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Ask Gil Brandt
http://chat.nfl.com/front/index/790
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM ETGil Brandt 31 comments
NFL.com's Gil Brandt has been in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine since Tuesday, talking to all the prospects, NFL coaches, GMs and scouts in attendance. Gil stopped by to chat live with NFL Nation and answer your questions on Friday, February 26.
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Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi everybody, hope you are enjoying the coverage of the combine on NFL.com and NFL Network. It's already been a fun and interesting week, and there's plenty left to do. But happy to take some time out to answer questions.
Jon, NH4:01 PM ET
Why are people so concerned with players height? I just saw a blog named "McCoy Comes Up Short" and it made out to be a big deal that Colt McCoy was an inch shorter than he was said to be. And it's not just quarterback, it's most of the positions (except punter/kicker obviously). Could you explain why it matters so much? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Jon, here's the thing. Colt McCoy is 7/8 inch taller than the Super Bowl-winning QB, Drew Brees. McCoy has a high, overhand delivery, so in my estimation, the height doesn't make as much of a difference. Yes, I'd like to see a QB measure 6-3, but in some cases, success and production matter more.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
People have the perception that taller is better, but how much of a difference is there between 6-1 and 6-2-5/8, which is what Jimmy Clausen measured. Tim Tebow is 6-2-3/4. But I don't think height should be a hangup in a player. There are a lot of quarterbacks not as tall as Peyton Manning who are still pretty good.
Robbie, Murphy, NC4:06 PM ET
Hey Gil, Do you see Dexter McCluster falling to the Panthers at pick 48? He could be a valuable WR/KR. Your thoughts, please. Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Robbie, he is a valuable player and he might be there. He could also be a good wildcat QB. He's got running ability, can catch the ball well and return kicks.
He reminds me of Darren Sproles, who was a second-day draft pick.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
And it's notable that McCluster had some of his best games against Ole miss' best competition. You like a player like that.
Andre, Kitchener, ON, Canada4:08 PM ET
Gil, Favorite combine drill? Least favorite/meaningful in your opinion? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Andre, every drill is done for a reason. I think what interests me the most is what interests most everyone the most: the 40-yard dash. It answers the most questions for me. The one that maybe answers the least questions for me is the broad jump.
jeff brister, bozeman, MT4:10 PM ET
Is T. Cody primarily a 3/4 NT, or does he have some true value as a 4/3 DT run stuffer? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Jeff, I think he's a 4-3 run stuffer that can push the pile back. The key for him is to keep his weight down to 350. He hasn't weighed in here yet, but he was 370 at the Senior Bowl. And as a matter of fact, he was never under 356 at Alabama.
Tyvon, KC4:12 PM ET
Gil, will some coaches and scouts be looking at speed and jumping ability for receivers rather than their actual talent? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tyvon, NFL people discount speed if a guy is a good route-runner -- Steve Largent for example. Michael Irvin was a great route-runner. Sure you like tall receivers and guys that can jump. if you are evaluatoing two or three WRs that are similar, sometimes a vertical jump can be a deciding factor. But don't forget that hands are really the most important factor.
Daniel, Dallas, tx4:14 PM ET
Which running back do you think would make a good fit for the chargers in the draft. Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Daniel. I like Fresno State's Ryan Mathews. He is a three-year player that was very effective at Fresno on a team, that faced 8- and 9-men fronts often because there was not a very good passing attack. Mathews weighed in today at 212, a little less than he was at Fresno. If you're watching tape, watch what he did in '09 against a good Boise State team.
Steve, Indianapolis, IN4:16 PM ET
With all the talk that Detroit should take Suh or Mccoy with the second pick, it is interesting to note that Okung is in the same conference. How did he do against these guys? Thanks Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Steve, Russell Okung of Oklahoma State won every batt;e that he was involved in -- but he didn't have to directly block those guys. Okung is at tackle against the DE, and those guys are tackles. But Okung has faced some excellent pass-rushers and shut them down.
P.J. Kiesner, Alexandria, Va.4:18 PM ET
Do you think Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota, will go by the end of the third round? Are NFL teams concerned about the injury to his foot? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
P.J., I had a chance to visit with Eric Decker earlier today... He's informed me that the foot is fine. I'm not sure if he will work out here or not. but I do think he'll be picked in rounds two of three. He's a big receiver with great hands.
chris, San Diego4:19 PM ET
After McClain, what middle linebacker would be a great choice for Pittsburgh? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Chris, my second-rated guy behind Rolando McClain is Brandon Spikes of florida, who could be taken near the end of the first round.
Geoff, Markham, ON4:20 PM ET
Which team would be the best fit for Colt McCoy seeing that he has the same stature as Drew Brees and Michael Vick? Will most teams shy away from him? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I had an opportunity to chat with Mike Holmgren today and his first question to me was, "Who should we draft with the ninth overall pick?" I couldn't tell him who to draft with that top pick, but I did tell him that Colt McCoy would be a very good QB in the West Coast offense. I'm not sure if cleveland would take him -- and not with that first-round pick -- but I'd say a West Coast offense would be a good fit.
Tad, Utah4:23 PM ET
Gil, It would seem no two people have the Seahawks picking the same person #6, what do you think about picking a QB there? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tad, I personally think Sam Bradford will be gone by then and I don't think there are any other QBs in this draft worthy of the No. 6 pick. With that in mind, I'd think seattle would try to trade down for a QB later, or take an offensive tackle to replace Walter Jones.
James, New Jersey4:25 PM ET
Back last year you mentioned how much you liked Dallas Wide Receiver Austin Miles and he came out to have a phemominal year. Is there any player you think that will break out and have the season Austim Miles had? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
James, thanks for the plug. Not sure yet, but I think Jermichael Finley, the Green Bay tight end, will continue where he left off in the playoffs last season and have a big year.
Greg, Georgia4:27 PM ET
Who do you feel is better between Suh and McCoy at DT and what do you think separates that individual from the other? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Greg, I really don't see a big difference. Both are very good and both will play in the NFL for a long time. If I were forced to pick one, I'd take McCoy. But it's not an easy choice. Both have Pro Bowl potential.
Brandt Fan, Kentucky4:28 PM ET
Gil, I am a big fan of your work. I read it a lot. My son plays at a small school and so I follow them heavily. Who do you feel is the top small school prospect this year? From what I have read Ducasse is the highest rated but do you agree and if so is there anyone else in the group you really like? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Thanks for the compliment. Ducasse from Massachusettas is one of those players --a huge guy at 6-5, 330 who can play. another player I like is Wayne State (Mich.) RB Johque Bell. My feelings were reinforced today by Ravens RB coach and former eagles RB Wilbert Montgomery, who spoke highly of him. Bell needs to work on ball security, but that's a coaching fix.
Sid, Texas4:31 PM ET
Gil, where do you think Jordan Shipley will be drafted? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Sid, in my estimation, Shipley will be an outstanding NFL player. He'll catch a lot of passes and also be a good return man. I want to see how fast he runs this week. He's been working all winter on his speed, and if he runs as fast as I think he can, he'll be a late-second, early-third pick.
vinny, long island, NY4:33 PM ET
what do you see the jets doing with the 29th pick in the draft? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Vinny, the Jets would probably like a defensive back. I spoke to GM Mike Tannenbaum today and he pointed out that Rex Ryan feels you can never have enough good defensive backs. I wouldn't be surprised to see them take another corner to pair with Darrelle Revis
Charles, Dallas4:35 PM ET
Mr. Brandt, Where do you see Mitch Petrus projected to go in the draft and did his tying the combine record for bench press repetitions do much to raise his stock? Thanks. Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Charles, the Arkansas guard will be the second guard picked in the draft after Iupati from Idaho. Strength is a big factor for interior linemen, and the 45 reps were impressive, but I already had him rated second, and he'll go in the second round.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Over the past 10 years, only eight guards were drafted in the first round, none last year. The most in a year in that span was two in 2002.
Jeremiah, Harm City4:39 PM ET
Who are the best DL pass rushing prospects that may be available for the Ravens at 25? Should they go after Peppers and just draft a WR or TE #1? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Jeremiah, Peppers is obviously a proven player who will cost a lot of money -- and there's a worry in my mind because of his age. He's 30 and that can be a wall for pass rushers. There's a chance they can get a guy like Carlos Dunlop of Florida or Jason Pierre-Paul of South Florida, or Derrick Morgan of Georgia Tech. there's usually a run on thise guys in the first round, but one of them might fall to Baltimore.
Brandon, Canby,Oregon4:41 PM ET
Gil, Where and When do you think LaGarrette Blount will go? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Brandon that's an interesting question. I am very curious to see how fast he runs here and how he works out. He had a great year in 2008 and the suspension kept him from playing a full season in '09. If people are not concerned about his supposed character problems, he can be a second-round pick.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Blount begins the interview process tonight, and teams will be grilling him about his non-football issues pretty good.
Mike, San Diego4:44 PM ET
I am a big Jacoby Ford fan. Where do you see him being drafted and what will his ultimate position be in the Pro's - WR - RB - Kick Return Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Mike, I had an opportunity to talk to Jacoby today and I asked him if he'd run a sub-4.3 40. He said he will shock everyone with his 40 time. He's a small receiver, about 5-9, 180. I do think he's got a lot of ability as a return specialist, and I think he might go in the lower half of round three.
Corey, Fresno,Ca4:46 PM ET
What do see the Titans doing with the 16th pick? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think they'd like a linebacker, but I think they will take a defensive lineman.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
The reason I say the titans pick a DL even though linebacker might be a bigger need is that it's harder to get a quality DL later in the draft.
eric, new york4:49 PM ET
do you think eric berry is acually as good as his hype is? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Eric, I think Tennessee safety Eric Berry is a good player but not a Top 5 player. If they think he can play corner rather than safety, that will elevate his position somewhat. But defensive backs in general and safeties in particular don't often get drafted in the top 10.
Matt, Stillwater, Oklahoma4:51 PM ET
How do you view Dez Bryant? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Matt, I think he will be the first receiver selected in the draft and has a chance to go in the top 10. Oklahoma State might have two picks in the top 10 -- he and Russell Okung.
J Rocka, L.A.4:55 PM ET
Hey, Gil. What do you think of Levi Brown, the QB out of Troy State? I heard his interview with Gannon and Mills yesterday on Sirius, and he really impressed me. Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Levi Brown would not have been invited to the combine, except he was brought here as one of three QBs to work every day and throw to receivers, running backs and linebackers. so he'll have a chance to show what he can do. He has a great deal of confidence. Keep in mind: That was the role Tony Romo was in when he came to the combine as an unknown small-school guy.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Okay, that's it for today... I'm getting ready to watch tomorrow's workouts for o-linemen and tight ends. Lot of good players there. And of course, we'll have all the details of the combine here on NFL.com. Enjoy!
http://chat.nfl.com/front/index/790
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM ETGil Brandt 31 comments
NFL.com's Gil Brandt has been in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine since Tuesday, talking to all the prospects, NFL coaches, GMs and scouts in attendance. Gil stopped by to chat live with NFL Nation and answer your questions on Friday, February 26.
Auto-Refresh Page (seconds)30 60 90 Off
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi everybody, hope you are enjoying the coverage of the combine on NFL.com and NFL Network. It's already been a fun and interesting week, and there's plenty left to do. But happy to take some time out to answer questions.
Jon, NH4:01 PM ET
Why are people so concerned with players height? I just saw a blog named "McCoy Comes Up Short" and it made out to be a big deal that Colt McCoy was an inch shorter than he was said to be. And it's not just quarterback, it's most of the positions (except punter/kicker obviously). Could you explain why it matters so much? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Jon, here's the thing. Colt McCoy is 7/8 inch taller than the Super Bowl-winning QB, Drew Brees. McCoy has a high, overhand delivery, so in my estimation, the height doesn't make as much of a difference. Yes, I'd like to see a QB measure 6-3, but in some cases, success and production matter more.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
People have the perception that taller is better, but how much of a difference is there between 6-1 and 6-2-5/8, which is what Jimmy Clausen measured. Tim Tebow is 6-2-3/4. But I don't think height should be a hangup in a player. There are a lot of quarterbacks not as tall as Peyton Manning who are still pretty good.
Robbie, Murphy, NC4:06 PM ET
Hey Gil, Do you see Dexter McCluster falling to the Panthers at pick 48? He could be a valuable WR/KR. Your thoughts, please. Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Robbie, he is a valuable player and he might be there. He could also be a good wildcat QB. He's got running ability, can catch the ball well and return kicks.
He reminds me of Darren Sproles, who was a second-day draft pick.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
And it's notable that McCluster had some of his best games against Ole miss' best competition. You like a player like that.
Andre, Kitchener, ON, Canada4:08 PM ET
Gil, Favorite combine drill? Least favorite/meaningful in your opinion? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Andre, every drill is done for a reason. I think what interests me the most is what interests most everyone the most: the 40-yard dash. It answers the most questions for me. The one that maybe answers the least questions for me is the broad jump.
jeff brister, bozeman, MT4:10 PM ET
Is T. Cody primarily a 3/4 NT, or does he have some true value as a 4/3 DT run stuffer? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Jeff, I think he's a 4-3 run stuffer that can push the pile back. The key for him is to keep his weight down to 350. He hasn't weighed in here yet, but he was 370 at the Senior Bowl. And as a matter of fact, he was never under 356 at Alabama.
Tyvon, KC4:12 PM ET
Gil, will some coaches and scouts be looking at speed and jumping ability for receivers rather than their actual talent? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tyvon, NFL people discount speed if a guy is a good route-runner -- Steve Largent for example. Michael Irvin was a great route-runner. Sure you like tall receivers and guys that can jump. if you are evaluatoing two or three WRs that are similar, sometimes a vertical jump can be a deciding factor. But don't forget that hands are really the most important factor.
Daniel, Dallas, tx4:14 PM ET
Which running back do you think would make a good fit for the chargers in the draft. Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Hi Daniel. I like Fresno State's Ryan Mathews. He is a three-year player that was very effective at Fresno on a team, that faced 8- and 9-men fronts often because there was not a very good passing attack. Mathews weighed in today at 212, a little less than he was at Fresno. If you're watching tape, watch what he did in '09 against a good Boise State team.
Steve, Indianapolis, IN4:16 PM ET
With all the talk that Detroit should take Suh or Mccoy with the second pick, it is interesting to note that Okung is in the same conference. How did he do against these guys? Thanks Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Steve, Russell Okung of Oklahoma State won every batt;e that he was involved in -- but he didn't have to directly block those guys. Okung is at tackle against the DE, and those guys are tackles. But Okung has faced some excellent pass-rushers and shut them down.
P.J. Kiesner, Alexandria, Va.4:18 PM ET
Do you think Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota, will go by the end of the third round? Are NFL teams concerned about the injury to his foot? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
P.J., I had a chance to visit with Eric Decker earlier today... He's informed me that the foot is fine. I'm not sure if he will work out here or not. but I do think he'll be picked in rounds two of three. He's a big receiver with great hands.
chris, San Diego4:19 PM ET
After McClain, what middle linebacker would be a great choice for Pittsburgh? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Chris, my second-rated guy behind Rolando McClain is Brandon Spikes of florida, who could be taken near the end of the first round.
Geoff, Markham, ON4:20 PM ET
Which team would be the best fit for Colt McCoy seeing that he has the same stature as Drew Brees and Michael Vick? Will most teams shy away from him? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I had an opportunity to chat with Mike Holmgren today and his first question to me was, "Who should we draft with the ninth overall pick?" I couldn't tell him who to draft with that top pick, but I did tell him that Colt McCoy would be a very good QB in the West Coast offense. I'm not sure if cleveland would take him -- and not with that first-round pick -- but I'd say a West Coast offense would be a good fit.
Tad, Utah4:23 PM ET
Gil, It would seem no two people have the Seahawks picking the same person #6, what do you think about picking a QB there? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Tad, I personally think Sam Bradford will be gone by then and I don't think there are any other QBs in this draft worthy of the No. 6 pick. With that in mind, I'd think seattle would try to trade down for a QB later, or take an offensive tackle to replace Walter Jones.
James, New Jersey4:25 PM ET
Back last year you mentioned how much you liked Dallas Wide Receiver Austin Miles and he came out to have a phemominal year. Is there any player you think that will break out and have the season Austim Miles had? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
James, thanks for the plug. Not sure yet, but I think Jermichael Finley, the Green Bay tight end, will continue where he left off in the playoffs last season and have a big year.
Greg, Georgia4:27 PM ET
Who do you feel is better between Suh and McCoy at DT and what do you think separates that individual from the other? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Greg, I really don't see a big difference. Both are very good and both will play in the NFL for a long time. If I were forced to pick one, I'd take McCoy. But it's not an easy choice. Both have Pro Bowl potential.
Brandt Fan, Kentucky4:28 PM ET
Gil, I am a big fan of your work. I read it a lot. My son plays at a small school and so I follow them heavily. Who do you feel is the top small school prospect this year? From what I have read Ducasse is the highest rated but do you agree and if so is there anyone else in the group you really like? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Thanks for the compliment. Ducasse from Massachusettas is one of those players --a huge guy at 6-5, 330 who can play. another player I like is Wayne State (Mich.) RB Johque Bell. My feelings were reinforced today by Ravens RB coach and former eagles RB Wilbert Montgomery, who spoke highly of him. Bell needs to work on ball security, but that's a coaching fix.
Sid, Texas4:31 PM ET
Gil, where do you think Jordan Shipley will be drafted? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Sid, in my estimation, Shipley will be an outstanding NFL player. He'll catch a lot of passes and also be a good return man. I want to see how fast he runs this week. He's been working all winter on his speed, and if he runs as fast as I think he can, he'll be a late-second, early-third pick.
vinny, long island, NY4:33 PM ET
what do you see the jets doing with the 29th pick in the draft? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Vinny, the Jets would probably like a defensive back. I spoke to GM Mike Tannenbaum today and he pointed out that Rex Ryan feels you can never have enough good defensive backs. I wouldn't be surprised to see them take another corner to pair with Darrelle Revis
Charles, Dallas4:35 PM ET
Mr. Brandt, Where do you see Mitch Petrus projected to go in the draft and did his tying the combine record for bench press repetitions do much to raise his stock? Thanks. Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Charles, the Arkansas guard will be the second guard picked in the draft after Iupati from Idaho. Strength is a big factor for interior linemen, and the 45 reps were impressive, but I already had him rated second, and he'll go in the second round.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Over the past 10 years, only eight guards were drafted in the first round, none last year. The most in a year in that span was two in 2002.
Jeremiah, Harm City4:39 PM ET
Who are the best DL pass rushing prospects that may be available for the Ravens at 25? Should they go after Peppers and just draft a WR or TE #1? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Jeremiah, Peppers is obviously a proven player who will cost a lot of money -- and there's a worry in my mind because of his age. He's 30 and that can be a wall for pass rushers. There's a chance they can get a guy like Carlos Dunlop of Florida or Jason Pierre-Paul of South Florida, or Derrick Morgan of Georgia Tech. there's usually a run on thise guys in the first round, but one of them might fall to Baltimore.
Brandon, Canby,Oregon4:41 PM ET
Gil, Where and When do you think LaGarrette Blount will go? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Brandon that's an interesting question. I am very curious to see how fast he runs here and how he works out. He had a great year in 2008 and the suspension kept him from playing a full season in '09. If people are not concerned about his supposed character problems, he can be a second-round pick.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Blount begins the interview process tonight, and teams will be grilling him about his non-football issues pretty good.
Mike, San Diego4:44 PM ET
I am a big Jacoby Ford fan. Where do you see him being drafted and what will his ultimate position be in the Pro's - WR - RB - Kick Return Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Mike, I had an opportunity to talk to Jacoby today and I asked him if he'd run a sub-4.3 40. He said he will shock everyone with his 40 time. He's a small receiver, about 5-9, 180. I do think he's got a lot of ability as a return specialist, and I think he might go in the lower half of round three.
Corey, Fresno,Ca4:46 PM ET
What do see the Titans doing with the 16th pick? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
I think they'd like a linebacker, but I think they will take a defensive lineman.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
The reason I say the titans pick a DL even though linebacker might be a bigger need is that it's harder to get a quality DL later in the draft.
eric, new york4:49 PM ET
do you think eric berry is acually as good as his hype is? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Eric, I think Tennessee safety Eric Berry is a good player but not a Top 5 player. If they think he can play corner rather than safety, that will elevate his position somewhat. But defensive backs in general and safeties in particular don't often get drafted in the top 10.
Matt, Stillwater, Oklahoma4:51 PM ET
How do you view Dez Bryant? Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Matt, I think he will be the first receiver selected in the draft and has a chance to go in the top 10. Oklahoma State might have two picks in the top 10 -- he and Russell Okung.
J Rocka, L.A.4:55 PM ET
Hey, Gil. What do you think of Levi Brown, the QB out of Troy State? I heard his interview with Gannon and Mills yesterday on Sirius, and he really impressed me. Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Levi Brown would not have been invited to the combine, except he was brought here as one of three QBs to work every day and throw to receivers, running backs and linebackers. so he'll have a chance to show what he can do. He has a great deal of confidence. Keep in mind: That was the role Tony Romo was in when he came to the combine as an unknown small-school guy.
Gil Brandt, NFL.com
Okay, that's it for today... I'm getting ready to watch tomorrow's workouts for o-linemen and tight ends. Lot of good players there. And of course, we'll have all the details of the combine here on NFL.com. Enjoy!
