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Draft Sharks
NFL Scouting Combine Report
March 8, 2006
===============
** Over 130 offensive skill players recently participated in the 2006 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, where NFL teams look and listen for reasons why they should draft them next month. Some have lost money before they even get fitted for a pro jersey. Others used the stage to show they’re ready for the big bucks. Either way, our fantasy radar is now officially up and running. Here’s how the Combine went down for 16 key rookie prospects:
Quarterbacks:
QB Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt: He’s been riding a wave for weeks, ever since Jan. 27th when Chris Mortensen called him the “best QB available” in the upcoming draft. Admit it: You didn’t know who he was until Mortensen fueled up the bandwagon. No bowl games, no nationally televised games. After a so-so Senior Bowl week, Cutler went to the Combine and blew everyone away. He clocked a nifty 4.75 in the 40 (very nice for a 225-lb QB) and did 23 reps of 225 on the bench, more than 13 offensive linemen! To put Jay’s bench strength in perspective, Jaguars All-Pro DT Marcus Stroud did 21 reps at his combine workout.
Bottom line: We love Cutler’s upside but we never really bought him as a top-10 pick until now. Insiders already knew he had a better arm than (Ssshhh) Matt Leinart. Detroit could be ready to pounce with the #9 pick. He won’t get past Miami at #13, we promise you that much.
QB Vince Young, Texas: Whether he scored a 6 or a 16 on the Wonderlic test, either score is on par with an autistic mule. Sorry, it’s the truth. Interestingly, J.P. Losman and Kordell Stewart – both lacking top-notch QB mentality – scored 14 and 15 respectively. Even Steve McNair scored a 15, and it took him 6 years to demonstrate that he “got it”… Anyway, Young skipped the Combine drills but will throw at his Pro Day -- though he won’t do speed, strength or agility drills. We already said Young will fall past Tennessee at #3 (see our February mock on the site) and we’re sticking to it. Our best Titans source told us Jeff Fisher developed a Senior Bowl coaching crush on LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson, just like Jon Gruden did on Cadillac Williams last year. Plus, the Titans just released All-Pro LT Brad Hopkins.
Bottom line: Unless Vince unveils a laser-guided rocket launcher at his private workout, he’s slipping to #7 or further, barring a trade: It’s Houston/Bush, New Orleans/Leinart, Tennessee/Ferguson. Oakland might trade up a few spots with the New York Jets (#4) to grab Young if they don’t trade for Daunte Culpepper first.
QB Brodie Croyle, Alabama: Since 2003 he’s had a torn ACL, broken ribs, and a sprained shoulder, but most teams still have him highlighted for the 3rd round. Brodie interviewed with 10-12 teams, including Dallas, Minnesota, Kansas City, Philadelphia and Miami. He ran a solid 4.87 in the 40. When asked about Croyle, Browns GM Phil Savage gave a big smile: “A lot of people like Brodie.” Vikings HC Brad Childress reportedly went way over his allotted 15-minute interview time when he talked to Croyle.
Bottom line: He’s quietly won a few admirers, but what really got him on the map was his stellar Senior Bowl week, capped off with a terrific 30-yard TD pass to Miami WR Sinorice Moss. Croyle’s a solid 3rd round guy but don’t be shocked if the Vikings or Chiefs take him in the 2nd round. He’s a poor man’s Jay Cutler who could have a great career provided he stays healthy.
Running backs:
RB Maurice Drew, UCLA: Each year there’s a height-challenged back who challenges scouts to believe in him: Darren Sproles (’05), Quincy Wilson (’04), Quentin Griffin (’03), Brian Westbrook (’02), etc. Here’s version 2.06: Maurice Drew is a shade under 5’7 but a powerful 207 lbs. Over half the coaches in the league believe these “little” guys can’t be starting pro tailbacks though no one will say it out loud. However, Drew’s tougher than tree bark, and did you see his thighs at the Combine? John Clayton said those things were “so muscular they look like they were pumped up with air.” He clocked a bullet-like 4.39 in the 40 and also finished 2nd in the 60-yard shuttle.
Bottom line: Remember the whispers about Ryan Moats (only 5’8”) last year? Look what he did when he got the opportunity. Drew’s still not going to crack the top-6 RBs drafted but his exceptional physical skills could squeeze him into the 3rd round. If you go back and look at the 2004 tape of Maurice violating the Washington Huskies for 322 yards you’d wonder why he wasn’t a 1st round pick. He's Baby Barry.
RB Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin: He’s supposed to be the Marshall Faulk clone in this RB crop, coming off a terrific season with 1,636 rushing yards (4.7 per carry) and 571 receiving yards (10.8 per catch), but his combine numbers hurt him. Measured at 5’9 and 201 lbs., Calhoun went out and ran a 4.60 in the 40, which ranked 13th out of 16 halfbacks. “I thought he'd run better than that,” Indianapolis Colts asst. GM Dom Anile said. Calhoun did redeem himself (somewhat) with the 2nd best RB time in the 20-yard shuttle, proving he has major quicks. But the Faulk comparisons are over for the time being.
Bottom line: The 40-yard dash is the benchmark, not the 20-yard shuttle. Hopefully Calhoun can redeem himself in today’s Pro Day workout at Wisconsin. But players always seem to magically run faster at these campus workouts -- where the pylons are conveniently lined up at 39’24”. Calhoun might be a 3rd or 4th round pick. It’s bad for him, but good for coaches who want players with something to prove.
RB Jerome Harrison, Washington State: Another smallish back (5’9/200) trying to make his mark, this guy had a lot of zip in his step. Harrison ran a 4.47, which was nice, but then he whipped all RBs in the 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. We anonymously polled several NFL personnel guys last week and Harrison was the consensus #6 back (ahead of Brian Calhoun) behind Reggie Bush, LenDale White, DeAngelo Williams, Laurence Maroney, and Joseph Addai.
Bottom line: Harrison might have bumped himself into the late 2nd round. If he falls to Seattle at the #62 spot they’ll snatch him up. They’ve been to all his games. He might not fall past Green Bay with the 5th pick of the 3rd round.
RB Joseph Addai, LSU: Addai’s a rugged back with good size (6’0/214) and really impressive speed (4.40). One of the Denver Broncos scouts said he registered 4.36 or 4.37 on their watch. Overall, Addai’s workout was a major success with that blistering 40 time and the best RB marks in both the broad jump (10’5) and vertical leap (38.5). We’ll add that NFL insider John McClain also told us Addai was the best all-around back at the Senior Bowl. He has a good reputation as a blocker, too.
Bottom line: Addai doesn’t have a big pile of stats on his resume, but neither did LSU’s Domanick Davis or LaBrandon Toefield. Davis is now a proven star in this league and Toefield rushed for 102 yards the first time he carried 20+ times for Jacksonville. Addai’s a sleeper who might entice somebody to trade up a few spots in the 2nd round. The Atlanta Falcons come to mind here, maybe even the Colts.
RB Jerious Norwood, Mississippi State: Norwood was listed at 6’0/210 in college but measured 5’11/205 at the Combine. That’s a big difference when you’re trying to be a late 2nd round pick. He really helped his cause by popping a 4.40 – tied with Joseph Addai for the 2nd best RB time – and looking smooth in agility drills. Norwood rushed for 1,136 yards (with a beefy 5.9 per carry) last year and turned a lot of heads.
Bottom line: The Patriots, Colts, Cardinals, Rams, and Panthers all met with Norwood last week. His Pro Day is March 22 and scouts will be looking for a repeat 4.4 dash. These SEC backs have been hit-or-miss lately (read: Cedric Cobbs). Norwood is in a deep group of second-tier RBs all fighting to pull down 2nd round money. Wanna know why we like him? He injured his hip in his final college game vs. Ole Miss but returned to score his 3rd and 4th touchdowns. And Norwood only fumbled 4 times in 573 career carries.
Wide receivers:
WR Chad Jackson, Florida: He was the top WR at the Combine, period. When you run a sinister 4.32 in the 40 – electronically – you win the prize. But that’s not all… Jackson measured in at a solid 6’0/213 and appeared to have muscles taped to his muscles. Chad also led all WRs in the 20-yard shuttle (3.97). There were a couple drops in the gauntlet drills but nothing to lose sleep over. Catching the football is a teachable skill – but moving and cutting like a laser beam is not. His nickname should be “Chad-Ching” after this performance.
Bottom line: Remember how the 6’6/240-lb Matt Jones used an eye-popping 4.41 to vault into the 1st round? And that was without a clear-cut position (QB or WR or TE?). Jackson is a blue-chip WR prospect whose combination of size, speed and quickness puts him in the 1st round. He would have posted 1,400 yards last year if Florida hadn’t switched to that silly spread-option. If you take anything away from the 2006 NFL Combine, know this: Chad Jackson assured himself of going no later than #19 to the San Diego Chargers.
WR Derek Hagan, Arizona State: They were calling him a “possession” guy until he outran that particular stereotype with a 4.42 in the 40. That’s terrific speed for a 6’2/208-lb receiver. Sadly, Hagan also defied the “possession” tag by not “possessing” the football. He dropped passes all over the place. It looked like Hagan was trying too hard.
Bottom line: Hagan had a huge college career with 253 career catches so you would think he developed a pro-ready polish. New England, Washington, Cincinnati and Tampa Bay all interviewed Hagan at the hotel and probably asked him, “What’s up with the drops?” He’s still a top-5 WR prospect but don’t be surprised if he falls to the early 3rd round.
WR Santonio Holmes, Ohio State: The consensus #1 WR prospect is saving his legs for tomorrow’s Pro Day workout. In his media interview Holmes was asked how fast he was. “An ideal time for me would be mid 4.3s, 4.4,” he said. Holmes measured in at a shade under 5’11 and 198 lbs. He’s a good character guy, a 4th-year junior who is close to getting his degree.
Bottom line: He’s a big-play athlete and the entire league knows it. Unless his 40 time creeps up to the 4.5 area Holmes should land safely in the 1st round. He collects yardage in bunches and reminds us of Steve Smith fighting defenders tooth and nail. As a sophomore vs. Marshall, Holmes posted 10 catches for 218 yards & 2 TDs in just 3 quarters. Mel Kiper says the Eagles will take him at #14. Yep, that sounds right.
WR/KR/QB Reggie McNeal, Texas A&M: Reggie played quarterback at A&M but struggled when they switched to an option offense. He only completed 53% of his passes, lowest among all Big-12 QBs that started 10+ games. Then he ran an eye-popping 4.35 and immediately earned himself looks as a jack-of-all-trades type. Antwaan Randle-El’s game-clinching TD pass in SB XL opened doors for all the McNeals of college football.
Bottom line: McNeal had a great passing effort at the East-West Shrine Game (9-of-11, 211 yards, 2 TDs) but he needs to ditch the QB idea. His 4.35 will get him in the door with someone in the 4th round, and if he devotes himself to the WR craft he’ll stick around for years. We hear that Tennessee, Carolina and Dallas are interested.
WR/KR/CB Devin Hester, Miami: This speedster’s combine 40 was uneventful at 4.43. Then he had his Pro Day workout at Miami two days ago and ran an unofficial 4.27. Hester’s mentor is Deion Sanders (yes, a Seminole) and Deion swears the kid always hits high 4.2’s. “He’s right where I was, all day long, those 4.28’s baby,” Sanders said last month on Sporting News Radio. Anyway, Hester participated in offensive, defensive and special teams drills and that kind of versatility will be rewarded on draft day.
Bottom line: Hester should have finished his eligibility and polished himself as a wide receiver. Then he’d be a 1st round pick in ’07. Still, if he’s running 4.27’s he could go early in the 3rd round next month. Hester is a natural football player who can catch the ball or just knock it away, whichever you ask. And he'll take a punt to the house. Look for one of the poorer return teams (New Orleans, Tampa Bay) to call his name.
WR Devin Aromashodu, Auburn: He only caught 26 passes last year because Auburn ran 40 times per game. Hence, Devin’s pre-combine WR ranking was somewhere outside the top-30 in the country. Not anymore. Devin blasted a 4.35 in the 40 (tied for 3rd best with Reggie McNeal), which coupled with a 6’2/202 frame, makes him an intriguing player. He only dropped one pass in the gauntlet drills and handled himself well for a somewhat inexperienced pass-catcher.
Bottom line: Despite his quiet college career, NFL scouts remember that Aromashodu was a top-8 prep school WR coming out of Miami Springs, FL. He was recruited heavily by Florida, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Clemson, and Tennessee. Likely suitors? Anyone who uses a lot of multi-WR sets and needs depth: Arizona, Green Bay, Philadelphia, etc. Devin could be a 4th round steal and he’s only 21 years old.
Tight ends:
TE Vernon Davis, Maryland: Measured at 6’3 ½ and 253 lbs, this kid has no right to run a 4.4 or even a 4.5. Anything around 4.6 is just dandy, but Davis rocked the house with a 4.38! That’s an all-time Combine record for tight ends. Then he broad-jumped 10’8, beating most TEs by more than a foot; and tying the longest jump of any offensive skill player. Need more? Davis did 33 reps on the bench – beating 25 offensive linemen, all but one of them.
Bottom line: His hands weren’t especially soft in drills but c’mon, let’s not get picky. Davis is a tight end who led the ACC with 871 receiving yards while averaging 17.1 per catch. This is a once-in-a-decade prospect. Davis’ mentor is ex-Maryland teammate Shawne Merriman, who logged 10 sacks for San Diego and won Defensive Rookie of the Year. Merriman went #12 last year. We expect Davis to go #11 to St. Louis. Don’t count out Buffalo at #8 either. Hype is contagious.
TE Tony Scheffler, Western Michigan: Scheffler (6’5/254) was lost in all the Davis hype but he had a darn good workout. He clocked a surprising 4.54 in the 40; and no other TE (including Davis) beat him in the 20-yard shuttle or the cone drills. Tony’s hands were “better than good” according to one NFC scout. Note: Other studs like Marcedes Lewis (UCLA) and Dominique Byrd (USC) didn’t participate.
Bottom line: The NFL is experiencing some turnover at the tight end position. Approximately 16 teams – half the league – could (or should) be in the market for a prototype TE who can run, catch, block, and then catch some more. And we’re not even including Kansas City here – did you know Tony Gonzalez is already 30? Scheffler won’t be drafted until rounds 4-5-6 but that didn’t stop Randy McMichael, Aaron Shea, or Jeb Putzier.
** The NFL Draft is only 7 weeks away! Draft Sharks is about to ramp up fantasy coverage with detailed reports like this for premium subscribers only. To sign up, go to draftsharks.com or click on this link:
https://www.draftsharks.com/index.cfm?zone=mvporder
Thanks,
John Miller
Senior Editor
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Draft Sharks
NFL Scouting Combine Report
March 8, 2006
===============
** Over 130 offensive skill players recently participated in the 2006 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, where NFL teams look and listen for reasons why they should draft them next month. Some have lost money before they even get fitted for a pro jersey. Others used the stage to show they’re ready for the big bucks. Either way, our fantasy radar is now officially up and running. Here’s how the Combine went down for 16 key rookie prospects:
Quarterbacks:
QB Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt: He’s been riding a wave for weeks, ever since Jan. 27th when Chris Mortensen called him the “best QB available” in the upcoming draft. Admit it: You didn’t know who he was until Mortensen fueled up the bandwagon. No bowl games, no nationally televised games. After a so-so Senior Bowl week, Cutler went to the Combine and blew everyone away. He clocked a nifty 4.75 in the 40 (very nice for a 225-lb QB) and did 23 reps of 225 on the bench, more than 13 offensive linemen! To put Jay’s bench strength in perspective, Jaguars All-Pro DT Marcus Stroud did 21 reps at his combine workout.
Bottom line: We love Cutler’s upside but we never really bought him as a top-10 pick until now. Insiders already knew he had a better arm than (Ssshhh) Matt Leinart. Detroit could be ready to pounce with the #9 pick. He won’t get past Miami at #13, we promise you that much.
QB Vince Young, Texas: Whether he scored a 6 or a 16 on the Wonderlic test, either score is on par with an autistic mule. Sorry, it’s the truth. Interestingly, J.P. Losman and Kordell Stewart – both lacking top-notch QB mentality – scored 14 and 15 respectively. Even Steve McNair scored a 15, and it took him 6 years to demonstrate that he “got it”… Anyway, Young skipped the Combine drills but will throw at his Pro Day -- though he won’t do speed, strength or agility drills. We already said Young will fall past Tennessee at #3 (see our February mock on the site) and we’re sticking to it. Our best Titans source told us Jeff Fisher developed a Senior Bowl coaching crush on LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson, just like Jon Gruden did on Cadillac Williams last year. Plus, the Titans just released All-Pro LT Brad Hopkins.
Bottom line: Unless Vince unveils a laser-guided rocket launcher at his private workout, he’s slipping to #7 or further, barring a trade: It’s Houston/Bush, New Orleans/Leinart, Tennessee/Ferguson. Oakland might trade up a few spots with the New York Jets (#4) to grab Young if they don’t trade for Daunte Culpepper first.
QB Brodie Croyle, Alabama: Since 2003 he’s had a torn ACL, broken ribs, and a sprained shoulder, but most teams still have him highlighted for the 3rd round. Brodie interviewed with 10-12 teams, including Dallas, Minnesota, Kansas City, Philadelphia and Miami. He ran a solid 4.87 in the 40. When asked about Croyle, Browns GM Phil Savage gave a big smile: “A lot of people like Brodie.” Vikings HC Brad Childress reportedly went way over his allotted 15-minute interview time when he talked to Croyle.
Bottom line: He’s quietly won a few admirers, but what really got him on the map was his stellar Senior Bowl week, capped off with a terrific 30-yard TD pass to Miami WR Sinorice Moss. Croyle’s a solid 3rd round guy but don’t be shocked if the Vikings or Chiefs take him in the 2nd round. He’s a poor man’s Jay Cutler who could have a great career provided he stays healthy.
Running backs:
RB Maurice Drew, UCLA: Each year there’s a height-challenged back who challenges scouts to believe in him: Darren Sproles (’05), Quincy Wilson (’04), Quentin Griffin (’03), Brian Westbrook (’02), etc. Here’s version 2.06: Maurice Drew is a shade under 5’7 but a powerful 207 lbs. Over half the coaches in the league believe these “little” guys can’t be starting pro tailbacks though no one will say it out loud. However, Drew’s tougher than tree bark, and did you see his thighs at the Combine? John Clayton said those things were “so muscular they look like they were pumped up with air.” He clocked a bullet-like 4.39 in the 40 and also finished 2nd in the 60-yard shuttle.
Bottom line: Remember the whispers about Ryan Moats (only 5’8”) last year? Look what he did when he got the opportunity. Drew’s still not going to crack the top-6 RBs drafted but his exceptional physical skills could squeeze him into the 3rd round. If you go back and look at the 2004 tape of Maurice violating the Washington Huskies for 322 yards you’d wonder why he wasn’t a 1st round pick. He's Baby Barry.
RB Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin: He’s supposed to be the Marshall Faulk clone in this RB crop, coming off a terrific season with 1,636 rushing yards (4.7 per carry) and 571 receiving yards (10.8 per catch), but his combine numbers hurt him. Measured at 5’9 and 201 lbs., Calhoun went out and ran a 4.60 in the 40, which ranked 13th out of 16 halfbacks. “I thought he'd run better than that,” Indianapolis Colts asst. GM Dom Anile said. Calhoun did redeem himself (somewhat) with the 2nd best RB time in the 20-yard shuttle, proving he has major quicks. But the Faulk comparisons are over for the time being.
Bottom line: The 40-yard dash is the benchmark, not the 20-yard shuttle. Hopefully Calhoun can redeem himself in today’s Pro Day workout at Wisconsin. But players always seem to magically run faster at these campus workouts -- where the pylons are conveniently lined up at 39’24”. Calhoun might be a 3rd or 4th round pick. It’s bad for him, but good for coaches who want players with something to prove.
RB Jerome Harrison, Washington State: Another smallish back (5’9/200) trying to make his mark, this guy had a lot of zip in his step. Harrison ran a 4.47, which was nice, but then he whipped all RBs in the 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. We anonymously polled several NFL personnel guys last week and Harrison was the consensus #6 back (ahead of Brian Calhoun) behind Reggie Bush, LenDale White, DeAngelo Williams, Laurence Maroney, and Joseph Addai.
Bottom line: Harrison might have bumped himself into the late 2nd round. If he falls to Seattle at the #62 spot they’ll snatch him up. They’ve been to all his games. He might not fall past Green Bay with the 5th pick of the 3rd round.
RB Joseph Addai, LSU: Addai’s a rugged back with good size (6’0/214) and really impressive speed (4.40). One of the Denver Broncos scouts said he registered 4.36 or 4.37 on their watch. Overall, Addai’s workout was a major success with that blistering 40 time and the best RB marks in both the broad jump (10’5) and vertical leap (38.5). We’ll add that NFL insider John McClain also told us Addai was the best all-around back at the Senior Bowl. He has a good reputation as a blocker, too.
Bottom line: Addai doesn’t have a big pile of stats on his resume, but neither did LSU’s Domanick Davis or LaBrandon Toefield. Davis is now a proven star in this league and Toefield rushed for 102 yards the first time he carried 20+ times for Jacksonville. Addai’s a sleeper who might entice somebody to trade up a few spots in the 2nd round. The Atlanta Falcons come to mind here, maybe even the Colts.
RB Jerious Norwood, Mississippi State: Norwood was listed at 6’0/210 in college but measured 5’11/205 at the Combine. That’s a big difference when you’re trying to be a late 2nd round pick. He really helped his cause by popping a 4.40 – tied with Joseph Addai for the 2nd best RB time – and looking smooth in agility drills. Norwood rushed for 1,136 yards (with a beefy 5.9 per carry) last year and turned a lot of heads.
Bottom line: The Patriots, Colts, Cardinals, Rams, and Panthers all met with Norwood last week. His Pro Day is March 22 and scouts will be looking for a repeat 4.4 dash. These SEC backs have been hit-or-miss lately (read: Cedric Cobbs). Norwood is in a deep group of second-tier RBs all fighting to pull down 2nd round money. Wanna know why we like him? He injured his hip in his final college game vs. Ole Miss but returned to score his 3rd and 4th touchdowns. And Norwood only fumbled 4 times in 573 career carries.
Wide receivers:
WR Chad Jackson, Florida: He was the top WR at the Combine, period. When you run a sinister 4.32 in the 40 – electronically – you win the prize. But that’s not all… Jackson measured in at a solid 6’0/213 and appeared to have muscles taped to his muscles. Chad also led all WRs in the 20-yard shuttle (3.97). There were a couple drops in the gauntlet drills but nothing to lose sleep over. Catching the football is a teachable skill – but moving and cutting like a laser beam is not. His nickname should be “Chad-Ching” after this performance.
Bottom line: Remember how the 6’6/240-lb Matt Jones used an eye-popping 4.41 to vault into the 1st round? And that was without a clear-cut position (QB or WR or TE?). Jackson is a blue-chip WR prospect whose combination of size, speed and quickness puts him in the 1st round. He would have posted 1,400 yards last year if Florida hadn’t switched to that silly spread-option. If you take anything away from the 2006 NFL Combine, know this: Chad Jackson assured himself of going no later than #19 to the San Diego Chargers.
WR Derek Hagan, Arizona State: They were calling him a “possession” guy until he outran that particular stereotype with a 4.42 in the 40. That’s terrific speed for a 6’2/208-lb receiver. Sadly, Hagan also defied the “possession” tag by not “possessing” the football. He dropped passes all over the place. It looked like Hagan was trying too hard.
Bottom line: Hagan had a huge college career with 253 career catches so you would think he developed a pro-ready polish. New England, Washington, Cincinnati and Tampa Bay all interviewed Hagan at the hotel and probably asked him, “What’s up with the drops?” He’s still a top-5 WR prospect but don’t be surprised if he falls to the early 3rd round.
WR Santonio Holmes, Ohio State: The consensus #1 WR prospect is saving his legs for tomorrow’s Pro Day workout. In his media interview Holmes was asked how fast he was. “An ideal time for me would be mid 4.3s, 4.4,” he said. Holmes measured in at a shade under 5’11 and 198 lbs. He’s a good character guy, a 4th-year junior who is close to getting his degree.
Bottom line: He’s a big-play athlete and the entire league knows it. Unless his 40 time creeps up to the 4.5 area Holmes should land safely in the 1st round. He collects yardage in bunches and reminds us of Steve Smith fighting defenders tooth and nail. As a sophomore vs. Marshall, Holmes posted 10 catches for 218 yards & 2 TDs in just 3 quarters. Mel Kiper says the Eagles will take him at #14. Yep, that sounds right.
WR/KR/QB Reggie McNeal, Texas A&M: Reggie played quarterback at A&M but struggled when they switched to an option offense. He only completed 53% of his passes, lowest among all Big-12 QBs that started 10+ games. Then he ran an eye-popping 4.35 and immediately earned himself looks as a jack-of-all-trades type. Antwaan Randle-El’s game-clinching TD pass in SB XL opened doors for all the McNeals of college football.
Bottom line: McNeal had a great passing effort at the East-West Shrine Game (9-of-11, 211 yards, 2 TDs) but he needs to ditch the QB idea. His 4.35 will get him in the door with someone in the 4th round, and if he devotes himself to the WR craft he’ll stick around for years. We hear that Tennessee, Carolina and Dallas are interested.
WR/KR/CB Devin Hester, Miami: This speedster’s combine 40 was uneventful at 4.43. Then he had his Pro Day workout at Miami two days ago and ran an unofficial 4.27. Hester’s mentor is Deion Sanders (yes, a Seminole) and Deion swears the kid always hits high 4.2’s. “He’s right where I was, all day long, those 4.28’s baby,” Sanders said last month on Sporting News Radio. Anyway, Hester participated in offensive, defensive and special teams drills and that kind of versatility will be rewarded on draft day.
Bottom line: Hester should have finished his eligibility and polished himself as a wide receiver. Then he’d be a 1st round pick in ’07. Still, if he’s running 4.27’s he could go early in the 3rd round next month. Hester is a natural football player who can catch the ball or just knock it away, whichever you ask. And he'll take a punt to the house. Look for one of the poorer return teams (New Orleans, Tampa Bay) to call his name.
WR Devin Aromashodu, Auburn: He only caught 26 passes last year because Auburn ran 40 times per game. Hence, Devin’s pre-combine WR ranking was somewhere outside the top-30 in the country. Not anymore. Devin blasted a 4.35 in the 40 (tied for 3rd best with Reggie McNeal), which coupled with a 6’2/202 frame, makes him an intriguing player. He only dropped one pass in the gauntlet drills and handled himself well for a somewhat inexperienced pass-catcher.
Bottom line: Despite his quiet college career, NFL scouts remember that Aromashodu was a top-8 prep school WR coming out of Miami Springs, FL. He was recruited heavily by Florida, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Clemson, and Tennessee. Likely suitors? Anyone who uses a lot of multi-WR sets and needs depth: Arizona, Green Bay, Philadelphia, etc. Devin could be a 4th round steal and he’s only 21 years old.
Tight ends:
TE Vernon Davis, Maryland: Measured at 6’3 ½ and 253 lbs, this kid has no right to run a 4.4 or even a 4.5. Anything around 4.6 is just dandy, but Davis rocked the house with a 4.38! That’s an all-time Combine record for tight ends. Then he broad-jumped 10’8, beating most TEs by more than a foot; and tying the longest jump of any offensive skill player. Need more? Davis did 33 reps on the bench – beating 25 offensive linemen, all but one of them.
Bottom line: His hands weren’t especially soft in drills but c’mon, let’s not get picky. Davis is a tight end who led the ACC with 871 receiving yards while averaging 17.1 per catch. This is a once-in-a-decade prospect. Davis’ mentor is ex-Maryland teammate Shawne Merriman, who logged 10 sacks for San Diego and won Defensive Rookie of the Year. Merriman went #12 last year. We expect Davis to go #11 to St. Louis. Don’t count out Buffalo at #8 either. Hype is contagious.
TE Tony Scheffler, Western Michigan: Scheffler (6’5/254) was lost in all the Davis hype but he had a darn good workout. He clocked a surprising 4.54 in the 40; and no other TE (including Davis) beat him in the 20-yard shuttle or the cone drills. Tony’s hands were “better than good” according to one NFC scout. Note: Other studs like Marcedes Lewis (UCLA) and Dominique Byrd (USC) didn’t participate.
Bottom line: The NFL is experiencing some turnover at the tight end position. Approximately 16 teams – half the league – could (or should) be in the market for a prototype TE who can run, catch, block, and then catch some more. And we’re not even including Kansas City here – did you know Tony Gonzalez is already 30? Scheffler won’t be drafted until rounds 4-5-6 but that didn’t stop Randy McMichael, Aaron Shea, or Jeb Putzier.
** The NFL Draft is only 7 weeks away! Draft Sharks is about to ramp up fantasy coverage with detailed reports like this for premium subscribers only. To sign up, go to draftsharks.com or click on this link:
https://www.draftsharks.com/index.cfm?zone=mvporder
Thanks,
John Miller
Senior Editor
