Nickdfresh
03-05-2006, 11:58 AM
NFL meat market yields prime cuts
TE Davis, QB Cutler put on impressive shows
By ALLEN WILSON
News Sports Reporter
3/5/2006
http://www.buffalonews.com/graphics/2006/03/05/0305vinceyoung.jpg
The last thing Texas quarterback Vince Young needs is another question surrounding his ability.
They were poked, prodded, measured, timed, scrutinized and even psychoanalyzed. Such is the life of college prospects at the NFL's annual scouting combine.
The 330 players who came to Indianapolis last week went through a series of workouts and interviews that will have a major influence on when they are selected in the April 29-30 draft.
Big names such as running back Reggie Bush and quarterback Matt Leinart of Southern California and Texas quarterback Vince Young did not participate, choosing instead to wait for their "Pro Day" workouts.
However, teams were pleasantly surprised that more than 90 percent of the players ran and participated in some or all of the drills. As a result, teams left Indy with more information than ever.
"We're all very happy about it," Houston Texans General Manager Charley Casserly said. "We make a big push in the competition committee to get kids to run, and we have a high percentage of kids running, which is good. It's good for them, it gives them more exposure. Our comment to them is, "Hey, the more times you run, the better chance you have to do your best.' "
A lot of players haven't run in the past because the artificial turf inside the RCA Dome was considered too slow. However, the new FieldTurf has created a very fast track.
A dozen running backs ran the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds or better. Nine defensive backs ran in the 4.3s. Three linebackers had 4.4 times. Four wide receivers ran in the 4.3 range. Even a couple of quarterbacks recorded sub 4.4 times.
A number of players helped themselves considerably. Others need to do better in private workouts to improve their draft position.
Here's a closer look at some of the winners and losers at the combine.
Stock rising
TE Vernon Davis, Maryland: The junior stole the show, wowing teams with one of the greatest individual workouts ever witnessed. At 6-foot-3 and 254 pounds, Davis ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds, the fastest time ever recorded by a tight end at the combine. He also did 33 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press, had a 42-inch vertical jump, and his 10-8 broad jump was nearly 10 inches better than anyone else at his position. Already projected to be taken in the first round, Davis is now a virtual lock to be a top-10 pick.
QB Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt: With Leinart and Young not working out, Cutler took full advantage of having center stage to himself. He wasn't flawless in passing drills but showed a strong arm and ran the 40 in 4.77 seconds. He also displayed his competitiveness by volunteering to do the bench press and lifted 225 pounds an impressive 23 times. That's more than some linemen. After a strong combine showing plus an impressive week at the Senior Bowl, Cutler has surpassed Leinart and Young in the eyes of some scouts.
WR Chad Jackson, Florida: He is racing up the charts after an eye-opening 4.32-second time in the 40-yard dash at 6-1 and 201 pounds and displaying good hands in receiving drills. Ohio State's Santonio Holmes is rated the top wide receiver, but Jackson is closing the gap fast.
DE Manny Lawson, N.C. State: Overshadowed by teammate Mario Williams, Lawson may have earned a spot in the first round with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, a 39-plus-inch vertical leap and solid times in the shuttle and cone drills. Because he is undersized, the 6-5, 241-pound Lawson may be moved to linebacker. He looked good in linebacker drills, enhancing his chance of being selected by a team that runs a 3-4 defense.
RB Joseph Addai, LSU: Following a dominant performance in the Peach Bowl (24 carries for 130 yards and two touchdowns against Miami), Addai kept the momentum going with a 4.4-second result in the 40. He also caught the ball well in receiving drills. Bush and LenDale White of USC, DeAngelo Williams of Memphis and Laurence Maroney of Minnesota are likely first-round backs. The 5-11, 215-pound Addai may join them.
Stock falling
QB Vince Young, Texas: He'll be drafted high, but his reported score of 16 on the 50-question Wonderlic test has sent up many red flags among NFL general managers. The NFL denied a rumor that he scored a six, but he must have scored in single digits or else he wouldn't have gotten a second chance to take the test. While the Wonderlic is not the most reliable indicator of NFL success (Dan Marino and Steve McNair reportedly had low scores), the last thing Young needs is another question surrounding his ability. He already has had to answer questions about his sidearm delivery and the fact that he worked mostly out of the shotgun in college. Some of the blame has to fall on his agent, who clearly didn't prepare Young for the test.
TE Marcedes Lewis, UCLA: Has good size (6-6, 261) but didn't have a great performance in Indy. Lack of speed is a concern after a rather pedestrian 40-yard dash time of 4.8 seconds. He still might be an outstanding player in the NFL, but he might slip from a possible first-round pick to a second-rounder.
RB Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin: He said at the combine that there was not much difference between him and Bush. Calhoun didn't prove it with his slow 40 (4.6 seconds). He also didn't catch the ball well. Unless he improves on that time at his Pro Day, he might not be a first-day selection.
QB Michael Robinson, Penn State: Robinson is one of several quarterbacks who will be forced to move to wide receiver because of accuracy concerns. But he ignored the wishes of several NFL coaches and chose not to participate in drills at the position. In fact, Robinson didn't do anything, which put off a number of teams. He clearly got some bad advice and it could hurt him on draft day.
WR Derek Hagan, Arizona State: Hagan has ideal size and ran a solid 4.49-second 40. But his struggles catching the ball at the Senior Bowl continued at the combine. A second-rounder at best, he might go much later if his hands don't improve.
Solidified status
• N.C. State defensive end Mario Williams lived up to the hype as one of the elite prospects in this draft class. At 6-7 and 295 pounds, he posted an impressive 4.66-second 40 and a 40-plus-inch vertical jump. He also displayed great body control and agility during individual position drills.
• Leinart and Bush didn't work out but probably helped themselves with strong interviews with teams. According to GMs and coaches, the players came across as polished and mature professionals.
• Once considered a little light for an NFL left tackle, Virginia's D'Brickashaw Ferguson secured his top-five draft position by showing up with 312 pounds on his 6-6 frame.
• Ohio State's A.J. Hawk reaffirmed his place as the top linebacker, running a 4.6-second 40 and displaying terrific quickness and agility in drills.
• Texas' Michael Huff is the top-rated safety prospect but after running a faster than expected 40-yard time of 4.34 seconds he could be drafted as a cornerback.
• Brodrick Bunkley of Florida State had people buzzing with his 44 reps at 225 pounds and 4.95 seconds in the 40. He's clearly the second best interior defensive line prospect behind Oregon's Haloti Ngata.
The combine report
Stock is rising
Vernon Davis (left), TE, Maryland: Displayed freakish athletic ability.
Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt: The more teams watch him, the more they like him.
Chad Jackson, WR, Florida: Size and speed make him a terrific catch.
Stock is falling
Vince Young, QB, Texas: Low test scores overshadow talent.
Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA: Workout didn't blow anyone away.
Brian Calhoun, RB, Wisconsin: Slow 40 times hurt draft status.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060305/1069141.asp
e-mail: awilson@buffnews.com
TE Davis, QB Cutler put on impressive shows
By ALLEN WILSON
News Sports Reporter
3/5/2006
http://www.buffalonews.com/graphics/2006/03/05/0305vinceyoung.jpg
The last thing Texas quarterback Vince Young needs is another question surrounding his ability.
They were poked, prodded, measured, timed, scrutinized and even psychoanalyzed. Such is the life of college prospects at the NFL's annual scouting combine.
The 330 players who came to Indianapolis last week went through a series of workouts and interviews that will have a major influence on when they are selected in the April 29-30 draft.
Big names such as running back Reggie Bush and quarterback Matt Leinart of Southern California and Texas quarterback Vince Young did not participate, choosing instead to wait for their "Pro Day" workouts.
However, teams were pleasantly surprised that more than 90 percent of the players ran and participated in some or all of the drills. As a result, teams left Indy with more information than ever.
"We're all very happy about it," Houston Texans General Manager Charley Casserly said. "We make a big push in the competition committee to get kids to run, and we have a high percentage of kids running, which is good. It's good for them, it gives them more exposure. Our comment to them is, "Hey, the more times you run, the better chance you have to do your best.' "
A lot of players haven't run in the past because the artificial turf inside the RCA Dome was considered too slow. However, the new FieldTurf has created a very fast track.
A dozen running backs ran the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds or better. Nine defensive backs ran in the 4.3s. Three linebackers had 4.4 times. Four wide receivers ran in the 4.3 range. Even a couple of quarterbacks recorded sub 4.4 times.
A number of players helped themselves considerably. Others need to do better in private workouts to improve their draft position.
Here's a closer look at some of the winners and losers at the combine.
Stock rising
TE Vernon Davis, Maryland: The junior stole the show, wowing teams with one of the greatest individual workouts ever witnessed. At 6-foot-3 and 254 pounds, Davis ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds, the fastest time ever recorded by a tight end at the combine. He also did 33 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press, had a 42-inch vertical jump, and his 10-8 broad jump was nearly 10 inches better than anyone else at his position. Already projected to be taken in the first round, Davis is now a virtual lock to be a top-10 pick.
QB Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt: With Leinart and Young not working out, Cutler took full advantage of having center stage to himself. He wasn't flawless in passing drills but showed a strong arm and ran the 40 in 4.77 seconds. He also displayed his competitiveness by volunteering to do the bench press and lifted 225 pounds an impressive 23 times. That's more than some linemen. After a strong combine showing plus an impressive week at the Senior Bowl, Cutler has surpassed Leinart and Young in the eyes of some scouts.
WR Chad Jackson, Florida: He is racing up the charts after an eye-opening 4.32-second time in the 40-yard dash at 6-1 and 201 pounds and displaying good hands in receiving drills. Ohio State's Santonio Holmes is rated the top wide receiver, but Jackson is closing the gap fast.
DE Manny Lawson, N.C. State: Overshadowed by teammate Mario Williams, Lawson may have earned a spot in the first round with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, a 39-plus-inch vertical leap and solid times in the shuttle and cone drills. Because he is undersized, the 6-5, 241-pound Lawson may be moved to linebacker. He looked good in linebacker drills, enhancing his chance of being selected by a team that runs a 3-4 defense.
RB Joseph Addai, LSU: Following a dominant performance in the Peach Bowl (24 carries for 130 yards and two touchdowns against Miami), Addai kept the momentum going with a 4.4-second result in the 40. He also caught the ball well in receiving drills. Bush and LenDale White of USC, DeAngelo Williams of Memphis and Laurence Maroney of Minnesota are likely first-round backs. The 5-11, 215-pound Addai may join them.
Stock falling
QB Vince Young, Texas: He'll be drafted high, but his reported score of 16 on the 50-question Wonderlic test has sent up many red flags among NFL general managers. The NFL denied a rumor that he scored a six, but he must have scored in single digits or else he wouldn't have gotten a second chance to take the test. While the Wonderlic is not the most reliable indicator of NFL success (Dan Marino and Steve McNair reportedly had low scores), the last thing Young needs is another question surrounding his ability. He already has had to answer questions about his sidearm delivery and the fact that he worked mostly out of the shotgun in college. Some of the blame has to fall on his agent, who clearly didn't prepare Young for the test.
TE Marcedes Lewis, UCLA: Has good size (6-6, 261) but didn't have a great performance in Indy. Lack of speed is a concern after a rather pedestrian 40-yard dash time of 4.8 seconds. He still might be an outstanding player in the NFL, but he might slip from a possible first-round pick to a second-rounder.
RB Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin: He said at the combine that there was not much difference between him and Bush. Calhoun didn't prove it with his slow 40 (4.6 seconds). He also didn't catch the ball well. Unless he improves on that time at his Pro Day, he might not be a first-day selection.
QB Michael Robinson, Penn State: Robinson is one of several quarterbacks who will be forced to move to wide receiver because of accuracy concerns. But he ignored the wishes of several NFL coaches and chose not to participate in drills at the position. In fact, Robinson didn't do anything, which put off a number of teams. He clearly got some bad advice and it could hurt him on draft day.
WR Derek Hagan, Arizona State: Hagan has ideal size and ran a solid 4.49-second 40. But his struggles catching the ball at the Senior Bowl continued at the combine. A second-rounder at best, he might go much later if his hands don't improve.
Solidified status
• N.C. State defensive end Mario Williams lived up to the hype as one of the elite prospects in this draft class. At 6-7 and 295 pounds, he posted an impressive 4.66-second 40 and a 40-plus-inch vertical jump. He also displayed great body control and agility during individual position drills.
• Leinart and Bush didn't work out but probably helped themselves with strong interviews with teams. According to GMs and coaches, the players came across as polished and mature professionals.
• Once considered a little light for an NFL left tackle, Virginia's D'Brickashaw Ferguson secured his top-five draft position by showing up with 312 pounds on his 6-6 frame.
• Ohio State's A.J. Hawk reaffirmed his place as the top linebacker, running a 4.6-second 40 and displaying terrific quickness and agility in drills.
• Texas' Michael Huff is the top-rated safety prospect but after running a faster than expected 40-yard time of 4.34 seconds he could be drafted as a cornerback.
• Brodrick Bunkley of Florida State had people buzzing with his 44 reps at 225 pounds and 4.95 seconds in the 40. He's clearly the second best interior defensive line prospect behind Oregon's Haloti Ngata.
The combine report
Stock is rising
Vernon Davis (left), TE, Maryland: Displayed freakish athletic ability.
Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt: The more teams watch him, the more they like him.
Chad Jackson, WR, Florida: Size and speed make him a terrific catch.
Stock is falling
Vince Young, QB, Texas: Low test scores overshadow talent.
Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA: Workout didn't blow anyone away.
Brian Calhoun, RB, Wisconsin: Slow 40 times hurt draft status.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060305/1069141.asp
e-mail: awilson@buffnews.com