ESPN Clayton: Fans part of combine's future?

[WoodysGirl]

Fans part of combine's future?


posted: Monday, February 25, 2008 | Print Entry

Perhaps the most interesting future change at the scouting combine could be the inclusion of fans. The move to the Colts' new home stadium next year opens up the possibility of fans being able to rent a suite and watch the workouts during the four days in which players run and test.

Nothing has been agreed upon, but many scouts have heard that fan involvement is going to happen in the next couple of years. Interest in the combine continues to grow. The media credential list is as long as it is for a conference championship game. The combine is now a televised event. The next step is to add the fans.

Bruschi contemplating future: A decision on the future of Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi should come by Thursday. Bruschi is deciding over the next two days if he wants to play in 2008. If he decides to play, the Patriots would like to sign him before the start of free agency (Friday). Once the Patriots' front office returns from the combine late Tuesday night, Bruschi becomes a priority.

Williamson update: The Troy Williamson trade discussions are moving quickly and a trade should be announced by Friday. At least two or three teams are staying in touch with the Vikings, who announced on Friday that Williamson has been given permission to find a trading partner. Jacksonville could be a possible destination for Williamson, but other teams like his speed.

Foster to the Niners? Watch for the 49ers to lock up former Panthers halfback DeShaun Foster to be Frank Gore's backup in the next couple of days. Foster is a powerful runner who would be a nice complement to Gore. The 49ers made quick contact with Foster once the Panthers released him late last week. The 49ers also worked out a deal with cornerback/kick returner Allen Rossum.

Lions hosting Shelton: The Lions have scheduled a visit with former Dolphins tackle L.J. Shelton, who could take over at right tackle. Shelton will be in Detroit Wednesday. Shelton has started at left tackle, but he's big enough to be a powerful force along the right side.

[DaBoys4Life]

i would like to attend the combine if they make it open for fans but i iz just a p00r coll3ge student i aint ev3n grad you ate yet lol 49ers are trying hard to build a squad lol

[TVMan]

Next Vegas opens lines on forty yard dashes.

Having fans there will ruin/doom this. It's close to a mockery now as it is.

[big dog cowboy]

Originally Posted by WoodysGirl

The combine is now a televised event. The next step is to add the fans.

I've often wondered why they didn't let fans attend. Even if they made them sit in the nose bleeds so they wouldn't bother coaches and scouts.

[big dog cowboy]

Originally Posted by TVMan

It's close to a mockery now as it is.

Exagerate much?

[TVMan]

Originally Posted by big dog cowboy

Exagerate much?

How is that an exaggeration?

The list of guys not taking part in this grows every year. TV coverage is great, but there's way too much saturation.

[Hostile]

Originally Posted by WoodysGirl

Bruschi contemplating future: A decision on the future of Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi should come by Thursday. Bruschi is deciding over the next two days if he wants to play in 2008. If he decides to play, the Patriots would like to sign him before the start of free agency (Friday). Once the Patriots' front office returns from the combine late Tuesday night, Bruschi becomes a priority.

I think I shared this before, but am not sure. Tedy's family and in-laws, etc. would all like for him to hang 'em up. He still wants to play. They feel like he has nothing left to prove or accomplish and given his health scares of the past they'd like for him to get out now while he can still enjoy his time with his kids. They've even suggested he get into coaching to feed his football Jones.

If I had to guess, he will play in 2008.