What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

Welcome to Our Forums. Once you've registered and logged in, you're primed to talk football, among other topics, with the sharpest and most experienced fantasy players on the internet.

*** 2013 NFL Scouting Combine Thread *** (1 Viewer)

Faust

MVP
NFL.com 2013 NFL Scouting Combine page

Combine workout schedule:

» Saturday, Feb. 23: Tight ends, offensive linemen, special teams

» Sunday, Feb. 24: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers

» Monday, Feb. 25: Defensive linemen, linebackers

» Tuesday, Feb. 26: Defensive backs

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Manti Te'o heads list of NFL Scouting Combine inviteesBy Dan Hanzus Around the League Writer
Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o told his story to Jeremy Schaap. He explained his thought process to Katie Couric. Now the stakes get higher.As expected, Te'o is among 333 players who have been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis from Feb. 23-26. If he does make the trip, Te'o will take part in a series of meticulously examined workout drills, though his true test would come behind closed doors when NFL teams meet with him and attempt to make sense of the "catfish" scandal that turned the linebacker into a household name.Te'o is far from the only subplot to watch for at the big event:» For players who made the most of Senior Bowl week, the combine offers a golden opportunity to solidify their stock ahead of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Standouts such as Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant and Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher almost can ensure themselves of top-10 real estate with a big week in Indy.» Looking for an individual talent to keep tabs on at the combine? How about former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, who has been invited as a wide receiver. If Robinson were a piece of steak at Senior Bowl week, he'd be considered bloody rare. He'll have to make significant strides to prove himself to be more than a late-round flier.» A combine-record 67 underclassmen have been invited. The group includes some big-time talent, too. In Bucky Brooks' latest mock draft, six of his first seven overall picks were underclassmen. The best of them might be Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, who could become the first overall pick.» Keep an eye on the three throwing quarterbacks possibly at the combine. Tyler Bray (Tennessee), Colby Cameron (Louisiana Tech) and James Vandenberg (Iowa) are under the radar, but they can make a name for themselves. Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates is a member of this fraternity.» This widely is considered to be a weak quarterback class, but teams always are willing to take a shot at a signal-caller they believe in. Geno Smith and Matt Barkley are considered the best quarterbacks invited, but neither player is a slam dunk in the way Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III were viewed a year ago. The combine can serve as a catapult into the first round, especially at this position.» The deepest position of this class is along the defensive line. Those prospects will hit the field Monday, offering a glimpse at several potential top-10 picks. Studs from this group of invitees include defensive ends Bjoern Werner (Florida State), Damontre Moore (Texas A&M) and Barkevious Mingo (LSU) and tackle Star Lotulelei (Georgia).» Back to Te'o. It's hard to overstate how important this event would be for him. Teams would be able to form an opinion on both Te'o's physical skills and, more importantly, his mental head space. Te'o would be in for a week that would test his mind and vocal chords as much as his body.
 
2013 NFL Draft: Top 10 Combine Snubs

By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

February 7, 2013 1:20 am ET

Every year approximately 330 NFL Draft prospects are invited to the annual Scouting Combine in Indianapolis to work out for teams in preparation for the NFL Draft. This year's Combine is scheduled for Feb. 20-26 at Lucas Oil Stadium and will consist of interviews, medical exams and player workouts. And each year there are some surprises as to who is and isn't invited.

The full list of 333 prospects for the 2013 NFL Combine can be found here.

NFL Combine participants are selected by a selection committee made up of the directors of both National and BLESTO scouting services along with anonymous player personnel representatives from several NFL teams. Eligible players are voted on by the committee and the prospects with enough votes are then invited to the combine.

While the goal of the process is to invite every player who will be selected in the NFL Draft, approximately 25-50 prospects are drafted each year who did not receive an invitation. Last season, Miami (Ohio) offensive guard Brandon Brooks was drafted 76th overall in the third round by the Houston Texans, but didn't receive an invitation. Other notable exclusions from last year's list included Eagles running back Bryce Brown, Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane and Rams running back Daryl Richardson (all three were drafted in April).

And this year isn't any different as there were several surprising omissions from the recently released 2013 Combine invite list, here are the top-10:

10. WR DeVonte Christopher, Utah

Although his 2012 production (22 catches for 301 yards and three touchdowns) suffered due to inconsistent quarterback play, Christopher is a savvy pass catcher with quick hands and natural body control.

9. CB Travis Howard, Ohio State

The All-Big Ten Honorable Mention cornerback has good size (6-0, 198) and length (32 1/4" arms) for the position, and although he had a very up-and-down senior season, his raw skills are intriguing.

8. WR Jasper Collins, Mount Union

As he attempts to follow in the footsteps of Pierre Garcon and Cecil Shorts as Purple Raiders in the NFL, Collins won't have the benefit of the combine like Garcon and Shorts before him.

7. CB Demontre Hurst, Oklahoma

Although he has only average size (5-9, 200) and speed, Hurst is an aggressive competitor with good experience, starting 40 games for the Sooners over the past three seasons.

6. ILB Vince Williams, Florida State

A late invite to the Senior Bowl in Mobile a few weeks ago, Williams is a physical thumper with downhill speed, but his lateral quickness and overall range are question marks.

5. DT Anthony Rashad White, Michigan State

Weighing in at 334 pounds, White has some sloppy weight and he appears to wear down too easily, but he is a load to handle in the middle and fits as a zero or one technique tackle in the NFL.

4. TE Zach Sudfeld, Nevada

After missing the 2011 season with a leg injury, Sudfeld led Nevada in touchdown catches (eight) as a senior and brings an intriguing blend of size (6-6, 261) and quickness to the next level.

3. CB Branden Smith, Georgia

While not as instinctive or productive as former cornerback teammate Brandon Boykin, Smith is a similar athlete with the speed and hip fluidity to stick with receivers all over the field.

2. RB Dennis Johnson, Arkansas

Although he didn't receive the same hype as Knile Davis (who did receive an invite), Johnson is a quick-footed runner with the balance and toughness needed for the position and leaves Arkansas as the school and SEC all-time leader in kickoff return yardage.

1. TE Michael Williams, Alabama

Although he plays stiff and will struggle to separate at the next level, Williams is a powerful and physical blocker with the size and strength to stick in the NFL as a No. 2 tight end.

Other notable snubs: DE Wes Horton (USC), DT Omar Hunter (Florida), OLB Cameron Lawrence (Mississippi State), S Rashard Hall (Clemson), S Kenny Tate (Maryland), OT Elvis Fisher (Missouri), C Dalton Freeman (Clemson), RB Curtis McNeal (USC), WR Zach Rogers (Tennessee), OG John Sullen (Auburn), FB Kyle Juszczyk (Harvard), DE David King (Oklahoma), DT Anthony McCloud (Florida State), OG Sam Brenner (Utah)
 
Leon Sandcastle among NFL Scouting Combine 'snubs'

By Josh Norris NFL.com

Among the 333 players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, there are some interesting distinctions made. Most notable is Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, who was invited as a wide receiver, continuing the path he started during Senior Bowl practices two weeks ago. A drop-less, full-speed workout could help ease some hesitations teams certainly have for the former quarterback.

It's also worth noting that Cincinnati defensive end Walter Stewart has been invited to the combine, something many in the scouting community did not expect after a serious spine injury forced him to "retire" from the sport in October (he has since been training for the combine after receiving encouraging news from doctors in December). Stewart was the clear leader of the Bearcats defense and showed talent as an edge pass rusher with a solid motor. However, since he was born without a posterior C1 arch, combine medical evaluations will be a critical part of his draft process. Regardless, it is a storyline filled with determination and should be tracked throughout the event.

Regardless of the large amount of invitees, there always seems to be a few left off the list. Last year's "snubs" list included guard Brandon Brooks, who was later selected in the third round by the Houston Texans and saw a fair amount of game action as a rookie. Here are 11 prospects this year who have an argument to fit in the combine "snub" category:

RB Dennis Johnson, Arkansas

A true third-down NFL back, Johnson is an effective pass protector and receiver out of the backfield, and shows plenty of ability to run between the tackles. He has a history of fumbles, but also has the talent to warrant an early third-day draft pick.

ILB Vince Williams, Florida State

Williams' teammate, Nick Moody, earned an invite, but Williams might be a better prospect. The Seminole put together a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl and flashes toughness between the tackles with some range to make plays on the edge.

WR Zach Rogers, Tennessee

Stuck behind Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson, Rogers found his niche as Tennessee's third receiver. He consistently finds open areas downfield behind coverage and could be a better pro than college player due to a limited number of targets.

FB/HB Kyle Juszczyk, Harvard

A utility player, Juszczyk lined up at receiver, tight end and H-back at Harvard. He is physical on contact as a lead blocker and is an underrated athlete, especially as a receiver in space.

TE Michael Williams, Alabama

There is nothing flashy about Williams, but he could have a sustained NFL career due to excellent blocking ability for the position. As an inline tight end, Williams' blocking is almost equal to the tackles he lines up next to. As a receiver, however, Williams is methodical at best.

G Omoregi Uzzi, Georgia Tech

Coming from a triple-option offense, Uzzi is used to getting to the second level and hitting targets in space. For a predominantly zone-blocking team in the NFL, Uzzi should be looked at in the later rounds as an investment at guard.

S Cooper Taylor, Richmond

The large safety put together a good week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game, showing tight angles and awareness in coverage. It would have been beneficial to see how he works out in an environment like the combine.

DT William Campbell, Michigan

I understand why Campbell, and other hefty interior defensive linemen, were not invited to the combine. He is not going to showcase athleticism, but Campbell is a natural anchor in the running game and uses heavy hands to disrupt.

S, Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami (Fla.)

The former Hurricanes safety was forced to sit out the 2012 season after attempting to transfer to Faulkner University in Alabama, which plays at the NAIA level. Instead, he spent the season in a coaching role and is now looking to get his playing career back on track.

DE, Wes Horton, USC

Horton is not so much of a football player as an athlete. He's the type of person that succeeds in every sport he tries and this event would have been an excellent platform to showcase that natural ability, even if the tape does not support it.

CB Leon Sandcastle, Florida State

This might be the first time a prospect in the running for the first overall pick was not invited to the combine. I have a feeling we haven't heard the last of Leon.
 
'Faust said:
Manti Te'o heads list of NFL Scouting Combine invitees

By Dan Hanzus

Around the League Writer

» For players who made the most of Senior Bowl week, the combine offers a golden opportunity to solidify their stock ahead of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Standouts such as Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant and Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher almost can ensure themselves of top-10 real estate with a big week in Indy.
I can't see him being a top 10 pick no matter how fast he runs.

 
http://www.nfl.com/combine/liveYou can watch last year's combine there and I assume that same link will have this year's footage once the combine actually begins. That's how they did it last season and just left all the footage up for the whole year. I think since updating the combine homepage recently they took the Live link off the main page, but the page is still working just fine if you use the direct link.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
'Faust said:
Manti Te'o heads list of NFL Scouting Combine invitees

By Dan Hanzus

Around the League Writer

» For players who made the most of Senior Bowl week, the combine offers a golden opportunity to solidify their stock ahead of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Standouts such as Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant and Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher almost can ensure themselves of top-10 real estate with a big week in Indy.
I can't see him being a top 10 pick no matter how fast he runs.
Agreed, he will never be a CB1 in the NFL. His best shot is being opposite a pretty good CB.
 
Faust, great resource thread as usual. How about building a twitter list of insightful people to follow during the combine?@gregcosell - Greg Cosell NFL FilmsAnother link that might be helpful in finding quality game footage of prospects you'll see at the combine: http://draftbreakdown.com/category/videos

 
Faust, great resource thread as usual. How about building a twitter list of insightful people to follow during the combine?@gregcosell - Greg Cosell NFL FilmsAnother link that might be helpful in finding quality game footage of prospects you'll see at the combine: http://draftbreakdown.com/category/videos
Cosell is a highly recommended twitter account to follow, and anyone reading this thread can feel free to suggest anyone else that they follow!
 
The NFL announces new player evaluation tool (test) for combine prospects: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/02/17/nfl-combine-aptitude-test/1926409/ Watch out Wonderlic. There's a new test in town that promises to improve the focus of the NFL microscope on draft prospects, while possibly giving more players at fair chance a sound evaluation.But don't think the NFL's Player Assessment Tool (PAT) will predict whether a first-round D-tackle will wind up wrecking the buffet during a brawl at the Midnight Lounge.The PAT is not designed for that. Yet the customized test, which will be administered to prospects at the NFL's scouting combine this week in Indianapolis, is supposed to provide teams with an idea of whether a player will get along with teammates, make it to meetings on time and put in the effort to take his skills from good to great.Just as significantly, the PAT will provide an indication of how the player will best pick up the playbook — whether it's with a visual aid, in writing, or with an on-the-field demonstration (sans yelling, please).At least that's the hope. If this tool proves to be as viable as promised, it has been a long time coming as an added evaluation component in the NFL draft process."These guys are making these multi-million dollar decisions, and in some regards it's like they are walking into a dark room with a flashlight," Cyrus Mehri, the attorney who proposed the PAT idea to the NFL, told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday. "This is going to turn on the lights."

 
Barkley just decided that he will NOT throw at the Combine. #####.
Barkley injury heightens QB debateBy Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior AnalystFebruary 18, 2013 10:33 am ET
Contrary to previous reports, USC quarterback Matt Barkley will not throw at the NFL Scouting Combine this week as he continues to rehab his throwing shoulder injury, according to a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter.The combine begins Wednesday, with quarterbacks arriving Thursday and scheduled for their on-field workouts Sunday. While he won't throw, Barkley might still participate in the agility drills, such as the 40-yard dash, and is expected to impress teams throughout the interview process.According to Schefter's sources, Barkley's shoulder is "85-90 percent recovered" and he has already been cleared to throw at the Trojans' pro day on March 27 in Southern California. He suffered the right-shoulder injury in late November when he was knocked out of the UCLA game on a sack by Anthony Barr. Barkley was forced to watch the regular-season finale against Notre Dame and the bowl game from the sidelines and wasn't able to participate in the Senior Bowl last month.Scouts are well aware of Barkley's skill set and his passing talents, so while it's disappointing he won't be on the field throwing next to West Virginia's Geno Smith and others, NFL teams will be anxious to get him on the hot seat to test his between-the-ears ability. The combine will be important for the medical evaluation and interview process, which can be just as important in the eyes of scouts. As long as he is fully healthy for his pro day next month, missing the combine shouldn't have much, if any, effect on Barkley's final draft grade or where he ends up on draft weekend, which begins April 25.However, this chaotic quarterback draft class has more questions than answers entering the combine, and with Barkley unable to throw, this group will continue to mystify into April. Neither Barkley or Smith participated in the Senior Bowl, but Smith plans to throw and do a full workout in Indianapolis.After bypassing a probable top-10 pick and the NFL last season, it was a nightmare senior year for Barkley as the Trojans finished 7-5, their first season under eight wins since 2001. He has only average height, arm strength and athleticism, but was able to beat defenses with his smart throws and quick decisions. However he didn't take care of the ball in 2012 with twice as many interceptions as 2011 as he struggled to take his game to the next level.Barkley is NFLDraftScout.com's No. 2-rated quarterback and a projected first-round pick. He appears at No. 7 overall to the Cardinals in Rob Rang's mock draft but does not appear in Dane Brugler's most recent draft projection (first-round mock drafts as of Feb. 18).The news of Barkley not throwing at the combine is a subtle reminder that the quarterback rankings will be fluid over the next two months.
 
Per Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)



Alabama RB Eddie Lacy will not work out at combine after suffering small tear in some tissue around his hamstring while training last week.

 
2013 NFL Draft scouting combine preview: Offense

Chris Burke

The 2013 NFL scouting combine kicks off this week in Indianapolis, with 333 players set to attend the event.

Part I of our two-part combine primer takes a glance at some offensive prospects who could help or hurt their cases in the coming days …

Who will shine

• Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee: Could Patterson be the first wide receiver off the board in April? It’s looking more and more possible as scouts familiarize themselves with the ex-Tennessee Vol, who played just one season of FBS college ball.

The combination of that limited tape and Patterson’s natural athletic ability makes him a likely combine star — he should put up solid marks in running and jumping drills, which will just further the perception that he could be a big-play NFL receiver.



• Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina: Alabama guard Chance Warmack (deservedly) has garnered a ton of attention at the position, but Cooper is not all that far behind. The gap could close even further at the combine, too, if Cooper performs as expected. He moves extremely well for an interior offensive lineman, meaning that something like his 40 time could open some eyes, even if that mark usually matters little to a player of his position.

• E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State: Geno Smith will be on several teams’ combine watchlist — the West Virginia QB is generally considered the top prospect at that position in this draft, and he did not accept an invite to the Senior Bowl.

However, Manuel might have the highest QB ceiling right now, in terms of how much he could climb the draft charts. It’s safe to assume that the athletic, 6-foot-4 former Seminole will show well in most of the combine’s drills. If he backs that by throwing the ball effectively, he could rise into a Round 2 prospect.

Who will struggle

• Most of the rest of the quarterbacks (probably): This is somewhat unfair to Smith, but there is little to no chance that he does anything at the combine to prove himself as a potential No. 1 pick — it’s the proverbial lipstick-on-a-pig problem, in that Smith would be a reach in the top 10, let alone as the first player chosen.

The combine will provide another chance for guys like Mike Glennon, Ryan Nassib, Landry Jones, Tyler Bray and Tyler Wilson to impress NFL teams. Showing off a big arm won’t be a problem for most of those QBs, but the combine is a tough draw. Even without defenses on the field, quarterbacks often struggle there having to throw to unfamiliar receivers in a very nerve-wracking setting.

There’s the chance for a couple quarterbacks to separate themselves a bit … or for everyone to muddle together even more.

• Keenan Allen, WR, Cal: I have Allen as a top-15 prospect and the highest-ranked receiver on my latest Big Board, but the combine may not be his friend.

Why? Allen’s best characteristics include that he catches the ball well with his hands, runs smart routes and has experience playing all over the field. He should do well in pass-catching drills, but odds are that his 40 time will be down the list — he’s not a breakaway receiver. Allen is better on film than he will be in the combine setting.

• Le’Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State: Bell tweeted a couple weeks ago that he’s trying to slim down to 228 pounds. That’s all well and good, but even at that weight, it will be hard for Bell to convince scouts he can be a No. 1 back. He’s strong, so the weightlifting portion of the combine will be no trouble, but a 230-pound back with so-so speed is more of a goal-line threat in NFL minds than a three-down prospect.

• Justin Pugh, G/T, Syracuse: Pugh is an intriguing talent. His problem, however, is that he projects to a guard spot in the NFL after playing tackle at Syracuse. Already, he measured in with arms shorter than NFL teams like from interior linemen. And he likely won’t put up bench numbers like Warmack or Cooper, which will only serve to highlight the gap between Pugh and those upper-echelon guards.



Medical report

• Matt Barkley, QB, USC: Barkley reportedly will not throw at the combine, his injured right shoulder still not back to 100 percent. That’s a disappointing development, since Barkley had to sit out the Senior Bowl and most of his QB counterparts will air it out in Indianapolis.

Barkley will have a chance to throw for scouts during USC’s Pro Day on March 27 — expect him to perform well there, on his home turf and with his own receivers. Will he be too far behind the curve by then?

• Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan: Medical evaluations will be critical for Robinson going forward — he injured his right elbow during the 2012 season and still was not a full-go during the Senior Bowl. With Robinson facing the major adjustment of learning a new position (be it WR, RB or CB), adding in suspect medicals might scare away some teams.

• Barrett Jones, C, Alabama: The versatile Jones will sit out most of the combine as he heals from the Lisfranc injury he somehow played through in 2012. He’s more of an effort guy than a top-notch athlete anyway, so the combine may not have helped him.

• Zac Dysert, QB, Miami (Ohio): Dysert will interview at the combine, but that’s it after he reportedly suffered a slight hamstring tear last week. That’s a tough blow for Dysert, who, despite being far from the draft’s most polished QB, would have shown well in running drills.

• Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon: Jordan has put off needed shoulder surgery until after the combine, so that he can work out there. However, it remains to be seen exactly how much he’ll be able to do … and how that pending surgery will impact his stock.

• Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama: According to a report from Adam Schefter on Monday, Lacy will not be able to run through drills at the combine after suffering a small tear in his hamstring during training. Alabama’s Pro Day is in mid-March — hopefully, for Lacy’s sake, he can go all-out then.

• Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina: Get ready to hear a lot about Lattimore, if the talented running back is as far along in his recovery from a devastating knee injury as it sounds. Lattimore could crank up the chatter surrounding him significantly if he proves he’ll be ready to go soon.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
What to know about the 2013 Combine

Peter Schrager

Now that the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl are finally over and out of the way, it’s time to focus on what really matters: the NFL Draft.

This year’s draft is loaded with rich storylines, dynamic personalities and intrigue. It’s also very unique.

Unlike the 2012 NFL Draft, the 2013 draft class is not incredibly deep at the coveted quarterback position. If anything, it’s the weakest quarterback draft since 2007 — one that netted first round picks JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn.

But that doesn’t mean quarterbacks won’t go in the first round. There could be two, three, four, maybe five scooped up in the first 32 picks. It’s a quarterback league, and in the endless pursuit to find one, risks will be taken.

There are a handful of big project defensive pass rushers — guys who are expected to do more in the pros than they did in college — who could make waves in April, too.

It’ll all start this week in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine.

On the surface, the Combine is one of the sports world's biggest anomalies. Much of the seven-day event involves players standing in shorts and tank tops, coaches and scouts sitting hundreds of feet away in the stands kibitzing and behind-closed-doors meetings and evaluations. There are tests taken in conference rooms, interviews done in hallways and business cards passed at St. Elmo’s, a popular steakhouse.

And yet, people watch.

As Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported, 5.2 million American homes watched the Combine on the NFL Network in March, 2010. Those TV ratings were better than any numbers Major League Baseball got on ESPN during any given regular-season week of the 2010 baseball season, despite ESPN being in 43 million more homes than the NFL Network.

This year, the NFL Network is sending an estimated 30 on-air announcers to Indianapolis, roughly 28 more than what’s probably necessary. With NFL Network now in more homes due to the recent Time Warner Cable deal, Combine viewing numbers will increase even more.

Who should you be watching this week? Which players have the most on the line? Which drills are the most important? Here’s a viewers’ guide to this week’s 2013 NFL Scouting Combine:

Five Biggest Draft Storylines

1. Who’s the Top QB?

It was Andrew Luck vs. RG3 in 2012. In 2013? Good luck finding two quarterbacks worth pitting against each other as No. 1 and 1a. Ranking the top five QB prospects, unlike any of the recent years, will be a challenge for draft pundits like me. The QB class is — simply put — wide open.

USC’s Matt Barkley and West Virginia’s Geno Smith dominated mock drafts and draft buzz during the college season, but after watching them both on tape the past few weeks, it’s clear there are various holes in both players’ games. Neither, to be certain, is on the level of Luck, Griffin or Newton. Even putting them in the same conversation as Blaine Gabbert is a stretch.

But that’s not an insult or a dig at Geno Smith or Matt Barkley. None of the quarterback prospects are as highly touted as Gabbert was coming out of Missouri two years ago. In addition to Barkley and Smith, there’s Tyler Wilson out of Arkansas, Landry Jones of Oklahoma, Mike Glennon of N.C. State, E.J. Manuel of Florida State and Ryan Nassib of Syracuse.

All five of those college seniors are vying to be the first quarterback taken, too. That’s seven different guys, any of whom could be the first quarterback off the board. With at least three quarterback-starved teams in the top 10 of this year’s draft, there’s money to be made by one of these young men.

Separating themselves from the others really starts in Indianapolis. Unlike previous years, all of the top prospects have agreed to participate in the throwing drills. This is truly going to be a showdown and a tryout. Buckle up.

2. The Next JPP?

Every year, there’s a pass-rushing prospect whose numbers at the Combine jump off the page and catapult him into the first round of April’s NFL Draft. Whether it’s Mike Mamula, Aldon Smith or Jason Pierre-Paul, those guys usually make a lot of money during the third week in February.

This year’s guy? My money’s on BYU defensive end Ezekiel Ansah. Nicknamed “Ziggy,” Ansah’s NFL journey is incredible. A native of Ghana, he arrived at BYU and tried out for the basketball and track teams before joining Bronco Mendenhall’s squad in 2010.

He was a slow starter, then had a huge breakout 2012 campaign. Ansah is a freakish athlete for his 6-foot-6, 270-pound frame. The sky is the limit. If he comes to Indianapolis and puts on the show I expect him to, he could end up going in the top 10. Not bad for a guy who didn’t make the hoops team two years ago.

3. New Names, New Faces

There were eight new head coaching hires (Alex Marvez ranked them here last week) and seven new general manager hires in the past two months. Add in all the big-name defensive and offensive coordinator moves and other front office hires (Tom Gamble to Philadelphia, for one), and there were arguably more changes this NFL offseason than any other year in recent history.

So what does it all mean? Who knows? We’ve got Andy Reid in Kansas City, Chip Kelly in Philadelphia and Marc Trestman — formerly of the Canadian Football League — in Chicago. There are changes everywhere. The Combine — moreso than the Senior Bowl — will be the first time everyone, the new and the old, will be in one place at one time.

4. The Week of Manti Te’o

At some point, Manti Te’o was going to have to face the music and address the demons of Lennay Kekua. That time is now. NFL front office personnel might not be as kind to Te’o as Jeremy Schaap or Katie Couric were in his recent interviews (off camera and on, respectively).

They’ll want to know just how this whole thing happened, when Te’o knew he was duped and what he’s done to put the incident and “romance” behind him. More than anything, they’ll want to know if he can handle the temptations that await him at the next level. Every shark within a 50-mile radius will smell blood in the water the second Te’o hits an NFL city.

How Te’o handles himself, the pressure of reporters grilling him with uncomfortable questions in a group setting and being put under the microscope for an extended period of time may be the biggest storyline of the week. Someone will ask him a ridiculous question and it’ll make news. But after the Te’o-Kekua story — is any question really too absurd?

5. Who is Cordarrelle Patterson?

If the name’s not familiar yet, brace yourself, because you’ll be hearing a lot about him in the next few months. Patterson didn’t put up big numbers in college at Tennessee, but he’s already being ranked above California’s Keenan Allen and West Virginia’s Tavon Austin as this year’s top wideout prospect.

Why? Because he can end up being the next A.J. Green. Patterson’s story is somewhat wild. He didn’t play football at North Carolina Tech, ended up at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas where he excelled before transferring to Tennessee after being recruited by then-coach Derek Dooley.

As a junior, he wasn’t expected to do much, but after the Vols dismissed Da’Rick Rogers for disciplinary reasons, Patterson stepped up. In just 12 games as a Division 1-A player, he caught 46 balls and opened scouts’ eyes — not so much for his production, but for his potential.

At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, he’s got the build and the natural abilities to be a huge talent at the next level. He separates from corners, has elite speed and a knack for the dramatic catch. He also returns kicks and punts incredibly well. Dynamic is the word everyone uses when describing Patterson.

Justin Blackmon was the fifth overall pick a season ago and a widely touted prospect coming out of Oklahoma State. I’ve spoken to some league sources who think Patterson could end up being the even more sought-after player. It’ll all start in Indianapolis this week, where everyone expects him to put on a show.

Five small-school guys you’ll know by next week

1. Aaron Mellette, WR, Elon: Brian Quick, a wide receiver out of Appalachian State, was taken 33rd overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2012 NFL Draft. I’ve spoken to more than one NFL scout who says they are bigger fans of Mellette — an opponent of Quick’s in the Southern Conference — than the second-round selection.

Even if Mellette has a disastrous week in Indy, he will be the first player from Elon (North Carolina) to be drafted since the Jacksonville Jaguars took Chad Nkang in the seventh round in 2007.

His college numbers? Well, they’re insane. After catching eight balls in his first year with the Phoenix, Mellette rattled off 86-catch, 113-catch and 97-catch seasons. In three years, he hauled in 42 touchdown passes. He’s also 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and a precise route runner. He’s not going to dazzle in the 40-yard dash, but he’s a surefire NFL player. There haven’t been many of those out of Elon.

2. Rogers Gaines, OT, Tennessee State: Never heard of Gaines? It’s OK, you’re not alone. Gaines starred at Tennessee State, where there weren’t exactly ESPN or FOX Sports cameras set up every weekend. But the scouts were watching, and what they saw was a 6-foot-7, 320-pound mass of a man with a ton of potential.

He got off to a slow start at Tennessee State — he redshirted, then only played three games in 2010 — but came on strong in his junior and senior years. There’s a blank slate with Gaines, but plenty of raw material to work with.

3. Tyrone Goard, WR, Eastern Kentucky: Right below Mellette on my list of small school wideout prospects is Goard. Whether it’s been Jerry Rice, Pierre Garcon, Cecil Shorts III, Donald Driver, Marques Colston or countless others — NFL teams have never been afraid to roll the dice on wide receiver talents outside of the traditional BCS conferences when it comes to the NFL Draft.

In Goard, there’s a 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame with tremendous speed. Again, as is the case with Gaines, he’s raw. He only caught 41 balls at Eastern Kentucky last season, but after a very impressive week of East-West Shrine Game practices, he’s getting more and more buzz as a big upside project. A burner with height, Goard could be one of those surprise second day picks after a strong week in Indy.

4. Mark Jackson, OL, Glenville State: A Columbus, Ohio native, it’s amazing that Jackson — a Glenville State grad — could end up going in the NFL Draft before any Ohio State linemen.

A first-team Division II All-American in 2012, the 6-foot-6, 325-pound road paver starred at tackle in college, but would likely play guard in the pros. A three-time All-Conference performer, he dominated at the Division II level. But the NFL isn’t the Division II level. I’m very curious to see how Jackson, another East-West Shrine Game standout, stacks up against the competition this week.

5. Ty Powell, OLB, Harding: Powell played defensive end at Division II school Harding, but will make the move to OLB in the NFL. He’ll likely measure around 6-foot-3, 255 pounds come time for his weigh-in, but his 40 time is what I’ll be most interested in.

Can he get to the QB? He did in college, recording 8.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. He’s been working out at the IMG Academy in Bradenton. There’s talk that he could be a second day pick. His performance in Indy will have a lot to do with that, if so.

Five best drills to watch

1. The 40-yard dash: A player’s career can be made, or destroyed, in a flash. My favorite 40-yard-dash story involves Deion Sanders’ run in 1989. Back before the Combine was televised or even covered all that much by the media, Sanders reportedly showed up to the combine late and did just one drill — and only once.

As the story goes, Sanders ran a 4.29 in the 40, then jogged right into the Hoosier Dome tunnel and out the building. Without breaking stride, he hopped into a limousine and took a trip to the airport, where he boarded a plane and flew home.

2. Bench press: How many times can a player put up 225 pounds in one sitting? Can't fake this one. In honor of 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Larry Allen, I’d like to see someone top 50 reps.

3. The gauntlet: A wide receiver or a tight end gets a pass from a coach, catches the ball and drops it. He then runs across the field and catches five passes in a row from five different quarterbacks across the field. It’s all hand-eye coordination. Boom. Boom. Boom. In today’s era of pass-happy football, being able to catch a ball and make a first move — all in one motion — is more important than ever before.



4. The speed turn drill: A defensive back starts at the line of scrimmage, backpedals 5 yards, runs forward 5 yards and then is told to run in a certain direction. At about 15 yards, the defensive back is asked to look up and locate a football. What kind of ball skills do you have? The speed turn drill gives an indication.

5. Three-cone drill: Three cones are placed in an L shape. Players go 5 yards to the first cone and back, then to the second cone and back and then run a loop around the third cone, switch direction and come back around the second cone. Got all that? A shifty running back/wide receiver can usually do a three-cone drill in 6.5-7.0 seconds.

Five potential character 'red flags'

1. Tyrann Mathieu, DB, LSU: The “Honey Badger” will be answering a lot of questions this week. A Heisman finalist for LSU in 2011, Mathieu was kicked off the team in August of 2012 for repeated violations of the school’s substance abuse policy for athletes. He sat the year out and he trained. And he apologized. And he says he’s ready for the next stage of his life. Which NFL team will give him a second chance?

2. Da’Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech: An All-SEC performer for Tennessee in 2011, Rogers was dismissed from Derek Dooley’s team for reported substance abuse violations in 2012. Instead of sitting the year out like Mathieu, he transferred to Tennessee Tech, where Rogers caught 61 balls and scored 10 touchdowns last season. Big time talent. Is he a changed man?

3. Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia: There's obviously never a good time to get a DUI, but getting one a few days before the Combine could be just about the worst time for one. That's what reportedly happened last week with Ogletree, the 26th overall pick in my latest Mock Draft. Ogletree missed four games this past season for a violation of team rules (I'm told it was a substance-abuse-related violation), and now has this on his resume. Not good. Not good at all.

4. Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee: Bray has a strong arm and had some great games as the Volunteers' quarterback, but immaturity plagued his time in Knoxville. Hand-picked by Derek Dooley, he was considered the golden arm of the program. But there were some low points.

The summer before his junior season, he eluded prosecution in a potential felony vandalism case by promising to pay for damages to a vehicle pounded with beer bottles and golf balls at his riverside apartment complex. Another time, he was cited for a reckless boating violation while jet skiing.

He was not arrested for either incident, but the press had a field day. He left Tennessee early for the pros. Was that the wisest move? NFL coaches and scouts will certainly be putting him under the microscope.

5. Armonty Bryant, DE, East Central (Oklahoma): A Division II All-American and two-time Oklahoman State College Defensive Player of the Year selection, Bryant compiled a school-record 27.5 sacks during his time at East Central. All good and all impressive. But getting arrested for selling drugs during practice? That’s not good.

Bryant allegedly sold $20 worth of marijuana to an undercover officer on two separate occasions last year. He was arrested and posted $25,000 bond and released, but the stain of that incident is following him to Indianapolis. A 6-foot-4, 250-pound pass rush specialist, he’ll be answering plenty of questions this week.

Five teams to Watch

1. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs need a quarterback. Unfortunately, there might not be a quarterback worth drafting first overall in this year’s class. With free agency looming and a lot of other needs on the roster, Andy Reid holds the cards at the top of one of the most wide open drafts in recent memory. He also has the 33rd pick, something a lot of teams might covet.

2. Cleveland Browns: There’s new blood in Cleveland, from the owner (Jimmy Haslam) to the team president (Joe Banner) to the personnel guy (Mike Lombardi) to the head coach (Rod Chudzinski) to the coordinators (Ray Horton and Norv Turner).

Cleveland’s first pick in the new era of leadership could tell us a lot about where the franchise is looking to go. Do the Browns cut bait on the Brandon Weeden Experiment started by the old regime a season ago and draft a quarterback? Or do they build a defense? Fascinating times in Berea.



3. St. Louis Rams: Thanks to the Robert Griffin III trade a year ago, the Rams are the only team in the 2013 NFL Draft with two first rounders. That’s a lot of chips on the table. Last year, the Rams traded back in the first round and picked up additional selections. Will they do the same in 2013?

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Like the Browns, the Jaguars have a lot of new faces both on the sideline and in the front office. Of the eight head coaches hired this offseason, Gus Bradley was the only defensive mind of the group. Don’t be shocked if the Jags go with a pass rusher with the second overall pick — they were last in the league in sacks with just 20 in 2012.

5. Buffalo Bills: The Bills are owners of the longest playoff drought in the NFL, dating all the way back to 1999. For what feels like the millionth time in the 14 years that have passed, there’s a new coach with a new philosophy in Western New York. Doug Marrone’s first few picks will be awfully intriguing in April. Does he grab Ryan Nassib, his college quarterback at Syracuse? It’s been a hot rumor since he took the job in January.



Five Combine question marks

As much as the Combine can highlight the best physical qualities of certain players, it can put a spotlight on the shortcomings of others. Here are five accomplished college players who might not necessarily “wow” at the combine:

1. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin: So many great college games. So many freaking carries. So much tread on the tires. What’s left in the tank for the pros?

2. Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State: His game was compared favorably to Tim Tebow while at Kansas State. That’s not exactly a compliment in NFL circles.

3. Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M: Swope put up huge numbers at Texas A&M, but he doesn’t fit the mold of a first-round receiver based on his size and speed. He also tweaked his ankle at Senior Bowl practices. But he is tough, clutch, smart and can block with the best of them.

4. Robert Woods, WR, USC: Woods was considered a surefire first-round pick a year ago, but the buzz has dulled a bit since his monster 2011 campaign. He hauled in 73 passes for 813 yards and scored 11 touchdowns last season — mighty impressive numbers — but he’s not expected to blow anyone away during Combine tests.

5. Denard Robinson, QB/WR, Michigan: Nicknamed “Shoelace” because he never ties them, Robinson took the college football world by storm the last four years with explosive exploits and highlight-reel fodder.

What to make of him in the pros? Is he a quarterback? A running back? A wideout? The Combine will be a good opportunity for him to show he is more than just another outstanding college running quarterback who can’t make the transition to the next level. Woodrow Dantzler, anyone?

Five bold Combine predictions

1. Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel puts on a stellar performance and piques the interest of several NFL teams, catapulting himself into the first round.

2. Baylor wideout Terrance Williams and Tennessee’s Mr. Do-Everything Cordarrelle Patterson steal the show in wideout drills. Both cement their places as first-round picks in April.

3. In a weak running back draft class, Alabama’s Eddie Lacy stands out from the competition, but offensive lineman Chance Warmack — a versatile big man who can play either guard or center — leaves Indianapolis as the highest-rated Alabama prospect.

4. SMU defensive end Margus Hunt, a native of Estonia, captures the imagination of all covering the Combine. A 6-foot-8, 280-pound defensive end, Hunt has an 82-inch wing span, can bench press 225 pounds more than 30 times and is rumored to have 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash. Your “Underwear Olympics” gold medalist could very well be Hunt.

5. West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin will record the fastest 40 time at the Combine. He, too, will be a first-round pick in April.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
@AdamSchefter Alabama RB Eddie Lacy will not work out at combine after suffering small tear in some tissue around his hamstring while training last week.@FauxJohnMaddenMatt Barkley will not throw at Scouting Combine due to fears of becoming a Chief or Jaguar.

 
5. Who is Cordarrelle Patterson?

If the name’s not familiar yet, brace yourself, because you’ll be hearing a lot about him in the next few months. Patterson didn’t put up big numbers in college at Tennessee, but he’s already being ranked above California’s Keenan Allen and West Virginia’s Tavon Austin as this year’s top wideout prospect.

Why? Because he can end up being the next A.J. Green. Patterson’s story is somewhat wild. He didn’t play football at North Carolina Tech, ended up at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas where he excelled before transferring to Tennessee after being recruited by then-coach Derek Dooley.

As a junior, he wasn’t expected to do much, but after the Vols dismissed Da’Rick Rogers for disciplinary reasons, Patterson stepped up. In just 12 games as a Division 1-A player, he caught 46 balls and opened scouts’ eyes — not so much for his production, but for his potential.

At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, he’s got the build and the natural abilities to be a huge talent at the next level. He separates from corners, has elite speed and a knack for the dramatic catch. He also returns kicks and punts incredibly well. Dynamic is the word everyone uses when describing Patterson.

Justin Blackmon was the fifth overall pick a season ago and a widely touted prospect coming out of Oklahoma State. I’ve spoken to some league sources who think Patterson could end up being the even more sought-after player. It’ll all start in Indianapolis this week, where everyone expects him to put on a show.
The hype for this guy is really reaching a fever pitch. Reading this stuff would make you think he's the best WR prospect since Calvin. Comparisons to AJ Green? Suggestions that he could be more coveted than Blackmon? Extremely high praise for a guy who had exactly one 100+ yard game in his college career (against Troy) and caught 5 or more passes just three times. I'm going to go back and watch everything I can find on this guy before the draft, but right now I think he has a huge boom-or-bust vibe about him. Obviously he has some compelling physical qualities. Very little production and experience though. With a guy like Blackmon, you had two seasons full of evidence that he could thrive against a variety of difficult competition. With this guy, you are taking a huge leap of faith based on a projection of what you think he is. Production wise, he was the second best WR on his own college team.
 
5. Who is Cordarrelle Patterson?

If the name’s not familiar yet, brace yourself, because you’ll be hearing a lot about him in the next few months. Patterson didn’t put up big numbers in college at Tennessee, but he’s already being ranked above California’s Keenan Allen and West Virginia’s Tavon Austin as this year’s top wideout prospect.

Why? Because he can end up being the next A.J. Green. Patterson’s story is somewhat wild. He didn’t play football at North Carolina Tech, ended up at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas where he excelled before transferring to Tennessee after being recruited by then-coach Derek Dooley.

As a junior, he wasn’t expected to do much, but after the Vols dismissed Da’Rick Rogers for disciplinary reasons, Patterson stepped up. In just 12 games as a Division 1-A player, he caught 46 balls and opened scouts’ eyes — not so much for his production, but for his potential.

At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, he’s got the build and the natural abilities to be a huge talent at the next level. He separates from corners, has elite speed and a knack for the dramatic catch. He also returns kicks and punts incredibly well. Dynamic is the word everyone uses when describing Patterson.

Justin Blackmon was the fifth overall pick a season ago and a widely touted prospect coming out of Oklahoma State. I’ve spoken to some league sources who think Patterson could end up being the even more sought-after player. It’ll all start in Indianapolis this week, where everyone expects him to put on a show.
The hype for this guy is really reaching a fever pitch. Reading this stuff would make you think he's the best WR prospect since Calvin. Comparisons to AJ Green? Suggestions that he could be more coveted than Blackmon? Extremely high praise for a guy who had exactly one 100+ yard game in his college career (against Troy) and caught 5 or more passes just three times. I'm going to go back and watch everything I can find on this guy before the draft, but right now I think he has a huge boom-or-bust vibe about him. Obviously he has some compelling physical qualities. Very little production and experience though. With a guy like Blackmon, you had two seasons full of evidence that he could thrive against a variety of difficult competition. With this guy, you are taking a huge leap of faith based on a projection of what you think he is. Production wise, he was the second best WR on his own college team.
:goodposting:
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Top