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Post Combine: Players on the rise (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Boston
- Start date
Man in the yellow hat
Footballguy
I'm developing serious man crush type feeling for Vernon Davis. What a physical freak.
dirtyhalos
capital letter hater!
Chad Jackson, WR Florida – No one helped themselves more at the Combine than Jackson did. Because he’s coming out after his junior season, Jackson wasn’t able to take part in Senior Bowl week so the Combine was his first chance to display his skills. Well, the former Florida Gator didn’t disappoint by running a blistering 4.32 40-yard dash and catching everything thrown his way. Jackson caught 88 balls for 900 yards during his senior season but his production was hurt because the Gators struggled with adapting to a new offense early on in the season. If Steve Spurrier was still at Florida, Jackson might have been a top ten pick. After his performance at the Combine, Jackson is now competing with Ohio State’s Santonio Holmes to be the first receiver drafted.
Vernon Davis, TE Maryland – Davis was projected as a top ten pick before the Combine but the show he put on in Indianapolis might have pushed him closer to the top five. Davis set a Combine record for tight ends when he ran an eye-popping 4.38 40-yard dash at 260 pounds. To put that in perspective, Western Michigan’s Tony Scheffler turned in the next fastest time at 4.54. He also did 33 repetitions of 225 pounds and leaped 10 inches more in the broad jump than the next best tight end. Oh yeah, the guy is also a dominant player on the football field as well. Davis’ performance at the combine was legendary and will be talked about for many years. It also made him a heck of a lot of money.
Nick Mangold, C Ohio State – Mangold is considered the best center in this year’s draft but centers aren’t usually selected in the first round. Mangold could buck that trend. He did 24 reps of 225 at the Combine and showed quick feet and good technique in all of his drills. NFL teams don’t put a big premium on centers but someone with Mangold’s potential will probably be too good to pass up late in round one.
Jerious Norwood, RB Mississippi State - Norwood was one of the stars at this year’s Combine. Coming in, NFL scouts had some questions about his speed but he answered critics by running an impressive 4.40 40-yard dash in Indianapolis. He played on one of college footballs worst passing offenses during his career at Mississippi State but still managed to post over 1,000 yards rushing in back-to-back seasons. Norwood could be a real sleeper in this year’s draft because he’s been productive against top competition in the SEC, despite not playing with a strong supporting cast. Norwood’s overall performance at the Combine greatly enhanced his draft stock.
Joseph Addai, RB LSU - Addai is a player whose stock will be on the rise after he ran a 4.40 40-yard dash and excelled at all the running back drills at the Combine. Addai played the waiting game at LSU and it finally paid off in his senior season. He began his career at LSU backing up Domanick Davis and LaBrandon Toefield. However, Addai was so talented that Nick Saban – the Tigers’ head coach at the time – moved him to fullback just so the freshman could get on the field. Addai’s versatile to play either running back or fullback - plus the speed and quickness he showed at the Combine – will probably land him in the late first/early second round area of the draft.
Brodrick Bunkley, DT Florida State - You should see this animal. The guy weighs 306 pounds and doesn’t have an ounce of body fat on him. Bunkley did 44 reps of 225 – one short of the Combine record – and ran a 4.95 40-yard dash. He’s a versatile tackle that doesn’t only stuff the run; he can rush the quarterback from his tackle position as well. Teams are always looking for a big tackle and both the Browns and Bengals have already expressed interest in the former Seminole. With Bunkley’s combination of speed and strength, it’s hard to imagine that he won’t be off the board somewhere in the first 25 selections.
Richard Marshall, CB Fresno State - Marshall was moving up a lot of draft boards before the Combine but like he told the media, he would be a first rounder for sure after he ran the 40-yard dash. Marshall didn’t disappoint by running an impressive 4.42. He led Fresno State in tackles last season with 78 – something rare for a corner – and he returned three interceptions for touchdowns during his college career. His combination of speed, big-play ability and toughness against the run now has Marshall rising on draft boards all over the league. He was considered a second round prospect coming into the draft but after the Combine, he’s now moved up to a late-first round prospect - possibly going to the Patriots with the 21st selection.
Manny Lawson, DE/OLB North Carolina State – Lawson ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at 265 pounds and a defensive end with speed like that is certain to turn a lot of people’s heads. Lawson has been climbing up draft boards all offseason to the point where he’s probably a certain first round draft choice. He would probably fit best with a team that runs the 3-4 defense but Lawson can still be an effective pass rushing end for teams that run a 4-3 as well. His teammate at NC State, Mario Williams, is going to be a top ten pick for sure but the athletic Lawson won’t have to wait long before he hears his name called on draft day either.
Vernon Davis, TE Maryland – Davis was projected as a top ten pick before the Combine but the show he put on in Indianapolis might have pushed him closer to the top five. Davis set a Combine record for tight ends when he ran an eye-popping 4.38 40-yard dash at 260 pounds. To put that in perspective, Western Michigan’s Tony Scheffler turned in the next fastest time at 4.54. He also did 33 repetitions of 225 pounds and leaped 10 inches more in the broad jump than the next best tight end. Oh yeah, the guy is also a dominant player on the football field as well. Davis’ performance at the combine was legendary and will be talked about for many years. It also made him a heck of a lot of money.
Nick Mangold, C Ohio State – Mangold is considered the best center in this year’s draft but centers aren’t usually selected in the first round. Mangold could buck that trend. He did 24 reps of 225 at the Combine and showed quick feet and good technique in all of his drills. NFL teams don’t put a big premium on centers but someone with Mangold’s potential will probably be too good to pass up late in round one.
Jerious Norwood, RB Mississippi State - Norwood was one of the stars at this year’s Combine. Coming in, NFL scouts had some questions about his speed but he answered critics by running an impressive 4.40 40-yard dash in Indianapolis. He played on one of college footballs worst passing offenses during his career at Mississippi State but still managed to post over 1,000 yards rushing in back-to-back seasons. Norwood could be a real sleeper in this year’s draft because he’s been productive against top competition in the SEC, despite not playing with a strong supporting cast. Norwood’s overall performance at the Combine greatly enhanced his draft stock.
Joseph Addai, RB LSU - Addai is a player whose stock will be on the rise after he ran a 4.40 40-yard dash and excelled at all the running back drills at the Combine. Addai played the waiting game at LSU and it finally paid off in his senior season. He began his career at LSU backing up Domanick Davis and LaBrandon Toefield. However, Addai was so talented that Nick Saban – the Tigers’ head coach at the time – moved him to fullback just so the freshman could get on the field. Addai’s versatile to play either running back or fullback - plus the speed and quickness he showed at the Combine – will probably land him in the late first/early second round area of the draft.
Brodrick Bunkley, DT Florida State - You should see this animal. The guy weighs 306 pounds and doesn’t have an ounce of body fat on him. Bunkley did 44 reps of 225 – one short of the Combine record – and ran a 4.95 40-yard dash. He’s a versatile tackle that doesn’t only stuff the run; he can rush the quarterback from his tackle position as well. Teams are always looking for a big tackle and both the Browns and Bengals have already expressed interest in the former Seminole. With Bunkley’s combination of speed and strength, it’s hard to imagine that he won’t be off the board somewhere in the first 25 selections.
Richard Marshall, CB Fresno State - Marshall was moving up a lot of draft boards before the Combine but like he told the media, he would be a first rounder for sure after he ran the 40-yard dash. Marshall didn’t disappoint by running an impressive 4.42. He led Fresno State in tackles last season with 78 – something rare for a corner – and he returned three interceptions for touchdowns during his college career. His combination of speed, big-play ability and toughness against the run now has Marshall rising on draft boards all over the league. He was considered a second round prospect coming into the draft but after the Combine, he’s now moved up to a late-first round prospect - possibly going to the Patriots with the 21st selection.
Manny Lawson, DE/OLB North Carolina State – Lawson ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at 265 pounds and a defensive end with speed like that is certain to turn a lot of people’s heads. Lawson has been climbing up draft boards all offseason to the point where he’s probably a certain first round draft choice. He would probably fit best with a team that runs the 3-4 defense but Lawson can still be an effective pass rushing end for teams that run a 4-3 as well. His teammate at NC State, Mario Williams, is going to be a top ten pick for sure but the athletic Lawson won’t have to wait long before he hears his name called on draft day either.
SoloMatisse
Footballguy
Where do you see the Pats top needs in this draft, Boston? Any word on a position or player, or is it just all mum as usual? I try not to get my hopes up and just them do what they do...they dont typically dissapoint....but it would nice to see them reel in someone like Jackson. Seems secondary help is of primary concern naturally, but this seems like a really good draft for mid-upper level Olinemen. My guess is theyll go either Oline or Dline....two areas none of us would be real excited about....which is why I see it happening. Your take??
Boston
Footballguy
As you know it's almost impossible to predict what the Pats will do...so I'll I'll just throw a few thoughts out by position:QB-No need for a rookie with Brady and their future #2 Cassell in place. A veteran is needed here.
RB-I definetly see a need for some new blood here. Even if the Pats think Dillon can rebound (I'm skeptical) he's not getting any younger. A big play threat would add another dimension to this offense. Right now Dillon is a grinder and how often do you actually see Faulk or Pass get into the end zone?
WR-There's only one viable WR under contract so something has to give here.
TE-Fauria's a free agent so if they let him go they need another body. If they were to use a higher pick here it could be a signal that they will let Graham go after 06...which I don't see happening.
O line-They have youth in Kaczur, Mankins, Light, Gorin, Hochstein, and Koppen (I'm guessing Neal and Ashworth could be gone) as well as some other young project type players. I'd rather they go the veteran route here but it's a definite possibility.
D Line-You have three studs in Warren, Seymour and Wilfork as well as a quality (and versatile) Jarvis Green. After that there's very little. Since the D line is like pitching (you can never have enough) this is always a possibility.
LB-Four studs and than literally nothing. College LBs have a tough time translating to the Pats D but there's no doubt that depth is a a huge need.
Secondary-Safety is a huge need. Even if Rodney comes back (let's hold hands and pray) he's still not getting any younger. Wilson's good but proved last year that he's more of a complimentary player. They need a hard nosed, run stopping safety to eventually take over for Rodney. At CB you have three good young ones in Hobbs, Gay and Samuel. Yet, none are a legit #1. Hobbs hits hard as hell but sizewise he's really not a #1. It will be interesting to see whether Gay plays safety or CB next year.
Special Teams-If AV leaves it obviously becomes a need. A high quality punt returner would be a nice addition as well.
If forced to list their needs in order I'd do the following:
1) Secondary-Both safety and CB need help...with safety being more urgent with Rodney's status an unknown.
2) Offensive playmaker-This team needs another big play threat. They need a guy who scares the other team and is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. Right now too much of the offense falls on Brady. I'd like to see a player added who can change the game with a couple of touches (I'd prefer it to be at the RB position as well). Add that type of player to Branch, Watson and others and this offense could really be scary.
3) WR-Normally I wouldn't put this position this high. Yet, if you only have one legit WR than it becomes a need. I'm hoping they address it in free agency with quality but affordable veterans like a Brian Finneran and/or a Keenan McCardell so it becomes less of a draft day need since I do not like picking WRs too high.
4) Front 7 depth-They need depth badly here (I'd love to see Big Ted back in the mix). If Willie were to leave than LB shoots right up to the top.
5) O line depth-Again, an area that can be addressed with cost efficient veterans.
6) RB-I pretty much have this as my #2 but regardless they need another quality RB to add to the mix.
All that being said I have no problem using top picks on either side of the line since you usually live or die in the trenches. If you're all set there a lot of other issues tend to fall into place.
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SoloMatisse
Footballguy
Lendale White?? Deangelo Williams ? Laurence Maroney?? Id bet a twinkie and a couple of oreos White is sitting there when pick # 21 rolls around.....and they pass and take that Olineman from Southern Cal.....being short here cause its late....Ill continue this later.
Chaos Commish
Footballguy
His speed has never been questioned. He was known for his speed. It's the rest of the goods he's shown during the Senior Bowl and Combine that are impressive. He has nice moves, hands, and power. He's even impressed in pass protection.
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Boston
Footballguy
On the surface White doesn't seem to be a Patriot type of player. I can't see that whole Thanksgiving weight gain situation impressing BB too much. Yet, I don't really know enough about the guy to say this with total confidence.Right now here are the names I see linked to the Pats the most by the so called experts...obviously it's to be taken with a grain of salt...I mean did anyone even have a clue they would take either Mankins or Watson with a #1. Yet, it's getting near draft time so that means speculation.
*Marshall-CB/Fresno State-The combo of being a big play CB and playing for BB's buddy Pat Hill are leadng the gurus down this path.
*Maroney-RB/Minnesota-His style combined with the fact many think he'll be available at #21 have many seeing him being the Pats RB of the future.
Ryans-LB/Alabama-The Pats need LB depth and his attitude is supposed to be very Patriotesque.
Carpenter-LB/OSU-Another LB prospect. Very productive college player who's dad played for the NYG while BB was there (although I doubt that actually means much).
One thing to keep in mind here. The Pats are at #21. This is an area that someone unexpected could drop to just like Wilfork did two years ago. When you're at #32 you usually don't get the guys who drop from the top since it's too far down. That means someone we haven't even thought of could fall into their lap just like their starting NT did.
Sabertooth
Footballguy
IH: ........draft in a heartbeat 
Chaos Commish
Footballguy
I'm a sucker for players in this situation. Norwood, Harrison, Cutler...
BoomBoom
Footballguy
I'm a Fresno State Alum and it hurts knowing that Marshall will not be back for his senior season. He is definitely confident (see his quote about being a 1st round pick after he runs at the combine) and has a knack for making the big play. As others have alluded to, it's possible the BB-Pat Hill connection will be seen again (Mankins and Sanders last year).
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
Is this really all that impressive considering 2 CBs (including a projected first rounder) ran 4.29s, three guys possibly projected as safeties (Williams, Huff, and Cromartie) all ran sub 4.4s, plus :Manny Lawson, DE/OLB North Carolina State – Lawson ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at 265 pounds
[Vernon] Davis set a Combine record for tight ends when he ran an eye-popping 4.38 40-yard dash at 260 pounds.
Jerious Norwood, RB Mississippi State - Norwood was one of the stars at this year’s Combine. Coming in, NFL scouts had some questions about his speed but he answered critics by running an impressive 4.40 40-yard dash in Indianapolis.
Joseph Addai, RB LSU - Addai is a player whose stock will be on the rise after he ran a 4.40 40-yard dash
Plus, I think Thomas Howard, another LB prospect, ran a 4.41. How "impressive" is it for a CB, who should be the fastest guy on the field, is getting outrun by RBs, TEs, LBs, and DEs ?
I know this is contrarian, but I'm not a fan of LenDale White. He is not a Belicheck player at all. White's work ethic is suspect and I really didn't like how he wouldn't run at the combine. Ronnie Brown ran last year and showed the world that he's a class act. That he could handle the pressure and run a great time. That's what a player with true confidence in his abilities would do.
I would much rather see Addai, Drew, Norwood in a Pats uniform.
I would much rather see Addai, Drew, Norwood in a Pats uniform.
SoloMatisse
Footballguy
Nice points, Baracuda. Didnt realize White was being viewed like this. I just thought he was a good eater with a high profile whod rather perform at home in LA than a slacker. We dont need any slackers. Even if he were to be there, and he may if this rep holds true, I think theyd look past him and grab another guy. But with that said, they did struggle running the ball last year when Dillon went down and we were down to FBs carrying the ball. Versatility is the key. I dont see them bringing in a back, as long as Dillon is still with the club, that doesnt play special teams. The 21 slot is a nice one....Im optimistic someone of real value can slide down as Boston points out. What about Santonio Holmes at the 21?? Is he a Pat kindof player??
M
MLBrandow
Guest
I'd take that bet, except I don't eat twinkies or oreos.White and Justice will both be gone by the time the Patriots pick. And neither would go to the Patriots if they were there. They won't draft RB or OT with their first pick.
On a tangent, anyone see them potentially targeting Maurice Stovall in the 2nd round? Gotta believe Belichick holds a lot of stock in what his former OC would say in terms of player evaluation. Also have to believe he'd give Stovall a good one...
He could be just the type of playmaker aforementioned that is lacking for the Pats offense.
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