Patrick Willis makes things interesting - runs a 4.37! (1 Viewer)

[Andy Dufresne]

Cut & pasted from Great Blue North:

Willis runs like the wind… Top rated Mississippi ILB Patrick Willis ran for scouts and coaches yesterday and from all reports he was phenomenal. At 237 lbs, Willis ran the 40 in 4.37 and 4.38. He also had a 4.37 short shuttle and 7.10 three-cone drill. He stood on his numbers from the Combine for the rest. That kind of size/speed ratio should make Willis the first LB off the board come draft day.

The athleticism of these guys is blowing me away. How can guys this size be that fast and agile? Same for Calvin Johnson.If A.J. Hawk went #5 overall last year, why can't Willis do the same or better this year? This performance has to garner him at least a consideration from Detroit, Tampa, Arizona, Washington, and Minnesota doesn't it?

 

[T Man]

Cut & pasted from Great Blue North:

Willis runs like the wind… Top rated Mississippi ILB Patrick Willis ran for scouts and coaches yesterday and from all reports he was phenomenal. At 237 lbs, Willis ran the 40 in 4.37 and 4.38. He also had a 4.37 short shuttle and 7.10 three-cone drill. He stood on his numbers from the Combine for the rest. That kind of size/speed ratio should make Willis the first LB off the board come draft day.

The athleticism of these guys is blowing me away. How can guys this size be that fast and agile? Same for Calvin Johnson.If A.J. Hawk went #5 overall last year, why can't Willis do the same or better this year? This performance has to garner him at least a consideration from Detroit, Tampa, Arizona, Washington, and Minnesota doesn't it?

Andy, I agree. If you saw from my other post to your wacko draft, I think Willis is a stud. THe problem is that he played for a poor Ole Miss team that does not garner a lot of national attention. His speed shows that he has the ability to be a coverage LB in a cover 2 scheme. His play at Ole Miss shows he can be a tough run stopper. And he's competitive.This is a LB who ran a 4.37 in the 40. But, he did not rest on his laurels as even some WRs have done. HE ran it again -- and ran a 4.38. I think he goes top 10. I have Minny pickinig him because they could use a LB like this.

 

[V1LL]

Detroit would LOVE to have him but there's no way he goes at 2. If ATL steps up for CJ then the Lions would surely consider him at 8.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

 

[Obie Wan]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

If he is available at #10, Bills will trade with Houston to leapfrog SF and take Willis at #10.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

If he is available at #10, Bills will trade with Houston to leapfrog SF and take Willis at #10.

Is Spikes done? It seems a young LB corps of Crowell/Willis/Ellison would be a nice set for a long time for the Bills.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

As a Vikings fan, as nicely as Leber played last year, a starting LB trio of Greenway/Willis/Henderson kinda gets me , I have to tell you.

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

My thoughts exactly here. Although, if someone were to trade up with Detroit, I could forsee them snagging him as a top-10 pick. With his athleticism, he could do wonders for any defense. He certainly deserves a top1-0 grade and further accentuates the drop off between the elite at every position and the 2nd tier (Poz, Beason, Timmons, etc.)

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

With speed like that he could make an interesting safety as well.

 

[allaces10]

I'd be really careful about believing those 40 times..He ran upwards of 4.5 or 4.6 on both runs at the combine ( going on memory here...I'm sure someone will check) that were electronically timed....and you know these pro day runs are hand timed....I'm pretty sure i've read and heard that scouts defintely take that stuff into account and adjust their times....I'm guessing his speed is more the combine numbers than these....not to say he's not a player though.

 

[Liquid Tension]

While he is blazing for his size, playing linebacker is more than just that. I have no idea if he is smart, instinctive etc, but I can promise you that a guy with instincts and the ability to take on bodies is more important than speed.

 

[Guinis72]

So much for Kiper's predictions! The other day when they were doing the "Patriots are on the clock" segment he said that at 24 & 28 NE should select Patrick Willis & Reggie Nelson! Lol. I'm sure they would if both were there but both should be long gone by 20.

Willis is going to be a beast. I would have loved for the Skins to draft him prior to picking up London Fletcher but we have more severe DE and DT needs now.

Edit to add: Mike Nolan was very impressed by him at the Sr Bowl practices who I feel has a good eye for defensive talent. If I recall correctly, he said he reminds him of a quicker and more instinctive DeMeco Ryans.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'd be really careful about believing those 40 times..He ran upwards of 4.5 or 4.6 on both runs at the combine ( going on memory here...I'm sure someone will check) that were electronically timed....and you know these pro day runs are hand timed....I'm pretty sure i've read and heard that scouts defintely take that stuff into account and adjust their times....I'm guessing his speed is more the combine numbers than these....not to say he's not a player though.

You're right. He ran a 4.51 at the combine.The good thing about the faster results is that he repeated them. He not only ran a 4.37, but ran ANOTHER 40 at 4.38. Hand timed or not, it speaks volumes that he can prove it's not a fluke.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

While he is blazing for his size, playing linebacker is more than just that. I have no idea if he is smart, instinctive etc, but I can promise you that a guy with instincts and the ability to take on bodies is more important than speed.

You're right. And since Willis is smart & instinctive, and now apparently quite fast, he's a monster.

 

[Shermanator]

The athleticism of these guys is blowing me away. How can guys this size be that fast and agile? Same for Calvin Johnson.

Its called HGH

 

[Jene Bramel]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

If he is available at #10, Bills will trade with Houston to leapfrog SF and take Willis at #10.

Is Spikes done? It seems a young LB corps of Crowell/Willis/Ellison would be a nice set for a long time for the Bills.

Spikes isn't officially done, but two major leg injuries doesn't bode well for his future. There's been some speculation that he may be released this summer, but nothing from the team.

While he is blazing for his size, playing linebacker is more than just that. I have no idea if he is smart, instinctive etc, but I can promise you that a guy with instincts and the ability to take on bodies is more important than speed.

You're right. And since Willis is smart & instinctive, and now apparently quite fast, he's a monster.

Both good postings. I agree that Willis' 40 time proves little about his ability to succeed as a Cover-2 backer. Playing speed and instincts are much more important -- Willis has both.

 

[Bojang0301]

Cut & pasted from Great Blue North:

Willis runs like the wind… Top rated Mississippi ILB Patrick Willis ran for scouts and coaches yesterday and from all reports he was phenomenal. At 237 lbs, Willis ran the 40 in 4.37 and 4.38. He also had a 4.37 short shuttle and 7.10 three-cone drill. He stood on his numbers from the Combine for the rest. That kind of size/speed ratio should make Willis the first LB off the board come draft day.

The athleticism of these guys is blowing me away. How can guys this size be that fast and agile? Same for Calvin Johnson.If A.J. Hawk went #5 overall last year, why can't Willis do the same or better this year? This performance has to garner him at least a consideration from Detroit, Tampa, Arizona, Washington, and Minnesota doesn't it?

I think the answer is actually simple, IMO. There has been a realization that these events can make or break these players and the way in which they participate in these drills is extremly important. These are more track and field type of workouts (especially the 40). During games you use shorter strides to run. Now these guys are seeing track specialists to compete in these workouts.

 

[T Man]

While he is blazing for his size, playing linebacker is more than just that. I have no idea if he is smart, instinctive etc, but I can promise you that a guy with instincts and the ability to take on bodies is more important than speed.

You're right. And since Willis is smart & instinctive, and now apparently quite fast, he's a monster.

Like Andy said, he ran the 40 twice to prove the first 4.37 was no fluke. Willis is a smart, instinctive LB. He played ILB for Ole Miss and was a beast. The speed adds to it.Also, the fact that he performed well at the Senior Bowl is another plus.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

If he is available at #10, Bills will trade with Houston to leapfrog SF and take Willis at #10.

I doubt it. I honestly think that the Bills are going to end up sitting tight. One of these guys WILL be there at 12 and it would cost the Bills nothing extra to sit still and fill a needatrick WillisAdrian PetersonAmobi AkoyeMarshawn LynchLeon HallAs much as I would love to see them trade up for Peterson, I just don't think that it will happen. I wouldn't trade up for any of the other guys.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I think the answer is actually simple, IMO. There has been a realization that these events can make or break these players and the way in which they participate in these drills is extremly important. These are more track and field type of workouts (especially the 40). During games you use shorter strides to run. Now these guys are seeing track specialists to compete in these workouts.

I suppose. But if a guy works to get his 40 time down, but doesn't improve his agility along with it, the cone drills will reveal that ALL he has is straight-line speed - which doesn't do him much good.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

If he is available at #10, Bills will trade with Houston to leapfrog SF and take Willis at #10.

I doubt it. I honestly think that the Bills are going to end up sitting tight. One of these guys WILL be there at 12 and it would cost the Bills nothing extra to sit still and fill a needatrick WillisAdrian PetersonAmobi AkoyeMarshawn LynchLeon HallAs much as I would love to see them trade up for Peterson, I just don't think that it will happen. I wouldn't trade up for any of the other guys.

Excellent posting. I would be cool with trading up for Peterson. I don't see the point in trading up for anybody else.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Cut & pasted from Great Blue North:

Willis runs like the wind… Top rated Mississippi ILB Patrick Willis ran for scouts and coaches yesterday and from all reports he was phenomenal. At 237 lbs, Willis ran the 40 in 4.37 and 4.38. He also had a 4.37 short shuttle and 7.10 three-cone drill. He stood on his numbers from the Combine for the rest. That kind of size/speed ratio should make Willis the first LB off the board come draft day.

The athleticism of these guys is blowing me away. How can guys this size be that fast and agile? Same for Calvin Johnson.If A.J. Hawk went #5 overall last year, why can't Willis do the same or better this year? This performance has to garner him at least a consideration from Detroit, Tampa, Arizona, Washington, and Minnesota doesn't it?

Steroids

 

[T Man]

Cut & pasted from Great Blue North:

Willis runs like the wind… Top rated Mississippi ILB Patrick Willis ran for scouts and coaches yesterday and from all reports he was phenomenal. At 237 lbs, Willis ran the 40 in 4.37 and 4.38. He also had a 4.37 short shuttle and 7.10 three-cone drill. He stood on his numbers from the Combine for the rest. That kind of size/speed ratio should make Willis the first LB off the board come draft day.

The athleticism of these guys is blowing me away. How can guys this size be that fast and agile? Same for Calvin Johnson.If A.J. Hawk went #5 overall last year, why can't Willis do the same or better this year? This performance has to garner him at least a consideration from Detroit, Tampa, Arizona, Washington, and Minnesota doesn't it?

Steroids

Any reason to suggest that Willis is taking steroids or are you just trying to stir the pot?

Willis has been an eceptionally talented LB for Ole Miss for years. People in the SEC know about him b/c offenses had to gameplan around him.

I doubt steroids is the reason he is a phenomenal athlete.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

PFT's latest Mock:

MARCH 21, 2007

(CLICK HERE FOR VERSION 1.0, HERE FOR VERSION 2.0, AND HERE FOR VERSION 3.0)

ROUND ONE

1. Oakland Raiders: Calvin Johnson, wide receiver, Georgia Tech.

2. Detroit Lions: Joe Thomas, offensive tackle, Wisconsin.

3. Cleveland Browns: JaMarcus Russell, quarterback, LSU.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Patrick Willis, linebacker, Mississippi

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

choosing between Willis/Landry and Anderson/Adams/Brown/CBs is a classic conundrum:

Take the franchise player at the easier position to fill

or

Take the "could be a" franchise player at the tougher position to fill

Seeing how each team deals with these dilemmas is just one of the reasons I love the draft.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

PFT's latest Mock:

MARCH 21, 2007

ROUND ONE

1. Oakland Raiders: Calvin Johnson, wide receiver, Georgia Tech.

2. Detroit Lions: Joe Thomas, offensive tackle, Wisconsin.

3. Cleveland Browns: JaMarcus Russell, quarterback, LSU.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Patrick Willis, linebacker, Mississippi

Interesting. I'm not sure about that given that they just acquired Cato June (for peanuts, I might add). But their LB's are older than dirt, so it's not stupid.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

If he is available at #10, Bills will trade with Houston to leapfrog SF and take Willis at #10.

Is Spikes done? It seems a young LB corps of Crowell/Willis/Ellison would be a nice set for a long time for the Bills.

Spikes isn't officially done, but two major leg injuries doesn't bode well for his future. There's been some speculation that he may be released this summer, but nothing from the team.

While he is blazing for his size, playing linebacker is more than just that. I have no idea if he is smart, instinctive etc, but I can promise you that a guy with instincts and the ability to take on bodies is more important than speed.

You're right. And since Willis is smart & instinctive, and now apparently quite fast, he's a monster.

Both good postings. I agree that Willis' 40 time proves little about his ability to succeed as a Cover-2 backer. Playing speed and instincts are much more important -- Willis has both.

I was speaking from a disadvantage as I really have not watched him play other than some highlights. if he is what you say, that sounds like a top 10 pick to me.What about tackling ability?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

If he is available at #10, Bills will trade with Houston to leapfrog SF and take Willis at #10.

Is Spikes done? It seems a young LB corps of Crowell/Willis/Ellison would be a nice set for a long time for the Bills.

Spikes isn't officially done, but two major leg injuries doesn't bode well for his future. There's been some speculation that he may be released this summer, but nothing from the team.

While he is blazing for his size, playing linebacker is more than just that. I have no idea if he is smart, instinctive etc, but I can promise you that a guy with instincts and the ability to take on bodies is more important than speed.

You're right. And since Willis is smart & instinctive, and now apparently quite fast, he's a monster.

Both good postings. I agree that Willis' 40 time proves little about his ability to succeed as a Cover-2 backer. Playing speed and instincts are much more important -- Willis has both.

I was speaking from a disadvantage as I really have not watched him play other than some highlights. if he is what you say, that sounds like a top 10 pick to me.What about tackling ability?

His scouting reports suggest he's the total package. Bloom has noted many times that the Senior Bowl coaches, and Mike Singeltary in particular, were more impressed with Willis than anyone they coached last year. They felt he was more NFL ready and had better all-around polish than a guy like DeMeco Ryans.Don't know if Bloom would agree, but his skill set at 6'1", 240lbs reminds me of a guy like the Jaguars' Mike Peterson.

 

[Obie Wan]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

If he is available at #10, Bills will trade with Houston to leapfrog SF and take Willis at #10.

I doubt it. I honestly think that the Bills are going to end up sitting tight. One of these guys WILL be there at 12 and it would cost the Bills nothing extra to sit still and fill a needatrick WillisAdrian PetersonAmobi AkoyeMarshawn LynchLeon HallAs much as I would love to see them trade up for Peterson, I just don't think that it will happen. I wouldn't trade up for any of the other guys.

Peterson & Okoye will be long gone by #12.Highly likely that SF takes Willis at #11 if he doesn't go before.Bills are actively looking to add Chris Brown to A-Train and will likely settle for a RB in 3rd round to complete the committee.They don't need an elite corner to run their cover-2. Youboty will replace Clements and a 3rd round CB will fill out the rotation.The one gaping hole they have is at MLB where have already stated they need to get bigger and more aggressive. Corwell is only a stop gap solution at best since the never played the postion and is too small.Just like last year with Whitner, Patrick Willis is the one player they really need and will probably trade up within reason to get.

 

[WhoDat]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

If he is available at #10, Bills will trade with Houston to leapfrog SF and take Willis at #10.

Is Spikes done? It seems a young LB corps of Crowell/Willis/Ellison would be a nice set for a long time for the Bills.

Spikes isn't officially done, but two major leg injuries doesn't bode well for his future. There's been some speculation that he may be released this summer, but nothing from the team.

While he is blazing for his size, playing linebacker is more than just that. I have no idea if he is smart, instinctive etc, but I can promise you that a guy with instincts and the ability to take on bodies is more important than speed.

You're right. And since Willis is smart & instinctive, and now apparently quite fast, he's a monster.

Both good postings. I agree that Willis' 40 time proves little about his ability to succeed as a Cover-2 backer. Playing speed and instincts are much more important -- Willis has both.

I was speaking from a disadvantage as I really have not watched him play other than some highlights. if he is what you say, that sounds like a top 10 pick to me.What about tackling ability?

His scouting reports suggest he's the total package. Bloom has noted many times that the Senior Bowl coaches, and Mike Singeltary in particular, were more impressed with Willis than anyone they coached last year. They felt he was more NFL ready and had better all-around polish than a guy like DeMeco Ryans.Don't know if Bloom would agree, but his skill set at 6'1", 240lbs reminds me of a guy like the Jaguars' Mike Peterson.

That kid can play. One of the draft magazines has a solid interview with him...think it is The Sporting News or PFW...and he talks about playing with a cast on his hand for the season...think it was the entire season...and how that forced him to quit reyling on superior speed and strength to finish ball carriers. He had to go back to basics; run through; wrap up and drop his target. He does not whiff and, opinion, is the best finisher in the draft class. I have not been able to read enough about Willis to determine if his onfield football acumen is/was as high as Ryans at the same respective point in their careers nor do I know if Willis has the same character quality as Ryans. Conversely, I have seen and read enough about Willis to know the kid is very talented. Willis, though, does have measurables/tangibles that Ryans did not have coming out of school.

If he ends up on the right team; situation and scheme, put him as the early favorite for defensive ROY.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Peterson & Okoye will be long gone by #12.Highly likely that SF takes Willis at #11 if he doesn't go before.Bills are actively looking to add Chris Brown to A-Train and will likely settle for a RB in 3rd round to complete the committee.They don't need an elite corner to run their cover-2. Youboty will replace Clements and a 3rd round CB will fill out the rotation.The one gaping hole they have is at MLB where have already stated they need to get bigger and more aggressive. Corwell is only a stop gap solution at best since the never played the postion and is too small.Just like last year with Whitner, Patrick Willis is the one player they really need and will probably trade up within reason to get.

The Bills aren't interested in Chris Brown. They brought him in for a look and obviously didn't feel that he was a good fit. Levy has a pretty clear track record already of getting deals done when they want the player. I can't think of any FAs that they've brought in for a look and then signed weeks or a month later. The Bills aren't signing Chris Brown.It's definitely possible that they'll just take one of the second tier of RBs in the 2nd or 3rd round though. I don't dispute that. How is Crowell too small? He's 6'1" and 235 lbs. That's pretty much a proto-typical Cover-2 MLB right there. He's fast, he's aggressive and he's smart. The Buffalo Bills already had an article up on the website about him taking over the playcalling and being the MLB. I think that's pretty much a done deal. If Patrick Willis is there at #12 I think the Bills could take him, but they're not going to trade up for him. If they do end up drafting him, I think that Spikes's days as a starter for the Bills are over.The other thing that you have to remember is that until he ran those great 40 times yesterday, nobody was ranking Willis this high. A lot of Bills fans wanted him at #12 and even there people were saying that it would be a stretch to take him there. The question is, are NFL GMs as fickle as the fans and stupid analysts, or were the fickle fans and stupid analysists wrong in the first place? His 40 time may have wowed a lot of people, but I think that NFL teams have him rated where they have him rated and the 40 time will only change that slightly.

 

[bcr8f]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

If he is available at #10, Bills will trade with Houston to leapfrog SF and take Willis at #10.

Is Spikes done? It seems a young LB corps of Crowell/Willis/Ellison would be a nice set for a long time for the Bills.

Spikes isn't officially done, but two major leg injuries doesn't bode well for his future. There's been some speculation that he may be released this summer, but nothing from the team.

While he is blazing for his size, playing linebacker is more than just that. I have no idea if he is smart, instinctive etc, but I can promise you that a guy with instincts and the ability to take on bodies is more important than speed.

You're right. And since Willis is smart & instinctive, and now apparently quite fast, he's a monster.

Both good postings. I agree that Willis' 40 time proves little about his ability to succeed as a Cover-2 backer. Playing speed and instincts are much more important -- Willis has both.

I was speaking from a disadvantage as I really have not watched him play other than some highlights. if he is what you say, that sounds like a top 10 pick to me.What about tackling ability?

His scouting reports suggest he's the total package. Bloom has noted many times that the Senior Bowl coaches, and Mike Singeltary in particular, were more impressed with Willis than anyone they coached last year. They felt he was more NFL ready and had better all-around polish than a guy like DeMeco Ryans.Don't know if Bloom would agree, but his skill set at 6'1", 240lbs reminds me of a guy like the Jaguars' Mike Peterson.

Willis is a tackling machine and a good kid.Read this.

 

[ebcpastor2004]

That kid can play. One of the draft magazines has a solid interview with him...think it is The Sporting News or PFW...and he talks about playing with a cast on his hand for the season...think it was the entire season...and how that forced him to quit reyling on superior speed and strength to finish ball carriers. He had to go back to basics; run through; wrap up and drop his target. He does not whiff and, opinion, is the best finisher in the draft class.

I have not been able to read enough about Willis to determine if his onfield football acumen is/was as high as Ryans at the same respective point in their careers nor do I know if Willis has the same character quality as Ryans. Conversely, I have seen and read enough about Willis to know the kid is very talented. Willis, though, does have measurables/tangibles that Ryans did not have coming out of school.

If he ends up on the right team; situation and scheme, put him as the early favorite for defensive ROY.

IIRC the cast was in 2005 season. And man could he club you with it. He had great stats even then. I'm a Rebel homer (though I've moved away from there) and watch whenever I can. Ole Miss is generally an average/ below average team in the SEC, but PW is an ABOVE AVERAGE player and you can tell it on the field. He's a man among boys. I really believe (as if my opinion counted) that he will be the real deal in the League. I'm so looking forward to seeing him on the right team & in the right situation, but I've gotta believe that he can make any DEF better at that position. Kudos to PW & any Rebel that can make it!

 

[Jason Wood]

Willis is almost too good to be true. I thought he might be one of those guys who had mediocre measurables (for an elite prospect) and that someone would scoop him up late in the 1st round for an absolute steal. Willis plays hurt and is massively productive despite having no protection around him.

Any (slim) chance the Eagles had of landing him by moving up a few slots is looooooooooooooong gone now.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Im still thinking SF at 11, but I also feel Willis carries a top 10 grade.

If he is available at #10, Bills will trade with Houston to leapfrog SF and take Willis at #10.

I doubt it. I honestly think that the Bills are going to end up sitting tight. One of these guys WILL be there at 12 and it would cost the Bills nothing extra to sit still and fill a needatrick WillisAdrian PetersonAmobi AkoyeMarshawn LynchLeon HallAs much as I would love to see them trade up for Peterson, I just don't think that it will happen. I wouldn't trade up for any of the other guys.

Yeah, but watch them take someone who will surprise the helk out of ya. Last year it was, "Whitner? Are you kidding me?" and "McCargo? Who the hell is that?". So I wouldn't be that blown away if it's someone different from the 5 you listed. But please, oh please trade up for Peterson!

 

[Mr. Peterson]

I'd be really careful about believing those 40 times..He ran upwards of 4.5 or 4.6 on both runs at the combine ( going on memory here...I'm sure someone will check) that were electronically timed....and you know these pro day runs are hand timed....I'm pretty sure i've read and heard that scouts defintely take that stuff into account and adjust their times....I'm guessing his speed is more the combine numbers than these....not to say he's not a player though.

The difference between a FAT time (electric) and a hand held time is .24 seconds I believe. At least thats the way it is in track.