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. Tap your mouse here for more »
Is a Carolina Panthers-Cam Newton marriage on the horizon?
The Carolina Panthers plan to bring in Auburn quarterback Cam Newton for a closer look and could select him with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft this April.
I'm not here to indict Newton as a bust, although he has a fairly high bust factor about him. My thought is that with a deep draft-eligible quarterback class in 2012, Carolina's front office best be sure of Newton. After all, it's unlikely that the Panthers will be a playoff-caliber squad in '11. Tap your mouse here for more »
Dave Duerson’s death should open eyes
The unfortunate passing of former Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson last week rekindles the hot-button topic of player safety in the NFL.
Duerson took his own life, but he asked for his brain to be examined for the benefit of living current and former footballers everywhere. While his story is distressing, Duerson perhaps ended his own life with a bid for offsetting unselfishness. Tap your mouse here for more »
Your thoughts on the CBA situation
It has been a crazy-busy week for me, so I'll keep this short and sweet. The NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement is on the verge of expiring, as you all know by now, but how long will it take for the owners and NFLPA to reach a mutual understanding?
According to reports, the two sides are still far apart after a recent negotiating session. So distant, in fact, they canceled their scheduled Thursday meeting. Not good....
It seems like the PA is ready to concede on the rookie salary cap proposal, but the 18-game season, the health care benefits and the NFL being unwilling to open their books in effort to come up with a fair revenue split all have strained recent dialogue.
I ask you: Is there an end in sight?
Loading ...2011 NFL Draft’s weak QB class worries me
This year's class of NFL draft prospects features a very weak crop of quarterbacks, yet four players could be picked on Day 1. I have a hard time with first-round grades based almost exclusively on potential because of positional importance. Tap your mouse here for more »
Shane Vereen and Ricky Stanzi intrigue me
My eyes are ready to bleed after extensive evaluation of 2011 NFL Draft prospects, but I can still see just enough to make out what I'm typing.
I'll spare you the practically required Super Bowl blog, but I think Pittsburgh somehow finds a way to win even though I am rooting for Green Bay. Instead, I want to share a few thoughts about a handful of quarterback and running back prospects. Tap your mouse here for more »
