INDIANAPOLIS—Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh decided to compete at the NFL Scouting Combine, hoping to convince any doubters that he should be the No. 1-overall pick. Sporting News Today’s Clifton Brown and other reporters spoke to Suh.
Sporting News: What is your relationship with Gerald McCoy?
Ndamukong Suh makes it clear: “I’m a competitor. I want to be No. 1…”
Ndamukong Suh: I don’t think it’s a rivalry. We’re definitely competitive, but we’re definitely good friends off the field.
SN: Would you be happy for McCoy if he were the first-overall pick?
NS: I’d be happy for him. I’d be disappointed with myself not getting it. I’m a competitor. I want to be No. 1, so that’s what I’m going to strive for.
SN: The Lions hold the No. 2 pick. Based on your conversation with Lions coaches, how would you fit in Detroit?
NS: I think I would be able to adjust to anything. Obviously, I think our scheme was a little bit different at Nebraska from what the NFL’s asking me to do. But I think I’m a player who can adjust.
SN: How do you respond to people who say McCoy is a better pass rusher?
NS: We played two different schemes. He had the freedom to penetrate. I was more or less in the scheme of reading and playing through my man.
SN: What is the most surprising part of the draft process?
NS: The media attention and just the limelight—everybody kind of knowing who I am.
SN: What separates you from McCoy?
NS: The coaches make that decision. I think we’re both great players. I think we have similarities but differences. I think we’re two great players worthy of the positions that we’re in.
SN: You played a lot of soccer as a kid. How good were you?
NS: I was fairly good. I could play every position but midfield. I didn’t like to play midfield because it was a little bit too much running. I got a lot of fouls. That’s kind of the reason I moved away from soccer, because I got too many red cards.
SN: When your mom wasn’t too sure about you playing football, what did you tell her?
NS: She figured I’d be the one getting hit. I had to let her realize that I was the one attacking people and getting after the smaller guys.
SN: Why did you decide to work out at the Combine?
NS: I don’t have anything to hide. I’ve been working hard these last six weeks. There’s no point in working out and then not showing up here. You’re just kind of wasting time. You might as well showcase it and then go back to work, showcase it again at pro day and then move on.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS—Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh decided to compete at the NFL Scouting Combine, hoping to convince any doubters that he should be the No. 1-overall pick. Sporting News Today’s Clifton Brown and other reporters spoke to Suh.
Sporting News: What is your relationship with Gerald McCoy?
Ndamukong Suh makes it clear: “I’m a competitor. I want to be No. 1…”
Ndamukong Suh: I don’t think it’s a rivalry. We’re definitely competitive, but we’re definitely good friends off the field.
SN: Would you be happy for McCoy if he were the first-overall pick?
NS: I’d be happy for him. I’d be disappointed with myself not getting it. I’m a competitor. I want to be No. 1, so that’s what I’m going to strive for.
SN: The Lions hold the No. 2 pick. Based on your conversation with Lions coaches, how would you fit in Detroit?
NS: I think I would be able to adjust to anything. Obviously, I think our scheme was a little bit different at Nebraska from what the NFL’s asking me to do. But I think I’m a player who can adjust.
SN: How do you respond to people who say McCoy is a better pass rusher?
NS: We played two different schemes. He had the freedom to penetrate. I was more or less in the scheme of reading and playing through my man.
SN: What is the most surprising part of the draft process?
NS: The media attention and just the limelight—everybody kind of knowing who I am.
SN: What separates you from McCoy?
NS: The coaches make that decision. I think we’re both great players. I think we have similarities but differences. I think we’re two great players worthy of the positions that we’re in.
SN: You played a lot of soccer as a kid. How good were you?
NS: I was fairly good. I could play every position but midfield. I didn’t like to play midfield because it was a little bit too much running. I got a lot of fouls. That’s kind of the reason I moved away from soccer, because I got too many red cards.
SN: When your mom wasn’t too sure about you playing football, what did you tell her?
NS: She figured I’d be the one getting hit. I had to let her realize that I was the one attacking people and getting after the smaller guys.
SN: Why did you decide to work out at the Combine?
NS: I don’t have anything to hide. I’ve been working hard these last six weeks. There’s no point in working out and then not showing up here. You’re just kind of wasting time. You might as well showcase it and then go back to work, showcase it again at pro day and then move on.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS—Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy hopes to be the No. 1-overall pick in the NFL draft on April 22. Sporting News Today’s Clifton Brown and other reporters spoke with McCoy at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Sporting News: What are your thoughts about possibly being the No. 1 pick?
Gerald McCoy tries not to show a preference for where he’d like to begin his NFL career.
Gerald McCoy: I’m just happy to be considered to even play in the NFL. To be a possible No. 1 pick is a great honor.
SN: Is it important to you to be the No. 1 pick?
GM: It’s not very important to me, but it would be an honor. I just wanted to be drafted as high as I can.
SN: The Lions hold the No. 2 overall pick. How do you think you would fit with the Lions’ defense?
GM: They’re an attack defense, a get-up-the–field, penetrate defense. That’s how we played at Oklahoma; that’s how I play. So I think I fit in well up there.
SN: The Rams hold the No. 1 pick. Which defensive system is a better fit, the Rams’ or Lions’?
GM: Both of them attack. Either one would be fine with me.
SN: What are your strengths?
GM: I have a strong work ethic. I try to outwork the opponent. I hate giving the person I’m going against an opportunity to say, ‘I won.’ That’s anything I do. If we’re playing cards, I don’t want to give you the opportunity to say, ‘Oh yeah, I beat you.’ That’s just the mentality I have; my father instilled that in me.
SN: Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh had 12 sacks last year and you had six. Why did Suh have higher sack numbers?
GM: The guy had like five sacks in one game (4 1/2 vs. Texas in the Big 12 title game). That helps. Up until then, the sack numbers were pretty much neck and neck. He wanted to win the Big 12 championship. He went out there and dominated.
SN: Do you and Suh have a rivalry?
GM: No rivalry. Me and him are real good friends. Everybody is expecting us to be bumping heads. It’s not like that. We text each other back and forth, wishing each other the best here every day.
SN: Is there competition between the two of you?
GM: Definitely. I am not saying I am not competing to be No. 1, but there are no hard feelings. He wants to be the best, and so do I.
SN: What is your relationship with Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, the other guy vying to be the first overall pick?
GM: I love Sam, since we were kids. His Little League team ran from mine. We were No. 1 and we wanted to play Sam, but he ran from us.
SN: What do you think about playing against Bradford in the NFL?
GM: I’m going to kill Sam (smiling). I kid you not. In practice, I’d go to Sam and they’d blow the whistle. I’m going to kill Sam.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS—Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy hopes to be the No. 1-overall pick in the NFL draft on April 22. Sporting News Today’s Clifton Brown and other reporters spoke with McCoy at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Sporting News: What are your thoughts about possibly being the No. 1 pick?
Gerald McCoy tries not to show a preference for where he’d like to begin his NFL career.
Gerald McCoy: I’m just happy to be considered to even play in the NFL. To be a possible No. 1 pick is a great honor.
SN: Is it important to you to be the No. 1 pick?
GM: It’s not very important to me, but it would be an honor. I just wanted to be drafted as high as I can.
SN: The Lions hold the No. 2 overall pick. How do you think you would fit with the Lions’ defense?
GM: They’re an attack defense, a get-up-the–field, penetrate defense. That’s how we played at Oklahoma; that’s how I play. So I think I fit in well up there.
SN: The Rams hold the No. 1 pick. Which defensive system is a better fit, the Rams’ or Lions’?
GM: Both of them attack. Either one would be fine with me.
SN: What are your strengths?
GM: I have a strong work ethic. I try to outwork the opponent. I hate giving the person I’m going against an opportunity to say, ‘I won.’ That’s anything I do. If we’re playing cards, I don’t want to give you the opportunity to say, ‘Oh yeah, I beat you.’ That’s just the mentality I have; my father instilled that in me.
SN: Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh had 12 sacks last year and you had six. Why did Suh have higher sack numbers?
GM: The guy had like five sacks in one game (4 1/2 vs. Texas in the Big 12 title game). That helps. Up until then, the sack numbers were pretty much neck and neck. He wanted to win the Big 12 championship. He went out there and dominated.
SN: Do you and Suh have a rivalry?
GM: No rivalry. Me and him are real good friends. Everybody is expecting us to be bumping heads. It’s not like that. We text each other back and forth, wishing each other the best here every day.
SN: Is there competition between the two of you?
GM: Definitely. I am not saying I am not competing to be No. 1, but there are no hard feelings. He wants to be the best, and so do I.
SN: What is your relationship with Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, the other guy vying to be the first overall pick?
GM: I love Sam, since we were kids. His Little League team ran from mine. We were No. 1 and we wanted to play Sam, but he ran from us.
SN: What do you think about playing against Bradford in the NFL?
GM: I’m going to kill Sam (smiling). I kid you not. In practice, I’d go to Sam and they’d blow the whistle. I’m going to kill Sam.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
Ryan Braun is Sporting News’ No. 1-ranked fantasy outfielder entering the 2010 season, but after Braun, owners can make strong arguments for a few different players to fill second place. Kemp is one of those players, and judging by the way he is climbing in preseason mock drafts, he could eventually claim the No. 2 spot all by himself.
Why are fantasy owners enamored with Kemp? For Rotisserie leaguers Kemp’s across-the-board production is unique and valuable. Among players that stole 30-plus bases last season, only Kemp and Bobby Abreu had 100 RBIs. Kemp also chipped in with 26 home runs, 101 RBIs and a .297 batting average.
Kemp has shown a nice upward trend over the last three seasons in his key fantasy stats. And at 25 years old, he is entering the prime of his career. It’s no wonder he’s the "Fantasy Player of the Week" and a sure bet to be one of the first outfielders drafted this spring.
Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
Ryan Braun is Sporting News’ No. 1-ranked fantasy outfielder entering the 2010 season, but after Braun, owners can make strong arguments for a few different players to fill second place. Kemp is one of those players, and judging by the way he is climbing in preseason mock drafts, he could eventually claim the No. 2 spot all by himself.
Why are fantasy owners enamored with Kemp? For Rotisserie leaguers Kemp’s across-the-board production is unique and valuable. Among players that stole 30-plus bases last season, only Kemp and Bobby Abreu had 100 RBIs. Kemp also chipped in with 26 home runs, 101 RBIs and a .297 batting average.
Kemp has shown a nice upward trend over the last three seasons in his key fantasy stats. And at 25 years old, he is entering the prime of his career. It’s no wonder he’s the "Fantasy Player of the Week" and a sure bet to be one of the first outfielders drafted this spring.
One thing we now know for sure: Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is unimpressed by drills. He wants to judge prospects on their in-game performances.
Many of the top college football prospects have gathered in Indianapolis this week for the NFL scouting combine. Fair or not, in the past, an excellent performance there could make a player’s draft status soar, while a poor performance could sink his chances of being drafted altogether.
Lewis joined Dan Dakich on 1070 the Fan in Indianapolis to talk about the merits of the combine.
To listen to Marvin Lewis on 1070 the Fan, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis says he judges football prospects on their games, not their combine stats.
What would Chad Ochocinco do if he could come to the Combine?
Lewis: He would probably run faster than he did last time, because he probably wouldn’t wear those stupid tights.
Does Lewis put much stock in combine workouts?
Lewis: The workout becomes a confirmation for a lot of players. It’s got to be judged individually by that player. The number one thing is what that guy has done on his college campus.
So, these college players that are going to be underclassmen right now, listening to your show, they should take stock in what they do on the football field their junior and senior seasons and not get all caught up in what this is.
This is a confirmation that I can run, I weigh this much, I’m smart enough, I can carry a conversation, I can learn, I can understand, and I’m a good person. That’s what this weekend ends up being.
What does Lewis think of players who become workout warriors after leaving school?
Lewis: The other one that just kills me is that they spend three or four years with a strength coach on their college campus, and as soon as the season’s over they go somewhere else to some guy who doesn’t know them from a hole in the wall, and pay this guy a bunch of money. It doesn’t make any sense…
It used to be they had to pay for it, and now it’s part of the agent deal. They’ve cultivated a whole industry out of it. It really doesn’t make sense.
It’s actually asinine that if I go to school in Florida, now I have to go to Arizona to train. If I lived in Arizona, now I go to Georgia to train. I could see if you were stuck somewhere and you’re a small school guy, and you’ve got to go somewhere where they have an indoor place where you can run and train.
But these guys have the best facilities, and the best people working with them year round, and now all of a sudden they’ve got to go somewhere else… You don’t need to go away. A football player is a football player.
More from SRI
Albert Pujols says he’s pain-free for the first time in seven years
Derrick Rose on how likely it is a major free agent lands in Chicago
One thing we now know for sure: Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is unimpressed by drills. He wants to judge prospects on their in-game performances.
Many of the top college football prospects have gathered in Indianapolis this week for the NFL scouting combine. Fair or not, in the past, an excellent performance there could make a player’s draft status soar, while a poor performance could sink his chances of being drafted altogether.
Lewis joined Dan Dakich on 1070 the Fan in Indianapolis to talk about the merits of the combine.
To listen to Marvin Lewis on 1070 the Fan, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis says he judges football prospects on their games, not their combine stats.
What would Chad Ochocinco do if he could come to the Combine?
Lewis: He would probably run faster than he did last time, because he probably wouldn’t wear those stupid tights.
Does Lewis put much stock in combine workouts?
Lewis: The workout becomes a confirmation for a lot of players. It’s got to be judged individually by that player. The number one thing is what that guy has done on his college campus.
So, these college players that are going to be underclassmen right now, listening to your show, they should take stock in what they do on the football field their junior and senior seasons and not get all caught up in what this is.
This is a confirmation that I can run, I weigh this much, I’m smart enough, I can carry a conversation, I can learn, I can understand, and I’m a good person. That’s what this weekend ends up being.
What does Lewis think of players who become workout warriors after leaving school?
Lewis: The other one that just kills me is that they spend three or four years with a strength coach on their college campus, and as soon as the season’s over they go somewhere else to some guy who doesn’t know them from a hole in the wall, and pay this guy a bunch of money. It doesn’t make any sense…
It used to be they had to pay for it, and now it’s part of the agent deal. They’ve cultivated a whole industry out of it. It really doesn’t make sense.
It’s actually asinine that if I go to school in Florida, now I have to go to Arizona to train. If I lived in Arizona, now I go to Georgia to train. I could see if you were stuck somewhere and you’re a small school guy, and you’ve got to go somewhere where they have an indoor place where you can run and train.
But these guys have the best facilities, and the best people working with them year round, and now all of a sudden they’ve got to go somewhere else… You don’t need to go away. A football player is a football player.
More from SRI
Albert Pujols says he’s pain-free for the first time in seven years
Derrick Rose on how likely it is a major free agent lands in Chicago
Three things I learned at Rangers camp:
Don’t underestimate the pride of a warrior
At 35, Vlad Guerrero is looking to prove detractors wrong.
Vlad Guerrero says he is healthy. He looks leaner in his upper body. He is actually running, not limping. In other words, watch out for Vlad Guerrero.
"Our doctor who did his physical said, based on what he saw as a fan last year, thought it was going to be worse. He said the physical was pretty clean," said Rangers GM Jon Daniels, adding that means clean for a 35-year-old who has undergone surgery on both knees.
Guerrero was limited to 100 games last season because of a torn pectoral muscle and a torn hamstring behind his left knee. That followed off-season cleanup surgeries on both knees.
"With the injuries that he had, your bat would slow down, too," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He’s healthy right now and I don’t see anything wrong with his bat speed. He says he feels good and that’s good enough for me."
And Guerrero definitely has something to prove, to the Angels and all the other teams that did not offer him more than a one-year, $5.5 million deal that he settled for with the Rangers.
Don’t discount the loss of late-night dining
If Matt Harrison doesn’t make the Rangers’ rotation, it won’t be because he’s out of shape. After checking in at about 265 pounds before last season, he has lost 30 pounds and says he feels "100 times better." No more shin splints, no more back pain. "I have more endurance. I can run 15-20 sprints and I’m still good to go," he said. "No more huffing and puffing."
And get this, would-be dieters: Harrison dropped the pounds without changing what he eats. The secret: He eliminated post-game dinners.
"Oh man, it was hard," he said. "I went to bed starving. It took about a month to get used to it. Then I lost a little weight and I was able to run more, and that helped me lose some more."
Don’t think the Rangers don’t know Harden’s history
Talking to numerous Rangers, they all said newcomer Rich Harden is one of the game’s best starters "if he’s healthy." Ten days after pitchers and catchers reported, Harden is healthy. The Rangers will take steps to keep him that way. Harden already has been tabbed to start the opener, and not only because he’s projected to be the team’s ace. The way the three off-days in April are set up, Harden will be able to make his first three starts on five days rest.
Unlike some teams, the Rangers will stay on a five-man rotation partly to allow Harden an extra day but also because the difference in their No. 2 and whoever ends up their No. 5 is not as great as it is for a team like the Mariners, who have Cliff Lee as their No. 2.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Three things I learned at Rangers camp:
Don’t underestimate the pride of a warrior
At 35, Vlad Guerrero is looking to prove detractors wrong.
Vlad Guerrero says he is healthy. He looks leaner in his upper body. He is actually running, not limping. In other words, watch out for Vlad Guerrero.
"Our doctor who did his physical said, based on what he saw as a fan last year, thought it was going to be worse. He said the physical was pretty clean," said Rangers GM Jon Daniels, adding that means clean for a 35-year-old who has undergone surgery on both knees.
Guerrero was limited to 100 games last season because of a torn pectoral muscle and a torn hamstring behind his left knee. That followed off-season cleanup surgeries on both knees.
"With the injuries that he had, your bat would slow down, too," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He’s healthy right now and I don’t see anything wrong with his bat speed. He says he feels good and that’s good enough for me."
And Guerrero definitely has something to prove, to the Angels and all the other teams that did not offer him more than a one-year, $5.5 million deal that he settled for with the Rangers.
Don’t discount the loss of late-night dining
If Matt Harrison doesn’t make the Rangers’ rotation, it won’t be because he’s out of shape. After checking in at about 265 pounds before last season, he has lost 30 pounds and says he feels "100 times better." No more shin splints, no more back pain. "I have more endurance. I can run 15-20 sprints and I’m still good to go," he said. "No more huffing and puffing."
And get this, would-be dieters: Harrison dropped the pounds without changing what he eats. The secret: He eliminated post-game dinners.
"Oh man, it was hard," he said. "I went to bed starving. It took about a month to get used to it. Then I lost a little weight and I was able to run more, and that helped me lose some more."
Don’t think the Rangers don’t know Harden’s history
Talking to numerous Rangers, they all said newcomer Rich Harden is one of the game’s best starters "if he’s healthy." Ten days after pitchers and catchers reported, Harden is healthy. The Rangers will take steps to keep him that way. Harden already has been tabbed to start the opener, and not only because he’s projected to be the team’s ace. The way the three off-days in April are set up, Harden will be able to make his first three starts on five days rest.
Unlike some teams, the Rangers will stay on a five-man rotation partly to allow Harden an extra day but also because the difference in their No. 2 and whoever ends up their No. 5 is not as great as it is for a team like the Mariners, who have Cliff Lee as their No. 2.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
The White Sox were interested in trading for Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez this winter, and they asked Gonzalez’s former teammate Jake Peavy for a recommendation, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Peavy gave it wholeheartedly. The Sox, however, backed off after determining they likely would have to give up second baseman Gordon Beckham, according to the Sun-Times report.
The Sun-Times also reports Peavy first mentioned the Gonzalez link to the newspaper in January. He repeated it to CBSSports.com on Saturday, and confirmed it to a Chicago reporter Sunday.
"(Sox general manager) Kenny (Williams) asked me at one point (this winter), ‘What kind of guy is this guy?’" Peavy told Chicagobreakingsports.com reporter Mark Gonzales. "I went into recruiting mode."
Peavy also told Mark Gonzales that Adrian Gonzalez is prepared to leave his hometown club if it means being on a contender elsewhere.
"Adrian wants to win – I can tell you that," Peavy said. "If it means leaving San Diego, he won’t think twice about doing that. I can promise you that."
Sporting News staff reports
The White Sox were interested in trading for Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez this winter, and they asked Gonzalez’s former teammate Jake Peavy for a recommendation, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Peavy gave it wholeheartedly. The Sox, however, backed off after determining they likely would have to give up second baseman Gordon Beckham, according to the Sun-Times report.
The Sun-Times also reports Peavy first mentioned the Gonzalez link to the newspaper in January. He repeated it to CBSSports.com on Saturday, and confirmed it to a Chicago reporter Sunday.
"(Sox general manager) Kenny (Williams) asked me at one point (this winter), ‘What kind of guy is this guy?’" Peavy told Chicagobreakingsports.com reporter Mark Gonzales. "I went into recruiting mode."
Peavy also told Mark Gonzales that Adrian Gonzalez is prepared to leave his hometown club if it means being on a contender elsewhere.
"Adrian wants to win – I can tell you that," Peavy said. "If it means leaving San Diego, he won’t think twice about doing that. I can promise you that."
My biggest fear about the NFL is … The lockout rumor in 2011.
The coach or teammate who inspired me more than he realized was … Coach (Dabo) Swinney because he always expected me to make a play, no matter how hard or how easy it was. He truly believed I was a playmaker anytime the ball got in my hands.
Jacoby Ford flashes his speed at the Combine.
If I have a weakness, it’s … Probably just being overmatched with linebackers.
Cat or dog? I’d rather be a … Cat because they are swift on their feet and very silent when they land. That’s kind of like me: When I run, you do not hear me because it is very smooth and polished.
The NFL players I’d love to have as my teammates are … Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, DeSean Jackson, Eddie Royal and Steve Smith.
Bigger or faster? I’d rather be … Faster. Speed kills and I like my size now.
If I had to compare myself to an NFL player, it’d be … Eddie Royal.
The scariest thing about being off on my own is … Having my own responsibilities now that college life is over.
Another draft prospect who has impressed me is … (Missouri linebacker) Sean Weatherspoon.
I don’t think I’ll be a bust in the NFL because … I will not allow myself to be. I always want to work hard day in and day out.
If I wasn’t being drafted, I’d be applying for a job at … My old college, so I can stay close to football and help others.
The Clemson freshman who will one day be a high draft choice is … (Quarterback) Tajh Boyd.
The first purchase I’ll make with my signing bonus is … Maybe a car.
The most important attribute of mine is … Definitely my speed because I feel like that is something that you cannot teach.
The college game day tradition I’m going to miss the most is … Running down that hill and rubbing that rock. That was best experience ever.
—Jeff D’Alessio
This story appears in March 1’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.
My biggest fear about the NFL is … The lockout rumor in 2011.
The coach or teammate who inspired me more than he realized was … Coach (Dabo) Swinney because he always expected me to make a play, no matter how hard or how easy it was. He truly believed I was a playmaker anytime the ball got in my hands.
Jacoby Ford flashes his speed at the Combine.
If I have a weakness, it’s … Probably just being overmatched with linebackers.
Cat or dog? I’d rather be a … Cat because they are swift on their feet and very silent when they land. That’s kind of like me: When I run, you do not hear me because it is very smooth and polished.
The NFL players I’d love to have as my teammates are … Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, DeSean Jackson, Eddie Royal and Steve Smith.
Bigger or faster? I’d rather be … Faster. Speed kills and I like my size now.
If I had to compare myself to an NFL player, it’d be … Eddie Royal.
The scariest thing about being off on my own is … Having my own responsibilities now that college life is over.
Another draft prospect who has impressed me is … (Missouri linebacker) Sean Weatherspoon.
I don’t think I’ll be a bust in the NFL because … I will not allow myself to be. I always want to work hard day in and day out.
If I wasn’t being drafted, I’d be applying for a job at … My old college, so I can stay close to football and help others.
The Clemson freshman who will one day be a high draft choice is … (Quarterback) Tajh Boyd.
The first purchase I’ll make with my signing bonus is … Maybe a car.
The most important attribute of mine is … Definitely my speed because I feel like that is something that you cannot teach.
The college game day tradition I’m going to miss the most is … Running down that hill and rubbing that rock. That was best experience ever.
—Jeff D’Alessio
This story appears in March 1’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.
INDIANAPOLIS — As the NFL Scouting Combine continues, so does the uncertainty at the top of the draft.
Only two players can bet the mortgage on being picked no lower than No. 3—defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska and Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma. But here is a look at five other elite prospects who could go in the top five or fall out of the top 10:
Eric Berry is motivated to prove the doubters wrong.
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Working for him: He is an impact safety, a playmaker with the potential to be like an Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu. The Buccaneers should consider Berry with the No. 3 pick, and though he left college early he was coached well at Tennessee. After all, Berry’s defensive coordinator last season was former Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.
"Monte told me I’d be a fool to come back (to Tennessee)," Berry said. "He made me so much of a better player."
Working against him: Some general managers say a top-five pick is too high for any safety, and no safety has been drafted so high since Sean Taylor went No. 5 to the Redskins in 2004.
"A lot of people don’t even have me in the top 10, which is very motivating to me," Berry said.
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Working for him: The more NFL people see him, the more they like him. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has a close relationship with Chiefs GM Scott Pioli, who holds the No. 5 pick and is desperate for an offensive tackle.
Working against him: There are plenty of quality offensive tackles to choose from in the 2010 draft.
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Working for him: No player is more valuable than a franchise quarterback, and only two ’10 quarterbacks are first-round material—Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford and Clausen. If the Rams make the bold move to take Bradford with the No. 1 pick, the Redskins might be coerced into taking Clausen at No. 4.
Clausen also played in pro-style offense at Notre Dame and was coached by Charlie Weis, a successful NFL offensive coordinator.
"He’s a great quarterback coach," Clausen said of Weis. "He’s probably the smartest coach I’ve ever been around."
Working against him: Clausen did not throw at the Combine as he continues to recover from toe surgery, and some personnel men and scouts wonder about his leadership skills. A lackluster pro day performance April 9 could drop him out of the top 10.
"I don’t think he’s as polished or as accurate as Bradford," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. "I think it’s a little high for Jimmy Clausen at No. 4, given the questions regarding leadership and some of those intangibles."
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
Working for him: Left tackles always are coveted, and he has tremendous upside because of his size and athletic ability. He could get consideration from the Chiefs at No. 5.
"My athleticism helps me get out of a lot of situations," Davis said. "If I step the wrong way, it helps me get back into position."
Working against him: Davis’ Combine workout was not overly impressive, and the tackle position is one of the deepest in the draft. If Bulaga, Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung, Oklahoma’s Trent Williams or Maryland’s Bruce Campbell are drafted ahead of Davis, it could push him out of the top 10.
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
Working for him: Pass rushers are a commodity, and the Buccaneers (No. 3 pick) have a need for someone with Pierre-Paul’s ability.
Working against him: He is athletic, but he also is unpolished. Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik might consider Pierre-Paul too much of a risk at No. 3. And if either Suh or McCoy drops to No. 3, the Buccaneers would not hesitate to take either.
This story appears in March 1’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.
Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS — As the NFL Scouting Combine continues, so does the uncertainty at the top of the draft.
Only two players can bet the mortgage on being picked no lower than No. 3—defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska and Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma. But here is a look at five other elite prospects who could go in the top five or fall out of the top 10:
Eric Berry is motivated to prove the doubters wrong.
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Working for him: He is an impact safety, a playmaker with the potential to be like an Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu. The Buccaneers should consider Berry with the No. 3 pick, and though he left college early he was coached well at Tennessee. After all, Berry’s defensive coordinator last season was former Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.
"Monte told me I’d be a fool to come back (to Tennessee)," Berry said. "He made me so much of a better player."
Working against him: Some general managers say a top-five pick is too high for any safety, and no safety has been drafted so high since Sean Taylor went No. 5 to the Redskins in 2004.
"A lot of people don’t even have me in the top 10, which is very motivating to me," Berry said.
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Working for him: The more NFL people see him, the more they like him. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has a close relationship with Chiefs GM Scott Pioli, who holds the No. 5 pick and is desperate for an offensive tackle.
Working against him: There are plenty of quality offensive tackles to choose from in the 2010 draft.
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Working for him: No player is more valuable than a franchise quarterback, and only two ’10 quarterbacks are first-round material—Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford and Clausen. If the Rams make the bold move to take Bradford with the No. 1 pick, the Redskins might be coerced into taking Clausen at No. 4.
Clausen also played in pro-style offense at Notre Dame and was coached by Charlie Weis, a successful NFL offensive coordinator.
"He’s a great quarterback coach," Clausen said of Weis. "He’s probably the smartest coach I’ve ever been around."
Working against him: Clausen did not throw at the Combine as he continues to recover from toe surgery, and some personnel men and scouts wonder about his leadership skills. A lackluster pro day performance April 9 could drop him out of the top 10.
"I don’t think he’s as polished or as accurate as Bradford," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. "I think it’s a little high for Jimmy Clausen at No. 4, given the questions regarding leadership and some of those intangibles."
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
Working for him: Left tackles always are coveted, and he has tremendous upside because of his size and athletic ability. He could get consideration from the Chiefs at No. 5.
"My athleticism helps me get out of a lot of situations," Davis said. "If I step the wrong way, it helps me get back into position."
Working against him: Davis’ Combine workout was not overly impressive, and the tackle position is one of the deepest in the draft. If Bulaga, Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung, Oklahoma’s Trent Williams or Maryland’s Bruce Campbell are drafted ahead of Davis, it could push him out of the top 10.
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
Working for him: Pass rushers are a commodity, and the Buccaneers (No. 3 pick) have a need for someone with Pierre-Paul’s ability.
Working against him: He is athletic, but he also is unpolished. Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik might consider Pierre-Paul too much of a risk at No. 3. And if either Suh or McCoy drops to No. 3, the Buccaneers would not hesitate to take either.
This story appears in March 1’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.
Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS — Sunday was a high-profile day at the NFL Scouting Combine with running backs and wide receivers running the 40-yard dash and quarterbacks throwing. An analytical look at the biggest moments of the day:
Tim Tebow makes an impression at the Combine, but he still needs to show he can throw the ball.
• Florida QB Tim Tebow, who is working on improving his passing mechanics, chose not to throw Sunday but still was able to improve his draft stock. Coaches and personnel men gave him high marks in one-on-one interviews, and he shined during his workout Sunday. He ran the 40-yard dashes in the 4.7-second range, not "running back fast" but faster than most all current NFL quarterbacks, and performed well in other drills. He showed good athleticism for a quarterback, which should help him to make plays outside the pocket in the NFL. That said, the major factor in where Tebow is drafted is how he throws in his on-campus workout March 17.
• Notre Dame WR Golden Tate had an interesting day, helping and hurting his draft stock. After running the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds Sunday, scouts will go back to his film to take a second look to see if they can find proof to back up that time. On the downside, he struggled to catch the ball in the "Gauntlet Drill" and must do much better at his pro day workout to prove that Sunday’s struggles were an aberration. It is a concern that he allows so many passes to get into his body and thus ends up fighting or dropping the ball too often. Bottom line: If Tate catches the ball well March 23, his boost of speed at the Combine should cement a spot at the bottom of the first round.
• Clemson WR Jacoby Ford continued his strong offseason by posting the fastest 40-yard dash of the Combine — 4.28 seconds. After shining at the Senior Bowl and showing great athleticism, quickness and burst to make plays as a slot receiver, he blew our doors off with his 40 time. Despite his size (5-8 5/8, 181), he pretty much now is assured of being a second- or third-round pick.
For information and analysis on these and many other players, see the latest Combine Dish in SN’s Pro Football War Room.
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 — Sunday was a high-profile day at the NFL Scouting Combine with running backs and wide receivers running the 40-yard dash and quarterbacks throwing. An analytical look at the biggest moments of the day:
Tim Tebow makes an impression at the Combine, but he still needs to show he can throw the ball.
• Florida QB Tim Tebow, who is working on improving his passing mechanics, chose not to throw Sunday but still was able to improve his draft stock. Coaches and personnel men gave him high marks in one-on-one interviews, and he shined during his workout Sunday. He ran the 40-yard dashes in the 4.7-second range, not "running back fast" but faster than most all current NFL quarterbacks, and performed well in other drills. He showed good athleticism for a quarterback, which should help him to make plays outside the pocket in the NFL. That said, the major factor in where Tebow is drafted is how he throws in his on-campus workout March 17.
• Notre Dame WR Golden Tate had an interesting day, helping and hurting his draft stock. After running the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds Sunday, scouts will go back to his film to take a second look to see if they can find proof to back up that time. On the downside, he struggled to catch the ball in the "Gauntlet Drill" and must do much better at his pro day workout to prove that Sunday’s struggles were an aberration. It is a concern that he allows so many passes to get into his body and thus ends up fighting or dropping the ball too often. Bottom line: If Tate catches the ball well March 23, his boost of speed at the Combine should cement a spot at the bottom of the first round.
• Clemson WR Jacoby Ford continued his strong offseason by posting the fastest 40-yard dash of the Combine — 4.28 seconds. After shining at the Senior Bowl and showing great athleticism, quickness and burst to make plays as a slot receiver, he blew our doors off with his 40 time. Despite his size (5-8 5/8, 181), he pretty much now is assured of being a second- or third-round pick.
For information and analysis on these and many other players, see the latest Combine Dish in SN’s Pro Football War Room.
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.
Sporting News staff reports
Francisco Cervelli. Austin Romine. Jesus Montero. Gary Sanchez. J.R. Murphy. All are young Yankees catchers who are keeping a close watch this spring on 38-year-old starter Jorge Posada. But despite all the young talent that surrounds him, Posada says he won’t go away any time soon.
"I am going to make it tough, that’s the way I was brought up," the veteran switch hitter told the New York Post. "We got a lot of talent, but I am going to make it tough for them. I don’t want to go away.
"I am having fun and enjoy playing. To tell you the truth, they are going to really have to rip (the uniform) off me."
Sporting News staff reports
Francisco Cervelli. Austin Romine. Jesus Montero. Gary Sanchez. J.R. Murphy. All are young Yankees catchers who are keeping a close watch this spring on 38-year-old starter Jorge Posada. But despite all the young talent that surrounds him, Posada says he won’t go away any time soon.
"I am going to make it tough, that’s the way I was brought up," the veteran switch hitter told the New York Post. "We got a lot of talent, but I am going to make it tough for them. I don’t want to go away.
"I am having fun and enjoy playing. To tell you the truth, they are going to really have to rip (the uniform) off me."
