**Official IDP NFL Combine and Post-Draft Workout Thread** (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

The college post-season all-star games are behind us, but the pre-draft season ramps up with the Combine this week. Should be interesting to see how the incoming talent performs and the rumors that fly during and after their workouts.

The boys at draftguys.com already have lots of good stuff posted and I thought I'd link to some general thoughts our IDP staffers have posted on scouting incoming defensive players in recent months -- Magaw's Breaking Down the Scouting Process article from the summer of 2008 and a primer I wrote for my inseason Reading the Defense column.

The next ten weeks are always fun to follow, speculate and discuss.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Bloom's Defensive Players to Watch at the Combine from draftguys.com.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

I can't see the coverage, but I do see Orakpo listed at 31 reps which is a lot better than I was expecting.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I'm not big on combine numbers for defensive players -- functional strength doesn't always follow from good workout numbers. Straight line speed can be trumped by flexibility and instincts, etc.

But Aaron Curry blistered a 4.54(u) 40 yard dash and looked like he was gliding.

Also, Rey Maualuga just hurt himself in his 40 yard dash effort.

Interesting group of linebackers this year to add to all the names available in free agency.

 

[ADP]

But Aaron Curry blistered a 4.54(u) 40 yard dash and looked like he was gliding.

He is going to be an absolute stud (real & fantasy). I can see a Patrick Willis/ Demeco Ryans type of an impact in his rookie year. There should be absolutely no doubt when it comes to who the first defensive player drafted should be (real & fantasy).

 

[Cookiemonster]

But Aaron Curry blistered a 4.54(u) 40 yard dash and looked like he was gliding.

He is going to be an absolute stud (real & fantasy). I can see a Patrick Willis/ Demeco Ryans type of an impact in his rookie year. There should be absolutely no doubt when it comes to who the first defensive player drafted should be (real & fantasy).

Orakpo looked downright scary in his underwear, and Curry didn't dissappoint either. Maybin looked ehh to me. Almost out of control. M.Johnson looked very stiff & unnatural. Raji, Brace & Marks moved well for the inside guys. All 3 IMO would do well as 3-4 NT in a 1-gap system. No top-level 2 gap-type of the top 60 players (I don't know much past top 60). Lots of depth for 3-4 OLBs and 3-4 DE prospects in this draft.

 

[ADP]

M.Johnson looked very stiff & unnatural.

I disagree here. M. Johnson looked like a freak. Did everything very well imo. I just don't trust his motor. Not sure if his heart is in it. He has all the skills to be a dominate DE though if he shows up every down.

 

[onionsack]

I can't see the coverage, but I do see Orakpo listed at 31 reps which is a lot better than I was expecting.

He's a notorious workout warrior. 31 is probably at the low end of what most people were expecting.

 

[onionsack]

But Aaron Curry blistered a 4.54(u) 40 yard dash and looked like he was gliding.

He is going to be an absolute stud (real & fantasy). I can see a Patrick Willis/ Demeco Ryans type of an impact in his rookie year. There should be absolutely no doubt when it comes to who the first defensive player drafted should be (real & fantasy).

A lot depends on who drafts him, where he gets penciled in to a lineup, and the defensive scheme within which he plays. If he plays at SAM, I see his upside (sadly) as that of former productive SAM Anthony Simmons, or more recently Derrick Johnson. If he ends up playing in the middle, or even at weakside, look out. His athletic ability and penchant for making plays is undeniable. Very safe pick no matter where he winds up, IMO.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

M.Johnson looked very stiff & unnatural.

I disagree here. M. Johnson looked like a freak. Did everything very well imo. I just don't trust his motor. Not sure if his heart is in it. He has all the skills to be a dominate DE though if he shows up every down.

Johnson is every bit the athlete that Mario Williams and Julius Peppers is - in fact I dont think he took more plays off last year than Peppers did in 2007 (and at times last year).

 

[bcr8f]

M.Johnson looked very stiff & unnatural.

I disagree here. M. Johnson looked like a freak. Did everything very well imo. I just don't trust his motor. Not sure if his heart is in it. He has all the skills to be a dominate DE though if he shows up every down.

Johnson is every bit the athlete that Mario Williams and Julius Peppers is - in fact I dont think he took more plays off last year than Peppers did in 2007 (and at times last year).

The talk on Michael reminds me of what the detractors said about Mario(talent but inconsistent play).

But Aaron Curry blistered a 4.54(u) 40 yard dash and looked like he was gliding.

He is going to be an absolute stud (real & fantasy). I can see a Patrick Willis/ Demeco Ryans type of an impact in his rookie year. There should be absolutely no doubt when it comes to who the first defensive player drafted should be (real & fantasy).

A lot depends on who drafts him, where he gets penciled in to a lineup, and the defensive scheme within which he plays. If he plays at SAM, I see his upside (sadly) as that of former productive SAM Anthony Simmons, or more recently Derrick Johnson. If he ends up playing in the middle, or even at weakside, look out. His athletic ability and penchant for making plays is undeniable. Very safe pick no matter where he winds up, IMO.

I thought that about Mayo last year but his talent will find a way to start.

 

[onionsack]

M.Johnson looked very stiff & unnatural.

I disagree here. M. Johnson looked like a freak. Did everything very well imo. I just don't trust his motor. Not sure if his heart is in it. He has all the skills to be a dominate DE though if he shows up every down.

Johnson is every bit the athlete that Mario Williams and Julius Peppers is - in fact I dont think he took more plays off last year than Peppers did in 2007 (and at times last year).

The talk on Michael reminds me of what the detractors said about Mario(talent but inconsistent play).

But Aaron Curry blistered a 4.54(u) 40 yard dash and looked like he was gliding.

He is going to be an absolute stud (real & fantasy). I can see a Patrick Willis/ Demeco Ryans type of an impact in his rookie year. There should be absolutely no doubt when it comes to who the first defensive player drafted should be (real & fantasy).

A lot depends on who drafts him, where he gets penciled in to a lineup, and the defensive scheme within which he plays. If he plays at SAM, I see his upside (sadly) as that of former productive SAM Anthony Simmons, or more recently Derrick Johnson. If he ends up playing in the middle, or even at weakside, look out. His athletic ability and penchant for making plays is undeniable. Very safe pick no matter where he winds up, IMO.

I thought that about Mayo last year but his talent will find a way to start.

...Except that Mayo was never going to end up in the stat-sucking desert that is the strong side of a 4-3.