2011 Scouting Combine notes and thoughts
The 2011 NFL Scouting Combine is wrapping up, so let's highlight a few things that stood out.
Ryan Mallett, quarterback, Arkansas
His superior arm strength was evident during the throwing portion of his drills, as Mallett rocketed deep outs, posts, flags and fly routes. According to published reports, he interviewed well with teams, too, so it's fair to say Mallett helped himself over the weekend.
Cam Newton, quarterback, Auburn
The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner wasn't all that impressive, hitting only 11 of his 21 throws. Newton regularly overthrew receivers, especially on deep routes. He probably helped himself by explaining his "entertainer and icon" comment, but I don't think his draft stock necessarily changed.
Blaine Gabbert, quarterback, Missouri
I was a little upset that Gabbert didn't put it on the line with the rest of prominent passers in this class. He is expected to throw at his pro day next month. Gabbert looked the part, otherwise, measuring 6-foot-4 5/8, 234 pounds.
Colin Kaepernick, quarterback, Nevada
The mobile Kaepernick showed the most velocity of any quarterback and did nothing but help his draft stock. He said the right things, too, and prided himself on his clean rap sheet.
Jake Locker, quarterback, Washington
Todman gained ground |
Overall, Locker's workout was very good. Accuracy concerns were not completely put to bed, because there is too much tape on him already, and he still was a little inconsistent throwing deep drag routes with a five-step drop.
Greg McElroy, quarterback, Alabama
McElroy didn't work out because of an injury he suffered at the Senior Bowl, but he reportedly scored a 48 of a possible 50 on the Wonderlic test. Perhaps he'll be a better coach than player when all is said and done, but McElroy seems like the ideal fit for a West Coast system.
A few of the notable running back 40 times:
- Da'Rel Scott, Maryland: 4.34 seconds
- Mario Fannin, Auburn: 4.38 seconds
- Derrick Locke, Kentucky: 4.40 seconds
- Jordan Todman, Connecticut: 4.40 seconds
- DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma: 4.43 seconds
- Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech: 4.55 seconds
- Mikel LeShoure, Illinois: 4.56 seconds
- Mark Ingram, Alabama: 4.62 seconds
Graig Cooper, running back, Miami (Fla.)
Coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Cooper ran a pedestrian 4.62 40, but he impressed with a 4.03-second short shuttle and a 6.66-second three-cone drill.
Torrey Smith, wide receiver, Maryland
Smith's hands measured just 8 5/8 inches, which really has to be a concern to some, but you should view it as a possible explanation for a lot of his dropped passes instead. His hands are really going to change, and improved concentration can help pick up the slack.
Tandon Doss, wide receiver, Indiana
Doss, on the other hand, no pun intended, measured 10 1/8 inches in mitt size. He didn't workout because of a groin tear but plans to showcase his skills April 6.
Vincent Brown, wide receiver, San Diego State
Brown unofficially timed 4.66 and 4.69 40-yard dashes, which may hurt his draft stock. He plays faster than he times, though. Brown has impressive hand size at 10 1/4 inches.
Julio Jones, wide receiver, Alabama
A busted wheel |
After a shining performance, we learned Monday that Jones worked out with a fractured foot bone and will require the insertion of a pin to stabilize the area. He is expected miss around eight weeks, which is essentially when the draft kicks off.
Leonard Hankerson, wide receiver, Miami (Fla.)
Hankerson is still dropping too many passes, but at this point, I think that simply is who he is. JUGS machine, anyone?
Weslye Saunders, tight end, South Carolina
After missing the entire 2010 season, because he was dismissed from the team for improper contact with an agent, Saunders has something to prove. He sounded contrite and seemingly told the truth, so the rest is pretty much out of his control.
Da'Quan Bowers, defensive end, Clemson
He underwent knee surgery Jan. 4 to repair a torn meniscus but will be ready for his pro day. Bowers didn't perform any drills at the combine.
Stephen Paea, defensive tackle, Oregon State
The big guy posted a whopping 49 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. In case you were unaware, that is an NFL Combine record by four repetitions.
Dontay Moch, defensive end, Nevada
At 6-foot-1, 248 pounds, Moch could be moved to 3-4 outside linebacker. He blazed a 4.44 40-yard dash - reaching mach speeds along the way.
Casey Matthews, linebacker, Oregon
A shoulder subluxation after 14 reps on the bench caused Matthews to miss the rest of the combine. It's unknown if he'll need surgery, and he has injured the same shoulder before. He hopes to be ready for his March 10 pro day.
Will Hill, safety, Florida
While he seemed like he has matured, I have a hard time believing that he has grown up that much in 18 months. At any rate, I think his representation coached him well, and Hill said the right things ... for a change.
