hawaiiansteel
02-22-2011, 04:13 PM
Combine preview: Top performances, player projections
By Chad Reuter
NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
Feb. 17, 2011
The NFL Scouting Combine begins Feb. 24 and regardless of what most evaluators suggest, the 329 prospects invited have a chance to boost or bust their final draft rating.
NFLDraftScout.com examines the players who have made the most of their combine invitation since 2000, along with a player at each position who could make a similar move in the 2011 draft based on his performance in Indianapolis.
Worth noting: Many first-round picks prior to 2000 didn't work out in Indianapolis, leading to many past second-round picks being listed in the notable performers category below.
Top combine performances
2010 (Offensive tackle)
OT Trent Williams
No. 4 overall, Redskins
Maryland's Bruce Campbell received most of the headlines with his exceptional combine (4.75 40, 7.58 three-cone, 4.69 short shuttle at 6-feet-6, 314) but immaturity and average play on the field pushed Campbell to the fourth round. Williams' workout was nearly as good -- (4.81, 7.64, 4.63, 34.5-inch vertical -- and his superior on-field performance at Oklahoma made him the first tackle drafted.
Tyron Smith should put up 40-yard dash and shuttle times similar to Trent Williams' in 2010. (Getty Images) Projected 2011 combine star
OT Tyron Smith, Southern Cal
Expect the ultra-athletic Smith to weigh in at 300-plus pounds after playing at 285 for the Trojans. If his surgically repaired meniscus is healed, he should put up 40-yard dash and shuttle times similar to those recorded by Williams.
Other notable performances in 2010:
DT Lamarr Houston (44th overall, Raiders)
4.84 40, 33 1/2-inch vertical, 7.61 three-cone.
OT Rodger Saffold (33rd overall, Rams)
5.21 40, 27 reps of 225-pound bench press, 29 1/2-inch vertical, 4.67 shuttle, 7.42 three-cone, 9 feet, 5 inch broad jump.
RB Ben Tate (58th overall, Texans)
4.34 40, 26 reps of 225-pound bench press, 40 1/2-inch vertical, 4.12 short shuttle, 6.91 three-cone, 9 feet, 6 inch broad jump.
2009 (Defensive tackle)
DT Evander Hood
32nd overall, Steelers
"Ziggy" put on an athletic show (4.89 40, 34 reps, 33-inch vertical, 4.55 short shuttle, 7.5 three-cone). That allowed the Steelers to select him with the last pick of the first round as a five-technique defensive end in their 3-4 scheme.
Projected 2011 combine star
DT Corey Liuget, Illinois
A team running the 3-4 defense could view Liuget as a reasonable comparison to Hood, provided Liuget shows similar short-area quickness, but an outstanding performance could also boost his stock with 4-3 defensive teams like the Colts and Bears looking for a pass-rushing three-technique.
Other notable performances in 2009
DE/OLB Connor Barwin (46th overall, Texans)
4.61 40, 40 1/2-inch vertical, 4.18 short shuttle, 6.87 three-cone, 10 feet, 8 inch broad jump.
OLB Aaron Curry (4th overall, Seahawks)
4.55 40, 25 reps, 37-inch vertical, 10 feet, 4 inch broad jump. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland (7th overall, Raiders)
4.28 40, 16 reps, 38 1/2-inch vertical, 4.18 short shuttle, 6.8 three-cone.
2008 (Quarterback)
QB Matt Ryan (3rd overall, Falcons)
Athletic testing for most traditional, pro-style quarterbacks is fairly unimportant. As long as a quarterback appears somewhat mobile, teams will make their decisions based on the accuracy and arm strength shown on their college game film. Ryan actually made his case as a legitimate top-five pick during the interview process. The then 22-year old looked confident and comported himself as if he were a 10-year veteran. The Falcons took a chance on Ryan when many teams questioned his downfield arm strength and viewed his 18 interceptions as a senior as a foreboding sign.
Projected 2011 combine star
QB Cam Newton, Auburn
Newton will undoubtedly be off-the-charts athletically, should he choose to participate in workouts. But he'll need to woo teams with his personality and with straight-forward answers to tough questions about his troubles at Florida and throughout his heavily investigated secondary recruitment which found his father, Cecil, guilty of devising a pay-for-play scheme.
Other notable performances in 2008
RB Chris Johnson (24th overall, Titans)
4.24 40, 35-inch vertical, 10 feet, 10 inch broad jump.
SS Tyrell Johnson (42nd overall, Vikings)
4.41 40, 27 reps, 32-inch vertical, 10 feet, 7 inch broad jump.
TE Dustin Keller (30th overall, Jets)
4.55 40, 26 reps, 38-inch vertical, 4.14 short shuttle, 6.88 three-cone, 10 feet, 11 inch broad jump.
2007 (Defensive end)
DE Gaines Adams
4th overall, Buccaneers
Calvin Johnson's 4.4 40-yard dash at 230 pounds -- wearing someone else's shoes -- was impressive. But the late Adams' overall performance -- 4.66 40, 35-inch vertical, 7.17 three-cone, 9 feet, 11 inch broad jump, 35 3/4-inch arm length -- put him at the top of the defensive end class.
Projected 2011 combine star
DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
The death of Adams, who attended the same high school as Bowers, greatly affected Bowers, who saw the emerging star as a role model and "big brother." The loss of his mentor and also the death of his father shortly thereafter, pushed Bowers to play so well that the 2010 Nagurski Trophy winner cements his status as a top-five pick with a great performance on the turf and in the interview room in Indy.
Other notable performances in 2007
C/OG Ryan Kalil (59th overall, Panthers)
5.01 40, 34 reps, 4.34 short shuttle, 7.5 three-cone, 8 feet, 8 inch broad jump.
DT Amobi Okoye (10th overall, Texans)
5.06 40, 29 reps, 7.46 three-cone, 9 feet, 3 inch broad jump.
ILB Patrick Willis (11th overall, 49ers)
4.56 40, 39-inch vertical, 9 feet, 11 inch broad jump.
2006 (Tight end)
TE Vernon Davis, 6-3, 254
6th overall, 49ers
Davis' combine was the stuff of legends, outperforming wide receivers who were 50 pounds lighter. Davis wowed with a 4.38 40, 33 reps of 225-pound bench press, 42-inch vertical and 10 feet, 8 inch broad jump. The athleticism on display in Indy made him one of two tight ends (Kellen Winslow, Jr.) to be picked as high as the sixth overall selection over the past quarter-century.
D.J. Williams may not be the next Vernon Davis, but he should climb up the draft boards. (Getty Images)
Projected 2011 combine star
TE D.J. Williams, Arkansas
Don't expect Williams to put up the type of numbers Davis did; but he could do very well in the 40 and change-of-direction drills to make his way up draft boards as Dustin Keller (Jets) did in 2008.
Other notable performances in 2006
CB Tye Hill (15th overall, Rams)
4.34 40, 41-inch vertical, 4.01 short shuttle, 6.63 three-cone, 10 feet, 9 inch broad jump.
DE/OLB Manny Lawson (22nd overall, 49ers)
4.43 40, 39-inch vertical, 4.18 short shuttle, 6.9 three-cone, 10 feet, 4 inch broad jump.
FS Michael Huff (seventh overall, Raiders)
4.31 40, 21 reps, 40 1/2-inch vertical, 10 feet, 5 inch broad jump.
2005 (Outside linebacker)
DE/OLB DeMarcus Ware
11th overall, Cowboys
The Sun Belt star proved he belonged with the big boys with a 4.56 40, 27 reps with very long arms and a strong 6.83 three-cone drill that displayed his receiver-like short-area quickness. Bill Parcells picked him up early to be the 3-4 pass rush star we've seen over the past few seasons (80.5 career sacks).
Projected 2011 combine star
DE/OLB Aldon Smith, Missouri
The right leg Smith fractured this season will be checked extensively during his combine physical, but his long, lean frame gives him the chance to move up into the top 12 picks of the first round as Ware did with similar test results.
Other notable performances in 2005
DT Luis Castillo (28th overall, Chargers)
4.79 40, 32 reps, 34 1/2-inch vertical (failed steroids test but was still picked in the first round).
RB J.J. Arrington (44th overall, Cardinals)
4.4 40, 18 reps, 35-inch vertical, 6.81 three-cone, 10 feet, 1 inch broad jump.
WR/TE Matt Jones (21st overall, Jaguars)
4.37 40, 39 1/2-inch vertical, 10 feet, 9 inch broad jump (converted quarterback).
2004 (Cornerback)
CB Ahmad Carroll
25th overall, Packers
His career did not turn out as well as fellow combine stars Dunta Robinson and DeAngelo Hall (who ran 4.34 and 4.35 in the 40), there is no question that Carroll's pure athleticism (4.28 40, 41-inch vertical, 10-8 broad jump) meant the most to his draft stock.
Projected 2011 Combine star
CB Brandon Harris (Miami, Fla.)
Harris is looking up to Patrick Peterson -- who could wow with his size/speed combination -- and Prince Amukmara on draft boards. Just as Carroll did Robinson and Hall. But showing speed and explosion in other drills could help him secure that first-round slot.
Other notable performances in 2004
DE Travis LaBoy (42nd overall, Titans)
4.68 40, 35 reps, 7.01 three-cone, 10 feet, 6 inch broad jump.
DT Igor Olshansky (35th overall, Chargers)
4.97 40, 41 reps, 33 1/2-inch vertical, 7.61 three-cone, 9-2 broad jump.
S Bob Sanders (44th overall, Colts)
4.35 40, 41 1/2-inch vertical, 6.7 three-cone.
2003 (Guard)
OG Eric Steinbach
33rd overall, Browns
Steinbach was an All-American left guard for the Hawkeyes, but tested like a left tackle at the combine. His 4.94 40, 36-inch vertical, 7.34 three-cone, 9 feet, 11 inch broad jump gave him one of the top testing performances by an interior lineman over the last decade.
Projected 2011 combine star
OG Danny Watkins, Baylor
His advanced age (26) and inexperience (only played four years of football, two at the FBS level) aside, Watkins' technique and attitude has made him a favorite among scouts. But if he can perform better than expected in Indy, he can lock up a first-round selection. If he's off the charts, teams might envision keeping him at tackle.
Other notable performances in 2003
CB Sammy Davis (30th overall, Chargers)
4.41 40, 19 reps, 40-inch vertical, 7.0 three-cone, 10 feet, 11 inch broad jump.
OLB Chaun Thompson (52nd overall, Browns)
4.53 40, 29 reps, 35 1/2-inch vertical, 7.0 three-cone, 10 feet, 3 inch broad jump.
WR Tyrone Calico (60th overall, Titans)
4.34 40, 38-inch vertical, 6.72 three-cone, 10 feet, 7 inch broad jump.
2002 (Safety)
SS Tank Williams
45th overall, Titans
There's little wonder why a 220-pound safety player nicknamed "Tank" (first name is Clevan), running 4.46 40, pushing 19 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, recording a 38 1/2-inch vertical and broad jump of 10 feet, 5 inches, would go in the top 45 overall selections.
With a strong combine, DeAndre McDaniel could move into the first round. (Getty Images) Projected 2011 combine star
SS DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
This spot could have been taken by North Carolina's Deunta Williams had Williams not broken his right leg in the Tar Heels' bowl victory. But McDaniel's also a physical specimen who could inch all the way into the first round by showing his strength and surprising with good speed.
Other notable performances in 2002
DT Eddie Freeman, 6-5, 310, Kansas City, #43: 4.91 40, 32 reps, 34.5" vertical, 9'3" broad.
DE/OLB Bryan Thomas, 6-4, 266, NY Jets, #22: 4.47 40, 33 reps, 34.5' vertical.
WR Tim Carter, 6-0, 190, NY Giants, #46: 4.32 40, 39" vertical, 6.68 three-cone, 10'6" broad.
2001 (Running back)
RB LaDainian Tomlinson
5th overall, Chargers
One of the few elite prospects to work out at the 2001 combine, Tomlinson not only impressed NFL teams with his phenomenal workout (4.36 40, 18 reps, 40 1/2-inch vertical, 6.84 three-cone) but also his willingness to compete when others did not -- although he did face competition from Deuce McAllister (4.41 40 at 220 pounds, 20 reps, 37 1/2-inch vertical) and Michael Bennett (4.38 40, 39 1/2-inch vertical).
Projected 2011 combine star
RB Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
Without injury issues, Williams would probably be among the top prospects in this draft. But knee surgery and ankle issues in high school, along with a torn right hamstring during the 2010 season, makes scouts doubt his durability. Assuming he is healthy for the combine, expect him to put up the best numbers among top running back prospects and enjoy a bump up many draft boards.
Other notable performances in 2001
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (34th overall, Cardinals)
4.75 40, 26 reps, 36 1/2-inch vertical, 6.83 three-cone, 9 feet, 11 inch broad jump.
ILB Kendrell Bell (39th overall, Steelers)
4.64 40, 38 1/2-inch vertical, 7.25 three-cone, 10 feet, 4 inch broad jump.
WR Chris Chambers (52nd overall, Dolphins)
4.33 40, 45-inch vertical.
2000 (Inside linebacker)
ILB Brian Urlacher
9th overall, Bears
Scouts knew all about the talent of New Mexico's star, who excelled at the "Lobo" position, a safety/linebacker hybrid. He also made plays as a wide receiver (six touchdown receptions) and return specialist (five touchdowns). But the athleticism he showed at 258 pounds (4.59 40, 27 reps, 34-inch vertical, 10 feet, 2 inch broad jump) cinched a top-10 spot.
Projected 2011 combine star
ILB Martez Wilson, Illinois
Wilson's neck problems that kept him off the field in 2009 might scare off some teams, but his athleticism has always been evident. He played inside for the Illini, and could shift outside as a pass rusher at the next level, but 3-4 teams looking for a Karlos Dansby-type inside 'backer will really appreciate his skill set.
Other notable performances in 2000
OT Chad Clifton (44th overall, Packers)
5.08 40, 24 reps of 225-pound bench press, 30 1/2-inch vertical, 7.58 three-cone.
RB Trung Canidate (32nd overall, Rams)
4.44 40, 18 reps.
S William Bartee (54th overall, Chiefs)
4.45 40, 38 1/2-inch vertical, 6.7 three-cone, 10 feet, 4 inch broad jump.
Chad Reuter is a Senior Draft Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange. Follow Chad on Twitter at @ChadReuter.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/stor ... rojections (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/14703904/combine-preview-top-performances-player-projections)
hawaiiansteel
02-23-2011, 09:01 PM
Tomlin wary of workout warriors
By Bob Labriola - Steelers Digest
The annual NFL Scouting Combine is a valuable tool for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers, but not for any of the reasons that will be showcased on the six days worth of programming to be aired on NFL Network.
“The workout warrior is a scary player,” Tomlin has said. “I tell our football team all the time: our tape is a walking, talking, breathing resume. It is. Ultimately we are defined by what’s on tape. No question you can see what somebody is potentially capable of from a workout, but that’s no indication of what they’re willing to do, what kind of football player they are.”
The Steelers long have believed in using the draft as their primary method of acquiring talent and then building their team by developing these players and retaining the good ones through the prime years of their careers. The development part is important, for sure, but the selection part might be more critical because not everybody is willing to be “developed.”
That’s a big part of what the Steelers are looking to do during the run-up to the draft – determining which of the players who possess the requisite skills to play professional football are willing to be coached – and the best place to be exposed to the largest number the candidates is the NFL Scouting Combine, set to begin today and run through March 1 in Indianapolis.
“For me, I am looking for pedigree that jumps out at me, things you can’t coach,” said Tomlin about what he’s looking to get accomplished during his time in Indianapolis. “Just to start the process of getting to know the draft class, personally what makes them tick, their issues, to start the information-gathering process in terms of putting together a profile on these guys. But in terms of the physical activity, I am just simply looking at pedigree.”
That takes place daily on the floor of Lucas Oil Stadium, and those drills will make up the bulk of what’s on TV. That’s one portion, but more important from the sound of things are what the prospect has done during his college career and then how he comes across in the interview process.
Each team is allowed to interview 60 players for 15 minutes per during the days of the Combine, and the Steelers contingent is made up of Tomlin, Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert, either Dick LeBeau or Bruce Arians depending upon whether the guy plays offense or defense, College Scouting Coordinator Ron Hughes, Pro and College Personnel Special Assistant Joe Greene and Kevin Wildenhaus, who serves as the team’s psychologist.
“Most of the time it’s just information-gathering, and it’s the process of building a profile on each individual player. That’s about all you can get accomplished in 15 minutes,” said Tomlin. “Sometimes the sessions go in other directions based on information you have about them going into it, if someone has had an off-the-field incident, or somebody has had a highly publicized on-the-field incident, or academic issues. If there is some background that needs to be discussed up front, sometimes that is capable of taking over the meeting. But more than anything it’s just the beginning snapshot in terms of putting together an initial profile on all the guys.”
Once upon a time, these sessions had a chance of eliciting some honest, off-the-cuff information, but after years and years and years of interviewing, teams have found that players come in prepared for what they’re to be asked. But for Tomlin, a performed response isn’t necessarily a useless response.
“Let’s be honest, these guys are trying to make a good impression,” said Tomlin. “Some people are more fluid and natural in that than others, and some people are working at it. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a negative thing if somebody is trying to impress you. I don’t see it as that, but I do recognize when it’s occurring or when someone is comfortable in being themselves.”
And once Tomlin and the Steelers are able to determine when someone is comfortable in being themselves, they are on the road to figuring out if they can be comfortable with him on their team.
http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/ ... 5e586f6102 (http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Tomlin-wary-of-workout-warriors/ff020344-b0b0-42ed-b09f-fd5e586f6102)
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