NFL Czar: NFL Combine report
The NFL draft is a crapshoot. It always is. For every stud like Peyton Manning and LaDainian Tomlinson, you could get a bust like Ryan Leaf or Ki-Jana Carter. NFL scouts have so much to look for, and that is one of the many reasons the NFL holds its annual Scouting Combine. The Combine is a chance for over 300 potential rookies to participate in drills, work out and get measured in every way imaginable.
The Combine is a great chance for players to boost (or hurt) their stock heading into the draft. For example, at the 2008 Combine, a young running back named Chris Johnson entered as a relative unknown. From East Carolina University, no one really knew what to expect from Johnson. Then he ran the 40-yard dash in an astonishing 4.29 seconds. All of a sudden Johnson was a late first round pick of the Tennessee Titans. Only two seasons into his NFL career, Johnson became the sixth player to ever run for 2,000 yards in a single season.
So, the Combine can be a valuable tool. Here are a few potential first-round picks who could improve their stock greatly at the Combine.
Tim Tebow: The University of Florida Alum tore through his college career. He shattered most of the scoring records at Florida, and won two National Championships along the way. However, despite all of his success, Tebow isn't expected to be a great NFL quarterback. There are serious questions about his throwing motion, and whether or not he can make all of the throws necessary to play in the NFL. The Combine will give him a chance to show off his arm, and make the case that he should be a first round pick. But, the latest reports say he won't be throwing at the Combine, so we will have to wait and see.
Gerald McCoy: The ex-Sooner McCoy is slated as a likely top-five pick overall, but will be considered by most to be the second best defensive tackle on the board, after Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh. So, how can McCoy propel himself into the number one slot? He must show incredible burst in line drills, and power to the top of the list when it comes to the bench press. McCoy is a remarkable talent, and could definitely be the number one pick in April with a great Combine performance.
Brandon Spikes: Another ex-Gator on this list, Spikes' draft stock has plummeted over the last year. He got into some legal problems off the field, which will raise issues with some teams on draft day about his character. However, Spikes is still a force as a middle linebacker, and his skills will translate to either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defence. With an exceptional Combine, and better behaviour over the next two months, Spikes could easily be the top ‘backer off the board.
Everson Griffen: The ex-USC Trojan, Griffen is a physical specimen at the defensive end position. At 280 pounds, he is the perfect size for any defence. Can rush the passer from anywhere, including as a stand up linebacker. However, Griffen didn't show much until this past season, and as an expected first rounder, he will have a lot to prove at the Combine.
Sam Bradford/Jimmy Clausen: Both of these quarterbacks are expected to go in the first round, but both are coming off significant injuries. Neither of these players is expected to participate in drills at the Combine, which bugs me. You are coming back from an injury, and are expecting a team to invest a lot of money in your career, the least you can do is work out for them a bit.
So, as you can see, there will be a lot on the line at this year's edition of the Combine. Next week, I will take a look at the offseason so far, spanning from Favre Watch 2010, to the releases of LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook.
For more from the NFL Czar, check out his blog at jvzsblog.blogspot.com
The Combine is a great chance for players to boost (or hurt) their stock heading into the draft. For example, at the 2008 Combine, a young running back named Chris Johnson entered as a relative unknown. From East Carolina University, no one really knew what to expect from Johnson. Then he ran the 40-yard dash in an astonishing 4.29 seconds. All of a sudden Johnson was a late first round pick of the Tennessee Titans. Only two seasons into his NFL career, Johnson became the sixth player to ever run for 2,000 yards in a single season.
So, the Combine can be a valuable tool. Here are a few potential first-round picks who could improve their stock greatly at the Combine.
Tim Tebow: The University of Florida Alum tore through his college career. He shattered most of the scoring records at Florida, and won two National Championships along the way. However, despite all of his success, Tebow isn't expected to be a great NFL quarterback. There are serious questions about his throwing motion, and whether or not he can make all of the throws necessary to play in the NFL. The Combine will give him a chance to show off his arm, and make the case that he should be a first round pick. But, the latest reports say he won't be throwing at the Combine, so we will have to wait and see.
Gerald McCoy: The ex-Sooner McCoy is slated as a likely top-five pick overall, but will be considered by most to be the second best defensive tackle on the board, after Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh. So, how can McCoy propel himself into the number one slot? He must show incredible burst in line drills, and power to the top of the list when it comes to the bench press. McCoy is a remarkable talent, and could definitely be the number one pick in April with a great Combine performance.
Brandon Spikes: Another ex-Gator on this list, Spikes' draft stock has plummeted over the last year. He got into some legal problems off the field, which will raise issues with some teams on draft day about his character. However, Spikes is still a force as a middle linebacker, and his skills will translate to either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defence. With an exceptional Combine, and better behaviour over the next two months, Spikes could easily be the top ‘backer off the board.
Everson Griffen: The ex-USC Trojan, Griffen is a physical specimen at the defensive end position. At 280 pounds, he is the perfect size for any defence. Can rush the passer from anywhere, including as a stand up linebacker. However, Griffen didn't show much until this past season, and as an expected first rounder, he will have a lot to prove at the Combine.
Sam Bradford/Jimmy Clausen: Both of these quarterbacks are expected to go in the first round, but both are coming off significant injuries. Neither of these players is expected to participate in drills at the Combine, which bugs me. You are coming back from an injury, and are expecting a team to invest a lot of money in your career, the least you can do is work out for them a bit.
So, as you can see, there will be a lot on the line at this year's edition of the Combine. Next week, I will take a look at the offseason so far, spanning from Favre Watch 2010, to the releases of LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook.
For more from the NFL Czar, check out his blog at jvzsblog.blogspot.com
