastro is ruined before even getting drafted. Maybe it was an intentional ploy by the Bengals to get other teams to see Alexander dumbing him down so they would pass on him.
[/quote]

[Lewdog]

[quote name='Jamie_B' timestamp='1332444765' post='1110567']


Well now Paul had some time to coach him down, which means he might fall to us.







[/quote]


Dude I beat you to it!

[snarkster]

[quote name='oldschooler' timestamp='1332422464' post='1110331']
[b] Top Headlines[/b][list]
[*][url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/rob-rang/17951955/rutgers-wr-sanu-fb-martinek-surprise-with-speed-at-rutgers-pro-day"]Sanu, Martinek display speed at Rutgers pro day[/url]
[*][url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/blog/rob-rang/17954992/stellar-workout-from-sjsu-safety-ihenacho-wows-scouts"]Stellar workout from SJSU's Ihenacho impresses[/url]
[*][url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/rob-rang/17951419/underrated-wr-matthews-highlights-well-attended-nevada-pro-day"]Underrated WR Matthews sparks Nevada pro day[/url]
[*][url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/rob-rang/17946104/bentley-green-draw-full-nfl-contingent-to-cajuns-pro-day"]Bentley, Green serious draw for Cajuns pro day[/url]
[/list]
[/quote]

Mohammed Sanu running somewhere in the 4.41-4.46 range really moves up the draft board for me. Loved his hands, route=running and makeup, but didn't think he had that type of top end speed. Figured him more for the mid 4.5's. I'd definitely look at him in Rd. 2 and think about him with a trade down from #21.

[texbengal]

[quote name='oldschooler' timestamp='1332443356' post='1110553']
[url="https://twitter.com/#!/evansilva"][b]Evan Silva[/b]‏[s]@[/s][b]evansilva[/b][/url]
For comparison, Rob Gronkowski ran 4.65 with the wind & 4.73 against the wind at Arizona 2010 Pro Day. Fleener blows that out of the water.

[url="https://twitter.com/#!/evansilva"][b]Evan Silva[/b]‏[s]@[/s][b]evansilva[/b][/url]
Remember [url="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23Stanford"][s]#[/s][b]Stanford[/b][/url] TE Coby Fleener is 6-foot-6, 247. A 4.45 forty is absolutely insane at that size. Insane.
[/quote]

Not for anything, but that's outrageous speed for Fleener, who has great hands and is a smart player to boot. Imagine him and Gresham... Bengal version of Gronk and Hernandez?

[SocalBengalEd]

[quote name='snarkster' timestamp='1332445711' post='1110574']


Mohammed Sanu running somewhere in the 4.41-4.46 range really moves up the draft board for me. Loved his hands, route=running and makeup, but didn't think he had that type of top end speed. Figured him more for the mid 4.5's. I'd definitely look at him in Rd. 2 and think about him with a trade down from #21.
[/quote]


Sanu is planning to visit the.Bengals soon.

[Bengals1181]

what can westerners share about Arizona RB Keola Antolin?

[oldschooler]

From Boise State's Pro Day ....




28 teams on hand

Twenty-eight NFL teams, three CFL teams and two Arena teams were represented at pro day. The Bengals sent head coach Marvin Lewis, offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and defensive line coach Jay Hayes to Boise. Lewis was the only head coach in town.

Bengals want closer look

Lewis said it’s important for the coaching staff to get an up-close look at draft prospects. He attends four or five pro days each year.

“We try to let our coaches go out and see the players and I try to go out where there are players on both sides of the football that we have an interest in,” he said. “We want our coaches to see the guys work and sweat. That’s important to see them compete in these environments because we don’t get to see them practice in the fall. … Just watch them, watch them interact with their teammates, watch them interact with their coaches, with the other people, see what kind of person he really is.”

He likes what he sees from the Broncos on video and is impressed with the way the coaches develop talent.

“The players are disciplined,” Lewis said. “They’re great workers. You turn on the tape and it’s like, hmm. They run to the ball, they chase the ball hard and they play hard. They play great sound football. As coaches that’s what attracted us. That’s why it’s a good visit for me. I wanted to come and see the guys work out first hand.”





[url="http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/03/23/2047171/making-the-grade.html"]http://www.idahostat...-the-grade.html[/url]

[oldschooler]

2012 NFL Draft Pro Day Tracker

SI.com's draft analyst Tony Pauline of Draftinsider.net checks in daily with news and notes about top prospects participating in pro days.


Friday, March 23, 4:20 p.m.

A very light schedule on Friday ends what was a hectic week of pro days.

Nearly 20 teams traveled to Nashville, Tennessee for the Vanderbilt pro day and concentrated on three prospects.

Cornerback Casey Hayward and safety Sean Richardson stood on most of their numbers from the combine, but completed 25 minutes of position drills. Hayward was solid in ball drills, displaying natural cover skills and catching every pass thrown to him. Richardson, who measured 6-2 1/2 and weighed 214 pounds today, looked comfortable moving in reverse and changing direction. In a draft void of safety talent, Richardson could surprise.

The buzz around the workout centers on sleeper Tim Fugger.

The Commodores' top pass rusher, Fugger posted 13.5 tackles for loss and 8 sacks last season. Several NFL teams project the 6-3 1/2, 248-pound college defensive end to outside linebacker and an athletic workout was needed to place Fugger into the late rounds. He responded today by running both his 40s under 4.6 seconds, with a best of 4.55. This was after completing 29 reps on the bench. His times of 6.97 in the three-cone and 4.10 in the short shuttle were both solid marks.

Afterward, Fugger was put through defensive line and linebacker drills and looked effective in both. He was fast in pass rush drills, but also looked fluid and smooth dropping off the line in pass coverage drills. He displayed little stiffness in his game, which was a concern entering the workout.

Fugger's versatility to line up in a three-point stance or stand up over tackle will surely entice teams on the draft's final day.


Thursday, March 22, 7:37 p.m.


• Another long day of pro-day workouts has come to a close as the excitement of Andrew Luck's passing workout gave way to the position drills of his teammates.

David DeCastro snapped the ball to Luck during the passing drills and the reviews were poor. DeCastro struggled with the shotgun snaps as the spirals were not clean or tight getting back to Luck. Yet during the position drills the big blocker displayed terrific footwork and movement skills. He was smooth moving laterally yet also strong. Scouts left the workout thinking that while DeCastro does not have a future at center in the NFL he can line up at either guard or right tackle. The latter will most definitely boost his draft stock if enough teams in the top 12 of the draft have a similar opinion.

Junior tackle Jonathan Martin started the workout strong, showing solid footwork and more importantly, blocking with good fundamentals. He was consistent bending his knees throughout the drills and showed well in pass protection. Martin became winded as the session progressed, but the feeling at the workout was he locked himself up as a first-round pick.

Scouts, coaches and general managers were amazed at the athleticism displayed by tight end Coby Fleener. Despite a gimpy ankle he played to his 4.5 speed during drills. Fleener caught the ball well and easily extended to make catches in the end zone. He was constantly on balance and practiced with tremendous body control. Did Fleener do enough to secure himself as a first-round pick? The opinions of many leaving the workout was Fleener is not a three down defender as his blocking is a liability. If a team is looking for a one-dimensional pass catching tight end at the end of round one, then he's your guy.

Defensive lineman Matthew Masifilo also turned in a solid workout. After completing 38 reps on the bench he showed a lot of skill in position drills. Masifilo has the ability to play in the NFL and was highly rated after a terrific junior campaign. He performed below expectations last season and some question his passion for the game, which has raised a few red flags.

During the South Dakota State pro-day receiver Dale Moss certainly met, and even exceeded expectations. Moss measured 6 feet, 3.5 inches and 213 pounds, posted a vertical jump of 41.5 inches and broad jump of 10 feet, 10 inches. His forty time clocked at 4.45 seconds then Moss ran an amazingly fast three cone time of 6.32 seconds and 60 yard shuttle of 10.82 seconds. One scout at the workout mentioned in seven years of attending pro day and combine workouts Moss' three cone time was the fastest he's witnessed. Moss was then run through about a dozen pass routes and asked to catch the ball.

What makes this story so intriguing is Moss was a member of the SDSU basketball team and never played college football until 2011. In his first and only season on the football field with the Jackrabbits he led the team in receiving with 61 receptions for 949 receiving yards and six touchdowns and Moss started just nine of 11 games. His upside is enormous and Moss worked his way into the draft's final day with his performance today.


Thursday, March 22, 5:35 p.m.


• The Boise State pro day, characterized as low key by most in attendance, finished up earlier this afternoon.

As reported earlier, Billy Winn was the only combine participant to re-run the 40, and turned in significantly better times. Tyler Shoemaker, the Broncos' leading receiver last season and a prospect not invited to Indianapolis, ran better than expected in the 40, posting times in the mid-4.4-second area. He later looked solid in pass-catching drills, displaying soft and reliable hands.

Two players on the rise, Shea McClellin and Tyrone Crawford, both stood out in position drills. Each was worked in defensive line and linebacker drills and the reports have been positive. Scouts on hand said both players moved exceptionally well and really stood out in linebacker drills. That's important, as both McClellin and Crawford primarily played the defensive end position at Boise.

McClellin was used at multiple linebacker positions during the Senior Bowl and has looked seamless in the transition to linebacker. Crawford is likely to stay in a three-point stance at the next level, but the ability to drop into space will be attractive to zone blitz teams.

Finally, safety George Iloka rebounded from what was a tough combine workout and really impressed scouts on hand. He was fluid moving side-to-side and showed good ball skills. Those at the workout said quarterback Cody Hawkins, the former Colorado signal caller trying to catch on with a professional team in North America, tried to make it a bit difficult for Iloka with his passes, but the 225-pound safety came through.

• Andrew Luck's throwing session has ended at Stanford and the quarterback did nothing to hurt his status as the expected first pick in next month's draft.

Smiling and loose, Luck was poised throughout the entire workout and on the money with all his throws. Just four passes hit the ground, and three of them bounced off the hands of intended receivers. Throwing to his former Cardinal teammates, Luck was accurate and displayed great timing with every type of pass he tossed around the Stanford practice facility. His throws had good speed and he was able to deliver many of the deep outs on a line. Luck perfectly placed most all his throws into the intended target's hands, rarely forcing pass-catchers to break stride or reach vertically to grab the ball. He looked exceptional rolling outside the pocket and throwing on the move, losing no accuracy or speed on the ball. Luck was natural in all his movements and skills, looking off the invisible safety down the field and going through receiver progression and delivering passes with proper fundamentals.

His quarterback coach, George Whitfield Jr., added elements not witnessed at pro day workouts in the past. Whitfield came at Luck with an ordinary kitchen broom in hand, extended well over his head to simulate oncoming pass rushers. Throughout the workout Whitfield did a variety of other exercises to disrupt Luck's concentration and throwing, to no avail.

Luck's final pass was a 73-yard bomb which was accurately placed in teammate's Chris Owusu's hands, which Owusu promptly dropped.

The two criticisms of Luck's workout was the inability to drive deep passes through the wind, as early in the practice session his long throws tended to hang in the air. Unlike Robert Griffin's workout, which took place in an indoor facility yesterday, the wind was a factor during the Stanford workout today. This won't be an issue of the Indianapolis Colts select Luck in five weeks time. He also needs to improve his corner and fade patterns a bit.

All in all Luck delivered what was expected and there's no reason not to think he'll be wearing a Colts uniform in just a few weeks.


Thursday, March 22, 3:33 p.m.


• Thus far tight end Coby Fleener has looked terrific on an ankle that's just 90 percent. Fleener has posted marks of 37 inches in the vertical jump, averaged 4.51 seconds in the 40 and 4.25 seconds in the short shuttle. Other marks from the day include 40 times of 4.41 seconds for defensive back Johnson Bademosi and 5.23 seconds for tackle Jonathan Martin.

At the Boise State pro day, the majority of the Broncos who participated in the combine sat on their numbers, except for defensive lineman Billy Winn, who improved his 40 time from Indianapolis by almost a quarter of a second, posting a time of 4.72 seconds.

Quarterback Kellen Moore had a solid passing session, as only two of the 50 passes he threw hit the ground. Doug Martin looks tremendous thus far in the early going and has really impressed in position drills, standing out in all aspects of the running back position.
Thursday, March 22, 1:21 p.m.

• Early results from the LSU pro day are coming in, and thus far players have sped up 40 times from the combine on a swift surface.

Receiver Rueben Randle shaved one-tenth off his time, clocking 4.45 seconds. Linebacker Ryan Baker shaved .15 from his combine number running just under 4.65 seconds. Defensive tackle Michael Brockers saw a similar improvement, timing 5.18 seconds. Earlier in the workout, the 316-pound Brockers completed 21 reps on the bench press, a slightly disappointing number.

Other marks of note include top ranked cornerback Morris Claiborne, who posted 4.45 seconds today after a best of 4.50 from the combine.

In Maine, a pair of underrated safeties wowed scouts with their performance. Jerron McMillian, who participated in the combine, improved just about every one of his marks from last month. His 40 time clocked as fast as 4.35 seconds, vertical jump measured 39 inches and broad jump 10-6. Teammate Trevor Coston, who was not invited to the combine but is ranked ahead of McMillian on a number of boards, was slightly slower in the 40, timing 4.41 seconds but posting a vertical jump of 43 inches and three-cone time of 6.82 inches; both terrific marks.

The New England Patriots put both players through position drills for the teams on hand, and the reviews for each have been positive.


Thursday, March 22, 12:12 p.m.


• Another circled date on the pro day schedule has arrived, as most of the league is in Palo Alto, California for the much anticipated Stanford workout. And though much of the outside attention has been focused on quarterback Andrew Luck, two other prominent Stanford prospects are also working out for the first time.

Offensive tackle Jonathan Martin, projected as a first-round choice, was sick during the combine and only took part in position drills. He is expected to lift on the bench press, run the 40 and perform the other tests. Coby Fleener, rated as the top tight end in next month's draft and another projected first-round choice, received a medical exclusion from the combine due to an injured right ankle. Though the ankle is only 90 percent as of last night, Fleener's camp told SI.com he will participate in the full workout.

LSU is another big pro day on the schedule as scouts will be focused on receiver Rueben Randle and defensive tackle Michael Brockers to see if they can improve on their combine marks. Finally, we'll also be keeping close watch on the South Dakota State pro day, where basketball player-turned-wide receiver Dale Moss, a potential star in the making, will perform in front of scouts for the first time.


Read more: [url="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/tony_pauline/03/01/pro.days/index.html#ixzz1q2UbMYlB"]http://sportsillustr...l#ixzz1q2UbMYlB[/url]

[oldschooler]

[b] Top Headlines[/b][list]
[*][url="http://www.cbssports.com/general/blog/rob-rang/17975450/luck-impresses-through-windy-pro-day"]Luck impresses through Stanford's windy pro day[/url]
[*][url="http://www.cbssports.com/general/blog/rob-rang/17976108/lsu-cb-claiborne-to-have-wrist-surgery"]Top-rated corner Claiborne to have wrist surgery[/url]
[*][url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/rob-rang/17980969/lsus-trio-of-first-round-prospects-enjoy-strong-pro-day"]LSU's Claiborne, Brockers, Randle improve 40s[/url]
[*][url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/17973934/griffin-baylor-receivers-hold-up-well-under-pro-day-microscope"]Griffin, Baylor receivers hold up under microscope[/url]
[/list]

[oldschooler]

[size=6][b] Draft 2012: Pro Day Roundup[/b][/size]

[color=#cc0000][b]Friday, March 23, 2012[/b][/color]



Just like the Combine, Pro Day workouts give numbered results to supplement what prospects produce on the field during games. With numerous high-profile invitees sitting out their first-impression Combine workout, Pro Days have a heightened sense of importance for participants to perform up to or beyond the athleticism they showed on Saturdays. We are around the midway point of post-season workouts so let's look at who has impressed or underperformed thus far.

[b]Name-brand[/b]

[b]Stanford QB [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/6439/Andrew-Luck"]Andrew Luck[/url][/b] -- On a windy day in Palo Alto, Luck showed brilliant command of his Pro Day workout by completing 45-of-48 passes. Two incompletions were dropped, and the third came on an overthrow. The style in which Luck orchestrated his variety of throws was most impressive, with the majority coming after movements in the pocket. It is something many QB prospects do not implement enough at Pro Days, since most passes at the next level will be thrown in a muddled pocket. It did not matter if Luck was forced to flow to his left or right, he consistently squared his shoulders and placed the ball in a catchable position with efficient velocity. Some have questioned Luck's arm strength, claiming he guides too many throws. I don't buy it. Combined with pre-throw anticipation, his motion is so effortless that passes look placed. That kind of touch and awareness is a positive in my book. More information surfaced yesterday that, at Stanford, Luck called one formation and chose from three plays at the line of scrimmage. Most NFL quarterbacks don't even have that kind of responsibility. There is no doubting [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7406/Robert-Griffin%20III"]Robert Griffin III[/url] as an elite prospect, but I would draft [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/6439/Andrew-Luck"]Andrew Luck[/url] with the first pick every day of the week.

[b]Oklahoma State WR [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7402/Justin-Blackmon"]Justin Blackmon[/url][/b] -- After sitting out most of the Combine with a tweaked hamstring, Blackmon showed excellent straight-line speed with a sub-4.45 forty while weighing in eight pounds heavier (215) than he did in Indianapolis. This time will be adjusted, with teams likely adding around two hundredths of a second, but anything under 4.5 is a stellar result. Blackmon has the necessary speed to be a vertical threat, but has yet to show it due to the Big 12 off-coverages that repeatedly offered short completions. However, Blackmon flashed downfield playmaking ability when breaking first contact and keeping distance from trailing defensive backs for long after-catch runs. Blackmon's catch radius and skills to adjust to throws (35.5" vertical) are undeniably impressive. With that said, I still question if he can dominate press coverage like he did facing seven-yard cushions. Many will definitively say Blackmon deserves a top-ten selection and fits in the category of other elite prospects ([url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/6438/A.J.-Green"]A.J. Green[/url], [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/6475/Julio-Jones"]Julio Jones[/url]). I love Blackmon's physical style, but not enough to put him in that group and doubt he can consistently produce like a top-15 NFL wide receiver.

[b]Baylor QB [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7406/Robert-Griffin%20III"]Robert Griffin III[/url][/b] -- Griffin's Pro Day lost a little luster after the Redskins went all-in for the No. 2 pick, making it seemingly obvious that he's already got his next team. But that did not stop the Baylor quarterback from putting on a show. Griffin threw around 82 passes, the first 20 to still targets, and completed 76 of them. This result was expected in a scripted workout, but the pace at which Griffin fired off throws was thoroughly impressive. No one questions Griffin's arm talent, especially on deep sideline throws or when testing coverage downfield. Griffin looked more refined in his stance, with his elbows compact pre-release rather than parallel to his feet like [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/4166/Troy-Smith"]Troy Smith[/url]. Still, the few questions I have on Griffin were impossible to answer in a Pro Day setting. After his initial drop, Griffin's footwork lacks purpose when his first read is taken away. The steps are inconsistent, either choppy or a single stride. The athlete in Griffin momentarily takes over but in Washington's style of offense this is close to a non-issue. I still prefer Luck's ability to handle protection assignments pre-snap and decisive movements in tight spaces, but Griffin possesses every quality of an elite QB talent.

[b]Stanford TE [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7418/Coby-Fleener"]Coby Fleener[/url][/b] -- At 6'6/241, Fleener put on a clinic with a 4.45 forty and 37" vertical while standing on his 27 bench reps from the Combine. After four months, Fleener's high ankle sprain suffered in the Fiesta Bowl was said to be 90 percent healed. From an outside perspective that is a long timetable to return to full health, but it was a positive sign that Fleener fully participated in the workout after slipping in the three-cone drill. Fleener can stretch the field from the in-line position or out in the slot as a Joker, but Fleener is far from complete. He is a willing blocker with excellent length but has not shown an ability to consistently win in one-on-one situations at the line of scrimmage. Fleener overextends far too often, but blocking is one of the easier skills to obtain especially for a willing player. Where I stop short of comparing Fleener to [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/5729/Rob-Gronkowski"]Rob Gronkowski[/url] is his toughness at the catch point. Fleener allows smaller defensive backs to out-position him at the catch point and has not yet learned to effectively use his size. He is not a revolutionary prospect since he rounds his routes like most tight ends, but Fleener is a likely first-round pick with an amazing set of traits to build on.

[b]Rutgers WR [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7433/Mohamed-Sanu"]Mohamed Sanu[/url][/b] -- The Pro Day effect elevated Sanu's forty time to 4.41 after registering in the 4.65 range at the Combine. He plays much closer to the latter. A large target at 6'2/211 pounds, Sanu shines in traffic while coming down with contested catches. He is adept at sitting in soft zones or creating separation with fluidity and smoothness in his routes while generating just enough space at the catch point. Sanu's acceleration worries me after registering a 10-yard split in the 1.65 range, but the way he absorbs contact off the line bodes well for NFL success. The question is if Sanu's skill-set offers enough special qualities to be drafted before the third round. For a team that is in need of an underneath to intermediate receiver, Sanu would instantly contribute and flashes toughness after the catch.

[b]Georgia TE [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7457/Orson-Charles"]Orson Charles[/url][/b] -- The receiving tight end shows strength when facing physical defensive backs and a burst after the catch, but Charles' workout numbers were close to dreadful. With heavy winds Charles ran a 4.75 and a 4.90 against along with a 30.5" vertical, 7.29 three-cone, 4.75 short shuttle, and a 9'5" broad jump. Aside from the forty, none of those test results would have placed Charles higher than eighth among participating Combine tight ends. Charles flashes fluidity in pads and at worst plays at the speed of these times, but I cannot deny being surprised by these poor results. He is a mismatch with linebackers or defensive backs, but does not have the elite athletic upside I previously thought. These numbers do not coincide with a top-50 pick.

[b]Baylor WR [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7425/Kendall-Wright"]Kendall Wright[/url][/b] -- The difference between Wright's 4.43 Pro Day forty time and Sanu's is that Wright constantly plays at that speed. After struggling with his starts on the electronic system at the Combine, Wright shaved nearly two-tenths of a second off his time. The crispness in Wright's route running with little wasted movement allows him to consistently separate from trailing defensive backs. Wright is clearly one of the best route runners in this class and his ability to start from any receiving position at the snap adds to his skill-set. Above all, the way Wright adjusts to throws at full speed makes him stand alone, as he displayed with a trademark one-handed grab along the sideline on Wednesday. No one tracks the ball better downfield. Wright beats press coverage with quick movements and fast hands while keeping defensive backs guessing in off-coverage. The quick-twitch wideout is a combination of [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/4227/Steve-Smith"]Steve Smith[/url] and [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/3635/Santonio-Holmes"]Santonio Holmes[/url] with a legitimate chance to be drafted in the top-15 picks.

[b]Washington RB [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7424/Chris-Polk"]Chris Polk[/url][/b] -- Showing up to the Senior Bowl with a soft frame has since improved Polk's work ethic. He is now 12 pounds lighter than in Mobile and is consistently lowering his forty time, from his "official" 4.57 at the Combine to a 4.45-4.51 at the Huskies' Pro Day. Too much was made about Polk not flashing at the Senior Bowl in limited contact scenarios. That is not his game. Polk is a patient runner with incredible vision and anticipation to weave in space while breaking tackles on first contact. He is not going to wow evaluators with straight-line, home-run ability like [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7408/Lamar-Miller"]Lamar Miller[/url] or [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7448/David-Wilson"]David Wilson[/url] but Polk is a dependable runner with soft hands. His big plays are not flashy but the vision and burst he possesses will allow those long gains to translate into an NFL setting.

[b]Nebraska DE/DT [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7508/Jared-Crick"]Jared Crick[/url][/b] -- A torn pectoral ended Crick's senior season early, but after completing 26 bench press reps, the injury looks to be fully healed. At 6'4/279 pounds, Crick has some positional versatility at either left end in a 4-3 that moves inside on pass rushing situations or a 3-4 end. He is not the quickest penetrator off the snap, but Crick offers active hands and one of the best motors in the draft. He does not shed with proper timing at the tackle point and lacks the short-area quickness and explosion to consistently make tackles in the backfield. Despite these issues, Crick will grow in the system he is drafted into, with the ability to add or lose weight to fit his role. Before his final season, Crick was considered one of the top senior talents in the country and could be a tremendous value in the second round.

[b]Upward Momentum[/b]

[b]Miami (OH) G [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7498/Brandon-Brooks"]Brandon Brooks[/url][/b] -- This year's biggest Combine snub, Brooks measured in at 6'5/346 and posted outstanding workout numbers: 36 bench reps, 4.98 forty with a 1.71 ten-yard split, 32" vertical, 8'9" broad jump, and 4.52 short shuttle, the latter of which would have led all offensive line Combine participants. A standout during East-West Shrine week, Brooks carries his weight very well while using defensive linemen's momentum against them or creating space with brute strength. Like anyone his size, Brooks needs to fire off the ball lower, but do not be surprised when he is the first non-Combine invite selected, likely in the draft's second day.

[b]Tennessee DE/DT Malik Jackson[/b] -- I prefer Jackson at left defensive end in a 4-3 where he can burst off the edge or use persistence and power to create penetration against right tackles. After transferring from USC at 250 pounds, Jackson has efficiently bulked up to 290 -- six more pounds than he weighed in at the Combine. Jackson said himself that he is working toward appealing to 4-3 teams at defensive tackle (where he played his senior season) and has the length (6'5", 33.5" arms) to add even more mass. This kind of positional flexibility would have once drawn a "tweener" label. Instead, it is now considered positive versatility since Jackson consistently wins at any spot along the line. Admittedly, I value Jackson much more than others while giving him a mid second-round grade, but we have seen similar players like [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/3260/Chris-Canty"]Chris Canty[/url], [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/4862/Kendall-Langford"]Kendall Langford[/url], and [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/4860/Jason-Jones"]Jason Jones[/url] cash in recently. At worst, Jackson should be a fourth-round selection that will grow (or shrink) into his assigned role.

[b]Utah State RB Michael Smith[/b] -- Teammate [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7423/Robert-Turbin"]Robert Turbin[/url] drew most of the spotlight at Utah State, but Smith offers very intriguing skills as a third-day pick and production to prove it. At 5'8/207, Smith's results were highly impressive: 4.35 forty, 10'6" broad jump, 40.5" vertical, 23 bench press reps. Smith's running style is easy to enjoy, unafraid of contact between the tackles while sticking to his lane or flashing quick lateral movements after one step. His slight hops in traffic prevent him from losing speed while evading contact. His shorter stature forces Smith to go down on first contact often and limits his three-down ability as a pass protector, where he is consistently thrown to the side despite starting in a sound position. Smith will never be a workhorse, but the way he stays between the hashes while delivering long runs is far more preferable than [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7409/LaMichael-James"]LaMichael James[/url]' boundary running style, and for much a cheaper price.

[b]Louisville TE Josh Chichester[/b] -- Standing at 6'8/245, the former wide receiver ran a 4.57 forty and leaped 38" on his vertical. Chichester lacks burst out of a three-point stance when blocking or releasing in-line, but gets down the field with long strides. Obviously he stands out as a red-zone target with a wide catch radius while using his body for positioning. Otherwise, Chichester lacks some coordination and will be unable to look fluid in routes that require more than a single break downfield. If he uses his reach when blocking and adds strength to his game, Chichester could be worth a very late-round developmental pick as a slot tight end.

[b]Upcoming Workouts Worth Watching[/b]

[b]March 28th[/b] - South Carolina (DE/OLB [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7419/Melvin-Ingram"]Melvin Ingram[/url], WR [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7441/Alshon-Jeffery"]Alshon Jeffery[/url])

[b]March 29th[/b] - Alabama (RB [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7462/Trent-Richardson"]Trent Richardson[/url], DE/OLB [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7478/Courtney-Upshaw"]Courtney Upshaw[/url], S [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7497/Mark-Barron"]Mark Barron[/url]), Texas A&M (QB [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7417/Ryan-Tannehill"]Ryan Tannehill[/url])

[b]March 30th[/b] - Arizona St. (QB [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7450/Brock-Osweiler"]Brock Osweiler[/url], LB [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7435/Vontaze-Burfict"]Vontaze Burfict[/url]) April 2nd- Tennessee-Chattanooga (QB [url="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/NFL/7474/B.J.-Coleman"]B.J. Coleman[/url])




http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/40159/60/draft-2012-pro-day-roundup?pg=1

[Bengals1181]

looks like the bengals are really interested in Lamichael James and Doug Martin.

Last year the only reported pro days (that I saw) from marvin were auburn, florida state, and missouri. Looking at the top QB's, which they eventually took one with Dalton.

This year he's been at Oregon, Arizona State, and Boise State.

[Jason]

Hmmmm. Here's a thought.

Have Fleener lose 10 pounds and make him our #2 receiver?

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='Jason' timestamp='1332597829' post='1111450']
Hmmmm. Here's a thought.

Have Fleener lose 10 pounds and make him our #2 receiver?
[/quote]


I don't know about losing weight (wouldn't hurt, but don't know that its needed), but I'm really warming to the idea of a Fleener/Gresham combo to go with Green/Shipley/Binns.

IMO Fleener is just as much of a weapon to get at #21 as Kendall Wright is, and he actually presents more matchup problems than Wright.


Unless its a total smoke screen, its just too curious that they'd sent Jay Hayes to personally work out Fleener at his Pro Day when there were 8 other pro days (some of which with TE prospects) that he could have been checking out.

[Jason]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1332598111' post='1111451']


I don't know about losing weight (wouldn't hurt, but don't know that its needed), but I'm really warming to the idea of a Fleener/Gresham combo to go with Green/Shipley/Binns.

IMO Fleener is just as much of a weapon to get at #21 as Kendall Wright is, and he actually presents more matchup problems than Wright.


Unless its a total smoke screen, its just too curious that they'd sent Jay Hayes to personally work out Fleener at his Pro Day when there were 8 other pro days (some of which with TE prospects) that he could have been checking out.
[/quote]

If we move him to WR, losing 10 pounds will help his quickness a little bit.

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='Jason' timestamp='1332599231' post='1111464']

If we move him to WR, losing 10 pounds will help his quickness a little bit.
[/quote]


right. I guess for me, I'm thinking more a 2 stud TE, a stud WR alignment, keeping Fleener at TE.

[Oldcat]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1332599449' post='1111465']


right. I guess for me, I'm thinking more a 2 stud TE, a stud WR alignment, keeping Fleener at TE.
[/quote]

Yes - KC and SD had TE as the #1 option for a long time. It is doable.

[Phatcat]

[quote name='Oldcat' timestamp='1332599850' post='1111475']

Yes - KC and SD had TE as the #1 option for a long time. It is doable.
[/quote]

And add Indy with Dallas Clark and NE with Gronkowski. And to go way back when the west coast offense was before the west coast offense, look how Trumpy was used for the Bengals. Gresham started to be used in that manner last year to some degree.

[Jason]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1332599449' post='1111465']


right. I guess for me, I'm thinking more a 2 stud TE, a stud WR alignment, keeping Fleener at TE.
[/quote]

I just think the Bengals will be looking for more of a blocker out of the #2 TE.

[unleashed]

[quote name='Jason' timestamp='1332604614' post='1111502']

I just think the Bengals will be looking for more of a blocker out of the #2 TE.
[/quote]

They already have Cochart. Would be nice to have a big target that could get upfield fast to make it that much harder to key in on AJ and whoever we get as our other starting WR.

I really think Gruden will throw some exotic looks into the playbook this year with the continuity of some of the young guys. I hope to God this is the year we involve Gresham as much as all of us have wanted him to be.

[Bengals1181]

[quote name='Jason' timestamp='1332604614' post='1111502']

I just think the Bengals will be looking for more of a blocker out of the #2 TE.
[/quote]


I'm quite impressed with fleener as a blocker on tape. He's a better blocker than Gresham was at this point.

[Lewdog]

[quote name='Bengals1181' timestamp='1332625819' post='1111652']


I'm quite impressed with fleener as a blocker on tape. He's a better blocker than Gresham was at this point.
[/quote]


Cheerleaders that hold up a sign for players to run through are better blockers than Gresham was at this point.