Sunday, February 28, 2010

NFL Combine: Tight End Notes

- Jermaine Gresham of Oklahoma coming off missing all of the 2009 season with a knee injury came into the combine with a lot of question and end up running a nice 40 time with a 4.76. I expect him to run again at his Pro-Day.

- Jimmy Graham of Miami ran a 4.56, and only played one season of football for the Hurricanes, but his basketball background intrigues scouts and is 6-6 260 and look great catching the football.

- Dorin Dickerson of Pittsburgh was the star of the 40-yard dash with a 4.40.

- Dennis Pitta of BYU showed a great job catching the football very natural.

- Nate Byham of Pittsburgh who most people feel is a blocking tight but did a nice job catching the football.

- Andrew Quarless of Penn State didn’t do anything outstanding but ran a good 40 and showed a good job catching the football.

- Rob Gronkowski of Arizona didn't work out which a lot of NFL personal was disappointed he didn't work out.

- Clay Harbor of Missouri State who did 30 reps and ran in the 4.6 range in the 40 and did a nice job catching the football.

- Garrett Graham of Wisconsin who wasn’t as tall as NFL personal wish he was but showed that he was a good football player and catch the ball.

NFL Combine: Top Offensive Tackles Notes

-Bruce Campbell of Maryland was the star for the offensive linemen group in the 40 he measured in at 6-6 1/2 and 316 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.85 seconds. Campbell also lifted 225 pounds 34 times and had 36 1/2" arms.

-Trent Williams of Oklahoma was 6-5 315 ran 4.91 and looks very good in drills but most people fell he is a right tackle and the question is do you draft a right tackle in the top 10, most people say no.

- Russell Okung of Oklahoma State did 38 reps of 225 and showed that he has great feet in the drills and really showed that he is the true number one offensive tackle is this years draft.

- Anthony Davis of Rutgers didn’t blow anyone away in the testing, but did show that he has very good feet in the drills and he hasn’t hurt himself as still being a first round pick.

- Bryan Bulaga of Iowa has shorter arms then people like at 33 inches, but did show that he has good feet but still the arm issue as people like left tackles with around 35 inches arms.

Friday, February 26, 2010

NFLPA to Sponsor new College Football All-Star game.

The NFLPA will sponsor a new college football all-star game with the same organization that has put on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Texas vs. the Nation Game for the past four years, which is headed by President and CEO Kenny Hansmire.

The location and date have yet to be determined and the game is currently in negotiations with FOX Sports about a possible television contract. With the NFLPA being the headline sponsor of the game, you could expect to see retired NFL coaches and former NFL players being heavily involved.

The staff that has showcased the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Game will be responsible for coordinating the event and roster selection, which includes John Murphy, who is currently the Director of Player Personnel for the Calgary Stampeders and has ties to the NFL Draft Bible.

There will be a selection committee announced in the spring that will be comprised of a small group of former NFL personnel, the interview process has already begun.

Be sure to check back for exclusive updates on this game as more information becomes available.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Information going into the 2010 NFL Combine

-- The 2009 NFL Draft featured 42 players who were selected (256 players total were picked) that were not chosen to participate in last year's NFL Scouting Combine... last year's draft had the most non-combine players selected since 2003 when a total of 43 players were taken who failed to receive invites to Indianapolis.

-- NFL evaluators have been told that Notre Dame junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen and Tennessee junior defensive back Eric Berry, a pair of possible Top-10 selections, may come up "Short" when it comes to the weigh-in portion of the NFL Combine... Clausen may be under 6030 while Berry could be below 5110.

-- With many of the top signal callers opting not to workout because of injury or opting to wait for their Pro Days the quarterbacks who could benefit the most this weekend are Cincinnati senior quarterback Tony Pike, West Virginia senior quarterback Jarrett Brown, Mississippi junior quarterback Jevan Snead and Troy senior quarterback Levi Brown.

-- Teams will be paying close attention to the weight of Georgia Tech junior running back Jonathan Dwyer... those who are highly interested in his abilities hope to see a leaner 225-230 pound range back show up to Indianapolis... if he were to be too much north of 235 pounds it will create some questions about his work ethic and ability to be an every-down guy at the next level.

-- Wayne State senior running back Joique Bell has big expectations for his workout... according to several sources close to the Harlon Hill Award winner he hopes to break the 4.5 mark at nearly 225 pounds. Others that could surprise with eye-opening 40-times at the running back position include; Fresno State's Lonyae Miller, North Dakota State's Pat Paschall, Marshall's Darius Marshall and Virginia fullback Rashawn Jackson.

-- Notre Dame junior wide receiver Golden Tate could post one of the fastest 40-times amongst this year's crop of wide outs... Ohio U. senior wide receiver Taylor Price, South Florida junior wide receiver Carlton Mitchell, Clemson senior wide receiver Jacoby Ford and Connecticut senior wide receiver Marcus Easley could all easily break the 4.4 barrier on at least one of their 40-yard dash attempts... however, LSU all-purpose back/receiver Trindon Holliday or Kansas State wide receiver/return man Brandon Banks should battle for 40-yard dash supremacy at about 4.28.

-- Meanwhile, several area scouts expect one of Oklahoma State junior wide Dez Bryant, Illinois junior wide receiver Arrelious Benn, Kansas junior wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe or Tulane senior wide receiver Jeremy Williams to run slower-than-expected times in the 40-yard dash.

-- Hillsdale senior offensive tackle Jared Veldheer, Maryland junior offensive tackle Bruce Campbell, Iowa junior offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga, West Virginia senior offensive tackle Selvish Capers and Virginia Tech offensive tackle Ed Wang are all capable of running below 5.00 and as fast as 4.90 in the 40-yard dash and each will weigh over 300 pounds.

-- Abilene Christian senior offensive tackle Tony Washington may have the most crucial interviews of any prospect attending this week's NFL Combine as the 6060, 305 pound, Division II All-American was unable to attend any of the post-season all-star games due to the numerous restrictions surrounding a past conviction that has yet to be completely identified by members of all 32 teams... he has 2nd or 3rd round talent, but he has his work cut out for him this week as more than a few teams are unsure how or if he can fit into their future plans because of the lengthy restrictions that could follow him for the rest of his life.

-- Idaho senior offensive lineman Mike Iupati has a chance to post one of the top numbers in terms of total reps of 225 pounds in the bench press portion of the workout... sources close to the standout linemen say he should hit in the high-30's without maximum effort.

-- Last year former Florida tight end Cornelius Ingram dropped to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 5th round (#153 overall) because he was coming off a pair of knee injuries... he suffered another major knee injury this past summer and some believe that evaluators will take a very close look at Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham's medical file and that he will likely be asked to come back to the medical re-check in early April so that all 32 teams can get as sure a read on the status of his right knee... he is expected to fully participate in the on-field workouts and aiming for 4.70 range in the 40-yard dash at 6060, 258 pounds.

-- USC junior defensive lineman Everson Griffen, Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham and Murray State defensive end Austen Lane, each expect to run 4.65 or better in the 40-yard dash... keep an eye on Louisiana-Lafayette senior defensive lineman Hall Davis and Nevada junior defensive end Kevin Basped who could both move into 3rd-4th round consideration with impressive workouts this weekend.

-- With all the DT talk surrounding Ndamukong Suh vs. Gerald McCoy, a number of others could push their way up the draft board based on their workouts this weekend... expect to see strong performances from Central Florida senior defensive tackle Torell Troup, UCLA junior defensive tackle Brian Price, Purdue senior defensive tackle Mike Neal and LSU nose tackle Al Woods.

-- TCU linebacker Daryl Washington has the potential to outshine more highly-acclaimed players like Alabama's Rolando McClain and Florida's Brandon Spikes when he times in the 4.5 range in the 40-yard dash.

-- Texas junior defensive back Earl Thomas has the ability to come out of the NFL Combine as a sure-fire Top-20 draft choice and by next week could be right on the heels of Tennessee junior defensive back Eric Berry and Florida junior cornerback Joe Haden for the title of first defensive back selected come April's draft.

-- Florida State senior cornerback Patrick Robinson almost certainly will post solid workout numbers, but keep a close eye on his positional workout as many evaluators are not in love with his instincts, foot-work and ability to find the ball when it is in the air.

-- Alabama senior cornerback Javier Arenas and Kentucky senior cornerback Trevard Lindley are two highly-acclaimed veteran defenders who may struggle with their 40-times... however, if he is 100% and able to workout expect to be impressed by the workout numbers turned in by Maryland senior cornerback Nolan Carroll and UTEP senior cornerback Cornelius Brown, who should run in the 4.4 range with 40" vertical at 5110, 195 pounds.

-- Syracuse senior defensive tackle Arthur Jones will not participate in the workout portion of the NFL Combine and will instead wait until a Pro Day scheduled for April 6th even though several sources close to him insist that he will be 100% medically cleared by the NFL Combine's medical staff and receive a clean medical evaluation after suffering both a torn pectoral muscle last spring and a torn left lateral meniscus in his knee during the season... teams employing a 3-4 defensive scheme are sure to send plenty of evaluators to his early April Pro Day and down-the-road Jones could end up being one of the best "Value" picks of the draft.


- Information from The NFL Draft Bible and other reporters was used in this report. The NFLDraftBible.com is the preeminent source of NFL Draft Information.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Pre-Combine Top 150

1. DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
2. DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
3. S Eric Berry, Tennessee
4. DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
5. CB Joe Haden, Florida
6. LB Rolando McClain, Alabama
7. OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
8. WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
9. DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
10. QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
11. QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
12. OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers
13. DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida
14. RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson
15. DT Dan Williams, Tennessee
16. OG Mike Iupati, Idaho
17. OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma
18. DT Brian Price, UCLA
19. S Earl Thomas, Texas
20. OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
21. CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State
22. DE Brandon Graham, Michigan
23. S Taylor Mays, USC
24. DT Jared Odrick, Penn State
25. DE Everson Griffen, USC
26. OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas
27. RB Ryan Mathews, Fresno State
28. OLB Navorro Bowman, Penn State
29. OLB Ricky Sapp, Clemson
30. WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois
31. DT Terrence Cody, Alabama
32. TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
33. RB Jahvid Best, California
34. CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama
35. OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland
36. DE Jerry Hughes, TCU
37. ILB Brandon Spikes, Florida
38. RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
39. WR Brandon LaFell, LSU
40. TE Aaron Hernandez, Florida
41. OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
42. WR Damian Williams, USC
43. TE Rob Gronkowski, Arizona
44. C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
45. WR Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati
46. WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame
47. ILB Daryl Washington, TCU
48. CB Patrick Robinson, Florida State
49. S Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech
50. S Nate Allen, South Florida
51. OT Charles Brown, USC
52. CB Dominique Franks, Oklahoma
53. S Chad Jones, LSU
54. OLB Eric Norwood, South Carolina
55. DE Greg Hardy, Ole Miss
56. CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers
57. OLB Rennie Curran, Georgia
58. CB Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest
59. ILB Sean Lee, Penn State
60. CB Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State
61. CB Donovan Warren, Michigan
62. OL Vladimir Ducasse, Massachusetts
63. WR Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas
64. WR Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech
65. DE Corey Wootton, Northwestern
66. S Reshad Jones, Georgia
67. RB Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss
68. DT Arthur Jones, Syracuse
69. OG Jon Asamoah, Illinois
70. DT D’Anthony Smith, Louisiana Tech
71. OG Mike Johnson, Alabama
72. DT Tyson Alualu, California
73. ILB Micah Johnson, Kentucky
74. OLB Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
75. QB Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan
76. TE Ed Dickson, Oregon
77. RB Montario Hardesty, Tennessee
78. OT Jason Fox, Miami
79. OL Rodger Saffold, Indiana
80. DE Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech
81. DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
82. QB Tony Pike, Cincinnati
83. QB Colt McCoy, Texas
84. CB Jerome Murphy, South Florida
85. DE Austen Lane, Murray State
86. ILB Pat Angerer, Iowa
87. RB Toby Gerhart, Stanford
88. CB Amari Spievey, Iowa
89. RB Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
90. OLB Roddrick Muckelroy, Texas
91. C J.D. Walton, Baylor
92. RB Joe McKnight, USC
93. CB Syd'Quan Thompson, California
94. ILB Darryl Sharpton, Miami
95. DT Cam Thomas, North Carolina
96. DE Koa Misi, Utah
97. OT Selvish Capers, West Virginia
98. C Matt Tennant, Boston College
99. OT Zane Beadles, Utah
100. DT Lamarr Houston, Texas
101. QB Tim Tebow, Florida
102. TE Anthony McCoy, USC
103. DE Brandon Lang, Troy
104. OG John Jerry, Mississippi
105. WR Jacoby Ford, Clemson
106. S Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech
107. OT Kyle Calloway, Iowa
108. QB Jevan Snead, Ole Miss
109. DE Lindsey Witten, Connecticut
110. OLB Dexter Davis, Arizona State
111. WR Carlton Williams, South Florida
112. DE Willie Young, NC State
113. DE George Selvie, South Florida
114. OLB O’Brien Schofield, Wisconsin
115. WR Jeremy Williams, Tulane
116. WR Danario Alexander, Missouri
117. WR Jordan Shipley, Texas
118. TE Colin Peek, Alabama
119. S TJ Ward, Oregon
120. CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana-PA
121. OL Ciron Black, LSU
122. DT Mike Neal, Purdue
123. DE Jermaine Cunningham, Florida
124. OLB AJ Edds, Iowa
125. WR Eric Decker, Minnesota
126. CB Javier Arenas, Alabama
127. WR Taylor Price, Ohio
128. DT Geno Atkins, Georgia
129. CB Chris Cook, Virgina
130. OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
131. LB Reggie Carter, UCLA
132. TE Dennis Pitta, BYU
133. DE Clifton Geathers, South Carolina
134. OLB Dekoda Watson, Florida State
135. CB Trevard Lindley, Kentucky
136. S Myron Rolle, Florida State
137. OT Kevin Haslam, Rutgers
138. CB Walter Thurmond, Oregon
139. S Larry Asante, Nebraska
140. CB Alterraun Verner, UCLA
141. S Major Wright, Florida
142. DE Antonio Coleman, Auburn
143. LB Donald Butler, Washington
144. WR Andre Roberts, Citadel
145. DT Jeff Owens, Georgia
146. RB Ben Tate, Auburn
147. RB Charles Scott, LSU
148. DE Justin Cole, San Jose State
149. CB Devin Ross, Arizona
150. LB Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

2010 NFL Mock Draft – Pre-NFL Combine


1. St. Louis Rams – DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma

2. Detroit Lions – DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – S Eric Berry, Tennessee

4. Washington Redskins – QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

5. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State

6. Seattle Seahawks – DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

7. Cleveland Browns – CB Joe Haden, Florida

8. Oakland Raiders – DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida

9. Buffalo Bills – QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – DT Dan Williams, Tennessee

11. Denver Broncos – WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State

12. Miami Dolphins – OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas

13. San Francisco 49ers – OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers

14. Seattle Seahawks – RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson

15. N.Y. Giants – LB Rolando McClain, Alabama

16. San Francisco 49ers – OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma

17. Tennessee Titans – DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa

19. Atlanta Falcons – OLB Navorro Bowman, Penn State

20. Houston Texans – S Earl Thomas, Texas

21. Cincinnati Bengals – DT Brian Price, UCLA

22. New England Patriots – DT Jared Odrick, Penn State

23. Green Bay Packers – OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland

24. Philadelphia Eagles – OG Mike Iupati, Idaho

25. Baltimore Ravens – WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois

26. Arizona Cardinals – OLB Brandon Graham, Michigan

27. Dallas Cowboys – S Taylor Mays, USC

28. San Diego Chargers – RB Ryan Mathews, Fresno State

29. N.Y. Jets – NT Terrence Cody, Alabama

30. Minnesota Vikings – CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State

31. Indianapolis Colts - CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama

32. New Orleans Saints – OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Monday, February 22, 2010

2010 NFL Combine: S Overview

List of Safeties Invited to NFL Combine:
Free Safeties:
Nate Allen, South Florida
Jonathon Amaya, Nevada
Lucien Antoine, Oklahoma State
Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech
Chad Jones, LSU
Kendrick Lewis, Mississippi
Taylor Mays, USC
Nick Polk, Indiana
Dennis Rogan, Tennessee
Darian Stewart, South Carolina
Darrell Stucky, Kansas
TJ Ward, Oregon
Major Wright, Florida

Strong Safeties:
Larry Asante, Nebraska
Eric Berry, Tennessee
Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech
Barry Church, Toledo
Kurt Coleman, Ohio State
Reshad Jones, Georgia
Kyle McCarthy, Notre Dame
Myron Rolle, Florida State
Earl Thomas, Texas
Justin Woodall, Alabama

Juniors:
Chad Jones, LSU
Dennis Rogan, Tennessee
Major Wright, Florida
Eric Berry, Tennessee
Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech
Reshad Jones, Georgia
Earl Thomas, Texas

Played in Senior Bowl:
Nate Allen, South Florida
Larry Asante, Nebraska
Taylor Mays, USC
Kurt Coleman, Ohio State
Kyle McCarthy, Notre Dame
Myron Rolle, Florida State

Played in East – West:
Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech
Barry Church, Toledo
Darian Stewart, South Carolina
Darrell Stucky, Kansas
TJ Ward, Oregon
Justin Woodall, Alabama

Played in Texas vs. Nation:
Jonathon Amaya, Nevada
Lucien Antoine, Oklahoma State
Kendrick Lewis, Mississippi
Nick Polk, Indiana

Storylines:
Chad Jones - Jones is a very good overall athlete and should do well and help himself at the NFL Combine.

Taylor Mays - Mays should be a work out warrior, is all the drills but the best question marks is his speed and coverage ability with NFL teams.

Kendrick Lewis - Lewis showed good skills at the Texas vs. the Nation game and should help his stock at the NFL Combine.

Darrell Stucky - Stucky was very highly rated going into the season but dropped off some and need a big NFL Combine to help his stock.

Major Wright - Some question did Wright make the right decision by coming out early.

Eric Berry - Berry might go as high as number 3 overall to Tampa Bay.

Morgan Burnett - Burnett is a guy to watch as he could move up to being third safety drafted.

Kurt Coleman - Coleman is a litte undersized but a good overall football player.

Kyle McCarthy - McCarthy is a hard worker but does have trouble in coverage.

Myron Rolle - Rolle look a year off of football, and will that have any effect on his play?

Earl Thomas - Some question Thomas size as a safety and think that he will need to move to cornerback in the NFL.

2010 NFL Combine: CB Overview

List of Cornerbacks Invited to NFL Combine:
Javier Arenas, Alabama
Cornelius Brown, UTEP
Crezdon Butler, Clemson
Nolan Carroll, Maryland
Chris Chancellor, Clemson
Chris Cook, Virginia
Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State
Dominique Franks, Oklahoma
Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest
Marshay Green, Mississippi
Joe Haden, Florida
Chris Hawkins, LSU
Brian Jackson, Oklahoma
Kareem Jackson, Alabama
AJ Jefferson, Fresno State
Myron Lewis, Vanderbilt
Trevard Lindley, Kentucky
Devin McCourty, Rutgers
Sherrick McManis, Northwestern
Joshua Moore, Kansas State
Jerome Murphy, South Florida
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana-Penn
David Pender, Purdue
Josh Pinkard, USC
Patrick Robinson, Florida State
Devin Ross, Arizona
Amari Spievey, Iowa
Kevin Thomas, USC
Syd’Quan Thompson, California
Walter Thurmond, Oregon
Alterraun Verner, UCLA
Stephan Virgil, Virginia Tech
Jamar Wall, Texas Tech
Donovan Warren, Michigan
Kyle Wilson, Boise State

Juniors:
Dominique Franks, Oklahoma
Joe Haden, Florida
Kareem Jackson, Alabama
Joshua Moore, Kansas State
Amari Spievey, Iowa
Donovan Warren, Michigan

Played in Senior Bowl:
Javier Arenas, Alabama
Chris Cook, Virginia
Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State
Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest
Trevard Lindley, Kentucky
Devin McCourty, Rutgers
Jerome Murphy, South Florida
Patrick Robinson, Florida State
Syd’Quan Thompson, California
Kyle Wilson, Boise State

Played in East – West:
Crezdon Butler, Clemson
Brian Jackson, Oklahoma

Devin Ross, Arizona
Alterraun Verner, UCLA
Stephan Virgil, Virginia Tech
Jamar Wall, Texas Tech

Played in Texas vs. Nation:
Cornelius Brown, UTEP
Marshay Green, Mississippi
Chris Hawkins, LSU
AJ Jefferson, Fresno State

Storylines:

Javier Arenas - Arenas struggled in some man to man coverage at the Senior Bowl, can he improve on his drills at the combine and will be run under a 4.5

Cornelius Brown - Browns was one of the stars of the Texas vs. the Nation game, will he be able to keep that up at the NFL Combine.

Chris Cook - Will Cook show enough to be able to play cornerback in the NFL or will he have to move to safety.

Brandon Ghee - Some people like him as the # 2 overall cornerback in this years draft can he show that at the NFL Combine.

Joe Haden - Haden is the clear cut number # 1 overall cornerback, but how high can he get drafted.

Kareem Jackson - Jackson played very well at Alabama, helping them win the National Championship and where does he fit in the cornerback class overall?

Devin McCourty - His twin brother Jason was drafted in the 6th round, he is hoping to get drafted higher, and most people think he will.

Patrick Robinson - Robinson had the highest NFL grade going into the season for a senior at cornerback and will need to have a great NFL Combine to be the first senior cornerback drafted.

Syd’Quan Thompson - Many people question Thompson speed, so the 40 will be hugh for him.

Walter Thurmond - Thurmond missed a lot of the season because of injury so the NFL Combine can help his stock.

Donovan Warren - Warren came out early and most think he will be a 2nd round pick.

Kyle Wilson - The Senior Bowl might have pushed him in the 1st round, hopefully he will follow that up with an impressive NFL Combine.

Friday, February 19, 2010

2010 NFL Combine: LB Overview


List of Linebackers Invited to NFL Combine:
Outside Linebackers:
Jason Beauchamp, UNLV
Kyle Bosworth, UCLA
Navorro Bowman, Penn State
Keenan Clayton, Oklahoma
Justin Cole, San Jose State
Harry Coleman, LSU
Kavell Conner, Clemson
Rennie Curran, Georgia
AJ Edds, Iowa
Cody Grimm, Virginia Tech
Keaton Kristick, Oregon State
Simomi Lawrence, Minnesota
Sean Lee, Penn State
Samuel Maxwell, Kentucky
Eric Norwood, South Carolina
Perry Riley, LSU
Steven Sylvester, Utah
Dekoda Watson, Florida State
Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Inside Linebackers:
Pat Angerer, Iowa
Donald Butler, Washington
Lee Campbell, Minnesota
Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State
Phillip Dillard, Nebraska
Travis Goethel, Arizona State
Josh Hull, Penn State
Micah Johnson, Kentucky
Boris Less, Troy
Rolando McClain, Alabama
Mike McLaughlin, Boston College
Roddrick Muckelroy, Texas
Darryl Sharpton, Miami
Brandon Spikes, Florida
Nathan Triplett, Minnesota
Daryl Washington, TCU
Kion Wilson, South Florida

Juniors:
Navorro Bowman, Penn State
Rennie Curran, Georgia
Rolando McClain, Alabama

Played in Senior Bowl:
Donald Butler, Washington
Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State
Phillip Dillard, Nebraska
Roddrick Muckelroy, Texas
Darryl Sharpton, Miami
Dekoda Watson, Florida State
Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
Daryl Washington, TCU

Played in East – West:
Mike McLaughlin, Boston College
Kavell Conner, Clemson
Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State
Kion Wilson, South Florida
Keaton Kristick, Oregon State
Lee Campbell, Minnesota
Steven Sylvester, Utah

Played in Texas vs. Nation:
Simomi Lawrence, Minnesota
Travis Goethel, Arizona State
Josh Hull, Penn State
Boris Less, Troy
Nathan Triplett, Minnesota

Storylines:
Navorro Bowman - Can Bowman show enough at the NFL Combine to make him worthy of a 1st round pick.

Justin Cole - Cole is one of the many players who fits into a 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker.

Harry Coleman - Coleman played linebacker this season for LSU, but should be a safety in the NFL.

Rennie Curran - Can Curran show that he has the speed and quickness to make up for the lack of height.

Sean Lee - Can all of Lee's medical information come out possitive.

Eric Norwood - Is Norwood a linebacker in the 4-3 or 3-4 defense?

Sean Weatherspoon - Weatherspoon had a great week at the Senior Bowl and can he follow it up with a great week at the NFL Combine?

Pat Angerer - He should run in the 4.4, which will be huge for him.

Donald Butler - Butler showed speed and athleticism at the Senior Bowl and needs to show it again at the NFL Combine.

Travis Goethel - Goethel had 10 tackles at the Texas vs. the Nation game and could help himself somemore with a good week at the combine.

Rolando McClain - McClain might be one of the best athletes at any position.

Brandon Spikes - Spikes came into the season with a 1st round grade and now has dropped, can he help his stock at the NFL Combine?

Daryl Washington - Washington is a player some people feel has jumped into the late 1st round.

2010 NFL Combine: DL Overview


List of Defensive Linemen Invited to NFL Combine:
Defensive Ends:
Rahim Allen, LSU
Tyson Alualu, California
Kevin Basped, Nevada
Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Antonio Coleman, Auburn
Jermaine Cunningham, Florida
Dexter Davis, Arizona State
Hall Davis, Louisina-Lafayette
Carlos Dunlap, Florida
Junior Galette, Stillman
Clifton Geathers, South Carolina
Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
Brandon Graham, Michigan
Everson Griffen, USC
Greg Hardy, Mississippi
Jerry Hughes, TCU
Carl Ihenacho, San Jose State
Sergio Kindle, Texas
Jammie Kirlew, Indiana
Austen Lane, Murray State
Brandon Lang, Troy
Erik Lorig, Stanford
Albert McClellan, Marshall
Greg Middleton, Indiana
Koa Misi, Utah
Auther Moats, James Madison
Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech,
Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
Ricky Sapp, Clemson
O’Brien Schofield, Wisconsin
George Selvie, South Florida
Cameron Sheffied, Troy
Daniel Te’O-Nesheim, Washington
Adrian Tracy, William & Mary
Lorenzo Washington, Alabama
CJ Wilson, East Carolina
EJ Wilson, North Carolina
Lindsey Witten, Connecticut
Corey Wootton, Northwestern
Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech
Willie Young, North Carolina State

Defensive Tackles:
Charles Alexander, LSU
Geno Atkins, Georgia
Terrence Cody, Alabama
Lamarr Houston, Texas
Arthur Jones, Syracuse
Linval Joseph, East Carolina
Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
Earl Mitchell, Arizona
Aleric Mullins, North Carolina
Mike Neal, Purdue
Jared Odrick, Penn State
Vince Oghobaase, Duke
Jeff Owens, Georgia
Corey Peters, Kentucky
Brian Price, UCLA
Jay Ross, East Carolina
Malcolm Sheppard, Arkansas
D’Anthony Smith, Louisiana Tech
Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
Cam Thomas, North Carolina
Torell Troup, Central Florida
Dan Williams, Tennessee
Al Woods, LSU
Doug Worthington, Ohio State

Juniors:
Kevin Basped, Nevada
Carlos Dunlap, Florida
Clifton Geathers, South Carolina
Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
Everson Griffen, USC
Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech,
Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech
Linval Joseph, East Carolina
Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
Brian Price, UCLA

Played in Senior Bowl:
Tyson Alualu, California
Alex Carrington, Arkansas State
Antonio Coleman, Auburn
Brandon Graham, Michigan
Austen Lane, Murray State
Brandon Lang, Troy
George Selvie, South Florida
Koa Misi, Utah
CJ Wilson, East Carolina
Lamarr Houston, Texas
Mike Neal, Purdue
Jared Odrick, Penn State
Geno Atkins, Georgia
Jeff Owens, Georgia
D’Anthony Smith, Louisiana Tech
Cam Thomas, North Carolina
Dan Williams, Tennessee

Played in East – West:
Rahim Allen, LSU
Greg Hardy, Mississippi
O’Brien Schofield, Wisconsin
Willie Young, North Carolina State
Earl Mitchell, Arizona
Torell Troup, Central Florida
Doug Worthington, Ohio State

Played in Texas vs. Nation:
Junior Galette, Stillman
Auther Moats, James Madison
Albert McClellan, Marshall
Adrian Tracy, William & Mary
Lorenzo Washington, Alabama
EJ Wilson, North Carolina
Charles Alexander, LSU
Jay Ross, East Carolina

Storylines:

Alex Carrington - Carrington was one of the surprise players at the Senior Bowl, can he keep going rise up the draft board with his combine work out.

Antonio Coleman - Coleman will also be asked to work out at linebacker drills and most project him as a 3-4 OLB.

Carlos Dunlap - His DUI causing him to miss the SEC Championship game will bring up a look of question marks that he will need to answer.

Junior Galette - Galette has a great week at the Texas vs. the Nation, but will have to answer question about off the field issues.

Thaddeus Gibson - From what I am hearing his is in great shape and could wow some people with his workout numbers.

Brandon Graham - Graham had a great Senior Bowl, but is short and people don't know if he will test well at the NFL Combine.

Greg Hardy - Hardy could help himself with some great workouts and show why many people had him as the number one defensive end coming into the season.

Jerry Hughes - Hughes didn't go to the Senior Bowl, so will have to show scouts that he can play both defensive end and outside linebacker at the NFL Combine.

Sergio Kindle - Kindle played defensive end at Texas but will be an 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.

Austen Lane - Lane has a lot of buzz going into the NFL combine and could really help his stock with good works outs.

Derrick Morgan - Morgan could be a top five pick and scouts are hoping that he will do everything at the NFL Combine

Jason Pierre-Paul - Like Morgan scouts hope he does the full workouts.

Ricky Sapp – Sapp played defensive end in college but will be asked to do linebacker drills and he will be a 3-4 OLB in the NFL.

Corey Wootton - Wotton medical check out with be the biggest question mark for him.

Geno Atkins - Atkins at the Senior Bowl was unblockable and need to keep the momuntume that he gain there up.
Terrence Cody - What will he weight at?

Gerald McCoy - McCoy could be the first overall pick, and plans to do all the workouts at the NFL Combine.

Jared Odrick - Odrick created a buzz at the Senior Bowl and hopes to keep it going at the NFL Combine.

Brian Price - Many feel that Price could be a top 15 pick overall and needs to show that at the NFL Combine.

Ndamukong Suh - Suh should be the number one overall pick and plans to do everything, NFL scouts love that.

Dan Williams - Willams has a first round grade coming into the combine and needs to show he is worth it.

2010 NFL Combine: OL Overview

List of Offensive Linemen Invited to NFL Combine:
Offensive Tackles:
Zane Beadles, Utah
Ciron Black, LSU
Charles Brown, USC
Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
Kyle Calloway, Iowa
Bruce Campbell, Maryland
Selvish Capers, West Virginia
Anthony Davis, Rutgers
Chris Degeare, Wake Forest
Vladimir Ducasse, UMass
Jason Fox, Miami (FL)
John Jerry, Mississippi
Kyle Jolly, North Carolina
Matt Kopa, Stanford
Shawn Lauvao, Arizona State
Marshall Newhouse, TCU
Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
Cole Pemberton, Colorado State
Rodger Saffold, Indiana
Chris Scott, Tennessee
Mike Tepper, California
Adam Ulatoski, Texas
Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
Ed Wang, Virginia Tech
Tony Washington, Abilene Christian
Thomas Welch, Vanderbilt
Trent Williams, Oklahoma
Sam Young, Notre Dame

Offensive Guards:
Jon Asamoah, Illinois
Dorian Brooks, James Madison
Brandon Carter, Texas Tech
Kurtis Gregory, Missouri
Joe Hawley, UNLV
Mike Iupati, Idaho
Mike Johnson, Alabama
Alex Parsons, USC
Mitch Petrus, Arkansas
Dac Richardson, Iowa
Shelley Smith, Colorado State

Centers:
Jeff Byers, USC
Erik Cook, New Mexico
Jake Hickman, Nebraska
Ted Larsen, North Carolina State
Eric Olsen, Notre Dame
Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
Matt Tennant, Boston College
J.D. Walton, Baylor

Juniors:
Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
Bruce Campbell, Maryland
Anthony Davis, Rutgers
Maurkice Pouncey, Florida

Played in Senior Bowl:
Zane Beadles, Utah
Ciron Black, LSU
Selvish Capers, West Virginia
Vladimir Ducasse, UMass
John Jerry, Mississippi
Shawn Lauvao, Arizona State
Thomas Welch, Vanderbilt
Sam Young, Notre Dame
Mike Iupati, Idaho
Mike Johnson, Alabama
Mitch Petrus, Arkansas
J.D. Walton, Baylor
Eric Olsen, Notre Dame
Ted Larsen, North Carolina State
Matt Tennant, Boston College

Played in East – West:
Kyle Calloway, Iowa
Chris Degeare, Wake Forest
Marshall Newhouse, TCU
Cole Pemberton, Colorado State
Rodger Saffold, Indiana
Chris Scott, Tennessee
Mike Tepper, California
Shelley Smith, Colorado State

Played in Texas vs. Nation:
Kyle Jolly, North Carolina
Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale
Joe Hawley, UNLV

Storylines:

Russell Okung – Can Okung hold on to the number one offensive tackle position?

Ciron Black - Can Black show the feet to play right tackle of will he have to move inside to guard.

Bryan Bulaga - How long with Bulaga arms be and if they are short will he have to move to right tackle.

Bruce Campbell - Campbell will look to push up the draft boards with a good NFL Combine.

Anthony Davis - Davis will look to answer questions about his athleticism and hopeful will show up in good shape.

Vladimir Ducasse - Ducasse had a rough Senior Bowl, can he rebound and have a good NFL Combine and help his draft grade?

Rodger Saffold - Can Saffold be the sleeper that surprises everyone at the NFL Combine?

Jared Veldheer - How high can this D2 player get drafted?

Trent Williams - Can Williams play left tackle or will he have to be a right tackle.

Sam Young - Will Young show the physical ability that made him one of the highly touted high school player?

Maurkice Pouncey - Can Pouncey show that he is worth a first round pick as a center?

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Pre-Combine News and Notes


Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, will participate in all of the workouts at the NFL combine.

Wide Receiver Demaryius Thomas, of Georgia Tech, broke his left foot on Wednesday in Scottsdale, AZ, while training for next week's combine. He will not be able to do anything at the combine and it looks as if he will be out 4 to 6 weeks.

Wide Receiver Eric Decker of Minnesota will not be working out at the NFL Combine because of his foot injury that he hasn’t recovered from.

Quarterback Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame will not be working out because of his toe injury at the NFL Combine as previously been reported.

Question marks surround quarterback Sam Bradford of Oklahoma as to if he will workout at the NFL Combine, most people I have spoken to say that he will not work out in Indianapolis and will wait for his Pro Day.

All signing are pointing to that tight end Jermaine Gresham of Oklahoma will work out at the NFL Combine because he is very close to being 100 percent.

Tight End Jim Dray of Stanford who injured his ankle at the Texas vs. the Nation game will not be able to work out at the NFL Combine, but hopes to be ready for his Pro Day.

Running Back Ryan Mathews of Fresno State will participate in all of the workouts at the NFL Combine and from people that are training with him as well as seen him train, he could be on player that blows the NFL scouts away with his work out numbers.

Running Back Jonathan Dwyer of Georgia Tech who some people question his weight gain this season has been working hard to be in the best shape of his life and should weight in less then around the 235 pounds he played at this season.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Top 5 by Position: Defense – Pre-NFL Combine

Here are my top five players per position pre NFL Combine, please check back as I will update them after the NFL Combine.

Defensive Ends:
1. Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
2. Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
3. Carlos Dunlap, Florida
4. Brandon Graham, Michigan
5. Everson Griffen, USC

Defensive Tackles:
1. Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
2. Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
3. Dan Williams, Tennessee
4. Brian Price, UCLA
5. Jared Odrick, Penn State

Outside Linebackers:
1. Sergio Kindle, Texas
2. Ricky Sapp, Clemson
3. Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
4. Navorro Bowman, Penn State
5. Eric Norwood, South Carolina

Inside Linebackers:
1. Rolando McClain, Alabama
2. Brandon Spikes, Florida
3. Daryl Washington, TCU
4. Sean Lee, Penn State
5. Micah Johnson, Kentucky

Cornerbacks:
1. Joe Haden, Florida
2. Kyle Wilson, Boise State
3. Kareem Jackson, Alabama
4. Patrick Robinson, Florida State
5. Dominique Franks, Oklahoma

Safeties:
1. Eric Berry, Tennessee
2. Earl Thomas, Texas
3. Taylor Mays, USC
4. Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech
5. Nate Allen, South Florida

Top 5 by Position: Offense – Pre-NFL Combine

Here are my top five players per position pre NFL Combine, please check back as I will update them after the NFL Combine.

Quarterbacks:
1. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
2. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
3. Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan
4. Tony Pike, Cincinnati
5. Colt McCoy, Texas

Running Backs:
1. CJ Spiller, Clemson
2. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State
3. Jahvid Best, Cal
4. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
5. Montario Hardesty, Tennessee

Full Backs:
1. Rashawn Jackson, Virginia
2. John Conner, Kentucky
3. Manase Tonga, BYU
4. Cory Jackson, Maryland
5. Jamie McCoy, Texas A&M

Wide Receivers:
1. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
2. Arrelious Benn, Illinois
3. Brandon LaFell, LSU
4. Damian Williams, USC
5. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati

Tight Ends:
1. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
2. Aaron Hernandez, Florida
3. Rob Gronkowski, Arizona
4. Ed Dickson, Oregon
5. Anthony McCoy, USC

Offensive Tackles:
1. Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
2. Anthony Davis, Rutgers
3. Trent Williams, Oklahoma
4. Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
5. Bruce Campbell, Maryland

Offensive Guards:
1. Mike Iupati, Idaho
2. Jon Asamoah, Illinois
3. Mike Johnson, Alabama
4. John Jerry, Mississippi
5. Zane Beadles, Utah

Centers:
1. Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
2. J.D. Walton, Baylor
3. Matt Tennant, Boston College
4. Eric Olsen, Notre Dame
5. Ted Larsen, North Carolina State

Monday, February 15, 2010

VanFulpen's Top 25 NFL Draft Prospects

Here are my top 25 prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft Pre-NFL Combine.


1. DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
2. DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
3. S Eric Berry, Tennessee
4. DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
5. CB Joe Haden, Florida
6. LB Rolando McClain, Alabama
7. OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
8. WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
9. DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida
10. QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
11. QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
12. OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers
13. DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida
14. RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson
15. DT Dan Williams, Tennessee
16. OG Mike Iupati, Idaho
17. OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma
18. DT Brian Price, UCLA
19. S Earl Thomas, Texas
20. OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
21. CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State
22. DE Brandon Graham, Michigan
23. S Taylor Mays,
24. DT Jared Odrick, Penn State
25. DE Everson Griffen, USC

Saturday, February 13, 2010

2010 NFL Combine: TE Overview

List of Tight Ends Invited to NFL Combine:
Nate Byham, Pittsburgh
Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh
Ed Dickson, Oregon
James Dray, Stanford
Brody Eldridge, Oklahoma
Dedrick Epps, Miami
Riar Geer, Colorado
Garrett Graham, Wisconsin
Jimmy Graham, Miami
Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
Rob Gronkowski, Arizona
Clay Harbor, Missouri State
Aaron Hernandez, Florida
Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois
Jeron Mastrud, Kansas State
Anthony McCoy, USC
Tony Moeaki, Iowa
Colin Peek, Alabama
Dennis Pitta, BYU
Andrew Quarless, Penn State

Juniors:
Rob Gronkowski, Arizona
Aaron Hernandez, Florida

Played in Senior Bowl:
Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh
Ed Dickson, Oregon
Garrett Graham, Wisconsin
Jimmy Graham, Miami
Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois
Anthony McCoy, USC
Colin Peek, Alabama

Played in East – West:
Clay Harbor, Missouri State
Dennis Pitta, BYU
Andrew Quarless, Penn State

Played in Texas vs. Nation:
James Dray, Stanford
Dedrick Epps, Miami
Clay Harbor, Missouri State

Story Lines:
Ed Dickson – Many people think that he could have a great week at the NFL Combine, because he should test very well.

James Dray – Dray got injured in his first practice at the Texas vs. the Nation game with an ankle injury and most likely won’t be able to work out.

Dedrick Epps – Epps hurt his toe late in the week of the Texas vs. the Nation game but should be able to work out as trainers didn’t think it was that bad.

Jimmy Graham – Former basketball player who hasn’t played much football, he is very raw but people are very interested in his size an athleticism.

Rob Gronkowski – Missed most of his junior season because of a back injury but still came out early because got a late first round grade.

Jermaine Gresham – Gresham missed all of the 2009 season with a knee injury and could have gone back to Oklahoma but deicide to not take a red shirt year.

Anthony McCoy – McCoy has some issues with grades at USC, and scouts wonder why that is, something that McCoy will be asked repeatedly at the NFL Combine.

Friday, February 12, 2010

2010 NFL Combine: WR Overview

List of Wide Receivers Invited to NFL Combine:
Seyi Ajirotutu, Fresno State
Danario Alexander, Missouri
Alric Arnett, West Virginia
Brandon Banks, Kansas State
Chris Bell, Norfork State
Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Nyan Boateng, California
Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas
Antonio Brown, Central Michigan
Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Chris Carter, Cal-Davis
Riley Cooper, Florida
Eric Decter, Minnesota
Marcus Easley, Connecticut
Jacob Ford, Clemson
David Gettis, Baylor
Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati
Shay Hodge, Mississippi
Brandon James, Florida
Donald Jones, Youngstown
Kevin Jurovich, San Jose State
Brandon LaFell, LSU
Scott Long, Louisville
Chris McGaha, Arizona State
Kerry Meier, Kansas
Carlton Mitchell, South Florida
Preston Parker, North Alabama
Jared Perry, Missouri
David Reed, Utah
Andre Roberts, Citadel
Emmanuel Sanders, SMU
Jordan Shipley, Texas
Golden Tate, Notre Dame
DeMaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech
Verran Tucker, California
Chastin West, Fresno State
Blair White, Michigan State
Damian Williams, USC
Jeremy Williams, Tulane
Kyle Williams, Arizona State
Mike Williams, Syracuse
Stephen Williams, Toledo
Ryan Wolfe, UNLV

Juniors:
Chris Bell, Norfork State
Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas
Antonio Brown, Central Michigan
Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Carlton Mitchell, South Florida
Golden Tate, Notre Dame
DeMaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech
Damian Williams, USC
Mike Williams, Syracuse

Played in Senior Bowl:
Danario Alexander, Missouri
Riley Cooper, Florida
Jacob Ford, Clemson
Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati
Shay Hodge, Mississippi
Donald Jones, Youngstown
Jeremy Williams, Tulane

Played in East – West:
Seyi Ajirotutu, Fresno State
Alric Arnett, West Virginia
Kerry Meier, Kansas
David Reed, Utah
Emmanuel Sanders, SMU
Verran Tucker, California
Blair White, Michigan State

Played in Texas vs. Nation:
Marcus Easley, Connecticut
David Gettis, Baylor
Donald Jones, Youngstown
Kevin Jurovich, San Jose State
Scott Long, Louisville
Preston Parker, North Alabama
Jared Perry, Missouri
Kyle Williams, Arizona State
Stephen Williams, Toledo

Surprising guys left off:
Taylor Price, Ohio
Freddie Barnes, Bowling Green
Joe Webb, UAB
Juamorris Stewart, Southern

Story Lines:
Arrelious Benn – Can Benn still be a first round pick with the type of junior season he had?

Dez Bryant – Will Bryant be a top ten pick?

Riley Cooper – Cooper dropped some balls at the Senior Bowl he should have caught, needs to do a better job in the drills at the NFL Combine.

Eric Decter – Will Decter be healthy enough to run with his foot injury?

Jacob Ford – Might be the fast 40 time for a wide receiver in a long time.
Mardy Gilyard – After a great week of practice at the Senior Bowl and outstanding game can he keep the momentum up?

Kevin Jurovich – Jurovich missed most of the Texas vs. the Nation practices and the game because of turf toe, something to watch at the NFL Combine.

Jared Perry – Perry flashed some ability at the Texas vs. the Nation game and needs to keep it up.

Golden Tate – Tate 40 yard dash and height are some big question marks that he can answer at the NFL Combine.

DeMaryius Thomas – A good 40 yard dash can help his stock go a long way as people are questioning his speed.

Chastin West – West was schedule to play in the Texas vs. the Nation game, but pulled out at the last minute because of a hamstring injury, how healthy is he for the NFL Combine?

Blair White – White has gone from a walk-on to a top notch NFL prospect.

Mike Williams – Williams has had off the field issues, so the interviews with NFL personal with be huge.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

2010 NFL Combine: RB Overview

List of Running Backs Invited to NFL Combine:

Matthew Asiata, Utah
Joique Bell, Wayne State
Jahvid Best, California
Legarrette Blount, Oregon
Chris Brown, Oklahoma
Andre Dixon, Connecticut
Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
Toby Gerhart, Stanford
Montario Hardesty, Tennessee
Trindon Holliday, LSU
Javarris James, Miami
Stafon Johnson, USC
Darius Marshall, Marshall
Ryan Mathews, Fresno State
Dexter McCluster, Mississippi
Joe McKnight, USC
Shawnbrey McNeal, SMU
Lonyae Miller, Fresno State
Brandon Minor, Michigan
Patrick Paschall, North Dakota State
Charles Scott, LSU
CJ Spiller, Clemson
James Starks, Buffalo
Ben Tate, Auburn
Keith Toston, Oklahoma State
Keiland Williams, LSU

Juniors:
Jahvid Best, California
Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
Darius Marshall, Marshall
Ryan Mathews, Fresno State
Joe McKnight, USC
Shawnbrey McNeal, SMU

Played in Senior Bowl:
Joique Bell, Wayne State
Legarrette Blount, Oregon
Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
Montario Hardesty, Tennessee
Dexter McCluster, Mississippi
Lonyae Miller, Fresno State
Ben Tate, Auburn

Played in East – West:
Andre Dixon, Connecticut
Javarris James, Miami
Patrick Paschall, North Dakota State
Keith Toston, Oklahoma State

Played in Texas vs. Nation:
Trindon Holliday, LSU

Surprising guys left off:
Andre Anderson, Tulane
Deji Karim, Southern Illinois
Curtis Steele, Memphis

Story Lines:
Joique Bell – After a good week at the Senior Bowl can the small school running back keep it going at the NFL Combine.

Jahvid Best – How is the overall health?

Legarrette Blount – Blount answered a lot of questions at the Senior Bowl, but will have more questions to answer at the NFL Combine.

Jonathan Dwyer – If Dwyer does run the 40 yard dash, where will he be at as far as time.

Toby Gerhart – Gerhart speed has been questioned and can answer a number of those questions if he does run the 40 yard dash.

Trindon Holliday – Holliday is a track star, so how fast will he be in the 40.

Ryan Mathews – Could Mathews be the number one running back draft this year, a good NFL Combine will help him.

Dexter McCluster – McCluster had a great Senior Bowl, can he have a repeat performance at the NFL Combine?

Joe McKnight – Questions about off the field benefits at USC will definitely come up.

Charles Scott – How healthy will Scott be, and will he be able to do everything at the NFL Combine?

CJ Spiller – How high can Spiller get drafted?

James Starks – Starks missed this whole season with injury he must be cleared medically, and then we will see how he performs on the field.

Ben Tate – Tate helped himself at the Senior Bowl and needs to have a good NFL Combine to keep rising up NFL teams draft boards.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

2010 NFL Combine: QB Overview

List of Quarterbacks Invited to NFL Combine:
Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Levi Brown, Troy
Jarrett Brown, West Virginia
Sean Canfield, Oregon State
Daryll Clark, Penn State
Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State
Max Hall, BYU
Tim Hiller, Western Michigan
Mike Kafka, Northwestern
Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan
Thaddeus Lewis, Duke
Colt McCoy, Texas
Tony Pike, Cincinnati
Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State
John Skelton, Fordham
Riley Skinner, Wake Forest
Jeavan Snead, Mississippi
Tim Tebow, Florida

Juniors:
Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
Jeavan Snead, Mississippi

Played in Senior Bowl:
Jarrett Brown, West Virginia
Sean Canfield, Oregon State
Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan
Tony Pike, Cincinnati
Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State
Tim Tebow, Florida

Played in East West:
Daryll Clark, Penn State
Max Hall, BYU
Mike Kafka, Northwestern
John Skelton, Fordham

Played in Texas vs. Nation:
Levi Brown, Troy
Tim Hiller, Western Michigan
Thaddeus Lewis, Duke

Surprising guys left off:
Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee
Matt Nichols, Eastern Washington
Ryan Perrilloux, Jacksonville State
Rusty Smith, Florida Atlantic
Bill Stull, Pittsburgh


Story Lines:
Tim Tebow – The national media, NFL Network, ESPN will be all over his every move. He should test well, but in the quarterback drills I expect him to struggle.

Jimmy Clausen – Had toe surgery in the off-season, so won’t be able to compete in drills at the NFL Combine, will have to wait until Notre Dame Pro Day.

Sam Bradford – His camp is keeping it quite on how much he will participate in the NFL Combine, if he is able to show he is 100 percent and does well, it will help him try to get to the number one overall pick.

Tim Hiller – Needs to show better consistency then he did at the Texas vs. the Nation game, last week in El Paso.

Daryll Clark – Needs to bounce back from his East-West game performance or NFL teams might ask him to move to running back.

Jeavan Snead – Snead could take advantage of the NFL Combine will a great week could help his draft status, since he had an up and down junior year.

Sean Canfield – Canfield had a rough Senior Bowl performance and could use the NFL Combine to show his ability to NFL scout, and that his week down in Mobile wasn’t the real Canfield.

Jarrett Brown – Brown needs to show that he can be a complete quarterback and not just a great athlete.

John Skelton – Skelton will need to show better foot work and mechanics in the quarterback drills.

Levi Brown – Brown looked a little stiff in his throwing motion at the Texas vs. the Nation game and hopeful can show some more flexibility at the NFL Combine.

Tony Pike – Will Pike weight in at more then he did at the Senior Bowl?

Monday, February 8, 2010

Texas vs the Nation Off the Field Notes

- Texas vs the Nation CEO Kenny Hansmire is in talks to add another college football all-star game.

- According to NFL Scouts down in El Paso, the East-West Shrine Game is rumored to be going out of business.

- There where over 120 NFL scouts in El Paso for the Texas vs the Nation game including Packers GM Ted Thompson.

- 93 % of last years players that played in the Texas vs the Nation game went on to sign an NFL contract, 111 out of 119.

- That number should be around the same this year if not higher.

- One of the bigger NFL draft expert to be in attendance was former NFL player Corey Chavous, owner of DraftNasty.com. He also worked for NFL Network on this years Senior Bowl coverage, and has also been on ESPN and NFL Network NFL Draft coverage.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Texas vs the Nation: Defensive News and Notes




DE George Johnson, Rutgers: Johnson has shown good speed and quickness and has shown the ability to rush the passer.

LB/DE Adrian Tracy, William & Mary: Tracy has shown the ability to rush the passer and drop and flip his hips and should be a good 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level.

LB/DE Arthur Moats, James Madison: Moats is a little short and doesn’t have the longest arms but has shown some flashes so far this week in his pass rushing skills.

DT Tommie Duhart, Pittsburgh/ Valdosta State: Duhart has shown quickness off the snap and been able to penetrate, but needs to get in better shape.

DT Andre Neblett, Temple: Neblett has been able to use his bull rush to get inside of the offensive guards and over power them, but needs to work on leverage and staying low.

DE E.J. Wilson, North Carolina: Wilson has shown good pass rushing ability and works hard against the run.

DE Junior Galette, Stillman: Galette is nice coming off the edge with his speed rush, but doesn’t have a counter move and lacks great size against the run.

LB Simoni Lawrence, Minnesota: Lawrence has shown some nice speed and quickness and well as playmaking ability.

S Kendrick Lewis, Mississippi: Lewis has been the best safety here showing good coverage ability.

Texas vs. the Nation: Offensive news and notes

Overall Quarterbacks: This group of six quarterbacks is better then group at the East-West Shrine game and is close to the Senior Bowl

QB Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee: He has shown a live arm and the ability to make all the NFL throws, he has had a nice week of pratice so far, and has impressed the scouts.

QB Tim Hiller, Western Michigan: Hiller had a rough first few practices but has scouts still believing that he could be the first quarterback draft out of this group.

QB Ryan Perrilloux, Jacksonville State: Perrilloux has had excellent practices and has shown his ability to throw the football and make plays with his feet. The coaching staff has been impressed with his ability.

RB Curtis Steele, Memphis: Steele has shown speed and elusivness to make plays in the open field and has done a good job catching the football.

RB Alfonso Smith, Kentucky: Smith has shown the ability run downfield and be a physical and shown some speed and quickness.

RB Trindon Holliday, LSU: Holliday has dropped some passes he should have caught in the first few days but we he gets his hands on the ball he is an explosive.

WR Jeff Moturi, UTEP: Moturi in the first day of practice was one of the best receivers on the Texas side and then slide back to the pack. But he is someone that wasn’t expected much out of.

WR Scott Long, Louisville: Long has shown the ability to run good routes and catch the football with his hands.

WR Juamorris Stewart, Southern: Stewart showed good hands snatching the ball out of the air and having the ability to get off press coverage.

WR David Nelson, Florida: Nelson has done a nice job even with being a late add to the game. He has caught the ball well and has nice size.

TE Clay Harbor, Missouri State: Harbor has been the best tight end by far this week with good hands and being able to block, he has run the ball from the full back spot and few times and done a good job in that area.

OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale (MI): Even being a Division 2 player, Veldheer might be the best offensive line on either team. He is big, strong, and has good feet.

OT J’Marcus Webb, West Texas A&M: Webb is a big athletic player with long arms and good feet and could possible be a very good left tackle in the NFL.

C Eddie Adamski, Northern Illinois: Adamski has been one of the better interior linemen down in El Paso, he is strong and won’t be bull rushed and uses his hands well.