Scouts Inc.'s 2011 Combine coverage....

NFL combine more than just workouts

Top prospects facing character questions, medical scrutiny along with physical testing

By Todd McShay
ESPN.com


The NFL combine is only one part of the pre-draft puzzle and is most useful as a cross-check for what scouts and other evaluators have seen on film, but there's still plenty of helpful information to be gained from a week spent scrutinizing prospects in Indianapolis.

Here are the players, storylines and results we'll be watching closely as the event unfolds.


Three toughest interviews

1. Auburn QB Cam Newton
There's no denying Newton's physical tools. He is the most dynamic athlete at any position in the entire 2011 class. There are some areas of his game that need refining -- anticipation as a passer, mechanics/accuracy, reading coverages while dropping from under center -- but if the draft were based solely on physical tools, Newton would be the No. 1 overall pick.

That's not how teams evaluate quarterbacks, though. Mental makeup has always been a key factor in first-round busts and has been especially prevalent in recent years with the likes of JaMarcus Russell, Matt Leinart and Vince Young. Newton has been in the draft picture for only one year and it was a year marred by controversy, so there are plenty of questions about him in that area. Everyone knows about the scandal surrounding Newton's father, Cecil, and about Cam's arrest while playing at Florida, and there is plenty of other speculation and innuendo out there.

Because of that, the way Newton carries himself during the week in Indianapolis and what teams take away from their time with him will play a significant role in where he is eventually drafted. Four teams picking in the top five -- Carolina, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Arizona -- could have interest in Newton, and if he falls out of that group it will have nothing to do with his mechanics or the system he played in at Auburn and everything to do with his mental makeup.

Newton's job is to convince teams he is a mature player who can be trusted to be the face of an entire organization, that he is much more likely to be a boom than a bust. It's the nature of the process that some teams will be looking for a reason to fall in love with him, while others will be looking for a reason not to draft him, but he only has to convince one.

2. Auburn DT Nick Fairley
It doesn't appear that there are any scandalous off-field issues waiting to surface during Fairley's evaluation. For him it's all about football character. Fairley produced at an elite level for only one year, and NFL teams want to know if he essentially played a "contract year" in 2010, giving everything for one season in order to maximize his draft stock, or if the light came on and he realized the price he has to pay to be great. Does he love the game or all the things that come with it?

Eight defensive tackles were taken in the top six overall between 1994 and 2007, and six of them could be considered disappointments, so teams will dig hard to find out whether Fairley shares similar traits to those who have been busts before him.

Did he dominate in college simply because he was more physically talented than the guards he faced and is he ready to put in the work required to be great in the NFL? That's a significant question, because on tape Fairley can be seen taking plays off. Does he play with an edge or is he a cheap-shot artist? Again, the film shows a lot of borderline plays during which Fairley delivers shots when the play is dead, and teams want to know if he could become a liability in that area.

Many other 2011 prospects face similar questions, but Fairley lands on this list because he could be the No. 1 overall pick and the stakes are going to be very high for any team drafting him.

3. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett
Mallet has impressive size (6-foot-6¼, 238 pounds), played in a pro-style offense at Arkansas and has the strongest arm in the 2011 quarterback class. His tools measure up against those of other first-round prospects, but two specific areas of his evaluation raise concerns.

The first, his inability to move quickly in the pocket and reset his feet to deliver accurate throws, is an on-field issue. Teams that put consistent pressure on him (Alabama, Ohio State) proved he struggles to move his feet efficiently in traffic, and that is a flaw NFL defensive coordinators will have a field day with if it's not corrected.

The second and perhaps more important concern is Mallett's mental makeup. I've met him and he's clearly aware of the microscope he is under, and he's trying hard to handle himself well. However, scouts and coaches who have spent time around Mallett raise questions about his maturity, ability to handle pressure-cooker situations and his dedication to the game off the field.

An NFL quarterback must be the most emotionally and mentally stable player on the roster and have a work ethic above and beyond what is required in most other professions. He has to be the first player to arrive at the team facility and the last to leave, and do all the little things it takes both professionally and personally to put himself in a position to succeed, and it's unclear whether Mallett has all those qualities.

He's shown signs of maturing over the past couple of seasons, but the question is whether he can continue to do so in an NFL setting or whether he has hit his ceiling in that area. Teams will be digging hard over the next few weeks, and Mallett must begin changing opinions this week in Indianapolis.

Ten others on the interview hot seat

DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina
WR Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh
DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama
NT Kenrick Ellis, Hampton
WR Greg Little, North Carolina
DS DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina
DC Jimmy Smith, Colorado
NT Phil Taylor, Baylor
WR Titus Young, Boise State


Three most scrutinized medical exams

All prospects undergo a thorough medical exam at the combine and the results of those tests are distributed to NFL teams, who then have their doctors and training staffs follow up on the results and report back to the front office.

Teams have differing views on some injury issues -- a few teams might fail a player medically even though the vast majority of the league passes him -- so the more concerns players put to rest, the better. Here are the three top prospects whose medical exams will be closely scrutinized.

1. Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers
Bowers missed two games in 2009 due to an MCL/PCL strain, and after recent surgery to repair a torn meniscus he will participate only in the bench-press test at the combine. Other players are dealing with more significant injuries, but Bowers is atop my most recent mock draft and the stakes are high for him. After two knee injuries in two years, teams want to know if there is a degenerative problem or if the injuries are minor, unrelated occurrences.

2. Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi
A knee injury cost Carimi three games in 2008, he missed part of spring practice in 2010 after knee surgery, and a supposedly minor ankle injury ended his 2011 Senior Bowl week prematurely. Just like with Bowers, there are other prospects with more significant issues than Carimi, but Carimi does have a history of being nicked up and battling to get through seasons at full strength.

In an offensive tackle class that lacks an elite talent but has plenty of competition in the mid-to-late first round -- Carimi, Nate Solder, Tyron Smith, Anthony Castonzo -- teams know they have options, so they need to be assured by doctors that Carimi has no legitimate signs of becoming damaged goods.

3. Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward
Heyward underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow and does not consider it a very big deal -- "I'm not a pitcher, so I should be back a little sooner" -- but for a prospect likely to play the 5-technique in a 3-4 scheme it could be a big deal.

Players at that position take on a lot of blocks and have to be strong in the upper body to hold the point of attack, so how Heyward checks out at the combine will go a long way toward deciding where he comes off the board. He dominated at times in college but he also disappeared at times, and with eight other defensive ends carrying first-round grades at this point, Heyward could fall into the second round if he is unable to work out fully and prove his health. However, when he does get back to full strength Heyward has the potential to become an impact player if he can play with more consistent effort and technique.

Ten others under the medical microscope

DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
DC Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
OT Ben Ijalana, Villanova
RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
WR Jerrel Jernigan, Troy
DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State
DE Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh
TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
DE Aldon Smith, Missouri
RB Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech


Three with the most to gain

Texas A&M OLB Von Miller could very well top this list, but he's already a top-five prospect and it's hard to imagine his stock rising much more at this point. When the week is over, though, the three players below could help their stock as much as anyone else.

USC OT Tyron Smith
Smith has flown under the radar a bit because he is the only underclassman among the first-round tackle prospects. The presence of future star Matt Kalil at left tackle kept Smith on the right side the past two seasons and he is listed at just 285 pounds, but Smith's tape shows a player who moves well, plays with balance and is stronger in the upper body than his frame would indicate.

He has room to add 20-25 pounds and we're hearing he'll show up to the combine at or above 300 pounds. If Smith can showcase his athleticism and body control at that weight it could be enough to move him to the top of a class that does not boast an elite player, and perhaps even into the top 10 overall.

Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter
Hunter missed most of 2009 after an ankle injury that required surgery to insert a plate into the ankle, but he was back at full strength in 2010. Assuming he checks out medically, Hunter has a good opportunity to boost his stock.

Mark Ingram is the only running back who is a first-round lock at this point, and Hunter is part of the second tier along with Ryan Williams, Daniel Thomas and Mikel Leshoure. While he's the smallest of the four, Hunter is perhaps the hardest runner. He does not overpower tacklers physically but breaks a lot of tackles because he runs low and with excellent balance.

The combine is the perfect setting to show off a combination of lateral agility (shuttles), straight line speed (40-yard dash) and explosiveness (vertical jump, broad jump) that few other running back prospects in the 2011 class possess. A strong showing in Indy could help Hunter land a spot in Round 2.

Nevada TE Virgil Green
The 2011 tight end class is perhaps the weakest we've seen in a decade. Kyle Rudolph is the headliner but he missed most of his junior season with a significant hamstring injury and likely won't come off the board until late in the second round; behind him are a handful of prospects who are good in some areas but weak in others. Some are H-back types who lack size, while others are inline blockers who lack speed. Given that lackluster competition, Green has a chance to skyrocket with a good showing in Indianapolis.

On tape we see a good athlete who is raw as a football player, but he looks like one of the fastest players at the position and has a lot of potential as a pass-catching H-back. If Green shows up in great shape and runs the 40 in the 4.5-second range he has a chance to go from Day 3 sleeper to possibly the third round and one of the top five tight ends off the board. A strong performance will have teams going back to the tape to see if they can coach Green up and turn him into an impact player.

Ten others to watch

WR Jerrel Jernigan, Troy
DE Christian Ballard, Iowa
QB/WR Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
DE Aldon Smith, Missouri
DC Brandon Harris, Miami
WR Torrey Smith, Maryland
WR Randall Cobb, Kentucky
TE Rob Housler, Florida Atlantic
CB Aaron Williams, Texas
OLB Dontay Moch, Nevada


Three small-school prospects to watch

Villanova OT Ben Ijalana
Ijalana is the top small-school prospect on our board with a mid-second-round grade at this point. He missed the Senior Bowl while recovering from double-hernia surgery, but Ijalana has the physical tools and upside to provide depth as a rookie while preparing to push for a starting job down the line.

Abilene Christian WR Edmund Gates
Speed is Gates' calling card. He shows legitimate big-play potential as a sub-package wideout and potentially in the return game, and on tape he shows flashes of being a raw version of current Philadelphia Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin. He's a better athlete than football player and comes with some baggage as a 25-year-old rookie, but he got better each year at the Division II level and could come off the board late on Day 2.

Portland State TE Julius Thomas
Thomas was a four-year basketball standout at Portland State and only started one game (11 played) as a walk-on football player. He might not be the next Antonio Gates (Chargers) but he has enough upside to consider in the middle rounds. The combine should be a perfect setting for Thomas to showcase his natural athleticism.


Combine burners

From Darrell Green to Bo Jackson to Deion Sanders, there's always debate regarding who owns the combine's fastest-ever 40-yard dash time. The picture is much clearer in recent years, though. Here's a look at the fastest 40 time run each year dating back to 2005.

2005: CB Fabian Washington, 4.29
2006: CB Tye Hill, 4.30
2007: WR/RS Yamon Figurs, 4.30
2008: RB Chris Johnson, 4.24
2009: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, 4.30
2010: WR Jacoby Ford, 4.28

If I had to handicap this year's 40-yard sprint, these would be the five favorites:

WR Edmund Gates, Abilene Christian (5-11⅝, 189)
WR Torrey Smith, Maryland (6-0 202)
WR Jerrel Jernigan, Troy (5-9, 183)
CB Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech (5-9⅝, 185)
WR Joseph Morgan, Walsh (6-0⅝, 185)

The dark-horse entry to monitor is Nevada OLB Dontay Moch (6-1⅜, 230), who reportedly ran in the high 4.2-second range for NFL scouts last spring.


Feeling left out

Approximately 10 percent of the players selected in the draft every year are not invited to the scouting combine. We're not just talking special-teams journeymen, either. There are some heavy hitters who have fallen through the cracks, including QB Tony Romo (Cowboys), WR Wes Welker (Patriots), OLB James Harrison (Steelers), OT Sebastian Vollmer (Patriots) and RB Arian Foster (Texans).

With that in mind, here are 10 combine snubs from the 2011 class who shouldn't give up hope just yet.

DT David Carter, UCLA (6-4½, 297)
DE Justin Trattou, Florida (6-3⅜, 255)
OG Tim Barnes, Missouri (6-3¾, 297)
TE Mike McNeill, Nebraska (6-3¾, 232)
OT Derek Hall, Stanford (6-4¾, 306)
CB Korey Lindsey, Southern Illinois (5-10, 182)
OLB Thomas Keiser, Stanford (6-5, 257)
ILB Joshua Bynes, Auburn (6-1⅜, 239)
CB Ryan Jones, NW Missouri St. (5-11⅛, 197)
DE Craig Marshall, South Florida (6-4, 262)


Player schedule

Here's a look at the four-day schedule that players will follow during their trip to Indianapolis:

Day 1
• Arrive and register
• Pre-examination and X-rays at hospital
• Orientation
• NFL team interviews

Day 2
• Physical measurements (height, weight, arm length and hand span)
• Injury evaluation
• Media interviews
• Psychological testing (Wonderlic test)
• NFL team interviews

Day 3
• NFLPA meeting
• Psychological testing (Wonderlic test)
• NFL team interviews

Day 4
• Workout, including all or some of the following elements: 40-yard dash, bench press, three-cone drill, broad jump, vertical leap, 20-yard shuttle, 60-yard shuttle, position-specific drills
• Departure

Day 4 is when the prospects are invited to work out in front of coaches, scouts and general managers from all 32 NFL teams. The following is a schedule of the workout dates for each of the 11 groups at this year's combine:

• Saturday, Feb. 26: Group 1 (kickers, special teams, offensive linemen), Group 2 (offensive linemen) and Group 3 (tight ends)
• Sunday, Feb. 27: Group 4 (quarterbacks/wide receivers), Group 5 (quarterbacks/wide receivers) and Group 6 (running backs)
• Monday, Feb. 28: Group 7 (defensive linemen), Group 8 (defensive linemen) and Group 9 (linebackers)
• Tuesday, March 1: Group 10 (defensive backs), Group 11 (defensive backs)

Todd McShay is the director of college scouting for Scouts Inc. He has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft since 1998.

Clayton: 10 things to watch at combine

By John Clayton
ESPN.com


INDIANAPOLIS -- Welcome to the most distracted scouting combine in more than 25 years.

The NFL annually carves out six days in February and takes over downtown Indianapolis, focusing mostly on interviews and physical tests of the draft prospects. Labor problems are muddling things. Commissioner Roger Goodell scheduled a Thursday meeting to update owners, general managers and head coaches on their seven-day mediation session with the NFL Players Association.

On Friday, player agents, who normally work on potential free-agent deals, will be briefed by NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith on the same subject.

The focus of this pro football convention is supposed to be in Lucas Oil Stadium, site of Super Bowl XLVI and where 329 draft prospects work out, but coaches and general managers will be distracted, trying to figure out whether the owners will lock out the players on March 3.

Here are the 10 things to look for at this year's combine:

1. Labor: Sources indicate that the seven days of federal mediation were productive but that no new CBA is expected to be agreed upon at this time. Owners haven't adjusted their position that they need another billion dollars of credits taken off the top of the revenue that already removes $1 billion from the percentage available to the players. Whether that would drop player costs to 42 or 46 percent of all revenue is a point for debate. What needs to be clarified in the next week is whether owners feel good enough about the seven days of mediation that they might delay a lockout of players, declare an impasse and operate under their last offer or whether they might simply lock out the players. Owners meet next week in Washington, D.C., to make their final decisions on the short-term future of the league.

2. Free agency: It won't start until there is a new CBA, but general managers have until next week to re-sign their own free agents. Franchise and transition tags, along with the re-signings of cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Ronde Barber, have whittled the list of unsigned potential free agents to 470, but key decisions have to be made. Do the Seattle Seahawks re-sign quarterback Matt Hasselbeck before March 4? Are the San Francisco 49ers serious about bringing back quarterback Alex Smith to compete for a starting job for new coach Jim Harbaugh? Can the Oakland Raiders prevent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha from hitting the market?

3. Quarterbacks' throwing session Sunday: Auburn's Cam Newton has the most to gain by deciding to do all the drills and make all the throws Sunday when 18 draftable quarterbacks head out to the turf in Lucas Oil Stadium. Newton calls himself an entertainer. A great workout, though, could catch the eyes of the Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills, who have the first and third picks in the draft. Newton put on a show all season in destroying SEC defenses.

Nine teams in the top 16 of the draft could be looking at quarterbacks -- Carolina, Buffalo, Arizona, San Francisco, Tennessee, Washington, Minnesota, Miami and Jacksonville. Newton has to show he's not just a thrower who could become a quarterback bust like JaMarcus Russell.

University of Washington quarterback Jake Locker will try to atone for a subpar Senior Bowl week by throwing and running. Colin Kaepernick of Nevada, Andy Dalton of TCU and Ryan Mallett of Arkansas also are expected to throw. Blaine Gabbert of Missouri is going to run only, saving his throwing session for March 17. Christian Ponder of Florida State also is expected to skip the throwing drills Sunday.

4. Interviews are just as important as the workouts: The draft positions of Newton and Mallett could be determined by how well they do in interview sessions with teams. Newton has to make interested teams feel as if his shaky past before arriving at Auburn isn't a cause for concern if those teams are going to make him their franchise quarterback. He'll have to make teams feel comfortable that his father, who reportedly put a price tag on where Newton was heading to college, won't be a negative influence on him. Mallett will have to silence worries about his off-the-field habits. Mallett has Joe Flacco-type throwing ability, but teams worry that he might be another Ryan Leaf.

5. Don't pull a Michael Crabtree or a Dez Bryant: In the past two combines, Bryant and Crabtree were considered the top receivers in their respective classes, but their poor combine presentations caused them to drop in the first round. In 2009, Crabtree bungled information about a stress fracture. Like Crabtree, Bryant was a top-5 caliber talent whose stock dropped because he didn't come across as mature and responsible in how he handled the 2010 combine. He didn't do a good job of explaining his 2009 suspension at Oklahoma State. In this combine, A.J. Green of Georgia and Julio Jones of Alabama are big, physical receivers considered to be the prize receivers in this draft. Jonathan Baldwin of Pitt -- another tall receiver with 4.4 speed -- could push into the first round with a great workout and interviews.

6. Putting on a show for the NFL Network: Scouts and general managers groused for years about thoughts of televising the scouting combine workouts. Why pay millions of dollars to set up this draft convention and then give up all the information on television, they grumbled. As it turns out, televising the combine has prompted more players to work out, making the jobs easier for scouts not having to fly to schools to get 40 times. As late as 2003, 98 of the 307 invited players didn't work out. The influence of television has cut that number of non-workouts to between 45 and 59 in years since then. The competitive aspect of the running and jumping drills has turned the combine into one of the most watched track meets on television.

7. Getting to know the underclassmen: Despite the labor uncertainties, a record 56 underclassmen declared for the 2011 draft. Defensive tackle Nick Fairley of Auburn, defensive end Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson, cornerback Patrick Peterson of LSU and wide receiver Green of Georgia head a list of 20-to-25 potential first-round underclassmen whom general managers and coaches have to get to know.

8. Expect more from less at running back: It appears to be a down year at running back with Mark Ingram of Alabama and Mikel Leshoure of Illinois being the only sure first-round running backs. But you would have to think their power running styles would make more impact than a 2010 class that featured three first-round selections  the Bills' C.J. Spiller, San Diego Chargers' Ryan Mathews, and Detroit Lions' Jahvid Best -- who were outperformed by undrafted backs LeGarrette Blount and Chris Ivory.

9. Back-to-back defensive line drafts: The 2010 draft featured nine first-round defensive ends or defensive tackles with Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy going No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, behind quarterback Sam Bradford. Scouts are looking at potentially the same number of first-round defensive linemen, but the talent seems to be more at end. Bowers of Clemson, Robert Quinn of North Carolina, Jordan Cameron of California and Adrian Clayborn of Iowa are considered the top defensive ends, and Fairley of Auburn and Marcell Dareus of Alabama are expected to be the top tackles.

10. Who could light up the stopwatches? Cornerback Patrick Peterson of LSU could move to the top of the draft if he decides to run. He had a hand-held 4.2 40 in spring conditioning drills at LSU. Wide receivers Titus Young of Boise State and wide receiver Torrey Smith of Maryland could push into the first round if they run in the 4.3 range.

Why are you posting combine info from others who aren't in Scouts Inc.?

Read the thread title, bubba.

I did it with Clayton but that's because he's ESPN too and I didn't want a ton of ESPN threads on the combine.

sbk92 said:

Why are you posting combine info from others who aren't in Scouts Inc.?

Read the thread title, bubba.

I did it with Clayton but that's because he's ESPN too and I didn't want a ton of ESPN threads on the combine.

Keep reading...

Oh, shit I'm just thinking of combine and posting whatever. JESUS CHRIST!!

I got rid of it.

Cr122 said:

I got rid of it.

Keep reading...

Repost it in another thread.

sbk92 said:

Repost it in another thread.

Keep reading...

I did.

G/S/M.

Combine Position Series: QB

Combine is Cam Newton's show

Blaine Gabbert won't throw but other top QBs expected to participate fully

By Todd McShay
ESPN.com


Cam Newton versus Blaine Gabbert is the obvious storyline here and, let's face it, Newton is the face of this draft.

In one season at the FBS level, Newton -- seemingly unfazed by the swirling controversy of a recruiting scandal -- won the Heisman Trophy and led Auburn to its first national championship since 1957. He is bigger than Gabbert, has a stronger arm and is a better athlete. Newton has more hardware on his mantle and an unblemished record (14-0) to go with it.

However, we're two months away from the NFL draft and I still believe Gabbert is the best quarterback prospect in the class. More importantly, several scouts and high-ranking personnel officials have expressed the same view to Scouts Inc.

Newton won't shy away from the spotlight while Gabbert is just fine flying under the radar. That trend will continue at the combine, where Newton plans on completing a full workout (including the throwing portion) while Gabbert watches from the sideline.

Gabbert falls in line with the vast majority of first-round quarterbacks in recent years by electing not to throw in Indy, and it won't affect his draft stock. Newton made it clear with his media workout earlier this month, though, that he will not follow protocol, and I applaud Newton for choosing competition over conformity.

When it's all said and done, though, the most important part of the process for all quarterbacks, and especially Newton, is what happens in the interview room.

There's no denying Newton's rare combination of physical tools and most or all of his flaws as a passer can be corrected over time with good coaching and hard work. But does Newton have the mental makeup to become the leader of an NFL franchise and to help that franchise win a Super Bowl?

That's the question teams in the market for a quarterback -- and by my count nine of the top 12 teams on the board have some level of interest -- must answer between now and April 28. His four-day trip to Indianapolis is the first step in what promises to be a challenging two-month process for Newton.


Most to prove: Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
Kaepernick has many of the qualities teams look for in a long-term developmental project. He is a bit lean but has size potential and is blessed with a strong arm, excellent athleticism and an unwavering work ethic.

However, Kaepernick comes from a Pistol-formation offense that does not ask its quarterbacks to make NFL-style progression reads, and he also needs mechanical tweaking (footwork, release). Performing well during passing and running drills on the field can never hurt, but Kaepernick must to convince teams he has the mental makeup and football acumen to pay dividends as a Day 2 investment.


Under the radar: Nathan Enderle, Idaho
Enderle had a strong finish to his week at the Shrine Game and he's looking to carry that momentum over to the combine. He is not a great athlete and needs to improve his pocket awareness, but Enderle will showcase his strong arm and above-average accuracy during passing drills. He is also capable of winning over teams during interviews with his football intelligence and understanding of the game


Under the microscope

Quarterbacks are poked and prodded perhaps more than any other group of prospects, and the three players listed here can expect more scrutiny than most of their counterparts.


Cam Newton, Auburn
See above.


Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
Mallett will have some tough questions to answer during his interview process. Scouts and front-office staffers will want to know why he cracked under pressure in the second half versus Alabama and in the Sugar Bowl versus Ohio State, why people question his leadership and maturity, and how he spent his time during his redshirt season after transferring from Michigan.

Mallett needs to keep his composure, be honest and show teams he loves playing the game and is willing to pay the price to compete for a starting job in the NFL. There's no doubt that Mallett is in danger of falling on draft weekend, but it only takes one team believing in him and that's the mindset he has carry into Indy.


Christian Ponder, Florida State
Durability is a red flag that Ponder will try to shed in the weeks leading up to the draft. Unfortunately, his injury history, below-average size and somewhat reckless style do not help his cause.

Ponder sat out the final four games of 2009 because of a right shoulder injury and missed two games late in 2010 with an injury to his throwing elbow that nagged him for most of the season. He also suffered a concussion in the Chik-fil-A Bowl, so teams are looking at him cautiously.

Here is a look at our ranking of the top quarterback prospects invited to the combine and a listing of quarterbacks who were first- and second-round picks in the 2010 draft:


2011 NFL Combine Quarterbacks

Player School Height Weight Grade

Blaine Gabbert Missouri 6-5 240 96
Cam Newton Auburn 6-5½ 248 92
Jake Locker Washington 6-2¼ 228 90
Ryan Mallett Arkansas 6-6¾ 238 85
Andy Dalton TCU 6-2 213 77
Christian Ponder Florida State 6-2⅛ 222 74
Ricky Stanzi Iowa 6-4⅛ 221 71
Colin Kaepernick Nevada 6-4⅝ 225 69
Pat Devlin Delaware 6-3⅜ 256 56
Nathan Enderle Idaho 6-4⅛ 240 47
Tyrod Taylor Virginia Tech 6-1 216 45
Greg McElroy Alabama 6-1¾ 222 38
T.J. Yates North Carolina 6-3⅝ 221 33
Scott Tolzien Wisconsin 6-2 209 31
Jerrod Johnson Texas AM 6-5 250 30
Ryan Colburn Fresno State 6-3 218 30
Jeff Van Camp Florida Atlantic 6-5⅛ 209 30
Josh Portis California (Pa.) 6-3⅛ 209 30


2010 Quarterbacks in Rounds 1-2

Sam Bradford Oklahoma St. Louis Rams 1 (1)
Tim Tebow Florida Denver Broncos 1 (25)
Jimmy Clausen Notre Dame Carolina Panthers 2 (48)

The following is a graphic representation of the number of quarterbacks selected in each round of the previous three drafts. Most teams use this type of chart to study position trends when setting up their respective draft boards each year.


QB Market Trend

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008..........Average
1.................2............3............2...............2.3
2.................1............1............2...............1.3
3.................2............2............1...............1.7
4.................1............1............0...............0.7
5.................2............2............4...............2.7
6.................4............4............2...............3.3
7.................3............1............2.................2
Total...........15..........12...........13.............13.3

Combine Position Series: RB

Mark Ingram clearly the top RB

Second tier of backs features undersized prospects with injury issues

By Todd McShay
ESPN.com


Alabama's Mark Ingram is the only legitimate first-round running back prospect in the 2011 NFL draft, and even he has some detractors who point to durability issues and lack of top-notch acceleration as buyer-beware signs.

There is more depth in this year's class than in recent years (with the notable exception of the 2008 class that produced eight of the NFL's top 16 rushers in 2010), but durability concerns and size limitations are the two prominent red flags that teams must sort through when stacking this year's running backs board.

Here are some of the most talented backs who will enter the league as damaged goods:

Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
Demarco Murray, Oklahoma
Noel Devine, West Virginia
Graig Cooper, Miami
Darren Evans, Virginia Tech

One of the affects of the spread-formation offense becoming so prominent in college football today is a glut of smaller, quicker running backs leaving the college ranks. The average running back in the NFL today checks in at nearly 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, but these four backs -- in addition to Hunter and Devine -- are projected to come off the board in the first four rounds despite size limitations:

Derrick Locke, Kentucky
Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
Shane Vereen, California
Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh


Most to prove: Ryan Williams, VIrginia Tech
Williams missed five games with a hamstring injury in 2010 and he has a relentless running style for an average-sized back, so he must pass all of his medical exams and show good flexibility.

When healthy Williams is an aggressive, instinctive runner with excellent balance and explosive one-cut ability. He does not have elite speed and likely won't run a blazing 40-yard dash time, but we want to see him running and cutting with the same confidence that can be seen on his 2009 game tape.

That means Williams' 20- and 60-yard shuttles and 3-cone drill will be important. If he puts some concerns to rest, he can maximize his standing in the second-round area.


Under the radar: Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
Lewis has size, power and speed limitations but he's an instinctive runner with excellent quickness and balance. Look for Lewis to excel in the shuttles and all of the position-specific drills. He also can showcase his reliable hands during pass-catching drills.

Lewis has flown under the radar to this point in the process, mostly due to a dip in his production last season. But teams in the market for a change-of-pace back who can contribute on third down and in the return game could get good value from Lewis late on Day 2.


Under the microscope

Three other backs will face particular scrutiny thanks to health and character concerns. Here's what that group needs to address during their time in Indianapolis:


Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
Hunter is undersized, runs hard and he takes a bit of a pounding. However, he runs low to the ground and rarely takes clean shots to his body. He did miss six games in 2009 due to an ankle injury that required surgery and the insertion of a plate, though, and as a potential second-round pick, there's obviously reason for concern when it comes to his durability.


Demarco Murray, Oklahoma
Murray is a talented back with a versatile skill set. The problem is he runs high, takes a lot of shots to the body and has dealt with a laundry list of injuries that kept him out of action: turf toe; dislocated kneecap (surgery); two pulled hamstrings (one requiring surgery); ankle. Teams have a lot of digging to do in order to feel comfortable with his health.


Noel Devine, West Virginia
Devine is undersized and battled through multiple injuries during his collegiate career. He also comes from a very difficult background (lost both parents at an early age) and has major off-field baggage (assault charges) that needs to be sorted through. Devine has potential as a Darren Sproles-type to warrant consideration in the late-Day 2 range, but a team has to be comfortable with his durability and character issues before pulling the trigger.

Here is a look at our ranking of all running backs invited to the combine, as well as those who were first- and second-round picks in the 2010 NFL draft:


2011 NFL Combine Running Backs

Mark Ingram Alabama RB 5-10 215 92
Ryan Williams Virginia Tech RB 5-10 210 89
Mikel Leshoure Illinois RB 6-0 227 84
Daniel Thomas Kansas State RB 6-2 228 81
Kendall Hunter Oklahoma State RB 5-7¼ 199 79
Demarco Murray Oklahoma RB 6-1 217 77
Jordan Todman Connecticut RB 5-9 196 75
Derrick Locke Kentucky RB 5-8⅛ 186 71
Jacquizz Rodgers Oregon State RB 5-7 190 70
Stevan Ridley LSU RB 6-0 224 69
Shane Vereen California RB 5-9¾ 203 68
Charles Clay Tulsa FB 6-3⅛ 239 67
Delone Carter Syracuse RB 5-8⅝ 226 66
Noel Devine West Virginia RB 5-7 160 64
Bilal Powell Louisville RB 5-10⅜ 204 63
Owen Marecic Stanford FB 6-0⅜ 246 62
Dion Lewis Pittsburgh RB 5-7½ 195 61
Graig Cooper Miami (FL) RB 5-10⅛ 204 59
Roy Helu Nebraska RB 5-11⅜ 216 58
Anthony Allen Georgia Tech RB 5-11⅜ 223 56
Darren Evans Virginia Tech RB 6-0 218 52
John Clay Wisconsin RB 6-1 248 51
Shaun Chapas Georgia FB 6-2 234 51
Stanley Havili USC FB 6-0½ 232 46
Jamie Harper Clemson RB 6-0 230 44
Alexander Green Hawaii RB 6-0⅛ 220 42
Vailala Taua Nevada RB 5-9⅜ 211 41
Da'Rel Scott Maryland RB 5-10⅞ 205 38
Evan Royster Penn State RB 5-11⅜ 218 33
Armando Allen Notre Dame RB 5-9 198 30
Damien Berry Miami (FL) RB 5-10⅛ 212 56
Brandon Saine Ohio State RB 6-0 217 30
Mario Fannin Auburn RB 5-10⅝ 225 45
Anthony Sherman Connecticut FB 5-10⅜ 244 31
Allen Bradford USC RB 5-11 234 30
Shaun Draughn North Carolina RB 5-11¼ 210 30
Matthew Asiata Utah RB 5-11 226 30
Johnny White North Carolina RB 5-11 205 30


2010 Running Backs in Rounds 1-2

C.J. Spiller Clemson Buffalo Bills 1 (9)
Ryan Mathews Fresno State San Diego Chargers 1 (12)
Jahvid Best California Detroit Lions 1 (30)
Dexter McCluster Mississippi Kansas City Chiefs 2 (36)
Toby Gerhart Stanford Minnesota Vikings 2 (51)
Ben Tate Auburn Houston Texans 2 (58)
Montario Hardesty Tennessee Cleveland Browns 2 (59)

The following is a graphic representation of the number of running backs selected in each round of the previous three NFL drafts. Most teams use this type of chart to study position trends when setting up their respective draft boards each year.


RB Market Trend

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008.......... Average
1.................3............3............5..... ..........3.7
2.................4............1............2..... ..........2.3
3.................0............2............3..... ..........1.7
4.................1............4............1..... ...........2
5.................0............3............3..... ...........2
6.................5............4............5..... ..........4.7
7.................0............5............4..... ...........3
Total...........13..........22...........23....... ......19.3


FB Market Trend

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008.......... Average
1.................0............0............0..... ...........0
2.................0............0............0..... ...........0
3.................0............0............1..... ......... 0.3
4.................0............1............0..... ..........0.3
5.................1............1............2..... ..........1.3
6.................0............0............0..... ...........0
7.................0............0............1..... ......... 0.3
Total............1............2............4....... ....... 2.3

Combine Position Series: WR

Size not everything for wideouts

Top 2011 receiver prospects must also prove speed, agility, character

By Steve Muench
ESPN.com


The average height of all receivers at the past three combines is just under 6-foot-1, but even if the measuring stick shaves some height off these listed numbers for 2011 prospects it should still be a much taller group.

There are several receivers expected to measure 6-3 or taller, including projected first-round picks A.J. Green (Georgia) and Julio Jones (Alabama), both of whom are expected to be close to 6-4.

That size is great, but scouts will want to see how quick these taller receivers are during timed/measurable drills and how fluid they are during position-specific drills. Those will be the most important physical aspects of the combine for most bigger receivers.


Most to prove: Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh
Baldwin is a long strider with good speed and should post a strong 40-yard dash time, but he's already shown on film that he can stretch the field. His ability to separate on short-to-intermediate routes is a greater concern. It's important that he post a respectable 10-yard split during his 40 and that he is smooth when dropping his weight and transitioning out of breaks. Baldwin was arrested in the spring of 2009 and publicly criticized his coaches after the 2010 season, so he also has to interview well.


Under the radar: Edmund Gates, Abilene Christian
After he graduated from high school in 2004 Gates played basketball for three years before enrolling at Abilene Christian. He turns 25 this year and his lack of football experience shows at times, but that can improve with time, and Gates can flat-out fly. He should compete for the fastest 40 time at the combine, and showing well in Indianapolis could begin to move his stock upward.


Under the microscope

Just like every other position, the wide receiver group has its share of players facing extra scrutiny for various reasons.


A.J. Green, Georgia
Green missed one game with a chest injury and two games with a shoulder injury in 2009 so his medical exams will be picked over thoroughly. Scouts will also want to talk to him about the four-game suspension he served at the start the 2010 season for selling a game jersey.


Titus Young, Boise State
Boise State suspended Young for the second game of the 2008 season and two games later held him out indefinitely. He returned to the team in early 2009 but drew the ire of his coaches for excessive celebration flags that year. Scouts have also raised concerns regarding some off-the-field activity, so Young's interviews will be particularly important.


Greg Little, North Carolina
The NCAA ruled Little permanently ineligible after an investigation into agent-related benefits and he missed the entire 2010 season. According to the NCAA, Little received gifts and travel accommodations, then lied about it in three separate interviews. He later apologized. Teams will want to hear his side of the story in an effort to determine whether he's learned from his lesson.

Below is a look at our ranking of all wide receivers invited to the combine, as well as those wideouts who were first- and second-round picks in the 2010 NFL draft.


2010 NFL Combine Wideouts

A.J. Green Georgia 6-4 208 97
Julio Jones Alabama 6-4 211 94
Randall Cobb Kentucky 5-11 192 89
Torrey Smith Maryland 6-0 202 88
Tandon Doss Indiana 6-2½ 202 87
Leonard Hankerson Miami (FL) 6-1⅝ 205 86
Jonathan Baldwin Pittsburgh 6-4⅝ 224 85
Titus Young Boise State 5-11¼ 174 83
Jerrel Jernigan Troy 5-9 183 80
Greg Little North Carolina 6-3 210 79
Vincent Brown San Diego State 5-11⅛ 184 70
Dwayne Harris East Carolina 5-9⅞ 200 69
Gregory Salas Hawaii 6-1⅛ 206 68
Terrence Toliver LSU 6-3⅝ 211 67
Niles Paul Nebraska 6-0⅞ 225 66
Jeremy Kerley TCU 5-9¼ 182 65
Edmund Gates Abilene Christian 5-11⅝ 198 63
Tyrod Taylor Virginia Tech 6-0¾ 216 62
Cecil Shorts Mount Union 5-11⅞ 200 59
Darvin Adams Auburn 6-3 185 56
Dane Sanzenbacher Ohio State 5-11 182 55
Austin Pettis Boise State 6-2½ 205 54
Denarius Moore Tennessee 6-0 191 52
Mark Dell Michigan State 6-0½ 193 51
Lester Jean Florida Atlantic 6-3 211 46
Jockee Sanders West Virginia 5-6⅜ 174 45
Aldrick Robinson SMU 5-9¾ 182 41
Ronald Johnson USC 5-11⅛ 186 40
Armon Binns Cincinnati 6-2¼ 211 39
Tori Gurley South Carolina 6-5 230 37
Kealoha Pilares Hawaii 5-10¼ 215 36
Terrance Turner Indiana 6-1¾ 221 33
DeAndre Brown Southern Miss 6-6 239 31
Orenthal Murdock Fort Hays State 5-10⅝ 195 30
Jeffrey Maehl Oregon 6-0⅛ 181 30
Ryan Whalen Stanford 6-1 204 30
Jamel Hamler Fresno State 6-2 195 30
Keith Smith Purdue 6-2½ 224 30
Demarco Sampson San Diego State 6-2 209 30
Owen Spencer N.C. State 6-2½ 191 30
Joseph Morgan Walsh 6-0⅝ 188 30
Marshall Williams Wake Forest 6-0½ 188 30
Stephen Burton West Texas A&M 6-1 214 30
Ricardo Lockette Fort Valley State 6-2⅛ 207 30
Jimmy Young TCU 6-0½ 204 30
Jamar Newsome UCF 6-0⅝ 198 30
Andre Holmes Hillsdale 6-4⅝ 209 30


2010 Wide Receivers in Rounds 1-2

Demaryius Thomas Georgia Tech Denver Broncos 1 (22)
Dez Bryant Oklahoma State Dallas Cowboys 1 (24)
Arrelious Benn Illinois Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2 (39)
Golden Tate Notre Dame Seattle Seahawks 2 (60)

The following is a graphic representation of the number of wide receivers selected in each round of the previous three NFL drafts. Most NFL teams use this type of chart to study position trends when setting up their respective draft boards each year.


WR Market Trends

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008.......... Average
1.................2............6............0..... ..........2.7
2.................2............2...........10..... .........4.7
3.................7............7............5..... ..........6.3
4.................4............4............5..... ..........4.3
5.................3............4............2..... ...........3
6.................5............3............6..... ..........4.7
7.................4............8............7..... ..........6.3
Total...........27..........34...........35....... .......32

Combine Position Series: TE

Top-tier tight ends scarce in 2011

Lack of elite measurables and speed plague lackluster group of prospects

By Kevin Weidl
ESPN.com


The 2011 tight end class is not as strong those of as recent years from a talent standpoint, and lacks top-tier prospects like Jermaine Gresham and Rob Gronkowski last year.

Kyle Rudolph is our highest-rated prospect but he missed most of his junior season with a significant hamstring injury and carries just a mid-second-round grade. Of the next 10 prospects, seven are undersized H-back types, and their combine performances will be important as they jockey for position in the middle rounds.


Most to prove: Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
Kendricks checked in undersized at the Senior Bowl (6-foot-31, 240 pounds) and must prove he is fast enough and possesses the necessary agility to succeed in a pass-catching, H-back role at the next level.


Under the radar: Virgil Green, Nevada
Green is undersized and needs coaching but is tough, has enough top-end speed to stretch the field and has strong and reliable hands.


Under the microscope

The lack of depth in the class means teams will be even more diligent when evaluating the prospects on the board. Here are three players with tough questions to answer.


Weslye Saunders, South Carolina
After several suspensions and an eventual dismissal from the South Carolina program just before the start of the 2010 season, Saunders must answer questions about perceived selfishness, his overall work ethic and passion for the game. Good interviews could help Saunders begin to improve his mid-fourth-round grade.


Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
Rudolph will be examined thoroughly because of the injury mentioned above. His season ended in October after the tendon ripped from the bone, requiring surgery, and teams want to be sure there are no lingering effects.


Zack Pianalto, North Carolina
Team physicals will be critical for Pianalto because he has missed significant action the past three seasons due to a laundry list of injuries that includes a dislocated foot and fracturing both fibulas. Putting those concerns to rest could solidify Pianalto as a late-round value.

Below is our ranking of the tight ends invited to the 2011 combine as well as a look at those tight ends who were first- and second-round picks in the 2010 draft.


2010 NFL Combine Tight Ends

Kyle Rudolph Notre Dame 6-5¼ 253 82
Luke Stocker Tennessee 6-4⅞ 255 75
Lance Kendricks Wisconsin 6-3⅛ 240 70
D.J. Williams Arkansas 6-1⅞ 236 69
Weslye Saunders South Carolina 6-5 268 65
Robert Housler Florida Atlantic 6-5½ 249 55
Lee Smith Marshall 6-5⅞ 269 53
Virgil Green Nevada 6-3⅜ 248 51
Jordan Cameron USC 6-5¼ 245 50
Charlie Gantt Michigan State 6-3¾ 255 47
Julius Thomas Portland State 6-4½ 251 42
Zack Pianalto North Carolina 6-3⅞ 239 41
Cameron Graham Louisville 6-3⅛ 240 39
Allen Reisner Iowa 6-2 242 30
Schuylar Oordt Northern Iowa 6-5¾ 258 30
Daniel Hardy Idaho 6-3⅝ 248 30


2010 Tight Ends in Rounds 1-2

Jermaine Gresham Oklahoma Cincinnati Bengals 1 (21)
Rob Gronkowski Arizona New England Patriots 2 (42)

The following is a graphic representation of the number of tight ends selected in each round of the previous three NFL drafts. Most NFL teams use this type of chart to study position trends when setting up their respective draft boards each year.


TE Market Trends

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008.......... Average
1.................1............1............1..... ...........1
2.................1............1............3..... .........1.7
3.................3............3............3..... ...........3
4.................4............2............3..... ...........3
5.................3............4............2..... ...........3
6.................4............4............2..... ..........3.3
7.................4............4............2..... ..........3.3
Total...........20..........19...........16....... ......18.3

Combine Position Series: OL

Deep tackle class leads linemen

Offensive tackle group lacks elite player but has plenty of talent to offer

By Steve Muench
ESPN.com


There is a chance no offensive tackle will be taken in the top 10 for the first time since the 2005 draft, but USC's Tyron Smith is a physical specimen who is expected to shine this week, and he could move into the top-10 discussion if he lives up to expectations. Smith is raw, though, and that could keep him out of the top 10.

However, this year's class reminds us a bit of 2008, when Jake Long went No. 1 overall and 21 other offensive tackles were drafted. The 2011 class is just as deep, with 23 players currently carrying draftable grades.

Here's how the offensive linemen shape up heading into combine week.


Most to prove: OT Tyron Smith, USC
Smith is a twoyear starter whose film raises concerns about his awareness and overall readiness, so he has to interview well. He also has to show teams that he's healthy (after a knee injury slowed him last year) and that he hasn't lost any agility after bulking up to over 300 pounds.


Under the radar: OG Will Rackley, Lehigh
Rackley will slide inside in the NFL after lining up at tackle at the FCS level, but he has the power and tenacity to push for immediate playing time at guard. He flashes a powerful punch, so expect him to turn in a strong performance on the bench-press test.


Under the microscope

Injury concerns will have teams looking hard at the medical exams for a trio of notable offensive linemen.


OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
Carimi missed three games with a knee injury in 2008, played with a shoulder injury in 2009, underwent knee surgery in the spring of 2010 and injured his ankle at the Senior Bowl this year. Teams want to know if he's physically sound before possibly investing a mid-first round pick on him.


OT Ben Ijalana, Villanova
Ijalana is coming off sports-hernia surgery that forced him to miss the Senior Bowl. He has to pass his physicals and convince teams during his interviews that he has the mental toughness to make the jump to the NFL; if he does, he could work his way into the first round.


OC Andrew Jackson, Fresno State
Jackson missed seven games with a high-ankle sprain last year, underwent offseason back surgery in 2009 and missed two games with an unspecified injury in 2009. Proving he is healthy will help him remain on the fringe of the second round.

Below is a look at our overall rankings of the offensive line prospects invited to the 2011 combine and a chart of those offensive linemen who were first- and second-round picks in 2010.


2011 Combine Invitees

Nate Solder OT Colorado 6-2 314 94
Tyron Smith OT USC 6-5 291 93
Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin 6-7⅛ 315 92
Mike Pouncey OC Florida 6-5 309 91
Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College 6-7⅛ 305 90
Benjamin Ijalana OT Villanova 6-3⅛ 317 86
Danny Watkins OG Baylor 6-3½ 312 85
Derek Sherrod OG Mississippi State 6-5⅝ 312 85
Rodney Hudson OC Florida State 6-2¼ 291 83
Clint Boling OG Georgia 6-4⅞ 310 83
Marcus Cannon OG TCU 6-5 361 81
Andrew Jackson OG Fresno State 6-5⅛ 302 79
Orlando Franklin OG Miami (FL) 6-6⅜ 318 78
William Rackley OG Lehigh 6-3⅜ 304 76
Chris Hairston OT Clemson 6-6⅜ 333 75
Stefen Wisniewski OC Penn State 6-3 293 72
James Carpenter OG Alabama 6-4⅜ 313 72
Lee Ziemba OT Auburn 6-6 317 71
Jason Pinkston OT Pittsburgh 6-3⅜ 313 70
Demarcus Love OT Arkansas 6-4⅝ 318 69
Marcus Gilbert OT Florida 6-6½ 329 63
John Moffitt OG Wisconsin 6-4 314 62
Justin Boren OG Ohio State 6-2¾ 318 60
James Brewer OT Indiana 6-6¼ 323 59
Kris O'Dowd OC USC 6-4¼ 303 56
Jah Reid OT UCF 6-7⅜ 325 54
Steve Schilling OG Michigan 6-4¼ 305 52
Jarriel King OT South Carolina 6-7⅜ 325 52
Joe Barksdale OT LSU 6-4⅜ 336 51
Julian Vandervelde OG Iowa 6-2 292 49
David Arkin OG Missouri State 6-4⅞ 302 47
Zane Taylor OC Utah 6-2½ 313 46
Zach Hurd OG Connecticut 6-6¾ 322 44
Josh Davis OT Georgia 6-7⅜ 305 44
Daniel Kilgore OG Appalachian State 6-3½ 304 43
Caleb Schlauderaff OG Utah 6-4¼ 311 41
Adam Grant OT Arizona 6-5⅞ 327 40
Kevin Hughes OG SE Louisiana 6-3½ 295 39
Brandon Fusco OC Slippery Rock 6-4⅛ 302 38
Willie Smith OT East Carolina 6-4⅞ 305 37
Jason Kelce OG Cincinnati 6-3 284 36
Keith Williams OG Nebraska 6-4½ 310 36
Derek Newton OT Arkansas State 6-5 311 34
Chase Beeler OC Stanford 6-2½ 273 32
Richard Lapham OT Boston College 6-8 319 32
Carl Johnson OG Florida 6-5¼ 353 32
Alexander Linnenkohl OC Oregon State 6-1⅞ 303 30
Ryan Bartholomew OC Syracuse 6-1¼ 300 30
Kyle Hix OT Texas 6-7 318 30
Ray Dominguez OG Arkansas 6-4¼ 340 30
Michael Person OT Montana State 6-4⅞ 296 30
Richard Henry OG Nebraska 6-2½ 303 30
Zachary Williams OG Washington State 6-3 307 30
Garrett Chisolm OG South Carolina 6-5¼ 302 30
Maurice Hurt OG Florida 6-3 317 30
Isaiah Thompson OG Houston 6-5⅜ 300 20


2010 Offensive Linemen in Rounds 1-2

Trent Williams Oklahoma Washington Redskins 1 (4)
Russell Okung Oklahoma State Seattle Seahawks 1 (6)
Anthony Davis Rutgers San Francisco 49ers 1 (11)
Mike Iupati Idaho San Francisco 49ers 1 (17)
Maurkice Pouncey Florida Pittsburgh Steelers 1 (18)
Bryan Bulaga Iowa Green Bay Packers 1 (23)
Rodger Saffold Indiana St. Louis Rams 2 (33)
Zane Beadles Utah Denver Broncos 2 (45)
Vladimir Ducasse Massachusetts New York Jets 2 (61)
Charles Brown USC New Orleans Saints 2 (64)

The following is a graphic representation of the number of offensive linemen selected in each round of the previous three NFL drafts. Most NFL teams use this type of chart to study position trends when setting up their respective draft boards each year.


OT Market Trends

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008.......... Average
1.................4............4............7..... ...........5
2.................2............3............1..... ..........2.3
3.................1............1............2..... ..........1.3
4.................2............2............7..... ..........3.6
5.................2............6............2..... ..........3.3
6.................2............1............2..... ..........1.6
7.................4............1............8..... ..........6.3
Total...........17..........19...........29....... ......21.6


OG Market Trends

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008.......... Average
1.................1............0............1..... .........0.6
2.................2............1............1..... .........1.3
3.................4............2............2..... .........2.6
4.................2............3............1..... ...........2
5.................4............2............1..... ..........2.3
6.................1............1............1..... ...........1
7.................2............5............2..... ...........3
Total...........16..........14............9....... .......13


OC Market Trends

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008.......... Average
1.................1............2............0..... ...........1
2.................0............1............0..... ..........0.3
3.................1............1............0..... ..........0.6
4.................0............1............0..... ..........0.3
5.................1............0............0..... ..........0.3
6.................2............0............2..... ..........1.3
7.................0............2............0..... ..........0.6
Total............5............7............2....... .......4.6

Randall Cobb could get a boost in Indy

By Steve Muench


The calm before the NFL combine storm gives me an opportunity to share some observations on a few players I'll be keeping a particularly close eye on as the event unfolds over the next week. The five players below all have a chance to solidify or boost their stock with good showings in Indianapolis.


Kentucky WR Randall Cobb (Grade: 89)
Cobb isn't expected to post one of the fastest 40-yard dash times among the wide receivers but don't expect it to affect his stock much. He is quicker than fast and on film consistently shows that he can separate from underneath man coverage. He's an excellent route-runner and solid performances in the agility drills could help cement his status as a fringe first-round pick.


UCLA S Rahim Moore (88)
Moore doesn't appear to be in danger of getting knocked out of the top safety spot on our board. Oklahoma's Quinton Carter is No. 2 in the class and projects as a fringe second-rounder, but Moore could solidify his early-second round grade and possibly move into the late-first round discussion. We expect him to interview well and durability does not appear to be a concern, so the key for him will be verifying what we've seen on tape -- quick feet, balance, agility -- on the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium.


Miami WR Leonard Hankerson (86)
The average hand size of receivers at the combine over the past three years is 9 3/8 inches, but Hankerson's hands measured 10 5/8 inches at the Senior Bowl and swallowed up passes throughout the week. There are lingering questions about his deep speed, though, and a 40-yard dash time under 4.5 seconds would help ease concerns about his ability to stretch the field help Hankerson hold his ground in a competitive receiver class.


Arizona DE/OLB Brooks Reed (77)
Reed will reportedly weigh in at around 260 pounds and that's big enough to line up at defensive end in the NFL, but it's not ideal and he's still a better fit at outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. It will be interesting to gauge his fluidity and body control in space during position specific-drills. Reed doesn't have to be a great athlete, he just needs to move well enough to hold up in underneath coverage on occasion.


Marshall TE Lee Smith (53)
Smith might end up being the biggest tight end at the combine and his stock is already rising after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. I had a chance to break his film down earlier this week and he is the kind of player you hate to play against but love to have on your team. Smith is a relentless blocker and he shows no fear over the middle, traits that could make him a solid value in the middle rounds.

Who's watching what for NFL teams?

Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.


The process players go through at the NFL scouting combine is covered from every possible angle, but what does the week entail for the scouts, coaching staffs and front offices from the 32 NFL teams?

Personnel departments arrived in Indianapolis in time to greet the first three groups of draft prospects -- kickers/specialists, offensive linemen, tight ends -- on Wednesday (Day 1 for the three groups), with each team distributing a combine manual to all scouts and coaches containing a list of all prospects in attendance and a personalized schedule for every coach and scout.

Here's a look at how each facet of the combine is staffed by NFL teams.


Physical measurements

Each group of players spends four days at the combine, and measurements take place on the morning of Day 2. Most team personnel attend the so-called "cattle call" in which players are lined up single file in spandex shorts to go through a series of measurements -- arm length, hand span, height, weight -- and have the numbers called out for several hundred coaches and scouts in attendance.


Workouts

Different workout portions -- 40-yard dash, shuttle runs, broad jump/vertical jump -- take place simultaneously, and dividing the responsibility for covering those events is important.

A team often assigns its position coach for a given group to witness that group's workouts, with the results turned in to "the office" at the end of the day so a sheet containing all of the day's results can be compiled and handed out to all team personnel.

Those numbers are unofficial -- teams receive official results and workout video a day or two after the weeklong event concludes -- but teams almost always use their own numbers during evaluations, especially when it comes to the 40-yard dash (which includes 10- and 20-yard splits).


Position-specific drills

Once general workouts are over, the players go through a series of position-specific drills. Quarterbacks throw from three-, five- and seven-step drops; running backs take handoffs, accelerate over bags and make a sharp cut in reaction to a simulated defender; and so on. Members of each team's coaching staff and personnel department typically convene in the same area of the stands and watch as a group.

This is when general managers and especially head coaches ask a lot of questions about players. The GMs have a general feel for the players in attendance but still are gathering information, while coaches are farther behind in the scouting process because of their myriad responsibilities.

This time spent together allows area scouts and college directors to answer questions about specific players, most of whom they've been scouting intensively for more than a year, or a few months in the case of underclassmen.


The interview process

Workouts are followed by a couple of hours of down time before the evening interview process begins, consisting of formal and informal interviews. Each team submits to the combine staff a list of 60 players it wants to interview during the week. The staff generates a schedule that satisfies all requests.

The formal interview can last up to 15 minutes, and at least six team personnel typically are in attendance: general manager, head coach, coordinator, position coach, college scouting director and area scout.

Teams can spend all 15 minutes grilling a player on his background and questionable character, skip the off-field questions and put the player on the white board to test his football intelligence, or divide the time between the two. And if a team isn't satisfied with the answers it gets, it always can fly prospects to the team facilities in the weeks leading up to the draft for more vetting.

Teams also can conduct informal interviews, with coaches and scouts not attending the formal sessions roaming the common area of the players' hotel and lining up prospects up for less structured, less intense interviews. These often serve as a good cross-check when assessing football intelligence, mental makeup and personal background.

Notable player decisions

Several big-name prospects have made their decisions about whether to work out at the combine. Here's how we break down some of those choices.

DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson -- The probable top-five pick has announced he will participate in only the bench press, and his decision is directly related to the recovery process from recent surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Medical exams will be important for Bowers, as will his on-campus pro day workout.

QB Cam Newton, Auburn -- Newton will take part in running and throwing drills, a smart move after his media-only workout earlier this month. There's no reason for a prospect already facing character questions to invite complaints about his handling of the process.

QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri -- Teams would like to see him compete, but opting out of throwing drills will not affect Gabbert's stock. Eight of the past 12 quarterbacks drafted in Round 1 have opted not to throw at the combine, and Gabbert didn't open himself up to criticism with a media workout.

As for other big-name quarterbacks, Jake Locker (Washington), Ryan Mallett (Arkansas) and Colin Kaepernick (Nevada) are all expected to run and throw, while Christian Ponder is expected to forego running and throwing.

By Scott Kennedy
Director of Scouting
Posted Feb 25, 2011



INDIANAPOLIS, IND. - The college football world was tuned in to National Signing Day just three weeks ago, and the focus of pro football has honed in on the NFL Scouting Combine this week. Both events are about scouting football players, but the process involved can be very different.



Jason Smith went from 2-Star to No. 2 Pick

Football is about being big, strong, and fast, not necessarily in that order. There are skills to be developed to maximize production, but physical attributes are scrutinized more heavily in football than any other sports.

College football coaches are willing to take more chances on developmental prospects. Jason Smith, who played his college ball at Baylor, highlights the differences between scouting for the NFL and scouting for the college ranks. When Smith arrived at Baylor from W.T. White High School in Dallas, he was 6-foot-5, 225 pounds. Smith was a project. A project who had a frame to get bigger and the athleticism to warrant the risk that he would.

Fast forward a few years and Smith was drafted No. 2 overall by the St. Louis Rams as an offensive tackle. He measured 6-foot-5 and 309 pounds at the Combine. The Rams signed Smith to a six-year contract valued at $62 Million. Smith was drafted to play left tackle and play right away for the Rams.

The margin for error on the college level is infinitely larger than it is in the NFL in some ways. First, college teams are allowed to bring in 25 scholarship players per year, while there are only seven rounds in the NFL draft. About 2,500 players enter the college ranks as freshmen every year, while roughly 200 rookies are lucky enough to make NFL rosters.

With so many more players needed to fill college rosters and knowing that they'll have five years to develop those players, coaches are willing to take more chances on developmental players like Smith. Smith was far enough removed from being a sure bet on the college level that the traditional powers in the Big 12 neglected to offer him a scholarship.

NFL teams are looking for players that are closer to finished products. A team is willing to take a risk on a player who has the physical tools to compete in the NFL but for some reason didn't produce in college like a future NFL player should.

Maryland's Bruce Campbell is an example of that. He had the physical measurements of an elite offensive tackle. Standing over 6-foot-6 and weighing 314 pounds, Campbell ran the best 40 time among the offensive linemen in attendance, had the longest arms and did more bench press repetitions of than anyone over 6-foot-4. He was the most impressive big man at the Combine, but when scouts put in film he wasn't among the five best offensive tackles in the ACC. He had the physical ability of a No. 1 overall pick, but the film of an undrafted free agent.

Campbell was taken in the fourth round by the Oakland Raiders, a spot that will give him some time to translate his physical prowess into on the field production, but the time to accomplish that translation is much shorter in the NFL than college.

And that in a nutshell is the biggest difference between scouting for college and scouting for the NFL. High school players are developmental prospects while players being drafted by NFL teams are grown men who are expected to be physically ready to compete right away. There's no redshirt year in the NFL.

Size and speed are at a premium at all levels of football, but strength is a measure taken more seriously as a player gets older. Most college prospect camps will test players in an NFL Combine format, only they won't test the bench press. Why? Because strength is the easiest physical attribute to increase during a college career.

If Bruce Campbell came to a college prospect camp during the summer before his senior year and measured 6-foot-6, 314 pounds, and ran a 4.85 40-yard dash, he'd have his pick of schools regardless if he could do a pushup. Fast forward five years as he gets ready for the NFL, and if his strength is subpar, there will be questions about his ability to compete not to mention his work ethic.

In college recruiting, other physical attributes are going to more heavily scrutinized. It's understood that a high school player is not going to have the level of coaching and time to dedicate to his skills as he will in college as well as the fact that he's been able to dominate without having to refine his technique. Why does a defensive tackle need to learn a swim move when no one can stop his bull rush? The wide receiver doesn't focus on beating jams at the line of scrimmage when every defensive back gives him a 12-yard cushion.

College coaches are looking for size and speed. The skills can be taught. College coaches are also looking for growth potential. Seventeen-year-old kids mature at a different rate and many players have yet to fill out their frames. The NFL draft is full of stories like Jason Smith, under-recruited, undersized tight ends who grow into first-round draft picks.

But the farther away a player is from being where he needs to be, the more the risk is involved that he'll never make it. If it were as easy as finding every 6'5 and 225 pound player to turn him into a $60 Million man, there would be a lot more of them.

USC's Tyron Smith is another example of the risk/reward involving growth potential. Unlike Jason Smith, Tyron Smith was closer to being physically ready to compete. He was 6-foot-5 and change, 260 pounds, a fluid athlete and was a natural offensive linemen, but he was several years from reaching his potential. He was rated Scout's No. 1 offensive lineman in the Class of 2008, not for what he would be as a freshman and sophomore but for who he could become in this third, fourth, and fifth years.

However, Smith declared for the NFL after his third year at USC, and while the evaluation of being the No. 1 offensive lineman in his class looks to be a good one, USC won't get the benefits of a player of that caliber because he's leaving just as he's reaching his potential.

The growth curve is also less liberal by position. Bigger athletes are generally given more time to develop, but skill position players, especially running backs are expected to display the skills that will translate to the next level much sooner. Linemen are built; skill players are born. They display the traits on the field that have announcers claim "that can't be coached" when they see a spin move or diving catch that is purely God-given ability.

Coaches like to see production, but they understand that production doesn't translate to the next level without the physical attributes to come with it. The "enough" factor. Is he fast enough? Is he big enough? The enough factor is different from college to the pros. With spread offenses the rage in college football, there are a disproportionate amount successful 6-foot quarterbacks compared to the NFL level. In the NFL, Drew Brees is considered the exception. Of course all things being equal, the bigger, faster, stronger athletes are going to get more attention, but the enough factor will get a player looked at if his production is good.

One characteristic that can't be measured but is being scrutinized more heavily in this day and age is character. Players getting in trouble is big news and it's an embarrassment for the programs and organizations involved. The tolerance for troublemakers is a sliding scale proportional to his talent, but even the most talented of players are finding jobs and scholarships harder to come by if they've got a checkered past.

Coaches want to see players that make good decisions off the field, because they know there's a much better chance that he'll make a good decision on the field.

The X factor in all of recruiting is the human element which can't be measured. How will a player react to adversity? How will he react to success and riches that go along with being a high round pick? How dedicated will he be to getting better? Those answer to those questions will be written in the future and help differentiate between the Ryan Leafs and Tom Bradys of the world who were the No. 2 pick and No. 199 pick respectively.

In the business of predicting the future, the only certainty is that there's no such thing as a sure thing, but when it comes to scouting players new Denver Broncos coach John Fox summed it up quickly when asked by Scout's Erin Hartigan what he was looking for while in Indianapolis for the Scouting Combine, "Big, strong and fast

cr122, how bout you just let me update this thread?

Combine Position Series: DL

Talent abounds at among D-linemen

Injury and character concerns have followed some top prospects to Indianapolis

By Kevin Weidl
ESPN.com


The defensive line is shaping up to be the strongest unit in this year's class. In fact, 13 of our top 32 prospects are defensive linemen, including the top two prospects on our board in DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson) and DT Nick Fairley (Auburn).

There is no shortage of tweener defensive ends with potential to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 front in the NFL. Some of those include Robert Quinn (North Carolina), Aldon Smith (Missouri), Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), Jabaal Sheard (Pittsburgh) and Brooks Reed (Arizona), all of whom currently hold grades in the top three rounds.

We will be keeping close tabs on their quickness and agility throughout the combine. In addition, we'll be paying particular attention during pass-rushing drills and to how they bend from the left and right sides, and when a few are kept at the end of workouts to perform linebacker coverage drops, we will also be watching.


Most to prove: DE/OLB Robert Quinn, North Carolina
There are limited views of Quinn, who has just two years of film after being ruled ineligible and missing his entire junior season. At the combine. scouts will get their first live look at Quinn, who will need to test and interview well to secure a spot in the top half of the first round.


Under the Radar: DE/OLB Bruce Miller, UCF
Miller has physical limitations but he proved to be a better athlete than anticipated on film and has natural pass-rushing capabilities that allowed him to end his career as the nation's active leader in sacks, with 35.5.


Under the microscope

Injury issues and character questions will be a theme for some of the top players on our defensive line board. Here are three facing particular scrutiny.


DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina
Austin will be grilled during the interview process with questions concerning the NCAA investigation that led to him being ruled permanently ineligible and other off-the-field character concerns.


DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama
Dareus will have to answer similar questions about an NCAA investigation that led to a two-game suspension at the beginning of the 2010 season.He'll also need to check out medially after several nagging injuries hampered his production during the fall.


DE Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh
Romeus will be under heavy scrutiny during team physicals after a nightmare senior season. He suffered a bulging disk that required surgery in early September and cost him six games, then he tore the ACL in his right knee when he returned in early November.

Below is our ranking of all defensive line prospects headed to the 2011 combine and a look at those defensive linemen who were first- and second-round picks in the 2010 draft.


2011 NFL Combine Defensive Linemen

Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson 6-4 280 97
Nick Fairley DT Auburn 6-4½ 299 97
Marcell Dareus DT Alabama 6-2⅝ 303 96
Robert Quinn DE North Carolina 6-4⅝ 254 95
J.J. Watt DE Wisconsin 6-5½ 279 93
Corey Liuget DT Illinois 6-3 300 93
Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa 6-3 285 93
Aldon Smith DE Missouri 6-5 260 92
Cameron Jordan DE California 6-4⅛ 287 92
Muhammad Wilkerson DE Templen 6-5 305 91
Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue 6-3⅞ 255 90
Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State 6-5 278 89
Phil Taylor DT Baylor 6-3½ 337 88
Jurrell Casey DT USC 6-0¾ 300 87
Jarvis Jenkins DT Clemson 6-3⅞ 309 86
Stephen Paea DT Oregon State 6-1⅛ 295 85
Allen Bailey DE Miami (FL) 6-3¼ 278 85
Drake Nevis DT LSU 6-0½ 289 83
Terrell McClain DT South Florida 6-1⅞ 305 82
Marvin Austin DT North Carolina 6-2⅛ 312 79
Jabaal Sheard DE Pittsburgh 6-2½ 252 79
Brooks Reed DE Arizona 6-2½ 257 77
Christian Ballard DT Iowa 6-4⅛ 288 76
Pernell McPhee DE Mississippi State 6-2⅞ 274 70
Greg Romeus DE Pittsburgh 6-5 265 69
Cliff Matthews DE South Carolina 6-4 263 68
Kenrick Ellis DT Hampton 6-5 336 66
Sam Acho DE Texas 6-3½ 296 66
Bruce Miller DE UCF 6-1½ 257 62
Lawrence Guy DT Arizona State 6-5 300 61
Pierre Allen DE Nebraska 6-3⅞ 273 60
Sione Fua DT Stanford 6-1¾ 307 60
Cedric Thornton DT Southern Arkansas 6-3⅝ 299 59
Karl Klug DE Iowa 6-2⅞ 273 58
Ian Williams DT Notre Dame 6-1⅜ 311 57
Jerrell Powe DT Mississippi 6-2 331 56
Martin Parker DT Richmond 6-2¼ 300 55
Christopher Neild DT West Virginia 6-1⅞ 313 52
Kentrell Lockett DE Mississippi 6-4⅝ 260 51
Cheta Ozougwu DE Rice 6-1¾ 252 49
Ladi Ajiboye DT South Carolina 6-1⅜ 293 49
D'Aundre Reed DE Arizona 6-4 254 44
Rick Elmore DE Arizona 6-0⅝ 260 43
Sealver Siliga DT Utah 6-3 299 43
John Graves DT Virginia Tech 6-3⅜ 278 41
Markus White DE Florida State 6-3½ 253 35
Wayne Daniels DE TCU 6-0¾ 257 33
Adrian Taylor DT Oklahoma 6-4 298 32
Brandon Bair DT Oregon 6-6¼ 274 30
Ugo Chinasa DE Oklahoma State 6-5⅛ 254 30
Demarcus Dobbs DT Alabama 6-2½ 283 30
Lazarius Levingston DT LSU 6-3⅝ 288 30
Colby Whitlock DT Texas Tech 6-2⅜ 299 30
Ryan Winterswyk DE Boise State 6-3⅞ 269 30


2010 Defensive Linemen in Rounds 1-2

Ndamukong Suh (DT) Nebraska Detroit Lions 1 (2)
Gerald McCoy (DT) Oklahoma Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1 (3)
Tyson Alualu (DT) California Jacksonville Jaguars 1 (10)
Brandon Graham (DE) Michigan Philadelphia Eagles 1 (12)
Jason Pierre-Paul (DE) South Florida New York Giants 1 (15)
Derrick Morgan (DE) Georgia Tech Tennessee Titans 1 (16)
Dan Williams (DT) Tennessee Arizona Cardinals 1 (26)
Jared Odrick (DE) Penn State Miami Dolphins 1 (28)
Jerry Hughes (DE) TCU Indianapolis Colts 1 (31)
Brian Price (DT) UCLA Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2 (35)
Torell Troup (DT) Central Florida Buffalo Bills 2 (41)
Lamarr Houston (DT) Texas Oakland Raiders 2 (42)
Linval Joseph (DT) East Carolina New York Giants 2 (46)
Carlos Dunlap (DE) Florida Cincinnati Bengals 2 (54)
Mike Neal (DT) Purdue Green Bay Packers 2 (56)
Terrence Cody (DT) Alabama Baltimore Ravens 2 (57)

The following is a graphic representation of the number of defensive linemen selected in each round of the previous three NFL drafts. Most NFL teams use this type of chart to study position trends when setting up their respective draft boards.


DT Market Trends

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008.......... Average
1.................4............3............2..... ...........3
2.................5............3............1..... ...........3
3.................3............5............3..... ..........3.7
4.................2............4............3..... ...........3
5.................2............0............5..... ..........2.3
6.................0............2............2..... ..........1.3
7.................5............3............1..... ...........3
Total...........21...........20..........17...... . .....19.3


DE Market Trends

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008.......... Average
1.................5............5............5..... ...........5
2.................2............5............4..... ..........3.7
3.................2............2............3..... ..........2.3
4.................3............6............2..... ..........3.7
5.................3............0............0..... ...........1
6.................4............3............4..... ..........3.7
7.................7............2............6..... ...........5
Total...........26..........22...........22...... . .....23.3

Combine Position Series: LB

Outside linebackers carry their position

Lack of elite inside linebackers could worry teams looking to bolster their interiors

By Steve Muench
ESPN.com


Three outside linebackers -- Texas A&M's Von Miller, UCLA's Akeem Ayers and Georgia's Justin Houston -- could come off the board in the first round, but there is a glaring lack of elite talent at the top of the inside linebacker class.

The highest-rated inside linebacker on our board heading into the NFL combine is North Carolina's Quan Sturdivant and he projects as a third-round pick. LSU's Kelvin Sheppard could play on the inside and projects as a second-round pick but is a better fit outside. Teams thinking about playing him on the inside can find out where he is most comfortable during interviews in Indianapolis.


Most to prove: OLB Dontay Moch, Nevada
Moch played defensive end in college but at 6-foot-1 and 229 pounds he is expected to move to outside linebacker in the NFL, and he lined up there at the East-West Shrine Game. He could post one of the fastest 40-yard dash times at the combine, so speed is not a question. It's important that he build on his strong performance in Orlando by showing he's fluid enough to hold up in space and convincing teams during interviews that he can make the transition.


Under the radar: ILB Nicholas Bellore, Central Michigan
Bellore didn't get much national attention playing for 3-9 team in a non-AQ conference and he's not expected to make a splash during drills. But he is an adequate athlete, has excellent size and is a three-year captain who shows above-average instincts on film. He should interview well and could move into the Day 3 discussion.


Under the microscope

As with most positions, there are some big-name linebackers facing tough questions as the combine gets underway. Here are three looking to put some concerns to rest.


OLB Bruce Carter, North Carolina
Carter injured his left knee late in the season and underwent ACL reconstruction in December, so teams will want to evaluate where he is in the healing process, and his inability to participate in drills makes interviews that much more important.


ILB Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina
Authorities arrested and charged Sturdivant with possession of marijuana in July of 2010. Charges were dismissed after he entered a deferred prosecution agreement, but he did not start in the season opener and missed five games with a hamstring injury last year.


OLB Martez Wilson, Illinois
Illinois suspended Wilson for the 2008 season finale for violating team policy, and he was stabbed in a fight outside a bar later that year and underwent surgery. Though he reportedly got hurt coming to the aid of a teammate, teams will likely talk to him about that night. Wilson also suffered a herniated disc in his neck early in the 2009 season opener and missed the rest of the year.

Below is a look at our ranking of the linebacker prospects headed to the 2010 combine and those linebackers who were Day 1 picks in the 2010 draft.


2011 NFL Combine Linebackers

Von Miller OLB Texas A&M 6-2⅝ 237 97
Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA 6-3¾ 249 91
Justin Houston OLB Georgia 6-4 236 89
Kelvin Sheppard OLB LSU 6-2⅛ 250 89
Bruce Carter OLB North Carolina 6-3 225 82
Mason Foster OLB Washington 6-1⅛ 241 79
Quan Sturdivant ILB North Carolina 6-1⅞ 227 75
Dontay Moch OLB Nevada 6-1⅜ 229 74
Jeremy Beal OLB Oklahoma 6-2⅜ 268 73
Martez Wilson OLB Illinois 6-4 250 72
Casey Matthews ILB Oregon 6-0¾ 232 70
Greg Jones ILB Michigan State 5-11⅞ 240 69
Colin McCarthy OLB Miami (FL) 6-1¼ 235 69
K.J. Wright OLB Mississippi State 6-3⅛ 246 63
Orie Lemon ILB Oklahoma State 6-0⅝ 245 62
Akeem Dent ILB Georgia 6-1⅛ 239 58
Nate Irving ILB N.C. State 6-1¼ 242 57
Lawrence Wilson OLB Connecticut 6-0¾ 225 57
Ross Homan ILB Ohio State 6-0⅜ 229 56
J.T. Thomas OLB West Virginia 6-1¼ 236 54
Scott Lutrus OLB Connecticut 6-2⅜ 240 53
Mark Herzlich OLB Boston College 6-3⅝ 250 52
Mike Mohamed ILB California 6-2⅞ 241 48
Nicholas Bellore ILB Central Michigan 6-1 252 49
Brian Rolle OLB Ohio State 5-9⅝ 227 49
Elijah Joseph ILB Temple 6-1 233 48
Greg Lloyd ILB Connecticut 6-1⅜ 247 45
Jonas Mouton OLB Michigan 6-2 228 45
Christopher Carter OLB Fresno State 6-1⅛ 246 36
Chris White ILB Syracuse 6-2⅞ 248 30
Derrell Smith ILB Arizona State 6-0 234 30
Douglas Hogue OLB Syracuse 6-2¼ 235 30
Adrian Moten OLB Maryland 6-1⅝ 225 30
D.J. Smith OLB Appalachian State 5-10⅜ 237 30
Jeremiha Hunter OLB Iowa 6-0¾ 239 30


2010 Linebackers in Rounds 1-2

Rolando McClain ILB Alabama Oakland Raiders 1 (8)
Sean Weatherspoon OLB Missouri Atlanta Falcons 1 (19)
Koa Misi OLB Utah Miami Dolphins 1 (40)
Sergio Kindle OLB Texas Baltimore Ravens 2 (43)
Daryl Washington ILB TCU Arizona Cardinals 2 (47)
Jason Worilds OLB Virginia Tech Pittsburgh Steelers 2 (52)
Jermaine Cunningham OLB Florida New England Patriots 2 (53)
Sean Lee ILB Penn State Dallas Cowboys 2 (55)
Brandon Spikes ILB Florida New England Patriots 2 (62)
Pat Angerer ILB Iowa Indianapolis Colts 2 (63)

The following is a graphic representation of the number of linebackers selected in each round of the previous three NFL drafts. Most NFL teams use this type of chart to study position trends when setting up their respective draft boards.


OLB Market Trend

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008.......... Average
1.................1............3............2..... ...........2
2.................4............1............1..... ..........2.2
3.................2............3............4..... ...........3
4.................6............1............4..... ..........3.6
5.................3............1............5..... ...........3
6.................2............2............3..... ..........2.3
7.................5............4............4..... ..........4.3
Total...........23..........15...........16...... . ......18


ILB Market Trend

Rnd...........2010.......2009.......2008.......... Average
1.................1............0............0..... .......... .3
2.................4............2............1..... ..........2.3
3.................1............0............2..... ...........1
4.................3............2............0..... ..........1.6
5.................1............4............1..... ...........2
6.................1............0............3..... ..........1.3
7.................3............0............0..... ...........1
Total...........14...........8............7...... . .......9.6