As on-campus pre-draft workouts, otherwise known as "pro days," continue to be conducted around the nation, prospects’ stocks are ever changing:
• During Rutgers’ pro day on March 10, much of the talk was about the Scarlet Knights’ top draft prospect, OT Anthony Davis, not working out because of illness. Among the players who did work out, however, OLB Damaso Munoz did well to improve his standing.
When first evaluating Munoz on film, he looked like a fifth- or sixth-round pick with some potential to grow because of his speed and athleticism. However, he hadn’t been getting much attention and didn’t get invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Munoz changed the perception of his talents with his workout and is no longer an "unknown." Despite an undersized frame at 5-10 5/8, 221, he drew most of the attention by running the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds and recording a 35-inch vertical jump.
• Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller received far less hype based on his play in the MAC last season than Central Michigan counterpart Dan LeFevour, but the reality is, based on workouts, Hiller may have passed LeFevour on draft boards.
Hiller’s performance at the Broncos’ pro day on March 9 wasn’t quite good enough to get him into the top three rounds, but excelled at throwing the ball, looking like an NFL-caliber quarterback. That development was surprising, considering his mighty struggles during practices leading up to the Texas vs. The Nation all-star game. At this point, Hiller is worthy of a late fourth-round or early fifth-round pick.
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.
As on-campus pre-draft workouts, otherwise known as "pro days," continue to be conducted around the nation, prospects’ stocks are ever changing:
• During Rutgers’ pro day on March 10, much of the talk was about the Scarlet Knights’ top draft prospect, OT Anthony Davis, not working out because of illness. Among the players who did work out, however, OLB Damaso Munoz did well to improve his standing.
When first evaluating Munoz on film, he looked like a fifth- or sixth-round pick with some potential to grow because of his speed and athleticism. However, he hadn’t been getting much attention and didn’t get invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Munoz changed the perception of his talents with his workout and is no longer an "unknown." Despite an undersized frame at 5-10 5/8, 221, he drew most of the attention by running the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds and recording a 35-inch vertical jump.
• Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller received far less hype based on his play in the MAC last season than Central Michigan counterpart Dan LeFevour, but the reality is, based on workouts, Hiller may have passed LeFevour on draft boards.
Hiller’s performance at the Broncos’ pro day on March 9 wasn’t quite good enough to get him into the top three rounds, but excelled at throwing the ball, looking like an NFL-caliber quarterback. That development was surprising, considering his mighty struggles during practices leading up to the Texas vs. The Nation all-star game. At this point, Hiller is worthy of a late fourth-round or early fifth-round pick.
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.
This week’s updated version of Sporting News‘ mock draft shows one change from last week: the Detroit Lions could go with Trent Williams, whom Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts believe is a more athletic player than Russell Okung.
Offensive tackle Trent Williams impressed SN’s scouts on film.
Here’s the projected the first round:
1. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. While Ndamukong Suh is the player many have been pencilling in for the Rams since Bradford’s injury, it looks like Bradford’s shoulder is going to check out fine and if it does you can be sure the Rams are going to get their young QB to re-build around.
2. Lions: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. While many believe the Lions will pick Russell Okung, we believe that based on film, Williams is the better player. If the concerns about his weight are not a deal breaker, then the Lions may surprise some by picking Williams ahead of Okung.
3. Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. The Bucs have been trying to upgrade their defensive line in order to get their defense back to playing at a very high level. The last time the Bucs defense was elite they had a top-notch DT named Warren Sapp.
4. Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. While many expect the Redskins to draft a QB here, I do not believe Jimmy Clausen is Mike Shanahan’s type of QB, so they will grab Okung to take over at left tackle after Chris Samuels’ retirement.
5. Chiefs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. The Chiefs defense needs a lot of help and Berry is an elite athlete who brings the versatility that Scott Pioli learned is so valuable while working under Bill Belichick.
The rest of the top half:
6. Seahawks: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
7. Browns: Gerald McCoy, DE, Oklahoma
8. Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
9. Bills: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
10. Jaguars: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
11. Broncos: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
12. Dolphins: DeMaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
13. 49ers: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
14. Seahawks: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
15. Giants: Rolando McClain, MLB, Alabama
16. Titans: Sergio Kindle, DE, Texas
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.
This week’s updated version of Sporting News‘ mock draft shows one change from last week: the Detroit Lions could go with Trent Williams, whom Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts believe is a more athletic player than Russell Okung.
Offensive tackle Trent Williams impressed SN’s scouts on film.
Here’s the projected the first round:
1. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. While Ndamukong Suh is the player many have been pencilling in for the Rams since Bradford’s injury, it looks like Bradford’s shoulder is going to check out fine and if it does you can be sure the Rams are going to get their young QB to re-build around.
2. Lions: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. While many believe the Lions will pick Russell Okung, we believe that based on film, Williams is the better player. If the concerns about his weight are not a deal breaker, then the Lions may surprise some by picking Williams ahead of Okung.
3. Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. The Bucs have been trying to upgrade their defensive line in order to get their defense back to playing at a very high level. The last time the Bucs defense was elite they had a top-notch DT named Warren Sapp.
4. Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. While many expect the Redskins to draft a QB here, I do not believe Jimmy Clausen is Mike Shanahan’s type of QB, so they will grab Okung to take over at left tackle after Chris Samuels’ retirement.
5. Chiefs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. The Chiefs defense needs a lot of help and Berry is an elite athlete who brings the versatility that Scott Pioli learned is so valuable while working under Bill Belichick.
The rest of the top half:
6. Seahawks: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
7. Browns: Gerald McCoy, DE, Oklahoma
8. Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
9. Bills: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
10. Jaguars: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
11. Broncos: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
12. Dolphins: DeMaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
13. 49ers: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
14. Seahawks: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
15. Giants: Rolando McClain, MLB, Alabama
16. Titans: Sergio Kindle, DE, Texas
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 NFL prospects perform this month all over the country in their on-campus workouts for scouts, coaches and personnel men, a number of players have helped or hurt their draft stock:
Daryl Washington is on teams’ radar after a solid pro day.
Two TCU prospects really shined in their pro day and helped their draft stock. LB Daryl Washington had a good all-around workout and showed the quickness, explosiveness and athleticism that excites NFL coaches. He is not the biggest kid, but he proved he has the athleticism to fit in any NFL scheme.
DE/OLB Jerry Hughes really continued his strong spring. After a good performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Hughes looked even more athletic and natural going through the linebacker drills at TCU. He showed good quickness and agility, changing directions and flipping his hips with ease. His experience playing running back in high school also showed by how well he caught the ball in drills, meaning he could become a playmaker in pass coverage in the NFL.
Hughes’ performance on film left many to wonder if he could play about his ability to play outside linebacker in the NFL, but there no longer is any doubt about his ability to make the switch and play in the open field.
It was disappointing that DT Gerald McCoy decided not to do the 225-pound bench press at Oklahoma’s pro day, but scouts in attendance all said his workout was impressive enough to overshadow any question about his lack of upper-body strength. He showed rare quickness, explosiveness and athleticism for a defensive tackle, which enable him to stay in top-five consideration despite his poor bench-press showing (23 reps) at the Combine.
Baylor WR David Gettis is a tease who could get way overdrafted. He looks like an NFL receiver and shows the quickness, acceleration and speed in the 40-yard dash and other timed tests to convince some GM that he could develop in the NFL. However, he was not nearly as impressive during the receiving drills–his routes lacked sharpness, and he did not pluck passes out of the air cleanly.
Nebraska S Larry Asante had a good, solid workout. He did not blow anyone away but had a solid all-around day and was able to improve on his 40 time by running in the low 4.6-second range on FieldTurf. He lacks the elite athleticism to be an early pick, but he showed enough athleticism to convince personnel men he has the tools to be productive playing deep in pass coverage and will not be a liability.
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.
As NFL prospects perform this month all over the country in their on-campus workouts for scouts, coaches and personnel men, a number of players have helped or hurt their draft stock:
Daryl Washington is on teams’ radar after a solid pro day.
Two TCU prospects really shined in their pro day and helped their draft stock. LB Daryl Washington had a good all-around workout and showed the quickness, explosiveness and athleticism that excites NFL coaches. He is not the biggest kid, but he proved he has the athleticism to fit in any NFL scheme.
DE/OLB Jerry Hughes really continued his strong spring. After a good performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Hughes looked even more athletic and natural going through the linebacker drills at TCU. He showed good quickness and agility, changing directions and flipping his hips with ease. His experience playing running back in high school also showed by how well he caught the ball in drills, meaning he could become a playmaker in pass coverage in the NFL.
Hughes’ performance on film left many to wonder if he could play about his ability to play outside linebacker in the NFL, but there no longer is any doubt about his ability to make the switch and play in the open field.
It was disappointing that DT Gerald McCoy decided not to do the 225-pound bench press at Oklahoma’s pro day, but scouts in attendance all said his workout was impressive enough to overshadow any question about his lack of upper-body strength. He showed rare quickness, explosiveness and athleticism for a defensive tackle, which enable him to stay in top-five consideration despite his poor bench-press showing (23 reps) at the Combine.
Baylor WR David Gettis is a tease who could get way overdrafted. He looks like an NFL receiver and shows the quickness, acceleration and speed in the 40-yard dash and other timed tests to convince some GM that he could develop in the NFL. However, he was not nearly as impressive during the receiving drills–his routes lacked sharpness, and he did not pluck passes out of the air cleanly.
Nebraska S Larry Asante had a good, solid workout. He did not blow anyone away but had a solid all-around day and was able to improve on his 40 time by running in the low 4.6-second range on FieldTurf. He lacks the elite athleticism to be an early pick, but he showed enough athleticism to convince personnel men he has the tools to be productive playing deep in pass coverage and will not be a liability.
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.
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 Jacoby Ford.
School: Clemson
NFL position: WR
Height: 5-8 3/4
Weight: 181
40 time: 4.28
Current projection: Third-round pick
Clemson WR Jacoby Ford will be one of the NFL’s fastest players, but he’s a small target for quarterbacks.
Strengths: Is an explosive athlete and a threat to score on every touch. Is quick getting off the snap and into his route, accelerates to full speed in a blink and uses quickness and agility to burst out of cuts and separate from cornerbacks. Shows good hands to reach out and pluck passes away from his body. Consistently twists body to catch offtarget passes. After the catch, is a competitive runner with the balance and strength to run through arm tackles; gains a lot of yardage after contact. Works hard as a blocker.
Weaknesses: Lacks height and size, and thus is a durability risk. Lack of height makes him tough to locate downfield. Won’t be as successful breaking tackles in the NFL.
Bottom line: Ford is a big-time athlete with rare explosiveness and speed—his 4.28 40 was one of the fastest in Combine history—to be an impact slot receiver and return man. He must stay healthy to maximize his physical skills. He likely will be drafted lower than we have him rated, but on film he reminds us of the Steelers’ Mike Wallace.
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 Jacoby Ford.
School: Clemson
NFL position: WR
Height: 5-8 3/4
Weight: 181
40 time: 4.28
Current projection: Third-round pick
Clemson WR Jacoby Ford will be one of the NFL’s fastest players, but he’s a small target for quarterbacks.
Strengths: Is an explosive athlete and a threat to score on every touch. Is quick getting off the snap and into his route, accelerates to full speed in a blink and uses quickness and agility to burst out of cuts and separate from cornerbacks. Shows good hands to reach out and pluck passes away from his body. Consistently twists body to catch offtarget passes. After the catch, is a competitive runner with the balance and strength to run through arm tackles; gains a lot of yardage after contact. Works hard as a blocker.
Weaknesses: Lacks height and size, and thus is a durability risk. Lack of height makes him tough to locate downfield. Won’t be as successful breaking tackles in the NFL.
Bottom line: Ford is a big-time athlete with rare explosiveness and speed—his 4.28 40 was one of the fastest in Combine history—to be an impact slot receiver and return man. He must stay healthy to maximize his physical skills. He likely will be drafted lower than we have him rated, but on film he reminds us of the Steelers’ Mike Wallace.
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.
Ndamukong Suh is the best player in the draft, but he could slip to No. 3 because franchise quarterbacks are tough to find, and because of some maneuvers in free agency. Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts project the first round:
1. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. Bradford’s shoulder is expected to check out just fine. If it does, the Rams shouldn’t pass on the only franchise QB in the 2010 draft.
2. Lions: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. Passing on Suh would be tough, but the defensive line is solid after trading for tackle Corey Williams and signing end Kyle Vanden Bosch. The better move would be to grab QB Matthew Stafford’s blindside protector.
3. Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. Bucs officials will consider trading up, but if Bradford’s shoulder is OK it wouldn’t be a shocker to see Suh drop to No. 3.
4. Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. New coach Mike Shanahan would prefer a QB here but will have to settle for retired left tackle Chris Samuels’ replacement.
5. Chiefs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy would be tempting, but he doesn’t fit their scheme. GM Scott Pioli instead should nab the athletic and versatile Berry.
The rest of the top half:
6. Seahawks: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
7. Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
8. Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
9. Bills: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
10. Jaguars: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
11. Broncos: Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
12. Dolphins: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
13. 49ers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
14. Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
15. Giants: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
16. Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
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 version of this story appears in March 9’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Ndamukong Suh is the best player in the draft, but he could slip to No. 3 because franchise quarterbacks are tough to find, and because of some maneuvers in free agency. Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts project the first round:
1. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. Bradford’s shoulder is expected to check out just fine. If it does, the Rams shouldn’t pass on the only franchise QB in the 2010 draft.
2. Lions: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. Passing on Suh would be tough, but the defensive line is solid after trading for tackle Corey Williams and signing end Kyle Vanden Bosch. The better move would be to grab QB Matthew Stafford’s blindside protector.
3. Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. Bucs officials will consider trading up, but if Bradford’s shoulder is OK it wouldn’t be a shocker to see Suh drop to No. 3.
4. Redskins: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. New coach Mike Shanahan would prefer a QB here but will have to settle for retired left tackle Chris Samuels’ replacement.
5. Chiefs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy would be tempting, but he doesn’t fit their scheme. GM Scott Pioli instead should nab the athletic and versatile Berry.
The rest of the top half:
6. Seahawks: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
7. Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida
8. Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
9. Bills: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
10. Jaguars: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
11. Broncos: Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
12. Dolphins: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
13. 49ers: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
14. Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
15. Giants: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
16. Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
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 version of this story appears in March 9’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
A quick look at the most important on-campus workouts this week:
Dez Bryant returns to the field with a lot of money on the line.
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State. After missing most of the season and then not working out at the Combine, he must show elite quickness, explosiveness and speed Wednesday to be the first receiver drafted.
Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama. He must weigh-in Wednesday at 340s and prove he has the endurance and athleticism to play more than 15-20 snaps per game.
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama. He chose not to workout at the Combine, putting it all on the line Wednesday.
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. Unless he delivers a big-time workout Tuesday, Ndamukong Suh could well end the defensive tackle debate Thursday.
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati. He must throw with more consistent zip and accuracy Wednesday and prove he has a mental capacity to grasp NFL passing concepts.
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. He could overtake Russell Okung as the No. 1 tackle if he shows up in great shape Tuesday and shines.
This story appears in March 8’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
A quick look at the most important on-campus workouts this week:
Dez Bryant returns to the field with a lot of money on the line.
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State. After missing most of the season and then not working out at the Combine, he must show elite quickness, explosiveness and speed Wednesday to be the first receiver drafted.
Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama. He must weigh-in Wednesday at 340s and prove he has the endurance and athleticism to play more than 15-20 snaps per game.
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama. He chose not to workout at the Combine, putting it all on the line Wednesday.
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. Unless he delivers a big-time workout Tuesday, Ndamukong Suh could well end the defensive tackle debate Thursday.
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati. He must throw with more consistent zip and accuracy Wednesday and prove he has a mental capacity to grasp NFL passing concepts.
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. He could overtake Russell Okung as the No. 1 tackle if he shows up in great shape Tuesday and shines.
This story appears in March 8’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
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 Brandon Spikes.
School: Florida
NFL position: ILB
Height: 6-2 7/8
Weight: 249
40 time: 4.74
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: James Laurinaitis, Rams
Brandon Spikes doesn’t have elite athletic ability; he’s just a playmaker.
Vs. inside runs: Shows flexibility to bend knees and sink hips to take on lead blockers with good leverage. Is tough and aggressive. Reads and reacts quickly to inside runs, and sheds blockers quickly to make tackles. Shows the strength to hold his ground vs. fullbacks and offensive linemen at the point of attack. Sifts through traffic surprisingly well to find ballcarrier.
Vs. outside runs: Shows quick footwork and top-notch instincts to get started quickly at the snap. Lacks elite speed to make a lot of plays outside the tackle box, but compensates with excellent instincts and quickness to play faster than timed speed would indicate. Shows the knee bend to maintain balance and avoid blockers in the open field. Lack of elite speed will make it tougher for him to catch NFL ballcarriers near the sideline.
Blitz/coverage: Is not an explosive pass rusher, but often pressures the QB by attacking the blocker and jolting him backward. Lacks variety of pass-rush moves. Reads the QB well in zone coverage, reacting and closing quickly to deliver hard hits. Gets outside quickly to tackle backs on screen passes. Can cover running backs man-to-man on short routes. Can cover most tight ends man-to-man, but lacks elite speed to handle athletic tight ends downfield.
Run/pass recognition: Reads and reacts quickly, showing great instincts to play faster than his timed speed would suggest. Is aggressive, but doesn’t bite on play-action fakes. Does not get fooled by misdirection or trick plays, and is consistently in the right place at the right time.
Pursuit/tackling: Lacks the elite speed to consistently chase down NFL ballcarriers along the sideline, but should make a lot of plays between the hash marks. When in pursuit, maintains good balance and plays under control to break down and make open-field tackles. Is a wrap-up tackler, but also drives up into the ballcarrier to deliver violent hits.
Bottom line: In games we graded, Spikes was involved in one of every 6.4 plays, an excellent ratio, especially against SEC competition. He is not the premier athlete NFL coaches drool over, but he is a good all-around athlete with the strength and smarts to make plays in every facet of defense. He projects as a good starter in the middle of a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme.
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 Brandon Spikes.
School: Florida
NFL position: ILB
Height: 6-2 7/8
Weight: 249
40 time: 4.74
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: James Laurinaitis, Rams
Brandon Spikes doesn’t have elite athletic ability; he’s just a playmaker.
Vs. inside runs: Shows flexibility to bend knees and sink hips to take on lead blockers with good leverage. Is tough and aggressive. Reads and reacts quickly to inside runs, and sheds blockers quickly to make tackles. Shows the strength to hold his ground vs. fullbacks and offensive linemen at the point of attack. Sifts through traffic surprisingly well to find ballcarrier.
Vs. outside runs: Shows quick footwork and top-notch instincts to get started quickly at the snap. Lacks elite speed to make a lot of plays outside the tackle box, but compensates with excellent instincts and quickness to play faster than timed speed would indicate. Shows the knee bend to maintain balance and avoid blockers in the open field. Lack of elite speed will make it tougher for him to catch NFL ballcarriers near the sideline.
Blitz/coverage: Is not an explosive pass rusher, but often pressures the QB by attacking the blocker and jolting him backward. Lacks variety of pass-rush moves. Reads the QB well in zone coverage, reacting and closing quickly to deliver hard hits. Gets outside quickly to tackle backs on screen passes. Can cover running backs man-to-man on short routes. Can cover most tight ends man-to-man, but lacks elite speed to handle athletic tight ends downfield.
Run/pass recognition: Reads and reacts quickly, showing great instincts to play faster than his timed speed would suggest. Is aggressive, but doesn’t bite on play-action fakes. Does not get fooled by misdirection or trick plays, and is consistently in the right place at the right time.
Pursuit/tackling: Lacks the elite speed to consistently chase down NFL ballcarriers along the sideline, but should make a lot of plays between the hash marks. When in pursuit, maintains good balance and plays under control to break down and make open-field tackles. Is a wrap-up tackler, but also drives up into the ballcarrier to deliver violent hits.
Bottom line: In games we graded, Spikes was involved in one of every 6.4 plays, an excellent ratio, especially against SEC competition. He is not the premier athlete NFL coaches drool over, but he is a good all-around athlete with the strength and smarts to make plays in every facet of defense. He projects as a good starter in the middle of a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme.
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.
Although the NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone, the scouting process is far from over. Even if a player had a great Combine workout and chooses not to participate in all tests in his on-campus workout, his performance in drills with NFL position coaches is as important as what he did in Indianapolis. However, it is important to remember the pro day workout and a player’s Combine performance is only a small part of a player evaluation. NFL teams that rely most heavily on game film are the teams that consistently draft well. Still, a number of NFL prospects have important workouts this week:
Can Gerald McCoy show scouts that he’s a better defensive tackle than Ndamukong Suh?
Monday
Levi Brown, QB, Troy. He lacks the big-name appeal of Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen, but Brown is the best small-school prospect and a legitimate mid-round prospect. With top-notch physical tools, Brown must prove he can do everything he showed on film when dropping back from under center. If he shines in front of NFL personnel men Monday, he could move into the third round.
Tuesday
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. McCoy must step up and keep the McCoy-Ndamukong Suh debate alive. Neither created much separation at the Combine, but Suh did have a better workout in Indy. Unless McCoy delivers Tuesday, Suh could well end the defensive tackle debate Thursday.
Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana. He has moved up draft boards more than any prospect this offseason. He was dominant at the East-West Shrine Game to move into the third round and then performed well at the Combine to move into second-round consideration. With a big on-campus workout, he could move to the top of the second round and many offensive tackles with such grades often go at the end of the first round–see Sam Baker and Duane Brown in ’08.
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. Many media members say Russell Okung is a lock to be the first offensive tackle drafted, but the debate is far from over. Williams is physically gifted with the thick build and strength to become an elite NFL tackle. He struggled to maintain his weight in college, so it’s important for him to show up in great shape and shine in his on-campus workout to ease concerns.
Wednesday
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State. After missing nearly all of the ’09 season and then not working out at the Combine, Bryant must prove he has the elite quickness, explosiveness and speed to maintain his spot atop the receiver rankings.
Tony Pike must show he has the work ethic to play in the NFL.
Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama. Cody is the Tim Tebow of defensive players; opinions as to how successful he can be and where he will be drafted range drastically. After showing up out of shape at 370 pounds at the Senior Bowl, Cody helped himself at the Combine by checking in at 354 pounds and performing well in the double-team drill. To be a second- or third-round pick, he must weigh in Wednesday in the 340s and prove he has the endurance and athleticism to be play more than 15-20 snaps per game.
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers. His on-field play was inconsistent at times in college, and he has had some weight issues. He was in good shape at the Combine, displaying surprising quickness, flexibility and athleticism. He reminds us of the Ravens’ Michael Oher and could move into the middle of the first round with a big pro day.
Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati. He must excel in his on-campus workout to stay in the mix for a late first-round pick because of his struggles during Senior Bowl practices. Scouts worry that he lacks the explosiveness and consistency catching the ball to be a first-rounder. With a mediocre performance Wednesday, he will drop to the second or third round.
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama. McClain chose not to workout at the Combine, putting it all on the line in his pro day. Florida’s Brandon Spikes could well overtake McClain and be the first inside linebacker drafted, so McClain must run well Wednesday to maintain the top spot on most teams’ draft boards.
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. Okung–on top of most teams’ draft boards throughout the ’09 season–must perform well to stay ahead of Trent Williams, Bruce Campbell and Bryan Bulaga. Okung must be consistent in his technique in drills because he was beaten sometimes in ’09 by less-athletic pass rushers.
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati. Bradford is the best QB in the draft and Clausen is well regarded, but Pike probably has more pure physical talent. Pike must throw with more consistent zip and accuracy Wednesday and prove he has a mental capacity and work ethic to grasp NFL passing concepts when at the blackboard.
Thursday
Mike Iupati, G, Idaho. He is one of the most physically dominant guards to come along in years, but his on-campus workout remains important. First, a number of NFL personnel men say he can play tackle and if able to show elite athleticism his draft stock would move way up because tackles are more valuable. Second, he must prove he can harness his aggressiveness to pass block under better control.
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. Suh was rated as the top defensive prospect for most of the ’09 season, but in the last month McCoy and Tennessee safety Eric Berry have closed the gap. Suh helped himself with a strong Combine workout and if in positional drills Thursday he answers any questions about his explosiveness and strength, he would lock down the No. 1- or No. 2-overall pick. (Bradford would be the only prospect who could potentially pass him down the stretch.)
Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern. He is a tall, long-armed and athletic end whose draft stock moved up with so many NFL teams needing ends for their 3-4 scheme. Wootton has a lot to prove before being a first-round pick, though. He must prove he has the passion and competitiveness to be consistently productive in the NFL and show he has the quickness and burst to be effective at end in a 4-3 scheme to maximize his draft stock.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
Although the NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone, the scouting process is far from over. Even if a player had a great Combine workout and chooses not to participate in all tests in his on-campus workout, his performance in drills with NFL position coaches is as important as what he did in Indianapolis. However, it is important to remember the pro day workout and a player’s Combine performance is only a small part of a player evaluation. NFL teams that rely most heavily on game film are the teams that consistently draft well. Still, a number of NFL prospects have important workouts this week:
Can Gerald McCoy show scouts that he’s a better defensive tackle than Ndamukong Suh?
Monday
Levi Brown, QB, Troy. He lacks the big-name appeal of Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen, but Brown is the best small-school prospect and a legitimate mid-round prospect. With top-notch physical tools, Brown must prove he can do everything he showed on film when dropping back from under center. If he shines in front of NFL personnel men Monday, he could move into the third round.
Tuesday
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. McCoy must step up and keep the McCoy-Ndamukong Suh debate alive. Neither created much separation at the Combine, but Suh did have a better workout in Indy. Unless McCoy delivers Tuesday, Suh could well end the defensive tackle debate Thursday.
Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana. He has moved up draft boards more than any prospect this offseason. He was dominant at the East-West Shrine Game to move into the third round and then performed well at the Combine to move into second-round consideration. With a big on-campus workout, he could move to the top of the second round and many offensive tackles with such grades often go at the end of the first round–see Sam Baker and Duane Brown in ’08.
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma. Many media members say Russell Okung is a lock to be the first offensive tackle drafted, but the debate is far from over. Williams is physically gifted with the thick build and strength to become an elite NFL tackle. He struggled to maintain his weight in college, so it’s important for him to show up in great shape and shine in his on-campus workout to ease concerns.
Wednesday
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State. After missing nearly all of the ’09 season and then not working out at the Combine, Bryant must prove he has the elite quickness, explosiveness and speed to maintain his spot atop the receiver rankings.
Tony Pike must show he has the work ethic to play in the NFL.
Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama. Cody is the Tim Tebow of defensive players; opinions as to how successful he can be and where he will be drafted range drastically. After showing up out of shape at 370 pounds at the Senior Bowl, Cody helped himself at the Combine by checking in at 354 pounds and performing well in the double-team drill. To be a second- or third-round pick, he must weigh in Wednesday in the 340s and prove he has the endurance and athleticism to be play more than 15-20 snaps per game.
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers. His on-field play was inconsistent at times in college, and he has had some weight issues. He was in good shape at the Combine, displaying surprising quickness, flexibility and athleticism. He reminds us of the Ravens’ Michael Oher and could move into the middle of the first round with a big pro day.
Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati. He must excel in his on-campus workout to stay in the mix for a late first-round pick because of his struggles during Senior Bowl practices. Scouts worry that he lacks the explosiveness and consistency catching the ball to be a first-rounder. With a mediocre performance Wednesday, he will drop to the second or third round.
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama. McClain chose not to workout at the Combine, putting it all on the line in his pro day. Florida’s Brandon Spikes could well overtake McClain and be the first inside linebacker drafted, so McClain must run well Wednesday to maintain the top spot on most teams’ draft boards.
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State. Okung–on top of most teams’ draft boards throughout the ’09 season–must perform well to stay ahead of Trent Williams, Bruce Campbell and Bryan Bulaga. Okung must be consistent in his technique in drills because he was beaten sometimes in ’09 by less-athletic pass rushers.
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati. Bradford is the best QB in the draft and Clausen is well regarded, but Pike probably has more pure physical talent. Pike must throw with more consistent zip and accuracy Wednesday and prove he has a mental capacity and work ethic to grasp NFL passing concepts when at the blackboard.
Thursday
Mike Iupati, G, Idaho. He is one of the most physically dominant guards to come along in years, but his on-campus workout remains important. First, a number of NFL personnel men say he can play tackle and if able to show elite athleticism his draft stock would move way up because tackles are more valuable. Second, he must prove he can harness his aggressiveness to pass block under better control.
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. Suh was rated as the top defensive prospect for most of the ’09 season, but in the last month McCoy and Tennessee safety Eric Berry have closed the gap. Suh helped himself with a strong Combine workout and if in positional drills Thursday he answers any questions about his explosiveness and strength, he would lock down the No. 1- or No. 2-overall pick. (Bradford would be the only prospect who could potentially pass him down the stretch.)
Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern. He is a tall, long-armed and athletic end whose draft stock moved up with so many NFL teams needing ends for their 3-4 scheme. Wootton has a lot to prove before being a first-round pick, though. He must prove he has the passion and competitiveness to be consistently productive in the NFL and show he has the quickness and burst to be effective at end in a 4-3 scheme to maximize his draft stock.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — An analytical look atthe defensive players whose performance at the NFL Scouting Combine most dramatically affected their stock:
Winners
Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa. Previously considered a stiff and limited athlete, Angerer ran much better than expected and looked quicker and more athletic in drills. He came to the Combine as a late-round possibility but left with a fourth- or fifth-round grade.
Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia. Personnel men were impressed with him at the Senior Bowl. And after he looked bigger than expected and bench-pressed 225 pounds a surprising 34 times and showed great athleticism in drills Monday, he is a second-round lock who could sneak into the bottom of the first round.
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. He already was a top prospect on most every team’s draft board, but his display of elite athleticism, body control and coordination likely pushed him into the top five of the draft.
Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Ohio State. Personnel men and coaches wanted to see if the explosiveness and athleticism he showed playing defensive end in college could translate to playing outside linebacker in the NFL. He answered those questions at the Combine, looking explosive, quick, agile and athletic in
all drills. More than a few scouts said he looked like he had been playing linebacker his whole life. He will go in the first round to a team using a 3-4 scheme.
Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas. He can play anywhere, be it outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme or end in a 4-3 system. He showed the elite explosiveness and speed to be a pass-rush demon from either alignment. His Combine performance should lock up a top-15 pick.
Taylor Mays, S, USC. Hestruggled as a senior—showing questionable athleticism and coverage skills—and then was inconsistent during Senior Bowl practices. At Lucas Oil Stadium, he looked like his did in ’08, showing good all-around athleticism for a big safety. Most NFL teams will place his final grade somewhere between his great play as a junior and his inconsistent senior season, which should get him drafted in the middle-to-late first round.
Earl Mitchell, DT, Arizona. He jumped onto NFL radars with strong East-West Shrine Game practices. Still, personnel men wanted to see if he could repeat those flashes of elite quickness and athleticism. On Monday, he ran an excellent 40-yard dash (in the low 4.8-second range) and showed good athleticism in all the drills. Now, there are no doubts he has NFL size, strength and athleticism and could go as high as the third round.
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech. He looked great on film in ’09, but personnel men wanted to see his size and athleticism up close. He impressed by weighing in at 266 pounds with long arms and displaying great quickness, burst and athleticism throughout his workout Monday. Morgan and South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul likely will battle it out to be the first defensive end drafted April 22, perhaps both in the top 10.
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State. He came to Indy viewed as a solid athlete who was productive mostly because of his smarts, technique and effort. On Monday, he showed surprising quickness, agility, flexibility and athleticism and put himself into the discussion as to who is the third-best defensive tackle, behind Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh and Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy.
Jeff Owens, NT, Georgia. After the season, Owens was viewed as a solid third- or fourth-round prospect, but he then dominated at the Senior Bowl and moved into second-round consideration. At the Combine, he no doubt looked better than the other top nose tackles—Tennessee’s Dan Williams and Alabama’s Terrence Cody—and could slip into the bottom of the first round.
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri. Weatherspoon had a disappointing senior season, playing heavier than he did in ’08. At the Senior Bowl, he showed up in much better shape and looked quick and athletic all week in practice. Then at Combine, he displayed the athleticism NFL coaches covet and has personnel men convinced he can be productive in a 4-3 scheme (middle or weakside linebacker) or in a 3-4 (inside linebacker). He should be a late-first- or early-second-round pick.
Jason Worilds, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech. Scouts weren’t quite sure where he fit best, the primary reason he was viewed as a fourth-round prospect before the Combine. On Monday, he proved he is a top-level athlete and pretty much locked up a spot in the third round and could move up even further with a strong on-campus workout March 18.
Losers
Joe Haden, CB, Florida. He was the nearly unanimous No. 1 cornerback heading into the Combine, but some surely will question that after his 4.57-second 40-yard dash Tuesday. He showed poor technique Tuesday but looks faster and more athletic on film, and our opinion of him won’t change. That said, general managers drafting in the top 10 might be scared off by Tuesday’s poor performance. The pressure is surely on to show marked improvement at his on-campus workout March 17.
One cautionary note: Brandon Flowers had been a top-15 prospect in ’08 before a poor 40 at the Combine sank his draft stock. The Chiefs stole him in the second round, 35th overall, and Flowers now is one of the NFL’s better cornerbacks. Haden is unlikely to fall that far, but he very well could slide on draft day.
Kendrick Lewis, S, Ole Miss. Scouts around the league have been glowing about Lewis since the start of the ’09 season, and many NFL evaluators have given him second-round grades. He struggled Tuesday at the Combine, and his stock could really suffer. Safeties who run the 40 in more than 4.7 seconds historically become late-round picks regardless of their on-field play.
Vince Oghobaase, DT, Duke. Some scouts had tagged him as a "sleeper" because of his size, athleticism and intelligence, but after a disappointing Combine he no longer holds that tag. He looked slow in all drills Monday, lacking speed and quickness and burst. He likely will fall into the late rounds.
This story appears in March 3’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
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.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — An analytical look atthe defensive players whose performance at the NFL Scouting Combine most dramatically affected their stock:
Winners
Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa. Previously considered a stiff and limited athlete, Angerer ran much better than expected and looked quicker and more athletic in drills. He came to the Combine as a late-round possibility but left with a fourth- or fifth-round grade.
Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia. Personnel men were impressed with him at the Senior Bowl. And after he looked bigger than expected and bench-pressed 225 pounds a surprising 34 times and showed great athleticism in drills Monday, he is a second-round lock who could sneak into the bottom of the first round.
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. He already was a top prospect on most every team’s draft board, but his display of elite athleticism, body control and coordination likely pushed him into the top five of the draft.
Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Ohio State. Personnel men and coaches wanted to see if the explosiveness and athleticism he showed playing defensive end in college could translate to playing outside linebacker in the NFL. He answered those questions at the Combine, looking explosive, quick, agile and athletic in
all drills. More than a few scouts said he looked like he had been playing linebacker his whole life. He will go in the first round to a team using a 3-4 scheme.
Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas. He can play anywhere, be it outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme or end in a 4-3 system. He showed the elite explosiveness and speed to be a pass-rush demon from either alignment. His Combine performance should lock up a top-15 pick.
Taylor Mays, S, USC. Hestruggled as a senior—showing questionable athleticism and coverage skills—and then was inconsistent during Senior Bowl practices. At Lucas Oil Stadium, he looked like his did in ’08, showing good all-around athleticism for a big safety. Most NFL teams will place his final grade somewhere between his great play as a junior and his inconsistent senior season, which should get him drafted in the middle-to-late first round.
Earl Mitchell, DT, Arizona. He jumped onto NFL radars with strong East-West Shrine Game practices. Still, personnel men wanted to see if he could repeat those flashes of elite quickness and athleticism. On Monday, he ran an excellent 40-yard dash (in the low 4.8-second range) and showed good athleticism in all the drills. Now, there are no doubts he has NFL size, strength and athleticism and could go as high as the third round.
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech. He looked great on film in ’09, but personnel men wanted to see his size and athleticism up close. He impressed by weighing in at 266 pounds with long arms and displaying great quickness, burst and athleticism throughout his workout Monday. Morgan and South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul likely will battle it out to be the first defensive end drafted April 22, perhaps both in the top 10.
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State. He came to Indy viewed as a solid athlete who was productive mostly because of his smarts, technique and effort. On Monday, he showed surprising quickness, agility, flexibility and athleticism and put himself into the discussion as to who is the third-best defensive tackle, behind Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh and Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy.
Jeff Owens, NT, Georgia. After the season, Owens was viewed as a solid third- or fourth-round prospect, but he then dominated at the Senior Bowl and moved into second-round consideration. At the Combine, he no doubt looked better than the other top nose tackles—Tennessee’s Dan Williams and Alabama’s Terrence Cody—and could slip into the bottom of the first round.
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri. Weatherspoon had a disappointing senior season, playing heavier than he did in ’08. At the Senior Bowl, he showed up in much better shape and looked quick and athletic all week in practice. Then at Combine, he displayed the athleticism NFL coaches covet and has personnel men convinced he can be productive in a 4-3 scheme (middle or weakside linebacker) or in a 3-4 (inside linebacker). He should be a late-first- or early-second-round pick.
Jason Worilds, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech. Scouts weren’t quite sure where he fit best, the primary reason he was viewed as a fourth-round prospect before the Combine. On Monday, he proved he is a top-level athlete and pretty much locked up a spot in the third round and could move up even further with a strong on-campus workout March 18.
Losers
Joe Haden, CB, Florida. He was the nearly unanimous No. 1 cornerback heading into the Combine, but some surely will question that after his 4.57-second 40-yard dash Tuesday. He showed poor technique Tuesday but looks faster and more athletic on film, and our opinion of him won’t change. That said, general managers drafting in the top 10 might be scared off by Tuesday’s poor performance. The pressure is surely on to show marked improvement at his on-campus workout March 17.
One cautionary note: Brandon Flowers had been a top-15 prospect in ’08 before a poor 40 at the Combine sank his draft stock. The Chiefs stole him in the second round, 35th overall, and Flowers now is one of the NFL’s better cornerbacks. Haden is unlikely to fall that far, but he very well could slide on draft day.
Kendrick Lewis, S, Ole Miss. Scouts around the league have been glowing about Lewis since the start of the ’09 season, and many NFL evaluators have given him second-round grades. He struggled Tuesday at the Combine, and his stock could really suffer. Safeties who run the 40 in more than 4.7 seconds historically become late-round picks regardless of their on-field play.
Vince Oghobaase, DT, Duke. Some scouts had tagged him as a "sleeper" because of his size, athleticism and intelligence, but after a disappointing Combine he no longer holds that tag. He looked slow in all drills Monday, lacking speed and quickness and burst. He likely will fall into the late rounds.
This story appears in March 3’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today.
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.
INDIANAPOLIS — An analytical look at the players whose performance at the NFL Scouting Combine most dramatically affected their stock:
His workouts at the Combine helped improve Jacoby Ford’s draft status to a possible second-round pick.
Winners
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland. Although we War Room scouts always have had a high grade on Campbell, opinions around the league seemed to vary greatly — from first-rounder to fifth-rounder. After his dominating workout at the Combine, he proved he is a rare athlete and has assured himself of being a first-round pick. He could move into the top 15 if he performs well in his on-campus workout March 10.
Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pitt. He helped himself more than any other player at the Combine because he had struggled so much at the Senior Bowl. Personnel men didn’t know if he was a wide receiver or tight end and if he had the athleticism to create mismatches in the passing game. He erased all doubts in his workout as a guy who can create matchup problems and make big plays. He could be drafted as high as the second round.
Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson. After a stellar Senior Bowl week, Ford displayed blazing speed and explosiveness in drills Sunday and convinced personnel men he can be a dangerous slot receiver and return man despite his lack of height. He now rates as a third-round prospect who could move into the second.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami (Fla.) . He is tall and well built and has been receiving a lot of hype in postseason because of his background and limited football experience. He struggled at the Senior Bowl, showing a lack of athleticism. He quelled some of those fears Saturday, looking like a good athlete without pads. If able to repeat his Combine performance at Miami’s on-campus workout March 26, he could move into the third round or even late second.
Carlton Mitchell, WR, South Florida. Mitchell, a junior, looked great on film but scouts wanted to see him up close, to see if his timed quickness and explosiveness matched his game play. He did not disappoint. He is big and ran well and looked athletic in drills Sunday. He is unlikely to be drafted in the first round, but if he catches the ball well at his on-campus workout March 30 he should move into the second round.
Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana. He is having an outstanding spring. He dominated defenders at East-West Shrine Game practices to move into third-round consideration. After showing good athleticism at the Combine, he proved capable of playing left tackle and now is a second-round prospect. He even could get taken at the end of the first round by a tackle-needy team, a la Sam Baker and Duane Brown in ’08.
Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale. He was one of the most athletic offensive linemen in workouts Saturday, rebuilding his draft stock after he failed to impress during Texas vs. The Nation practices. Although he didn’t dominate at Hillsdale, he is big and has rare athleticism and thus moved up draft boards at the Combine. He now projects as a third-round prospect, fourth round at worst.
Colt McCoy did not throw at the Combine, but he’ll workout for the pros in his on-campus pro day March 31.
Losers
Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas. He left Indianapolis still needing to prove he has the quickness and athleticism to be as productive in a pro-style offense as he was in Kansas’ spread attack. He certainly did not look quick, explosive of fast in Combine drills Sunday and his stock has tumbled into the middle rounds.
Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU. He had a disappointing senior season and then failed to show quickness and speed Sunday. He showed only adequate explosiveness and speed at the Combine and thus certainly will fall out of the first round.
Colt McCoy, QB, Texas. Even without throwing, McCoy’s draft status fell when he measured in at 6-1 1/8. Personnel men still have major questions about his arm strength, wondering if he can make all the NFL throws. Considering his lack of height, his stock will take a big tumble down draft boards unless he lights up his on-campus workout March 31. Even with a strong pro day performance, it would not be a surprise to see him fall into the third round.
Preston Parker, WR, North Alabama. Parker was a top prospect as a junior in ’08 at Florida State but was forced to transfer. At North Alabama, he was productive and was on his way to winning back the scouts. However, he ran the 40-yard dash Sunday in the high 4.6-second/low 4.7-second range, depending on the scout working the stopwatch. His stock really will tumble now because shorter receivers lacking explosiveness and speed struggle to make it in the NFL.
Dace Richardson, G, Iowa. Many scouts considered him a "sleeper" before the Combine because his on-field production had been greatly hindered by a number of injuries. After running poorly (high 5.7-second range) and failing to distinguish himself in other drills Saturday, he will not get drafted.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
INDIANAPOLIS — An analytical look at the players whose performance at the NFL Scouting Combine most dramatically affected their stock:
His workouts at the Combine helped improve Jacoby Ford’s draft status to a possible second-round pick.
Winners
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland. Although we War Room scouts always have had a high grade on Campbell, opinions around the league seemed to vary greatly — from first-rounder to fifth-rounder. After his dominating workout at the Combine, he proved he is a rare athlete and has assured himself of being a first-round pick. He could move into the top 15 if he performs well in his on-campus workout March 10.
Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pitt. He helped himself more than any other player at the Combine because he had struggled so much at the Senior Bowl. Personnel men didn’t know if he was a wide receiver or tight end and if he had the athleticism to create mismatches in the passing game. He erased all doubts in his workout as a guy who can create matchup problems and make big plays. He could be drafted as high as the second round.
Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson. After a stellar Senior Bowl week, Ford displayed blazing speed and explosiveness in drills Sunday and convinced personnel men he can be a dangerous slot receiver and return man despite his lack of height. He now rates as a third-round prospect who could move into the second.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami (Fla.) . He is tall and well built and has been receiving a lot of hype in postseason because of his background and limited football experience. He struggled at the Senior Bowl, showing a lack of athleticism. He quelled some of those fears Saturday, looking like a good athlete without pads. If able to repeat his Combine performance at Miami’s on-campus workout March 26, he could move into the third round or even late second.
Carlton Mitchell, WR, South Florida. Mitchell, a junior, looked great on film but scouts wanted to see him up close, to see if his timed quickness and explosiveness matched his game play. He did not disappoint. He is big and ran well and looked athletic in drills Sunday. He is unlikely to be drafted in the first round, but if he catches the ball well at his on-campus workout March 30 he should move into the second round.
Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana. He is having an outstanding spring. He dominated defenders at East-West Shrine Game practices to move into third-round consideration. After showing good athleticism at the Combine, he proved capable of playing left tackle and now is a second-round prospect. He even could get taken at the end of the first round by a tackle-needy team, a la Sam Baker and Duane Brown in ’08.
Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale. He was one of the most athletic offensive linemen in workouts Saturday, rebuilding his draft stock after he failed to impress during Texas vs. The Nation practices. Although he didn’t dominate at Hillsdale, he is big and has rare athleticism and thus moved up draft boards at the Combine. He now projects as a third-round prospect, fourth round at worst.
Colt McCoy did not throw at the Combine, but he’ll workout for the pros in his on-campus pro day March 31.
Losers
Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas. He left Indianapolis still needing to prove he has the quickness and athleticism to be as productive in a pro-style offense as he was in Kansas’ spread attack. He certainly did not look quick, explosive of fast in Combine drills Sunday and his stock has tumbled into the middle rounds.
Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU. He had a disappointing senior season and then failed to show quickness and speed Sunday. He showed only adequate explosiveness and speed at the Combine and thus certainly will fall out of the first round.
Colt McCoy, QB, Texas. Even without throwing, McCoy’s draft status fell when he measured in at 6-1 1/8. Personnel men still have major questions about his arm strength, wondering if he can make all the NFL throws. Considering his lack of height, his stock will take a big tumble down draft boards unless he lights up his on-campus workout March 31. Even with a strong pro day performance, it would not be a surprise to see him fall into the third round.
Preston Parker, WR, North Alabama. Parker was a top prospect as a junior in ’08 at Florida State but was forced to transfer. At North Alabama, he was productive and was on his way to winning back the scouts. However, he ran the 40-yard dash Sunday in the high 4.6-second/low 4.7-second range, depending on the scout working the stopwatch. His stock really will tumble now because shorter receivers lacking explosiveness and speed struggle to make it in the NFL.
Dace Richardson, G, Iowa. Many scouts considered him a "sleeper" before the Combine because his on-field production had been greatly hindered by a number of injuries. After running poorly (high 5.7-second range) and failing to distinguish himself in other drills Saturday, he will not get drafted.
Former NFL scout Russ Lande evaluates college players for Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room and GM Jr. Scouting LLC.
