Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Rennie Curran.
Curran was 18th nationally in tackles last season, averaging 10 per game.
NFL position: OLB
Height: 5-10 5/8
Weight: 235
40 time: 4.87
Current projection: Third-round pick
Strengths: Is quick and athletic, able to chase down plays sideline to sideline. Shows good instincts to read correctly and react quickly. Reaches full speed in a blink, and shows an explosive closing burst to ballcarriers. Shows the quickness and agility to avoid blockers, and is tough to block in the open field. When dropping into coverage, is quick, smooth and agile. Reads quarterbacks well, and delivers hard hits after the catch. Gets out to the flat quickly to tackle running backs right after the catch on dump-offs, and shows the speed to cover tight ends man-to-man all over the field. Bends knees and snaps hips to drive into ballcarriers to deliver violent hits.
Weaknesses: Lacks height; can be engulfed by offensive linemen. Bites on play-action fakes at times, allowing receivers to get behind him. Struggles to defend passes to tight ends despite being in good position — gets pushed around or beat on jump balls. Must learn to better use hands to protect legs from cut blocks.
Bottom line: Curran is a short linebacker with the athleticism, instincts, competitiveness and speed to still be productive. Perhaps only the Redskins’ London Fletcher has been a high-quality NFL linebacker at his size. As an added bonus, Curran also should be a special teams demon.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Rennie Curran.
Curran was 18th nationally in tackles last season, averaging 10 per game.
NFL position: OLB
Height: 5-10 5/8
Weight: 235
40 time: 4.87
Current projection: Third-round pick
Strengths: Is quick and athletic, able to chase down plays sideline to sideline. Shows good instincts to read correctly and react quickly. Reaches full speed in a blink, and shows an explosive closing burst to ballcarriers. Shows the quickness and agility to avoid blockers, and is tough to block in the open field. When dropping into coverage, is quick, smooth and agile. Reads quarterbacks well, and delivers hard hits after the catch. Gets out to the flat quickly to tackle running backs right after the catch on dump-offs, and shows the speed to cover tight ends man-to-man all over the field. Bends knees and snaps hips to drive into ballcarriers to deliver violent hits.
Weaknesses: Lacks height; can be engulfed by offensive linemen. Bites on play-action fakes at times, allowing receivers to get behind him. Struggles to defend passes to tight ends despite being in good position — gets pushed around or beat on jump balls. Must learn to better use hands to protect legs from cut blocks.
Bottom line: Curran is a short linebacker with the athleticism, instincts, competitiveness and speed to still be productive. Perhaps only the Redskins’ London Fletcher has been a high-quality NFL linebacker at his size. As an added bonus, Curran also should be a special teams demon.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
A quick look at the ramifications of the Donovan McNabb trade on the April 22 NFL draft:
McNabb trade means Sam Bradford more likely than ever to be heading to St. Louis.
• St. Louis Rams. Many people around the league had expected Washington to make a big attempt at trading up from the No. 4 spot to the Rams’ No. 1 spot to take Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. The only other teams that might consider such a move — Seattle and Buffalo — aren’t as likely to pay the price and thus the Rams probably are stuck in the top spot.
• Bradford. Rumors have been swirling for weeks that Bradford wouldn’t be willing to sign a contract before the draft — although he refuted such notions last week. With no other team in the picture, the Rams now have more leverage in negotiations, too. Unless an unknown team steps forward and blows away the Rams with a trade offer, Bradford will sign with the Rams in the hours before the draft.
• Jimmy Clausen. Although we always doubted Redskins coach Mike Shanahan’s reported interest in Clausen at No. 4 — thinking it was simply a negotiating ploy with the Rams — Clausen certainly isn’t going to Washington now. If the Bills don’t take Clausen at No. 9, he could be in for a Brady Quinn-like freefall in the first round.
• Tim Tebow. Many NFL personnel men figured that if Bradford and Clausen were selected in the top 10 then Tebow could be the pick of a team in the 20s. If the Bills pass on Clausen and he drops into the 20s, that could bump Tebow back to the second round.
• Detroit Lions. When the Redskins were rumored to be drafting a QB, many thought the Lions could trade down below the Redskins and still get one of the top two offensive tackles. After picking up McNabb, the Redskins almost certainly will select a left tackle at No. 4 to protect his blind side. If Detroit is locked into one of two offensive tackles, the club almost certainly has to stay put at No. 2 and take their pick or take a big gamble in trading down.
• Seattle Seahawks. Before the McNabb trade, the Seahawks at No. 6 were in good position to get one of the top two offensive tackles. Now, they might have to settle for the third-best guy on their draft board unless they trade up.
• Buffalo Bills. The Bills could be the big winners of the McNabb trade. First, it means they should have the option to take Clausen at No. 9. If that’s the player new GM Buddy Nix identifies as the team’s QB of the future, he’d have great leverage to get Clausen signed while on the clock April 22. Reason being, Clausen and his agent would know he could drop 10-20 more spots down the first round if the Bills pass on him.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
A quick look at the ramifications of the Donovan McNabb trade on the April 22 NFL draft:
McNabb trade means Sam Bradford more likely than ever to be heading to St. Louis.
• St. Louis Rams. Many people around the league had expected Washington to make a big attempt at trading up from the No. 4 spot to the Rams’ No. 1 spot to take Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford. The only other teams that might consider such a move — Seattle and Buffalo — aren’t as likely to pay the price and thus the Rams probably are stuck in the top spot.
• Bradford. Rumors have been swirling for weeks that Bradford wouldn’t be willing to sign a contract before the draft — although he refuted such notions last week. With no other team in the picture, the Rams now have more leverage in negotiations, too. Unless an unknown team steps forward and blows away the Rams with a trade offer, Bradford will sign with the Rams in the hours before the draft.
• Jimmy Clausen. Although we always doubted Redskins coach Mike Shanahan’s reported interest in Clausen at No. 4 — thinking it was simply a negotiating ploy with the Rams — Clausen certainly isn’t going to Washington now. If the Bills don’t take Clausen at No. 9, he could be in for a Brady Quinn-like freefall in the first round.
• Tim Tebow. Many NFL personnel men figured that if Bradford and Clausen were selected in the top 10 then Tebow could be the pick of a team in the 20s. If the Bills pass on Clausen and he drops into the 20s, that could bump Tebow back to the second round.
• Detroit Lions. When the Redskins were rumored to be drafting a QB, many thought the Lions could trade down below the Redskins and still get one of the top two offensive tackles. After picking up McNabb, the Redskins almost certainly will select a left tackle at No. 4 to protect his blind side. If Detroit is locked into one of two offensive tackles, the club almost certainly has to stay put at No. 2 and take their pick or take a big gamble in trading down.
• Seattle Seahawks. Before the McNabb trade, the Seahawks at No. 6 were in good position to get one of the top two offensive tackles. Now, they might have to settle for the third-best guy on their draft board unless they trade up.
• Buffalo Bills. The Bills could be the big winners of the McNabb trade. First, it means they should have the option to take Clausen at No. 9. If that’s the player new GM Buddy Nix identifies as the team’s QB of the future, he’d have great leverage to get Clausen signed while on the clock April 22. Reason being, Clausen and his agent would know he could drop 10-20 more spots down the first round if the Bills pass on him.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Perrish Cox.
Perrish Cox has the tools to be a solid NFL cornerback.
NFL position: CB
Height: 5-11 3/8
Weight: 195
40 time: 4.51
Current projection: Second-round pick
Athletic ability: Is a good athlete, enabling him to be a highly productive despite shaky technique. Shows quick footwork and excellent agility to plant, drive and close on passes in front of him. Shows loose and smooth hip movements, enabling him to turn and run with receivers despite high and upright backpedal. Shows the speed to run with receivers on deep routes and the burst to recover from a false step. Shows the ball skills, athleticism and body control to reach or cut in front of receivers to break up passes without committing a penalty. Accelerates to full speed quickly as a return man and makes sharp cuts; is strong enough to break tackles. Is a big-play return man. Grade: 7.5
Coverage skills: Has natural coverage skills to be in the right position to play the ball. From "off" and zone coverage, reads the QB and receiver well to maintain proper position. In man-to-man, reads the route well and stays on receivers’ hips and then cuts under to break up or intercept the pass; receivers often have to go through him to get to the ball. Must improve backpedal technique; must learn to sink hips and backpedal in a more compact motion. Grade: 8.5
Run-pass recognition: Shows good instincts; is consistently in the right place at the right time. Gets his head around to play the ball even on "fade" routes. Reads quick receiver screens in a blink, and explodes upfield, avoids blockers and makes hard hits right after the catch. Grade: 8.5
Closing speed: Shows a good closing burst to break up passes. Can plant, drive and close quickly on passes in front of him, but could improve backpedal to become top-notch in this area. Closes quickly when chasing ballcarriers, consistently chasing down runners. Grade: 7.5
Ball skills: Should intercept a lot of passes in the NFL. Is aggressive but under control when going in front of receivers; rarely is called for a penalty. Is one of the few cornerbacks this decade we have evaluated to break up more passes than he allowed completions. Grade: 8.0
Run support: Shows the ability and willingness to come up quickly to make tackles. Will chase after ballcarriers across the field, too. Does not hesitate to try to tackle running backs, but will at times get a little out of control and miss a tackle. Grade: 7.5
Bottom line: Cox plays the cornerback position with the tough, aggressive and competitive attitude that is hard to find. Throw in his athleticism, instincts and play-making skills, and Cox has everything it takes to become a good pro. Cox is not likely to be drafted as highly as we have him rated, but we are confident that within a few seasons he will establish himself as a productive cornerback and dangerous kickoff returner.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Perrish Cox.
Perrish Cox has the tools to be a solid NFL cornerback.
NFL position: CB
Height: 5-11 3/8
Weight: 195
40 time: 4.51
Current projection: Second-round pick
Athletic ability: Is a good athlete, enabling him to be a highly productive despite shaky technique. Shows quick footwork and excellent agility to plant, drive and close on passes in front of him. Shows loose and smooth hip movements, enabling him to turn and run with receivers despite high and upright backpedal. Shows the speed to run with receivers on deep routes and the burst to recover from a false step. Shows the ball skills, athleticism and body control to reach or cut in front of receivers to break up passes without committing a penalty. Accelerates to full speed quickly as a return man and makes sharp cuts; is strong enough to break tackles. Is a big-play return man. Grade: 7.5
Coverage skills: Has natural coverage skills to be in the right position to play the ball. From "off" and zone coverage, reads the QB and receiver well to maintain proper position. In man-to-man, reads the route well and stays on receivers’ hips and then cuts under to break up or intercept the pass; receivers often have to go through him to get to the ball. Must improve backpedal technique; must learn to sink hips and backpedal in a more compact motion. Grade: 8.5
Run-pass recognition: Shows good instincts; is consistently in the right place at the right time. Gets his head around to play the ball even on "fade" routes. Reads quick receiver screens in a blink, and explodes upfield, avoids blockers and makes hard hits right after the catch. Grade: 8.5
Closing speed: Shows a good closing burst to break up passes. Can plant, drive and close quickly on passes in front of him, but could improve backpedal to become top-notch in this area. Closes quickly when chasing ballcarriers, consistently chasing down runners. Grade: 7.5
Ball skills: Should intercept a lot of passes in the NFL. Is aggressive but under control when going in front of receivers; rarely is called for a penalty. Is one of the few cornerbacks this decade we have evaluated to break up more passes than he allowed completions. Grade: 8.0
Run support: Shows the ability and willingness to come up quickly to make tackles. Will chase after ballcarriers across the field, too. Does not hesitate to try to tackle running backs, but will at times get a little out of control and miss a tackle. Grade: 7.5
Bottom line: Cox plays the cornerback position with the tough, aggressive and competitive attitude that is hard to find. Throw in his athleticism, instincts and play-making skills, and Cox has everything it takes to become a good pro. Cox is not likely to be drafted as highly as we have him rated, but we are confident that within a few seasons he will establish himself as a productive cornerback and dangerous kickoff returner.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
A slew of NFL scouts, coaches and personnel men made the trip to Austin on Wednesday for Texas’ pro day but really didn’t learn anything they didn’t already know about QB Colt McCoy, outside linebacker/defensive end Sergio Kindle, safety Earl Thomas and defensive tackle Lamarr Houston.
Colt McCoy’s physical skills didn’t impress scouts at pro day.
• McCoy has received a ton of hype as an elite prospect, but he did not look like a top-level prospect during his workout Wednesday.
As expected, McCoy was attentive to detail and sound fundamentally but his physical skills just aren’t noteworthy. He was consistently accurate throughout his workout, but that’s his forte.
McCoy again showed limited arm strength and confirmed our concerns that he will not be able to complete the 15- to 20-yard passes with zip. In fact, many of his passes fluttered.
McCoy won more games and garnered more media attention in college career than Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford, but McCoy’s workout was not close to as good as Bradford’s on Monday and the difference between the two prospects is glaring.
• Kindle was unable to "wow" NFL personnel men Wednesday in terms of athleticism, but he definitely impressed with his toughness and commitment.
Kindle tweaked an ankle/knee injury during the 60-yard shuttle early Wednesday and then clearly wasn’t 100 percent during the position drills later in the day. He still toughed it out and completed the workout.
He was more impressive moving forward in the defensive end drills than he was in the linebacker drills, but some of that definitely could be traced to his leg problems and the fact he played end in college.
His struggles in the linebacker drills Wednesday should not hurt his draft stock, and his willingness to work through the pain will help him in many coaches’ eyes.
• Thomas pulled a hamstring running the 40-yard dash Wednesday and basically disappeared thereafter. He was not able to do any more of the Combine-type tests and did not go through any position drills. If he is to pass Tennessee’s Eric Berry and become the first safety drafted—a real possibility—he must schedule a workout in mid-April.
• Houston had a good all-around workout and showed his athleticism. He showed the quick footwork and hands that NFL coaches covet and gave an excellent effort throughout the workout—sort of his trademark. Houston did not have a knockout day, but he looked good in nearly all the drills.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated mock draft (now three rounds long), Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
A slew of NFL scouts, coaches and personnel men made the trip to Austin on Wednesday for Texas’ pro day but really didn’t learn anything they didn’t already know about QB Colt McCoy, outside linebacker/defensive end Sergio Kindle, safety Earl Thomas and defensive tackle Lamarr Houston.
Colt McCoy’s physical skills didn’t impress scouts at pro day.
• McCoy has received a ton of hype as an elite prospect, but he did not look like a top-level prospect during his workout Wednesday.
As expected, McCoy was attentive to detail and sound fundamentally but his physical skills just aren’t noteworthy. He was consistently accurate throughout his workout, but that’s his forte.
McCoy again showed limited arm strength and confirmed our concerns that he will not be able to complete the 15- to 20-yard passes with zip. In fact, many of his passes fluttered.
McCoy won more games and garnered more media attention in college career than Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford, but McCoy’s workout was not close to as good as Bradford’s on Monday and the difference between the two prospects is glaring.
• Kindle was unable to "wow" NFL personnel men Wednesday in terms of athleticism, but he definitely impressed with his toughness and commitment.
Kindle tweaked an ankle/knee injury during the 60-yard shuttle early Wednesday and then clearly wasn’t 100 percent during the position drills later in the day. He still toughed it out and completed the workout.
He was more impressive moving forward in the defensive end drills than he was in the linebacker drills, but some of that definitely could be traced to his leg problems and the fact he played end in college.
His struggles in the linebacker drills Wednesday should not hurt his draft stock, and his willingness to work through the pain will help him in many coaches’ eyes.
• Thomas pulled a hamstring running the 40-yard dash Wednesday and basically disappeared thereafter. He was not able to do any more of the Combine-type tests and did not go through any position drills. If he is to pass Tennessee’s Eric Berry and become the first safety drafted—a real possibility—he must schedule a workout in mid-April.
• Houston had a good all-around workout and showed his athleticism. He showed the quick footwork and hands that NFL coaches covet and gave an excellent effort throughout the workout—sort of his trademark. Houston did not have a knockout day, but he looked good in nearly all the drills.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated mock draft (now three rounds long), Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Cam Thomas.
NFL position: DT/NT
Height: 6-4
Weight: 330
40 time: 5.33
Current projection: Third-round pick
Strengths: Has a big, thick body with rare strength and quickness. Shows the foot quickness and instincts to consistently be the first lineman moving at the snap; can jolt pass blockers upright and drive them into the QB. Can beat one-onone pass blocks by guards. Can get inside "reach" blocks, hold his ground and disrupt plays in backfield. Has the strength to hold his ground against double-team run blocks; flashes the ability to split it and make tackle on runs at him. Flashes good competitiveness and quickness moving through traffic and chasing down ballcarriers between the tackles.
Weaknesses: Lacks ability to explode through gaps to penetrate consistently. Has a bad habit of getting upright and not playing aggressively, causing him to get tied up too often. Does not deal well with side blocks, and can be either ridden down the line or sealed by them. Does not pass rush effectively if unable to jolt offensive linemen with hand punch. Lacks the speed to make plays outside the tackle box. Does not play with great intensity on every snap.
Bottom line: Thomas has the ability to be a dominant player at the point of attack when aggressive but was somewhat of an underachiever in college. During Senior Bowl practices, he was exactly the same—showing flashes of talent to be a dominant player but then giving inconsistent effort throughout the week. He is a boom-or-bust prospect, so G.M.s should be careful not to overdraft him on his potential. He fits at tackle in a 4-3 scheme but might have more value as a nose tackle in a 3-4 system. He shouldn’t be drafted until the middle of the third round, at best, but could find his way into the second simply because so many 3-4 teams are desperate for a young nose tackle.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Cam Thomas.
NFL position: DT/NT
Height: 6-4
Weight: 330
40 time: 5.33
Current projection: Third-round pick
Strengths: Has a big, thick body with rare strength and quickness. Shows the foot quickness and instincts to consistently be the first lineman moving at the snap; can jolt pass blockers upright and drive them into the QB. Can beat one-onone pass blocks by guards. Can get inside "reach" blocks, hold his ground and disrupt plays in backfield. Has the strength to hold his ground against double-team run blocks; flashes the ability to split it and make tackle on runs at him. Flashes good competitiveness and quickness moving through traffic and chasing down ballcarriers between the tackles.
Weaknesses: Lacks ability to explode through gaps to penetrate consistently. Has a bad habit of getting upright and not playing aggressively, causing him to get tied up too often. Does not deal well with side blocks, and can be either ridden down the line or sealed by them. Does not pass rush effectively if unable to jolt offensive linemen with hand punch. Lacks the speed to make plays outside the tackle box. Does not play with great intensity on every snap.
Bottom line: Thomas has the ability to be a dominant player at the point of attack when aggressive but was somewhat of an underachiever in college. During Senior Bowl practices, he was exactly the same—showing flashes of talent to be a dominant player but then giving inconsistent effort throughout the week. He is a boom-or-bust prospect, so G.M.s should be careful not to overdraft him on his potential. He fits at tackle in a 4-3 scheme but might have more value as a nose tackle in a 3-4 system. He shouldn’t be drafted until the middle of the third round, at best, but could find his way into the second simply because so many 3-4 teams are desperate for a young nose tackle.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant hasn’t played competitive football since Sept. 19 and sure looked like it Tuesday in a workout for NFL scouts, coaches and general managers.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy, 49ers coach Mike Singletary and Seahawks coach Pete Carroll were among the NFL personnel people who made the trip to Lufkin, Texas, for an up-close viewing of Bryant’s first public workout since being suspended by the NCAA last season.
Bryant showed flashes of greatness but certainly didn’t "wow" anyone Tuesday.
He ran sharp routes, just like he did on game film, and did a good job of catching passes in most drills. He did struggle on routes with his back to the quarterback, where he had to turn quickly and catch passes just as he made his break.
In Combine-like drills, he did show explosive athleticism. He recorded an 11-foot, 1-inch broad jump and a 38-inch vertical jump.
Bryant, however, showed only average speed. He ran the 40-yard dash with a slight breeze in the mid 4.5-second range and then against the wind in mid 4.6-second range. Scouts said the huge variance in times had more to with Bryant’s choppy and inconsistent starts than any wind.
More concerning is the fact Bryant seemed unprepared to properly run the short shuttle, long shuttle and 3-cone drills. He had to re-run several of the drills and never once ran hard to the finish, frustrating all in attendance. His hip movements looked tight, and he struggled to change directions quickly. He also quit the 225-pound bench press after 14 reps, even though he obviously could’ve done more.
Overall, Bryant’s disappointing day likely will lead to him falling on a number of team’s draft boards because personnel men now must question his work ethic. He had six months to prepare for this workout and still failed to shine.
Bryant once could’ve been the first receiver drafted. His only hope now to regain some lost draft stock is in private workouts for teams, hoping he can make that one team forget this disappointing performance.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant hasn’t played competitive football since Sept. 19 and sure looked like it Tuesday in a workout for NFL scouts, coaches and general managers.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy, 49ers coach Mike Singletary and Seahawks coach Pete Carroll were among the NFL personnel people who made the trip to Lufkin, Texas, for an up-close viewing of Bryant’s first public workout since being suspended by the NCAA last season.
Bryant showed flashes of greatness but certainly didn’t "wow" anyone Tuesday.
He ran sharp routes, just like he did on game film, and did a good job of catching passes in most drills. He did struggle on routes with his back to the quarterback, where he had to turn quickly and catch passes just as he made his break.
In Combine-like drills, he did show explosive athleticism. He recorded an 11-foot, 1-inch broad jump and a 38-inch vertical jump.
Bryant, however, showed only average speed. He ran the 40-yard dash with a slight breeze in the mid 4.5-second range and then against the wind in mid 4.6-second range. Scouts said the huge variance in times had more to with Bryant’s choppy and inconsistent starts than any wind.
More concerning is the fact Bryant seemed unprepared to properly run the short shuttle, long shuttle and 3-cone drills. He had to re-run several of the drills and never once ran hard to the finish, frustrating all in attendance. His hip movements looked tight, and he struggled to change directions quickly. He also quit the 225-pound bench press after 14 reps, even though he obviously could’ve done more.
Overall, Bryant’s disappointing day likely will lead to him falling on a number of team’s draft boards because personnel men now must question his work ethic. He had six months to prepare for this workout and still failed to shine.
Bryant once could’ve been the first receiver drafted. His only hope now to regain some lost draft stock is in private workouts for teams, hoping he can make that one team forget this disappointing performance.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
Sam Bradford is No. 1. Or at least he should be.
Based off his workout Monday in Norman, Okla., there is nothing left for Bradford to prove. Rams officials will wait until the quarterback’s private workout in St. Louis on April 19 before locking in its decision with the No. 1-overall pick, but Bradford is healthy and no doubt has all the physical tools to be a good NFL quarterback.
Many quarterbacks with good tools look great in organized workouts such as Bradford’s on Monday, so it’s important to always go back to the film on such prospects. And Bradford’s game film leaves no doubt he is an elite prospect.
In Monday’s workout, Bradford showed the same quick and compact throwing motion he did before his shoulder injury so it seems as though the injury and rehab did not alter his throwing motion.
He dropped back from center on nearly every pass attempt but did take a few shotgun snaps. He showed quick footwork while dropping back and looked quick and comfortable planting his back foot and driving into throws. He displayed a strong arm throughout the workout and showed the ability to make all the NFL throws with zip.
He was accurate throughout the workout, although two passes were slightly behind the receiver but were caught with only slight route adjustments. His passes had a tight spiral, and he displayed good touch on deep passes along the sideline. He put good air under passes with just enough zip, leading receivers perfectly so they didn’t have to slow down to catch deep balls.
He was able to show off his arm strength when he threw a nice pass deep down the middle of the field that traveled more than 65 yards in the air. He looked athletic on rollouts and made strong and accurate throws on the move.
Other than the shoulder injury, the only unanswered question had been arm strength. After Monday’s workout, all questions have been answered.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
Sam Bradford is No. 1. Or at least he should be.
Based off his workout Monday in Norman, Okla., there is nothing left for Bradford to prove. Rams officials will wait until the quarterback’s private workout in St. Louis on April 19 before locking in its decision with the No. 1-overall pick, but Bradford is healthy and no doubt has all the physical tools to be a good NFL quarterback.
Many quarterbacks with good tools look great in organized workouts such as Bradford’s on Monday, so it’s important to always go back to the film on such prospects. And Bradford’s game film leaves no doubt he is an elite prospect.
In Monday’s workout, Bradford showed the same quick and compact throwing motion he did before his shoulder injury so it seems as though the injury and rehab did not alter his throwing motion.
He dropped back from center on nearly every pass attempt but did take a few shotgun snaps. He showed quick footwork while dropping back and looked quick and comfortable planting his back foot and driving into throws. He displayed a strong arm throughout the workout and showed the ability to make all the NFL throws with zip.
He was accurate throughout the workout, although two passes were slightly behind the receiver but were caught with only slight route adjustments. His passes had a tight spiral, and he displayed good touch on deep passes along the sideline. He put good air under passes with just enough zip, leading receivers perfectly so they didn’t have to slow down to catch deep balls.
He was able to show off his arm strength when he threw a nice pass deep down the middle of the field that traveled more than 65 yards in the air. He looked athletic on rollouts and made strong and accurate throws on the move.
Other than the shoulder injury, the only unanswered question had been arm strength. After Monday’s workout, all questions have been answered.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
News, notes and analysis on pro days and individual workouts heading toward the April 22-24 draft:
• Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, having checked out medically after his late-season shoulder surgery, sits atop most team’s draft boards and very well could lock up the No. 1 overall draft pick Monday when he holds a workout for NFL scouts, coaches and general managers.
Monday in Norman, Okla., Bradford must prove he has the arm strength necessary to make all the NFL throws and show consistent footwork and mechanics. After evaluating all his game film, arm strength really is the only question mark.
• On Tuesday, Oklahoma State CB Perrish Cox and Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant will hold individual workouts in Texas; Cox in Waco and Bryant in Lufkin. For both, interviews before and after are as important as the workout itself.
There are not many questions about Cox’s athleticism, but he’s not a first-round prospect because of off-field issues. He still show the elite speed he displayed on film, and if so he’ll move up draft boards because elite prospects typically get more wiggle room when it comes to character issues.
Bryant has questions to answer for, too, but he missed most of the 2009 season after lying to NCAA investigators and must prove he has stayed in good shape. He still must answer questions about his explosiveness and top-end speed because scouts still have questions about his ability to consistently separate from NFL defenders.
• Missouri State TE Clay Harbor had a great workout last week. He ran the 40-yard dash in the high 4.5-second range to low 4.6-second range, depending on the scout holding the stopwatch, and was good in all other drills.
His lack of ideal bulk is a concern, but his display of athleticism and receiving skills at Missouri State, during the Texas vs. Nation practices, at the NFL Scouting Combine and now at his pro day solidified his draft stock. He is a lock to be a third-round pick and could sneak into the bottom of the second round.
He could well end up becoming a pro in the mold of the Colts’ Dallas Clark in a few seasons.
For information and analysis on these and many other players, see the latest Draft Dish in SN’s Pro Football War Room. For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
News, notes and analysis on pro days and individual workouts heading toward the April 22-24 draft:
• Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, having checked out medically after his late-season shoulder surgery, sits atop most team’s draft boards and very well could lock up the No. 1 overall draft pick Monday when he holds a workout for NFL scouts, coaches and general managers.
Monday in Norman, Okla., Bradford must prove he has the arm strength necessary to make all the NFL throws and show consistent footwork and mechanics. After evaluating all his game film, arm strength really is the only question mark.
• On Tuesday, Oklahoma State CB Perrish Cox and Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant will hold individual workouts in Texas; Cox in Waco and Bryant in Lufkin. For both, interviews before and after are as important as the workout itself.
There are not many questions about Cox’s athleticism, but he’s not a first-round prospect because of off-field issues. He still show the elite speed he displayed on film, and if so he’ll move up draft boards because elite prospects typically get more wiggle room when it comes to character issues.
Bryant has questions to answer for, too, but he missed most of the 2009 season after lying to NCAA investigators and must prove he has stayed in good shape. He still must answer questions about his explosiveness and top-end speed because scouts still have questions about his ability to consistently separate from NFL defenders.
• Missouri State TE Clay Harbor had a great workout last week. He ran the 40-yard dash in the high 4.5-second range to low 4.6-second range, depending on the scout holding the stopwatch, and was good in all other drills.
His lack of ideal bulk is a concern, but his display of athleticism and receiving skills at Missouri State, during the Texas vs. Nation practices, at the NFL Scouting Combine and now at his pro day solidified his draft stock. He is a lock to be a third-round pick and could sneak into the bottom of the second round.
He could well end up becoming a pro in the mold of the Colts’ Dallas Clark in a few seasons.
For information and analysis on these and many other players, see the latest Draft Dish in SN’s Pro Football War Room. For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Fans will recognize many of the players in Sporting News’ latest mock draft second round. SN draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts believe Notre Dame’s Golden Tate, Alabama’s Terrence Cody and a handful of Florida standouts will come off the board with picks 33-64.
1. St. Louis Rams
Golden Tate could wind up wearing gold and blue in St. Louis.
Golden Tate*, WR, Notre Dame. If the Rams grab Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford in the first round, the overhaul of the offense can continue with Tate. He has the ability to make big plays running after the catch.
2. Detroit Lions
Earl Thomas*, S, Texas. The Lions want to add speed to their secondary/defense and Thomas has the explosiveness and play-making ability to upgrade the back end of their secondary quickly.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois. The Bucs’ OL has struggled with consistency in recent seasons and they need to upgrade. Asamoah brings the athleticism to be a good NFL guard and possibly even a tackle.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Arrelious Benn* , WR, Illinois. The Chiefs need offensive weapons and Benn is a well-built and very athletic receiver who has the talent to be a big-time player in the NFL if he can play up to his ability more consistently.
5. Washington Redskins
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati. While many expect them to take Clausen in the first round, Pike is the tall, strong-armed QB that Mike Shanahan seems to prefer.
6. Cleveland Browns
Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State. Cox is a first-round talent who will likely slide due to off-field concerns. But the Browns need to improve their secondary and here he is too good of a value for the Cleveland to pass up.
7. Oakland Raiders
Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida. The Raiders need to replace Kirk Morrison and Spikes is the type of tough, hard-nosed middle linebacker the Raiders have won with over the years.
8. San Diego Chargers (from Seattle)
Jeff Owens, DT, Georgia. After losing Jamal Williams, the Chargers desperately need a nose tackle. Owens is the best true NT in this year’s draft and could start as a rookie.
9. Buffalo Bills
Corey Wootton, DE , Northwestern. With the Bills switching to a 3-4 scheme, they need to get big, tall, long-armed DE’s to fit their scheme; Wooten fits that perfectly.
The War Room has Carlos Dunlap staying in the Sunshine State.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago)
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida. The Bucs want to upgrade their pass rush and while Dunlap’s lack of consistency is a real concern, his size, strength and athleticism are too good to pass up right now.
11. Miami Dolphins
D’Anthony Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech. The Dolphins are still trying to bring in big, strong defensive linemen to play DE in their 3-4 scheme. Smith, who played DT in college, fits the bill perfectly.
12. New England Patriots (from Jacksonville)
Damian Williams* , WR, USC. With Wes Welker’s 2010 season up in the air and Brandon Tate an unknown, the Pats need some help at receiver, and Williams is a smart route runner who has excellent hands and good run after catch ability.
13. Denver Broncos
Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati. The Broncos are going to get rid of Brandon Marshall (at least that is what I keep hearing), so they grab the explosive playmaker Gilyard.
14. New York Giants
Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas. After losing Fred Robbins in free agency, the Giants need to add some young talent at DT. Houston has the strength, athleticism and competitiveness to be a very good backup as a rookie and eventually a starter.
15. New England Patriots (from Tennessee)
Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse. The Patriots’ D-line is not getting any younger and they have little line depth, so they grab Jones who played DT in college, but is a good fit at DE in their 3-4 scheme.
16. Carolina Panthers
Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU. The Panthers have been trying to find a big receiver to play opposite Smith for a number of years and with Dwayne Jarrett having flopped, they jump at the chance to grab Lafell, who would have likely been a first-rounder a year ago.
17. San Francisco 49ers
Jahvid Best*, RB, Cal. The 49ers need a change of pace to take the pressure off Gore and a big-play returner to help them win field position battles, and Best has the talent to be a big time playmaker in the NFL.
18. Kansas City Chiefs (from Atlanta)
John Jerry, G, Ole Miss. The Chiefs need offensive line help and Jerry has the athleticism, size and strength to be a left tackle in the NFL if he can keep his weight under control and play as well as he did in 2009 for the rest of his career.
19. Houston Texans
Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford. The Texans want to get a big back who can carry the load and make big plays. Gerhart has shown the ability to be that type of back and will also be a big asset in their passing attack.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama. The Steelers must add youth to their defensive line and Cody has the bulk and strength to anchor their 3-4 scheme at nose tackle.
21. New England Patriots
Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee. The Pats have been disappointed in Laurence Maroney and Hardesty brings the tough, physical and aggressive running style to their offense that Bill Belichick likes.
22. Cincinnati Bengals
Donald Butler, ILB, Washington. The Bengals want to bring in speed and athleticism to their defense, and Butler is a very fast and physical player.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma. The Eagles have a good tight end in Brent Celek, but they have a history of drafting elite players that slip in the draft and Gresham is a very talented tight end with a lot of upside.
24. Green Bay Packers
Rodger Saffold, T, Indiana. The Packers want to get some youth at OT as Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are nearing the end of their careers, so they grab the very athletic Saffold, who could be their left tackle of the future given a season or two to learn as a backup.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida. The Ravens do not pass up the chance to grab Murphy, who has the athleticism, instincts and playmaking skills to be a very good cornerback in the NFL.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Anthony McCoy, TE, USC. The Cardinals want a tight end who can make plays as a receiver, but also has the size, strength and competitiveness to be a very good blocking tight end, which is vital in their offensive scheme.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State. They have two good starters, but Wilson is a playmaker who should upgrade the Cowboys at nickel cornerback and could become a starter if Terence Newman leaves in free agency in a season or two.
28. Seattle Seahawks (from San Diego)
Charles Brown, T, USC. The Seahawks need a young left tackle and Brown was played the position under Pete Carroll at USC, so it makes sense for the Seahawks to grab him here.
29. New York Jets
Devin Ross, CB, Arizona. The Jets have an elite CB in Darrelle Revis and a very talented one in Antonio Cromartie, but Cromartie needs to step up his play and Ross brings the toughness, aggressiveness and playmaking skills that fit the Jets’ scheme well.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers. They have Antoine Winfield who is a sure thing, and Benny Sapp and Asher Allen who are still developing, so the chance to add another young CB with very good athleticism makes a lot of sense.
31. Indianapolis Colts
Nate Allen, S, South Florida. Bob Sanders cannot stay healthy and they want to have young talent for the future, so they grab the well-built and athletic Allen, who should become a starter down the road.
32. New Orleans Saints
Aaron Hernandez*, TE, Florida. Jeremy Shockey is definitely closer to the end of his career than the beginning and Hernandez is a young, athletic tight end with excellent receiving skills.
*–Denotes underclassman
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated mock draft (now three rounds long), Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Fans will recognize many of the players in Sporting News’ latest mock draft second round. SN draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts believe Notre Dame’s Golden Tate, Alabama’s Terrence Cody and a handful of Florida standouts will come off the board with picks 33-64.
1. St. Louis Rams
Golden Tate could wind up wearing gold and blue in St. Louis.
Golden Tate*, WR, Notre Dame. If the Rams grab Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford in the first round, the overhaul of the offense can continue with Tate. He has the ability to make big plays running after the catch.
2. Detroit Lions
Earl Thomas*, S, Texas. The Lions want to add speed to their secondary/defense and Thomas has the explosiveness and play-making ability to upgrade the back end of their secondary quickly.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois. The Bucs’ OL has struggled with consistency in recent seasons and they need to upgrade. Asamoah brings the athleticism to be a good NFL guard and possibly even a tackle.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Arrelious Benn* , WR, Illinois. The Chiefs need offensive weapons and Benn is a well-built and very athletic receiver who has the talent to be a big-time player in the NFL if he can play up to his ability more consistently.
5. Washington Redskins
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati. While many expect them to take Clausen in the first round, Pike is the tall, strong-armed QB that Mike Shanahan seems to prefer.
6. Cleveland Browns
Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State. Cox is a first-round talent who will likely slide due to off-field concerns. But the Browns need to improve their secondary and here he is too good of a value for the Cleveland to pass up.
7. Oakland Raiders
Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida. The Raiders need to replace Kirk Morrison and Spikes is the type of tough, hard-nosed middle linebacker the Raiders have won with over the years.
8. San Diego Chargers (from Seattle)
Jeff Owens, DT, Georgia. After losing Jamal Williams, the Chargers desperately need a nose tackle. Owens is the best true NT in this year’s draft and could start as a rookie.
9. Buffalo Bills
Corey Wootton, DE , Northwestern. With the Bills switching to a 3-4 scheme, they need to get big, tall, long-armed DE’s to fit their scheme; Wooten fits that perfectly.
The War Room has Carlos Dunlap staying in the Sunshine State.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago)
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida. The Bucs want to upgrade their pass rush and while Dunlap’s lack of consistency is a real concern, his size, strength and athleticism are too good to pass up right now.
11. Miami Dolphins
D’Anthony Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech. The Dolphins are still trying to bring in big, strong defensive linemen to play DE in their 3-4 scheme. Smith, who played DT in college, fits the bill perfectly.
12. New England Patriots (from Jacksonville)
Damian Williams* , WR, USC. With Wes Welker’s 2010 season up in the air and Brandon Tate an unknown, the Pats need some help at receiver, and Williams is a smart route runner who has excellent hands and good run after catch ability.
13. Denver Broncos
Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati. The Broncos are going to get rid of Brandon Marshall (at least that is what I keep hearing), so they grab the explosive playmaker Gilyard.
14. New York Giants
Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas. After losing Fred Robbins in free agency, the Giants need to add some young talent at DT. Houston has the strength, athleticism and competitiveness to be a very good backup as a rookie and eventually a starter.
15. New England Patriots (from Tennessee)
Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse. The Patriots’ D-line is not getting any younger and they have little line depth, so they grab Jones who played DT in college, but is a good fit at DE in their 3-4 scheme.
16. Carolina Panthers
Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU. The Panthers have been trying to find a big receiver to play opposite Smith for a number of years and with Dwayne Jarrett having flopped, they jump at the chance to grab Lafell, who would have likely been a first-rounder a year ago.
17. San Francisco 49ers
Jahvid Best*, RB, Cal. The 49ers need a change of pace to take the pressure off Gore and a big-play returner to help them win field position battles, and Best has the talent to be a big time playmaker in the NFL.
18. Kansas City Chiefs (from Atlanta)
John Jerry, G, Ole Miss. The Chiefs need offensive line help and Jerry has the athleticism, size and strength to be a left tackle in the NFL if he can keep his weight under control and play as well as he did in 2009 for the rest of his career.
19. Houston Texans
Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford. The Texans want to get a big back who can carry the load and make big plays. Gerhart has shown the ability to be that type of back and will also be a big asset in their passing attack.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama. The Steelers must add youth to their defensive line and Cody has the bulk and strength to anchor their 3-4 scheme at nose tackle.
21. New England Patriots
Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee. The Pats have been disappointed in Laurence Maroney and Hardesty brings the tough, physical and aggressive running style to their offense that Bill Belichick likes.
22. Cincinnati Bengals
Donald Butler, ILB, Washington. The Bengals want to bring in speed and athleticism to their defense, and Butler is a very fast and physical player.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma. The Eagles have a good tight end in Brent Celek, but they have a history of drafting elite players that slip in the draft and Gresham is a very talented tight end with a lot of upside.
24. Green Bay Packers
Rodger Saffold, T, Indiana. The Packers want to get some youth at OT as Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are nearing the end of their careers, so they grab the very athletic Saffold, who could be their left tackle of the future given a season or two to learn as a backup.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida. The Ravens do not pass up the chance to grab Murphy, who has the athleticism, instincts and playmaking skills to be a very good cornerback in the NFL.
26. Arizona Cardinals
Anthony McCoy, TE, USC. The Cardinals want a tight end who can make plays as a receiver, but also has the size, strength and competitiveness to be a very good blocking tight end, which is vital in their offensive scheme.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State. They have two good starters, but Wilson is a playmaker who should upgrade the Cowboys at nickel cornerback and could become a starter if Terence Newman leaves in free agency in a season or two.
28. Seattle Seahawks (from San Diego)
Charles Brown, T, USC. The Seahawks need a young left tackle and Brown was played the position under Pete Carroll at USC, so it makes sense for the Seahawks to grab him here.
29. New York Jets
Devin Ross, CB, Arizona. The Jets have an elite CB in Darrelle Revis and a very talented one in Antonio Cromartie, but Cromartie needs to step up his play and Ross brings the toughness, aggressiveness and playmaking skills that fit the Jets’ scheme well.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers. They have Antoine Winfield who is a sure thing, and Benny Sapp and Asher Allen who are still developing, so the chance to add another young CB with very good athleticism makes a lot of sense.
31. Indianapolis Colts
Nate Allen, S, South Florida. Bob Sanders cannot stay healthy and they want to have young talent for the future, so they grab the well-built and athletic Allen, who should become a starter down the road.
32. New Orleans Saints
Aaron Hernandez*, TE, Florida. Jeremy Shockey is definitely closer to the end of his career than the beginning and Hernandez is a young, athletic tight end with excellent receiving skills.
*–Denotes underclassman
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus an updated mock draft (now three rounds long), Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
As on-campus pre-draft workouts, otherwise known as "pro days," continue to be conducted around the nation, prospects’ stocks are ever changing:
Virginia defensive tackle Nate Collins helped his draft stock following the East-West Shrine Game.
Virginia’s March 18 pro day turned out to be a mixed bag for Cavaliers draft prospects. OT Will Barker, who was viewed as either a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent, definitely helped himself.
Barker had an outstanding workout, showing a surprising combination of athleticism, flexibility and quick feet. For a big tackle (6-7 1/8, 317 pounds) to move like he did, it pretty much assures Barker of being drafted.
As for DT Nate Collins (6-2, 279) who had a very good week of practice leading up to the East-West Shrine Game, continued his strong spring with a good all-around workout. For an undersized tackle who once looked like he was undraftable, Collins’ performance was convincing enough to merit late-round consideration.
While Collins and Barker helped themselves, CB Chris Cook (6-2, 212) went in the opposite direction after being one of the spring’s fastest risers. He was good at the Senior Bowl and worked out well at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he really struggled back in Charlottesville.
Cook did not look prepared for his pro day and did not seem to be interested in being his best. Some of those in attendance commented that his performance was a "waste of a day."
• Vanderbilt’s pro day on March 19 was another up-and-down event with some players helping their values while one in particular hurt his.
DE Steve Stone (6-5, 277) looked good and turned in a fine all-around workout, including a 35-inch vertical jump, 9-foot 9-inch broad jump, a 4.4-second short shuttle, a 7.1-second 3-cone drill and a 4.9-second 40-yard dash. After struggling with injuries during his college career and then flashing NFL talent as a senior, Stone’s performance could wind up getting him drafted.
OT Dwayne Welch also had a solid workout, improving upon his performance at the Combine. For a player who was viewed as an undrafted prospect two months ago, Welch’s performances in Indianapolis and Nashville likely put him in position to be drafted late.
It was not a good day, however, for CB Myron Lewis, considered by many to be a top draft sleeper. After a bad showing, he could end up freefalling down draft boards. He looked stiff throughout his workout and struggled to change directions quickly and fluidly. Nearly as bad was that he seemed to lack intensity and energy during the workout, which makes one wonder if he really wanted to be there.
• As Tulane also held its pro day on the 19th, not much was expected of its prospects after neither WR Jeremy Williams nor RB Andre Anderson shined at the Combine. Those NFL observers in attendance got a pleasant surprise.
Williams greatly improved his 40-yard time by running in the mid 4.4-second range. Also important, he ran good routes and showed great hands when catching the ball. For someone considered a sleeper before his struggles at the Senior Bowl and Combine, Williams needed that kind of pro day to get his name back into the mix as a possible third- or fourth-round pick.
Although Anderson didn’t show the same blazing speed, his overall workout may have been even more impressive. He stayed in the 4.5-second range in the 40, while recording a 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump and a 39-inch vertical jump. He also showed great agility with a fine 3-cone drill (6.91 seconds) and some pop in the short shuttle (4.10 seconds).
He also looked strong in position drills, showing off good pass-catching skills and unexpected athleticism. Anderson’s workout was good enough to make him go from going undrafted to a selection as high as the fifth round.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts—plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more—go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
As on-campus pre-draft workouts, otherwise known as "pro days," continue to be conducted around the nation, prospects’ stocks are ever changing:
Virginia defensive tackle Nate Collins helped his draft stock following the East-West Shrine Game.
Virginia’s March 18 pro day turned out to be a mixed bag for Cavaliers draft prospects. OT Will Barker, who was viewed as either a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent, definitely helped himself.
Barker had an outstanding workout, showing a surprising combination of athleticism, flexibility and quick feet. For a big tackle (6-7 1/8, 317 pounds) to move like he did, it pretty much assures Barker of being drafted.
As for DT Nate Collins (6-2, 279) who had a very good week of practice leading up to the East-West Shrine Game, continued his strong spring with a good all-around workout. For an undersized tackle who once looked like he was undraftable, Collins’ performance was convincing enough to merit late-round consideration.
While Collins and Barker helped themselves, CB Chris Cook (6-2, 212) went in the opposite direction after being one of the spring’s fastest risers. He was good at the Senior Bowl and worked out well at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he really struggled back in Charlottesville.
Cook did not look prepared for his pro day and did not seem to be interested in being his best. Some of those in attendance commented that his performance was a "waste of a day."
• Vanderbilt’s pro day on March 19 was another up-and-down event with some players helping their values while one in particular hurt his.
DE Steve Stone (6-5, 277) looked good and turned in a fine all-around workout, including a 35-inch vertical jump, 9-foot 9-inch broad jump, a 4.4-second short shuttle, a 7.1-second 3-cone drill and a 4.9-second 40-yard dash. After struggling with injuries during his college career and then flashing NFL talent as a senior, Stone’s performance could wind up getting him drafted.
OT Dwayne Welch also had a solid workout, improving upon his performance at the Combine. For a player who was viewed as an undrafted prospect two months ago, Welch’s performances in Indianapolis and Nashville likely put him in position to be drafted late.
It was not a good day, however, for CB Myron Lewis, considered by many to be a top draft sleeper. After a bad showing, he could end up freefalling down draft boards. He looked stiff throughout his workout and struggled to change directions quickly and fluidly. Nearly as bad was that he seemed to lack intensity and energy during the workout, which makes one wonder if he really wanted to be there.
• As Tulane also held its pro day on the 19th, not much was expected of its prospects after neither WR Jeremy Williams nor RB Andre Anderson shined at the Combine. Those NFL observers in attendance got a pleasant surprise.
Williams greatly improved his 40-yard time by running in the mid 4.4-second range. Also important, he ran good routes and showed great hands when catching the ball. For someone considered a sleeper before his struggles at the Senior Bowl and Combine, Williams needed that kind of pro day to get his name back into the mix as a possible third- or fourth-round pick.
Although Anderson didn’t show the same blazing speed, his overall workout may have been even more impressive. He stayed in the 4.5-second range in the 40, while recording a 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump and a 39-inch vertical jump. He also showed great agility with a fine 3-cone drill (6.91 seconds) and some pop in the short shuttle (4.10 seconds).
He also looked strong in position drills, showing off good pass-catching skills and unexpected athleticism. Anderson’s workout was good enough to make him go from going undrafted to a selection as high as the fifth round.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts—plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more—go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
