** Official 2014 NFL Scouting Combine thread ** (1 Viewer)

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I'm sure this will get refined some by the testing on Sunday and then the draft itself, but holy cow. Based on the initial stuff that came out today there's going to be a giant blob of guys I like that goes 10-15 deep after the top few guys are gone. This is an insanely deep draft.

The only downside is so many guys coming out early makes it tougher to judge them.

 

[GeeYouknit]

Anybody else underwhelming in their measurements other than Lee so far?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Anybody else underwhelming in their measurements other than Lee so far?

Almost no one. It's amazing to see so many guys come in at a size as good or better than expected.

James Wilder @ 6'3" probably hurts him some. Paul Richarson @ 175 is small, but that was already expected. I'd have liked Manziel at 210-215 better, but that's cutting it pretty fine. Very unusual to have everyone confirm or help themselves like this.

 

[GeeYouknit]

Anybody else underwhelming in their measurements other than Lee so far?

Almost no one. It's amazing to see so many guys come in at a size as good or better than expected.

James Wilder @ 6'3" probably hurts him some. Paul Richarson @ 175 is small, but that was already expected. I'd have liked Manziel at 210-215 better, but that's cutting it pretty fine. Very unusual to have everyone confirm or help themselves like this.

Yea I can nit-pick at a few people that I would rather see a little bigger/smaller but I was wondering because it isn't very common for most guys to come in at pretty close to expectations.

 

[Bob Magaw]

I thought Manziel would try to bulk up. I guess he's going for a faster 40x. He'll make more money running a 4.4 for sure.

He did have 9 7/8ths inch hand-size, which is good, but not the gigantic 10.5″ some predicted.

And he measured under 6". The legend is being torn down piece by piece.

He missed by a quarter inch.If you liked him at 6', you probably like him at 5'11 & 3/4".

* Though I guess he was listed at 6'1"?

 

[Xue]

Anybody else underwhelming in their measurements other than Lee so far?

De'Anthony Thomas and Dri Archer both are tiny and have small hands. But that was probably expected. I think more guys came out on top than on bottom in the measurements so far.

 

[Somebody]

What were Brandon Coleman's measurements?

 

[Xue]

Henry Josey: 5'8" 194 30-1/4" arms 9-1/2" hands. http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/henry-josey?id=2543615

If he runs a sub 4.40, I'm taking him over De'Anthony Thomas and Dri Archer (in the real NFL Draft).

 

[Xue]

What were Brandon Coleman's measurements?

Just check nfl.com: http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/brandon-coleman?id=2543642

6'6" 225 34" arms 9-1/4" hands

All QB/RB/WR from today have been updated.

 

[lod01]

What were Brandon Coleman's measurements?

6'-6", 225 with 9/14 hands

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Combine: Towson RB West leads the small school hopefuls

 

[Faust]

Twitter:

Josh Norris ‏@JoshNorris

Isaiah Crowell's rounded measurements: 5'11/224 lbs. 9 1/4" hands and 31 3/8" arms. This year's Christine Michael, IMO.

Twitter:

Evan Silva ‏@evansilva

Like CMike, IC's running ability is NASTY. RT @JoshNorris Isaiah Crowell measurements: 5'11/224. 9 1/4" hands. This year's Christine Michael

Matt Waldman ‏@MattWaldman

@evansilva @JoshNorris Much better conceptual runner than CMike, IMO. CMike more physically talented. Crowell better between the ears.

Evan Silva ‏@evansilva

@MattWaldman @JoshNorris If CMike is a 9.5 on ability scale, Crowell has to be in 9.1-9.4 range, no? He is friggin GOOD.

Matt Waldman ‏@MattWaldman

@evansilva @JoshNorris I agree. I'd rather have what's between IC's ears as a runner than Mike's slightly better physical skill.

Russell Lande ‏@RUSSLANDE

@evansilva @JoshNorris -Except character for Crowell is likely to keep him from being drafted before late rounds if at all (Which is likely)

 

[Faust]

Twitter:

Dane Brugler ‏@dpbrugler

Crowell on his strengths: "Running downhill, pass protection and catching the ball out of the backfield"

Dane Brugler ‏@dpbrugler

Crowell said it's not all about him anymore. He has a son. Says he has matured

Dane Brugler ‏@dpbrugler

Crowell: "It was a humbling experience. I wanted to keep my dream in sight. It's in the past now"

Dane Brugler ‏@dpbrugler

Isaiah Crowell: "All the teams want to know about the past situation. I just told them it was a mistake. I'm more mature now"

 

[EBF]

CFN has Crowell as a likely UDFA. I don't see him going before the 4th. Seems like 5th-7th might be more likely.

They can compare him to Michael all they want, but Michael really helped himself with his freaky combine workout. I just don't see Crowell sniffing those numbers on Sunday. So even though I think he's a compelling prospect, I don't buy and never have bought that comparison. If anything, he's Bryce Brown with a better college resume.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Did Tom Savage ever get an invite to the combine?

Odd question, I know. He's a local kid so I was just curious and have limited access

 

[Xue]

CFN has Crowell as a likely UDFA. I don't see him going before the 4th. Seems like 5th-7th might be more likely.

They can compare him to Michael all they want, but Michael really helped himself with his freaky combine workout. I just don't see Crowell sniffing those numbers on Sunday. So even though I think he's a compelling prospect, I don't buy and never have bought that comparison. If anything, he's Bryce Brown with a better college resume.

They're not comparing work out numbers. Crowell has been much more impressive on tape than Michael was. People are on the Crowell train based on his play. Where were you on Michael's train before the Combine?

 

[EBF]

CFN has Crowell as a likely UDFA. I don't see him going before the 4th. Seems like 5th-7th might be more likely.

They can compare him to Michael all they want, but Michael really helped himself with his freaky combine workout. I just don't see Crowell sniffing those numbers on Sunday. So even though I think he's a compelling prospect, I don't buy and never have bought that comparison. If anything, he's Bryce Brown with a better college resume.

They're not comparing work out numbers. Crowell has been much more impressive on tape than Michael was. People are on the Crowell train based on his play. Where were you on Michael's train before the Combine?

It's not about Crowell being a good or bad prospect. It's about the comparison not making any sense.

What does Crowell have in common with Michael?

Athletic ability? No. Michael is much more explosive.

Running style? No. Crowell is more of a crafty between the tackles runner. Michael is less instinctive, but more dynamic.

Draft position? No. Michael was a 2nd round pick. Crowell seems likely to slide into day 3.

So what exactly do Crowell and Michael have in common? I'm just saying it's a lazy comparison that makes no sense. That has nothing to do with my opinion of either player's ability. I just find the comparison totally arbitrary. There is very little similarity between those two backs apart from the weight and some knucklehead concerns.

 

[Faust]

2014 Combine Results: Bench Press (Offensive Line)

 

[Bob Magaw]

I think top two LTs (possible STL target with trade down from 1.2):

Robinson 32 (pretty good with 35 & 1/2" arms)

Matthews 24

 

[voiceofunreason]

1. Daniel Jeremiah ‏@MoveTheSticks 2h
   De'Anthony Thomas 5'8 5/8 174
   
   Daniel Jeremiah ‏@MoveTheSticks 2h
   
   
2. Terrance West 5'9 1/4 225, Andre Williams 5'11 3/8 230, Bishop Sankey 5'9 1/2 209
   
   
   Daniel Jeremiah ‏@MoveTheSticks 3h
   
3. Carlos Hyde 5'11 7/8 230, Jeremy Hill 6'0 5/8 233, Kadeem Carey-5'9 3/8 207, Tre Mason 5'8 1/2 207
   
   Daniel Jeremiah ‏@MoveTheSticks 3h
4. Martavis Bryant 6'3 1/2 211, Bruce Ellington 5'9 3/8 197

http://walterfootball.com/combine2014RB.php

You asked if there was an alphabetical list earlier.

 

[EBF]

Still can't find an exact height/weight for Moncrief, but the 6'2" 221 on NFL.com would be pretty good. He isn't a first round pick, but he could be a surprise 2nd. I don't see how he slides out of the 3rd. I think he's like a much better version of Terrance Williams.

 

[EBF]

Kelvin Benjamin - 6'5" 240

Ladarius Green - 6'5.75" 238

Hmmm....

Is there a point where a WR can be TOO big? Benjamin's 28.5 BMI is below guys like Eifert/Escobar and below the 29.5 of Andre Johnson (probably the thickest elite WR), but man that is a huge WR. Gonna be really interesting to see what his footwork and route running look like in the drills. He's definitely NOT a TE because he's way too lean through his lower body and probably couldn't block a LB/DE to save his life, but a part of me wonders if being that big will be a huge asset for him or actually a liability.

 

[Faust]

2014 Combine Results: Bench Press (Tight Ends)

 

[Faust]

2014 Combine: Workout Results

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Combine: Five takeaways from Friday

By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

February 21, 2014 5:40 pm ET

INDIANAPOLIS – Day two of the NFL Combine provided a little more action than day one, highlighted by the quarterbacks stepping to the podium and addressing the media. Central Florida's Blake Bortles and others attracted mobs of reporters, but predictably it was Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel who drew the largest crowd on Friday.

Understandably, Manziel was controlled and professional in his responses, not giving away too much, but not backing down from the tough questions.

“I tried to really hone in on some things this year, get better in the pocket and continue to develop as a passer,” Manziel said in response to his growth as a player. “There was some scrutiny off the field, but I'm continuing to learn from my mistakes and continuing to grow up. I have an opportunity now moving into a professional phase. This is life now, this is a job for me. I'm taking it very seriously and I'm really excited about the future.”

While Johnny Football was the headliner, he wasn't the only story from Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium. These were the five biggest takeaways of the day:

5. Arguably the most gifted running back in this draft class, Isaiah Crowell has NFL talent, but it's the extra baggage that will likely determine his landing spot in the draft.

Two years ago at this time, Crowell was coming off a productive true freshman season at Georgia and was arguably the top running back in all of college football. But he often found himself in the coaches' doghouse throughout his freshman year and was eventually dismissed from the program in June 2012 after a weapons-related arrest.

Crowell resurfaced at Alabama State where he starred the past two seasons, leaving school after his junior year for the 2014 NFL Draft. The weapons charges were eventually dropped and he has stayed out of the police blotter since, but Crowell is still focused on damage control during the interview process.

“All the teams want to know about the past situation,” Crowell said on Friday. “It was a mistake, childish mistake. I'm a different person now. More mature now, trying to put it behind me.”

On the field, Crowell has the quickness and strength to be productive in the NFL and he pointed out his pass protection and hands out of the backfield as his strengths. He also added that it's “not all about him anymore” with a son at home, pointing out his desire to stay humble and keep his dreams in sight.

“I played against lower competition, so I feel like I still have a lot to prove.”

The baggage from his past is there. But Crowell is definitely focused on the future. And if that's truly the case, the NFL team that takes a chance on him might find a gem in the middle rounds.

4. The underclassmen exodus to the 2014 NFL Draft class has added tremendous star power and depth to this draft class at several positions, but especially the wide receiver group.

Of the 48 wide receivers invited to the combine, almost half (22) are underclassmen. And NFL executives have taken notice.

“Early last May when we started looking at what was coming, we had a gut feeling it was going to be a deep draft it's turned out to be that,” said Les Snead, general manager of the St. Louis Rams. “The receivers are very deep. The 15th receiver could be a starter in this league. There are a lot of different flavors.”

Snead is exactly right. I'm not convinced there is a true No. 1 receiver prospect in this draft class, but there are well over a dozen receivers who project as dynamic, reliable No. 2 starters and players who will have long, productive careers in the NFL. Snead's comments back up my opinion that I probably wouldn't draft Clemson's Sammy Watkins in the top 7 picks because of the depth of this class and the ability to find a quality receiver in round two or three.

3. Auburn left tackle Greg Robinson (6-5, 332) arrived in Indianapolis as arguably the top tackle prospect for the 2014 class due to his aggressive mean streak in the run game to steer defenders wherever he wants.

But he is somewhat unproven in pass protection. Robinson embraces the doubt and is determined to prove those doubters wrong.

“I excel at run blocking because I worked at it a lot,” Robinson said on Friday. “But I've also worked the pass, it was limited, but I feel I'm decent enough and I'll prove myself if anyone is doubting me.”

Robinson, who benched 225-pounds 32 times, said his limited experience as a starter is the reason he is behind Jake Matthews in some rankings, calling it a “personal goal” to be the first tackle drafted. Robinson has all the potential in the world and he seems to realize that, but he also knows he has a lot to learn. He also didn't shy away from the notion that he's a mean-spirited blocker.

“I'm wouldn't say angry, but I'm not trying to be nice.”

2. With so many underclassmen in this class, the “official” heights, weights and other measureables become much more intriguing, especially at the quarterback position.

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel didn't make the six-foot plateau at 5-11 3/4” and 207 pounds, but his hands size (9 7/8”) is the biggest among this quarterback group.

Manziel won't be able to fix his height, but he's worked hard to bulk up in the weight room, adding 35 pounds since arriving in College Station. During his media interview on Friday, he didn't have much to say about his size, but did say: “I feel like I'm 10-feet tall. A measurement to me is just a number.”

Too much can be made of the heights and weights, but it's important to find exact measurements on each player to better paint the overall picture of who he is as a NFL prospect. Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater came in at 6-2 1/8” and 210 pounds with 9 1/4" hands and Central Florida's Blake Bortles was 6-5 and 232 pounds with 9 3/8” hands – the rare example of a prospect who is actually bigger than his listed measureables from school.

1. I took A LOT of heat back in early January when I put Blake Bortles atop my first mock draft of the 2014 calendar year.

But here we are in late February and I'm sticking with it. In fact, if the Texans keep the No. 1 overall pick I believe there are two clear-cut favorites: Bortles and Manziel. But Houston isn't revealing much of anything about their draft plans.

On Friday at the Combine, Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien stepped to the podium and was coy on the direction they're leaning with the No. 1 pick.

“We're always going to do what's best for the organization,” said O'Brien on what the team plans to do with the top pick. “And what people need to understand is it takes a long time. It's not something that you develop right away or overnight. These are a lot of discussion, meetings, communication between Rick (Smith) and myself, the coaching staff, Rick's staff, the scouts and all those things that go into this decision and that's what we're in the process of doing.”

The draft process is exactly that, a process. The Houston Texans don't know who they're drafting yet and no one else does either. O'Brien brushed off the widespread thought that Bortles is his “type” of quarterback, but he did say he would talk with George O'Leary, Bortles' head coach at Central Florida and O'Brien's former mentor.

“Obviously I have a connection with George O'Leary and their coaching staff thinks very highly of him there,” O'Brien said about Bortles. “He's athletic. He's a competitive guy. So it's been fun to watch him play on tape and it'll be good to watch him work out here.”

 

[Bob Magaw]

Kelvin Benjamin - 6'5" 240

Ladarius Green - 6'5.75" 238

Hmmm....

Is there a point where a WR can be TOO big? Benjamin's 28.5 BMI is below guys like Eifert/Escobar and below the 29.5 of Andre Johnson (probably the thickest elite WR), but man that is a huge WR. Gonna be really interesting to see what his footwork and route running look like in the drills. He's definitely NOT a TE because he's way too lean through his lower body and probably couldn't block a LB/DE to save his life, but a part of me wonders if being that big will be a huge asset for him or actually a liability.

Is Calvin Johnson about 6'5" 240 lbs.?

* not to compare their speed or skill set, but just size.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Colt Lyerla -- 15 bench presses (last among those being tested). Apparently he didn't spend his extra time prepping for the draft. Would have loved to see what this guy could do without the outside issues.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Colt Lyerla -- 15 bench presses (last among those being tested). Apparently he didn't spend his extra time prepping for the draft. Would have loved to see what this guy could do without the outside issues.

He's big (not as big as I thought), but also much more of a finesse guy than a lot of other TE's. Not surprised he didn't light up the bench (insert drug reference here).

If he's been preparing at all, he SHOULD blow up the speed and explosiveness drills.

 

[EBF]

Kelvin Benjamin - 6'5" 240

Ladarius Green - 6'5.75" 238

Hmmm....

Is there a point where a WR can be TOO big? Benjamin's 28.5 BMI is below guys like Eifert/Escobar and below the 29.5 of Andre Johnson (probably the thickest elite WR), but man that is a huge WR. Gonna be really interesting to see what his footwork and route running look like in the drills. He's definitely NOT a TE because he's way too lean through his lower body and probably couldn't block a LB/DE to save his life, but a part of me wonders if being that big will be a huge asset for him or actually a liability.

Is Calvin Johnson about 6'5" 240 lbs.?

* not to compare their speed or skill set, but just size.

Yeah, he is. That's a comparison that I've seen people make. Calvin has never been the greatest "phone booth quickness" guy because of his insanely long strides, but his explosiveness is just off the charts. 4.35 in the 40, an unreal 42.5" in the vertical, and an insane 11'7" broad jump (tied for best of any prospect as far back as NFL.com's combine results go [2006]). When you have qualities that special, you can be a little flawed in other respects and still thrive.

I haven't totally made up my mind about Benjamin one way or the other, but I don't think he's going to run/jump like that. He does appear to have a really nice vertical. He's not on par with Calvin in terms of straight-line explosiveness though.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Calvin pretty unprecedented as a size/speed specimen and freakish athlete for his position (like Davis at TE, maybe Clowney at DE).

I think NE second round rookie (2013) LB Jamie Collins may be the player that tied Johnson for best broad jump.

 

[biju]

 

[GeeYouknit]

CFN has Crowell as a likely UDFA. I don't see him going before the 4th. Seems like 5th-7th might be more likely.

They can compare him to Michael all they want, but Michael really helped himself with his freaky combine workout. I just don't see Crowell sniffing those numbers on Sunday. So even though I think he's a compelling prospect, I don't buy and never have bought that comparison. If anything, he's Bryce Brown with a better college resume.

They're not comparing work out numbers. Crowell has been much more impressive on tape than Michael was. People are on the Crowell train based on his play. Where were you on Michael's train before the Combine?

It's not about Crowell being a good or bad prospect. It's about the comparison not making any sense.

What does Crowell have in common with Michael?

Athletic ability? No. Michael is much more explosive.

Running style? No. Crowell is more of a crafty between the tackles runner. Michael is less instinctive, but more dynamic.

Draft position? No. Michael was a 2nd round pick. Crowell seems likely to slide into day 3.

So what exactly do Crowell and Michael have in common? I'm just saying it's a lazy comparison that makes no sense. That has nothing to do with my opinion of either player's ability. I just find the comparison totally arbitrary. There is very little similarity between those two backs apart from the weight and some knucklehead concerns.

I question whether or not he will slide. Obviously people like his talent (myself included) and he can bring a lot of talent to an NFL team. You can say he may slide to day 3 and a lot of people may agree but he could also go in the 2nd just as Michael did with a team that falls in love with the guy and takes that chance. Just because their styles aren't similar doesn't mean we can't compare the "journey" so to speak that they both took along the way. This is what people have been comparing when they make the Crowell to Michael comparison, not their styles. (At least that's how I interpret those comparisons)

I agree that they don't run the same and I you could argue Crowell has more talent than Michael does which makes me anxious to see where he will land.

 

[Xue]

CFN has Crowell as a likely UDFA. I don't see him going before the 4th. Seems like 5th-7th might be more likely.

They can compare him to Michael all they want, but Michael really helped himself with his freaky combine workout. I just don't see Crowell sniffing those numbers on Sunday. So even though I think he's a compelling prospect, I don't buy and never have bought that comparison. If anything, he's Bryce Brown with a better college resume.

They're not comparing work out numbers. Crowell has been much more impressive on tape than Michael was. People are on the Crowell train based on his play. Where were you on Michael's train before the Combine?

It's not about Crowell being a good or bad prospect. It's about the comparison not making any sense.

What does Crowell have in common with Michael?

Athletic ability? No. Michael is much more explosive.

Running style? No. Crowell is more of a crafty between the tackles runner. Michael is less instinctive, but more dynamic.

Draft position? No. Michael was a 2nd round pick. Crowell seems likely to slide into day 3.

So what exactly do Crowell and Michael have in common? I'm just saying it's a lazy comparison that makes no sense. That has nothing to do with my opinion of either player's ability. I just find the comparison totally arbitrary. There is very little similarity between those two backs apart from the weight and some knucklehead concerns.

You say it has nothing to do with eitherplayer's ability then say they're similar in weight.

Athletic ability? Michael is much more explosive based on numbers you now know. Did you know these numbers BEFORE the combine?

It's not arbitrary. They're simply comparing Crowell to a big back in the most recent draft around the same time, not what we now know about Michael. They're both big, physical, and have knucklehead concerns. They both also have a child.

Michael was a 2nd rounder, in hindsight. What round did you think he'd be drafted in? What round was he projected BEFORE the combine?

Bryce Brown didn't even play for a year.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Jace Amaro with 9.0" hands. Thats can't help.

Charles Sims has 8-1/4" hands and he's the best receiving RB in this class.

Amaro will be catching the ball in traffic vs NFL DBs and LBs. Big Gronk size hands only help. 28 bench reps makes up some ground though.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

Jace Amaro with 9.0" hands. Thats can't help.

Charles Sims has 8-1/4" hands and he's the best receiving RB in this class.

Amaro will be catching the ball in traffic vs NFL DBs and LBs. Big Gronk size hands only help.28 bench reps makes up some ground though.

I've never looked into hand size but a quick review of other WRs/TEs shows Amaro's as pretty small. There are WRs under 6 feet with bigger hands. Will be curious to see if his hand size plays a factor in his NFL success.

 

[Xue]

Jace Amaro with 9.0" hands. Thats can't help.

Charles Sims has 8-1/4" hands and he's the best receiving RB in this class.

Amaro will be catching the ball in traffic vs NFL DBs and LBs. Big Gronk size hands only help.28 bench reps makes up some ground though.

I've never looked into hand size but a quick review of other WRs/TEs shows Amaro's as pretty small. There are WRs under 6 feet with bigger hands. Will be curious to see if his hand size plays a factor in his NFL success.

There are also TEs with mitts who can't catch: Brandon Pettigrew and Jared Cook have 10-1/8" hands.

TyIer Eifert only had 9--1/8" hands. 1/8" difference from Amaro is negligible. Being strong at the catch point has more to do with hand strength (and technique and concentration) than hand size.

Come Draft time, most of the measurements will become a moot point.

 

[Nero]

CFN has Crowell as a likely UDFA. I don't see him going before the 4th. Seems like 5th-7th might be more likely.

They can compare him to Michael all they want, but Michael really helped himself with his freaky combine workout. I just don't see Crowell sniffing those numbers on Sunday. So even though I think he's a compelling prospect, I don't buy and never have bought that comparison. If anything, he's Bryce Brown with a better college resume.

They're not comparing work out numbers. Crowell has been much more impressive on tape than Michael was. People are on the Crowell train based on his play. Where were you on Michael's train before the Combine?

It's not about Crowell being a good or bad prospect. It's about the comparison not making any sense.

What does Crowell have in common with Michael?

Athletic ability? No. Michael is much more explosive.

Running style? No. Crowell is more of a crafty between the tackles runner. Michael is less instinctive, but more dynamic.

Draft position? No. Michael was a 2nd round pick. Crowell seems likely to slide into day 3.

So what exactly do Crowell and Michael have in common? I'm just saying it's a lazy comparison that makes no sense. That has nothing to do with my opinion of either player's ability. I just find the comparison totally arbitrary. There is very little similarity between those two backs apart from the weight and some knucklehead concerns.

Crowell is the best RB in this draft IMO. When I watched him, my first thought was Fred Taylor. Big guy with shiftiness, speed and balance. Michael's closest comp for me is Herschel Walker. I'm taking Taylor over Herschel every time.

 

[EBF]

CFN has Crowell as a likely UDFA. I don't see him going before the 4th. Seems like 5th-7th might be more likely.

They can compare him to Michael all they want, but Michael really helped himself with his freaky combine workout. I just don't see Crowell sniffing those numbers on Sunday. So even though I think he's a compelling prospect, I don't buy and never have bought that comparison. If anything, he's Bryce Brown with a better college resume.

They're not comparing work out numbers. Crowell has been much more impressive on tape than Michael was. People are on the Crowell train based on his play. Where were you on Michael's train before the Combine?

It's not about Crowell being a good or bad prospect. It's about the comparison not making any sense.

What does Crowell have in common with Michael?

Athletic ability? No. Michael is much more explosive.

Running style? No. Crowell is more of a crafty between the tackles runner. Michael is less instinctive, but more dynamic.

Draft position? No. Michael was a 2nd round pick. Crowell seems likely to slide into day 3.

So what exactly do Crowell and Michael have in common? I'm just saying it's a lazy comparison that makes no sense. That has nothing to do with my opinion of either player's ability. I just find the comparison totally arbitrary. There is very little similarity between those two backs apart from the weight and some knucklehead concerns.

Crowell is the best RB in this draft IMO. When I watched him, my first thought was Fred Taylor. Big guy with shiftiness, speed and balance. Michael's closest comp for me is Herschel Walker. I'm taking Taylor over Herschel every time.

This Crowell stuff has gone way off the rails. It's really simple for me:

- He doesn't run like Christine Michael.

- He's probably not going to test like Christine Michael.

- He's probably not going to be drafted within 40-50 picks of Christine Michael.

So Christine Michael is a pretty bad comparison for Crowell. Like if I randomly said David Fales is the next Brock Osweiler. There are very few obvious similarities between those two players. That's all I was saying. It's not really worth having a big debate about since it's not that important or controversial.

 

[Nero]

CFN has Crowell as a likely UDFA. I don't see him going before the 4th. Seems like 5th-7th might be more likely.

They can compare him to Michael all they want, but Michael really helped himself with his freaky combine workout. I just don't see Crowell sniffing those numbers on Sunday. So even though I think he's a compelling prospect, I don't buy and never have bought that comparison. If anything, he's Bryce Brown with a better college resume.

They're not comparing work out numbers. Crowell has been much more impressive on tape than Michael was. People are on the Crowell train based on his play. Where were you on Michael's train before the Combine?

It's not about Crowell being a good or bad prospect. It's about the comparison not making any sense.

What does Crowell have in common with Michael?

Athletic ability? No. Michael is much more explosive.

Running style? No. Crowell is more of a crafty between the tackles runner. Michael is less instinctive, but more dynamic.

Draft position? No. Michael was a 2nd round pick. Crowell seems likely to slide into day 3.

So what exactly do Crowell and Michael have in common? I'm just saying it's a lazy comparison that makes no sense. That has nothing to do with my opinion of either player's ability. I just find the comparison totally arbitrary. There is very little similarity between those two backs apart from the weight and some knucklehead concerns.

Crowell is the best RB in this draft IMO. When I watched him, my first thought was Fred Taylor. Big guy with shiftiness, speed and balance. Michael's closest comp for me is Herschel Walker. I'm taking Taylor over Herschel every time.

This Crowell stuff has gone way off the rails. It's really simple for me:

- He doesn't run like Christine Michael.

- He's probably not going to test like Christine Michael.

- He's probably not going to be drafted within 40-50 picks of Christine Michael.

So Christine Michael is a pretty bad comparison for Crowell. Like if I randomly said David Fales is the next Brock Osweiler. There are very few obvious similarities between those two players. That's all I was saying. It's not really worth having a big debate about since it's not that important or controversial.

I'll agree he doesn't run like Michael and he probably won't be drafted within the 50 picks of Michael. He has to come through in the combine for me to continue to hold the position that he is a better prospect than Michael though. He has to be sub 4.55, with at least at 10' broad jump and a 34" vertical. If Crowell hits those numbers, it won't matter whether he is draftedor not.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Jace Amaro with 9.0" hands. Thats can't help.

Charles Sims has 8-1/4" hands and he's the best receiving RB in this class.

Amaro will be catching the ball in traffic vs NFL DBs and LBs. Big Gronk size hands only help.28 bench reps makes up some ground though.

I've never looked into hand size but a quick review of other WRs/TEs shows Amaro's as pretty small. There are WRs under 6 feet with bigger hands. Will be curious to see if his hand size plays a factor in his NFL success.

There are also TEs with mitts who can't catch: Brandon Pettigrew and Jared Cook have 10-1/8" hands.

TyIer Eifert only had 9--1/8" hands. 1/8" difference from Amaro is negligible. Being strong at the catch point has more to do with hand strength (and technique and concentration) than hand size.

Come Draft time, most of the measurements will become a moot point.

I didn't mean it like it was a 100% rule. I take in count performance metrics as well as physical metrics to grade how your "hands" translate to the NFL. What else would you do with this all of this public data? I can't write a song with it.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Joel Bitonio is the first OT this year to crack a 5.00 40 I think.

 

[Plorfu]

Did Tom Savage ever get an invite to the combine?

Odd question, I know. He's a local kid so I was just curious and have limited access

I'm probably late, but yeah, he's there. Gil Brandt loves him (or did, anyway.) Devin Street and, of course, Aaron Donald are the other Pitt guys there.

 

[Faust]

2014 Combine Results: 40-yard Dash (Offensive Line)

 

[Donnybrook]

Dane Brugler‏@dpbrugler
Yep, plus 32 reps on bench RT @MattBowen41: A 4.88 40 time (1.69 10-yard split) for #Auburn OT Greg Robinson at 332 pounds is ridiculous

 

[KellysHeroes]

Jace Amaro with 9.0" hands. Thats can't help.

Charles Sims has 8-1/4" hands and he's the best receiving RB in this class.

Amaro will be catching the ball in traffic vs NFL DBs and LBs. Big Gronk size hands only help.28 bench reps makes up some ground though.

I've never looked into hand size but a quick review of other WRs/TEs shows Amaro's as pretty small. There are WRs under 6 feet with bigger hands. Will be curious to see if his hand size plays a factor in his NFL success.

There are also TEs with mitts who can't catch: Brandon Pettigrew and Jared Cook have 10-1/8" hands.

TyIer Eifert only had 9--1/8" hands. 1/8" difference from Amaro is negligible. Being strong at the catch point has more to do with hand strength (and technique and concentration) than hand size.

Come Draft time, most of the measurements will become a moot point.

Never paid attention to hand size outside of QBs. Its a nice bullet statetment but thats all it is IMO.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Dane Brugler‏@dpbrugler

Yep, plus 32 reps on bench RT @MattBowen41: A 4.88 40 time (1.69 10-yard split) for #Auburn OT Greg Robinson at 332 pounds is ridiculous

Hoping Robinson is Orlando Pace 2.0 for the Rams.

After his dominant showing, I think trading down to ATL at 1.6 is too dicey and no longer in play if they are targeting him.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@TyDunne: Texas Tech tight end Jace Amaro runs a 4.66 in the 40. Athletic, confident TE... http://t.co/N16kSmDIwd

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@JoeBuscaglia: UNC TE Eric Ebron ran an unofficial 4.5 40-yard dash.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@RavensInsider: North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron with an unofficial 4.50 40-yard dash time, fastest among the tight ends today

 

[Gandalf]

Enron vs Vernon Davis... Davis ran a 4.38.