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FSU receiver injured during workouts
February 24, 2008 11:51 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Reporters returning from the RCA Dome said Florida State receiver De'Cody Fagg suffered an apparent injury to his left leg while running routes. Medical people carted off Fagg. I was scheduled to watch that session this morning, but couldn't get away for the 2-hour block.
Combine
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Changes to combine in 2009
February 24, 2008 1:54 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
In 2009, the combine moves from the RCA Dome to Lucas Oil Stadium (PDF), which is under contruction nearby. The new stadium will allow the league to conduct all phases of the combine except for interviews in one site. Teams will continue to conduct interviews in the players' hotel because the arrangement is convenient. Players currently must travel to local hospitals for physical examinations, but the new stadium will allow for on-site exams.
The combine features about 1,900 league personnel, including between 700 and 1,000 talent evaluators, according to Jeff Foster, director of the National Invitation Camp/National Football Scouting, which puts on the combine. The combine has a contract to keep the event in Indianapolis for 2009 and 2010. Kansas City was a finalist in the most recent round of talks. Dallas, Denver and St. Louis were also candidates.
Foster also provided information on combine-related injuries after Florida State's De'Cody Fagg suffered a leg injury during workouts today. The combine provides primary insurance, while players are responsible for catastrophic insurance. We have no details as to the severity of Fagg's injury, but witnesses said medical personnel carried him off on a stretcher.
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Long not alone among impressive linemen
February 24, 2008 10:58 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Arizona's Mike Pollak and Rutgers Jeremy Zuttah finished among the top five offensive linemen in five categories, based on results provided by the NFL (and updated to include 40-yard dash times, which I have now processed).
Michigan's Jake Long, Texas A&M's Cody Wallace, Virginia Tech's Duane Brown, Connecticut's Donald Thomas and Newberry's Heath Benedict finished among the top five offensive linemen in four categories.
This is considered a very good year for offensive tackles.
Long was first in the bench press with 37 reps of 225 pounds. He was third in the 3-cone drill (7.44 seconds), fourth in the 10-yard split (1.76 seconds) and fifth in the vertical jump (27.5 inches). Long was also seventh in the 20-yard split (2.97 seconds). Long has outstanding strength and good speed in short areas, important for linemen.
Pollak was first in the 20-yard shuttle drill (4.47 seconds). He was second in the 20-yard split (2.88) and 10-yard split (1.73). Pollak was also third in the 40 (5.02) and fourth in the broad jump (9 feet, 2 inches).
Zuttah was first in the 20-yard split (2.87 seconds) and 40-yard dash (4.99). He was second in the 10-yard split (1.73) and bench press (35 reps). Zuttah was also fourth in the 20-yard shuttle (4.54).
Wallace finished first in the vertical jump (30 1/2 inches) and broad jump (9 feet, 5 inches). He was fourth in the 3-cone drill (7.45) and fifth in the 20-yard shuttle.
Benedict was third in the vertical (28 1/2), fourth in the broad jump (9-2), fifth in the 20-yardsplit (2.95) and fifth in the 40 (5.09).
Brown was second in the 20-yard shuttle (4.52), fourth in the 10-yard split (1.76), fourth in the 40 (5.08) and fifth in the vertical (27 1/2). He was also sixth in the 20-yard split (2.96).
Thomas was first in the 10-yard split (1.72), second in the 40 (5 seconds), third in the 20-yard split (2.89) and fourth in the 3-cone drill (7.45).
Combine
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Barnidge also excels among tight ends
February 24, 2008 10:40 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Louisville tight end Gary Barnidge wasn't far behind Purdue's Dustin Keller in terms of overall testing results at the position. Barnidge finished first among tight ends in the 60-yard shuttle (11.29 seconds) and 10-yard split (1.53). He finished second in the 20-yard split (4.23). He finished third in the 20-yard shuttle (4.23) and third in the 3-cone drill (6.92). Barnidge was also fifth in the vertical jump (31 inches) and seventh in the bench press (22 reps of 225 pounds).
Keller was first in the 20-yard shuttle (4.14), vertical jump (38) and broad jump (10 feet, 11 inches). He was second in the 3-cone drill (6.88) and bench press (26 reps). He was fifth in the 20-yard shuttle (2.65) and 60-yard shuttle (11.74). Keller was also eighth in the 10-yard split (1.63).
Results are based on information provided by the NFL.
Update: I have now processed 40-yard dash information. Barnidge was sixth among tight ends in this category with a time of 4.65 seconds.
Combine
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Keller among most impressive so far
February 24, 2008 10:24 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Available testing results for offensive linemen and tight ends show Purdue's Dustin Keller as the only first-place finisher in three events. He finished first among tight ends in the broad jump (10 feet, 11 inches), vertical jump (38 inches) and 20-yard shuttle drill (4.14 seconds).
Keller was also second among tight ends in the 3-cone drill (6.88 seconds) and second in the bench press (26 repetitions of 225 pounds)..
Update: I have now added 40-yard dash times to the equation. Keller was first in the 40-yard dash among tight ends. This makes him the only tight end with four first-place finishes in the categories I have processed so far.
Combine
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Stewart, Felton lead backs in bench press
February 24, 2008 9:34 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Auburn's Carl Stewart and Furman's Jerome Felton led running backs with 30 repetitions of 225 pounds in the bench press. Oregon's Jonathan Stewart was third with 28 reps, followed by: Justin Forsett of Cal (26), Peyton Hillis of Arkansa-Fayetteville (26), Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois (26), Owen Schmitt of West Virginia (26), Cory Boyd of South Carolina (25), Thomas Brown of Georgia (25) and Benjarvus Green-Ellis of Mississippi (24). The league listed Stewart, Felton and Schmitt as fullbacks, based on their college positions.
Combine
Tough road for Miami corner
February 24, 2008 1:16 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Four knee surgeries, including two major ones, will severely damage Glenn Sharpe's draft prospects. The Miami cornerback knows it, but he demonstrated his NFL readiness today by summing up his situation in the league's preferred lexicon: "It is what it is."
Sharpe measured 5-foot-11 and weighed 184 pounds, but teams mostly care about the heath of his knees. Sharpe went through initial medical exams, includiing X-rays. He has two MRI exams scheduled to answer additional questions. He plans to participate in all aspects of testing when cornerbacks work out Tuesday. He said he has run the 40 in the low 4.4s while training in Miami.
Sharpe said his knees feel great, but he knows the injuries are a "big factor, a big negative" as he heads into the draft. Sharpe has injured both knees.
Combine, Glenn Sharpe
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Talib hopes hands help draft stock
February 24, 2008 12:53 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib prides himself on having good enough hands to play receiver, which he also did for the Jayhawks. His first meeting with an NFL team at the combine was Saturday night. He met with the Patriots, who likely would have finished 19-0 had they benefited from more sure-handed play at cornerback late in Super Bowl XLII. Asante Samuel couldn't handle an Eli Manning pass that hit him in the hands during the Giants' drive to the winning touchdown.
Talib said he measured a quarter-inch under 6-foot-1. He weighed 202 pounds. He was previously listed at 6-2, but the NFL's exacting measurement standards tend to filter out media-guide exaggerations (I recall Seattle listing Sam Adams at 285 pounds years ago, for example). Talib's 60-yard interception return for a touchdown helped him become MVP of the Orange Bowl this year. He said the performance convinced him to enter the NFL draft as a junior. Few players can enter the draft on such a high.
Talib estimated he played zone about 65 percent of the time in college. He said he was surprised to encounter so many tall corners at the combine. He expected to be among the tallest, but he said quite a few measured 6 feet. Talib, a likely high overall pick, also has limited experience returning punts.
Combine, Aqib Talib
February 24, 2008 11:51 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Reporters returning from the RCA Dome said Florida State receiver De'Cody Fagg suffered an apparent injury to his left leg while running routes. Medical people carted off Fagg. I was scheduled to watch that session this morning, but couldn't get away for the 2-hour block.
Combine
Read comments or leave a comment
Changes to combine in 2009
February 24, 2008 1:54 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
In 2009, the combine moves from the RCA Dome to Lucas Oil Stadium (PDF), which is under contruction nearby. The new stadium will allow the league to conduct all phases of the combine except for interviews in one site. Teams will continue to conduct interviews in the players' hotel because the arrangement is convenient. Players currently must travel to local hospitals for physical examinations, but the new stadium will allow for on-site exams.
The combine features about 1,900 league personnel, including between 700 and 1,000 talent evaluators, according to Jeff Foster, director of the National Invitation Camp/National Football Scouting, which puts on the combine. The combine has a contract to keep the event in Indianapolis for 2009 and 2010. Kansas City was a finalist in the most recent round of talks. Dallas, Denver and St. Louis were also candidates.
Foster also provided information on combine-related injuries after Florida State's De'Cody Fagg suffered a leg injury during workouts today. The combine provides primary insurance, while players are responsible for catastrophic insurance. We have no details as to the severity of Fagg's injury, but witnesses said medical personnel carried him off on a stretcher.
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Long not alone among impressive linemen
February 24, 2008 10:58 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Arizona's Mike Pollak and Rutgers Jeremy Zuttah finished among the top five offensive linemen in five categories, based on results provided by the NFL (and updated to include 40-yard dash times, which I have now processed).
Michigan's Jake Long, Texas A&M's Cody Wallace, Virginia Tech's Duane Brown, Connecticut's Donald Thomas and Newberry's Heath Benedict finished among the top five offensive linemen in four categories.
This is considered a very good year for offensive tackles.
Long was first in the bench press with 37 reps of 225 pounds. He was third in the 3-cone drill (7.44 seconds), fourth in the 10-yard split (1.76 seconds) and fifth in the vertical jump (27.5 inches). Long was also seventh in the 20-yard split (2.97 seconds). Long has outstanding strength and good speed in short areas, important for linemen.
Pollak was first in the 20-yard shuttle drill (4.47 seconds). He was second in the 20-yard split (2.88) and 10-yard split (1.73). Pollak was also third in the 40 (5.02) and fourth in the broad jump (9 feet, 2 inches).
Zuttah was first in the 20-yard split (2.87 seconds) and 40-yard dash (4.99). He was second in the 10-yard split (1.73) and bench press (35 reps). Zuttah was also fourth in the 20-yard shuttle (4.54).
Wallace finished first in the vertical jump (30 1/2 inches) and broad jump (9 feet, 5 inches). He was fourth in the 3-cone drill (7.45) and fifth in the 20-yard shuttle.
Benedict was third in the vertical (28 1/2), fourth in the broad jump (9-2), fifth in the 20-yardsplit (2.95) and fifth in the 40 (5.09).
Brown was second in the 20-yard shuttle (4.52), fourth in the 10-yard split (1.76), fourth in the 40 (5.08) and fifth in the vertical (27 1/2). He was also sixth in the 20-yard split (2.96).
Thomas was first in the 10-yard split (1.72), second in the 40 (5 seconds), third in the 20-yard split (2.89) and fourth in the 3-cone drill (7.45).
Combine
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Barnidge also excels among tight ends
February 24, 2008 10:40 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Louisville tight end Gary Barnidge wasn't far behind Purdue's Dustin Keller in terms of overall testing results at the position. Barnidge finished first among tight ends in the 60-yard shuttle (11.29 seconds) and 10-yard split (1.53). He finished second in the 20-yard split (4.23). He finished third in the 20-yard shuttle (4.23) and third in the 3-cone drill (6.92). Barnidge was also fifth in the vertical jump (31 inches) and seventh in the bench press (22 reps of 225 pounds).
Keller was first in the 20-yard shuttle (4.14), vertical jump (38) and broad jump (10 feet, 11 inches). He was second in the 3-cone drill (6.88) and bench press (26 reps). He was fifth in the 20-yard shuttle (2.65) and 60-yard shuttle (11.74). Keller was also eighth in the 10-yard split (1.63).
Results are based on information provided by the NFL.
Update: I have now processed 40-yard dash information. Barnidge was sixth among tight ends in this category with a time of 4.65 seconds.
Combine
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keller among most impressive so far
February 24, 2008 10:24 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Available testing results for offensive linemen and tight ends show Purdue's Dustin Keller as the only first-place finisher in three events. He finished first among tight ends in the broad jump (10 feet, 11 inches), vertical jump (38 inches) and 20-yard shuttle drill (4.14 seconds).
Keller was also second among tight ends in the 3-cone drill (6.88 seconds) and second in the bench press (26 repetitions of 225 pounds)..
Update: I have now added 40-yard dash times to the equation. Keller was first in the 40-yard dash among tight ends. This makes him the only tight end with four first-place finishes in the categories I have processed so far.
Combine
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stewart, Felton lead backs in bench press
February 24, 2008 9:34 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Auburn's Carl Stewart and Furman's Jerome Felton led running backs with 30 repetitions of 225 pounds in the bench press. Oregon's Jonathan Stewart was third with 28 reps, followed by: Justin Forsett of Cal (26), Peyton Hillis of Arkansa-Fayetteville (26), Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois (26), Owen Schmitt of West Virginia (26), Cory Boyd of South Carolina (25), Thomas Brown of Georgia (25) and Benjarvus Green-Ellis of Mississippi (24). The league listed Stewart, Felton and Schmitt as fullbacks, based on their college positions.
Combine
Tough road for Miami corner
February 24, 2008 1:16 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Four knee surgeries, including two major ones, will severely damage Glenn Sharpe's draft prospects. The Miami cornerback knows it, but he demonstrated his NFL readiness today by summing up his situation in the league's preferred lexicon: "It is what it is."
Sharpe measured 5-foot-11 and weighed 184 pounds, but teams mostly care about the heath of his knees. Sharpe went through initial medical exams, includiing X-rays. He has two MRI exams scheduled to answer additional questions. He plans to participate in all aspects of testing when cornerbacks work out Tuesday. He said he has run the 40 in the low 4.4s while training in Miami.
Sharpe said his knees feel great, but he knows the injuries are a "big factor, a big negative" as he heads into the draft. Sharpe has injured both knees.
Combine, Glenn Sharpe
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Talib hopes hands help draft stock
February 24, 2008 12:53 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib prides himself on having good enough hands to play receiver, which he also did for the Jayhawks. His first meeting with an NFL team at the combine was Saturday night. He met with the Patriots, who likely would have finished 19-0 had they benefited from more sure-handed play at cornerback late in Super Bowl XLII. Asante Samuel couldn't handle an Eli Manning pass that hit him in the hands during the Giants' drive to the winning touchdown.
Talib said he measured a quarter-inch under 6-foot-1. He weighed 202 pounds. He was previously listed at 6-2, but the NFL's exacting measurement standards tend to filter out media-guide exaggerations (I recall Seattle listing Sam Adams at 285 pounds years ago, for example). Talib's 60-yard interception return for a touchdown helped him become MVP of the Orange Bowl this year. He said the performance convinced him to enter the NFL draft as a junior. Few players can enter the draft on such a high.
Talib estimated he played zone about 65 percent of the time in college. He said he was surprised to encounter so many tall corners at the combine. He expected to be among the tallest, but he said quite a few measured 6 feet. Talib, a likely high overall pick, also has limited experience returning punts.
Combine, Aqib Talib
