NFL 2006 Draft Prospects

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Haloti Ngata
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HALOTI NGATA MEASURABLES Height: 6-4
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Weight: 338 40-yard dash: 5.13 10-yard dash: 1.71 20-yard shuttle: 4.65 60-yard shuttle: Broad jump: 9-2 225-lb. bench: 37 3-cone drill: 7.95 Vertical jump: 31
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Wonderlic: 20-yard dash: 2.90

Against the run: Has a wide, massive build; is unmovable at the line of scrimmage. Possesses freakish strength; can maintain the point of attack against double- and triple-teams. Doesn't just occupy blockers; can disengage and bring down ball carriers despite double teams. Sometimes relies too much on power and doesn't use proper technique. Needs to maintain base. Grade: 8.4.

Pass rush: Shows initial quickness, size and power to collapse the pocket as an interior bull rusher. Doesn't utilize hands to beat opponents cleanly; relies on brute strength to overpower them on way to the passer. Doesn't project to be much of an NFL pass rusher. Grade: 7.8.
Initial quickness: Has impressive agility and athleticism and gets a great initial jump off the ball. Changes directions well and even drops back into coverage in zone blitz schemes. Grade: 8.5.
Run/pass recognition: Can anticipate double teams. Struggles to throw pass-rush moves after coming off the ball expecting run. Has trouble sniffing out draws and screens. Grade: 8.0.
Pursuit/tackling: Is surprisingly active in pursuit. Has good lateral movement. Never gives up on plays and has surprising closing speed when trailing plays from behind. Is a powerful tackler. Has trouble breaking down and making plays in open field. Grade: 8.4.

Bottom line: Ngata is the most dominant inside presence in the draft. He has the perfect body type for a nose tackle in a 3-4, but he also has the athleticism to play either tackle in a 4-3. He will need to develop better technique -- his pure strength alone won't cut it -- but he is a rare talent and likely will be the first defensive tackle off the board.

News
Ngata said Jan. 6 that he will leave school early to enter the '06 draft. Ngata, a junior, was a first-team All-America selection this season. He said financial concerns and his mother's poor health led him to the decision.
"I just want to help my family out," Ngata said. "My mom's going to be in and out of the hospital."
Ngata had three sacks and nine tackles for loss this season. He ranked sixth on the Ducks in total tackles with 61, including 32 unassisted. He made a season-high 11 tackles against Cal.
Ngata was the Pacific-10 Conference's co-defensive player of the year and the Ducks' MVP, becoming the team's first defensive lineman in 18 years to earn the honor. He also was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation's top lineman. Minnesota center Greg Eslinger won the award.
While he hasn't hired an agent, Ngata understood from an NFL report that at worst he would go in the middle of the second round of the draft. He said he was interviewing agents.
Ngata, speaking by telephone from his home in Utah, said his mother has kidney problems and is facing dialysis. Olga Ngata had surgery "a couple of days ago," he said.
Olga Ngata was in the hospital in Los Angeles when Ngata was playing in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 29.
"I was thinking about her that week," he said.
Oregon went 10-2 this season, with a regular-season loss to Southern California and a 17-14 loss to Oklahoma in the Holiday Bowl. The Ducks finished ranked No. 12. Ngata, who set an Oregon record with seven blocked kicks during his career, took a low block during the loss to Oklahoma and tweaked his right knee. An MRI this week showed a sprain and a bone bruise. He said if he had torn a ligament, he likely would have returned to Oregon for his senior year. He made the final decision on Thursday at home in Salt Lake City.
--Associated Press
 

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DeAngelo Williams
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DEANGELO WILLIAMS MEASURABLES Height: 5-9 Weight: 207 40-yard dash: 4.44 10-yard dash: 20-yard shuttle: 4.10 60-yard shuttle: 10.61 Broad jump: 10-9 225-lb. bench: 25 3-cone drill: 6.57 Vertical jump: 35
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Inside running: Is a short-but-powerful slasher who decisively hits the hole. Shows vision and patience but doesn't hesitate when he sees an open cutback lane. Only needs a crease at the line. Will burst through the hole and bounce runs to the outside. Shows quickness; doesn't hop or hesitate on cuts. Shows excellent body control and change-of-direction skills, and runs with his pads low to gain tremendous leverage. Will run over defenders in the hole, and can move the pile in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Lack of height allows him to get lost behind his linemen until he bursts into the second level. Grade: 8.1.

Outside running: Is a shifty runner with good -- but not great -- elusiveness. Uses balance, body control, quickness and/or stiff arms to beat defenders in the open field. Is tough to tackle and will drag defenders. Outruns linebackers and runs over defensive backs. Has a second gear but lacks breakaway speed. Uses blockers well to setup runs downfield. Grade: 8.1.
Blocking: Lack of height works against him in pass protection. Is a willing blocker and shows great pop and leverage at the point of attack. Often resorts to cutting defensive linemen and struggles to sustain blocks. Must improve blitz awareness. Grade: 7.5.
Hands/routes: Shows promise as a receiver. Creates mismatches against linebackers. Shows reliable hands, runs decent routes, recognizes coverage and will improve with experience. Snatches the pass at full speed and tucks it quickly to become a threat after the catch. Can catch downfield passes over his head. Grade: 7.9.
Durability: Has an injury history -- broken leg in '04, MCL tear in '03 and a knee sprain in '02. Did answer questions with an injury-free, workhorse-like 310 carries in senior season. That showed durability but it also could hurt his stock because he was overused, taking too many hits. Grade: 7.5.

Bottom line: Williams lacks ideal height but is a powerful back with enough bulk, strength, speed, quickness, instincts, vision and discipline to be a feature back. He appears to have great character and never complained about his inferior supporting cast in college. Williams won't fit every GM's feature-back model, but he will be drafted somewhere in the middle of the first round.

Dan Pompei analysis
Has been hurt and hasn't played as well in 2005 as he did a year ago. Some teams will lower his grade because of his height. Has good running skills and can go the distance. Is slippery between the tackles.
 

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Babatunde Oshinowo


BABATUNDE OSHINOWO MEASURABLES Height: 6-1
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Weight: 305 40-yard dash: 5.27 10-yard dash: 1.77 20-yard shuttle: 4.54 60-yard shuttle: Broad jump: 8-9 225-lb. bench: 33 3-cone drill: 7.63 Vertical jump: 32 Wonderlic: 37 20-yard dash: 3.03

Strengths: Has a squatty frame and strong build conducive to stopping the run. Stays low, makes contact with hands and shows powerful hip explosion at the point of attack. Shows great balance and body control. Has strong hands to tackle ball carriers while still engaged with blockers. Is smart and recognizes plays quickly.

Weaknesses: Shows limited lateral mobility. Lacks the closing speed to make plays in pursuit. Lacks promise as a pass rusher; must learn to use hands better. Is slow to shed blocks and get to the ball.. Bottom line: Oshinowo lacks natural athleticism but is a promising nose tackle prospect in a 3-4 because of his ability to hold ground at the point of attack and protect linebackers. He also occupies blockers well enough to handle "one-technique" nose duties in a 4-3.
 

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A.J. Hawk
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A.J. HAWK MEASURABLES Height: 6-1 Weight: 248 40-yard dash: 4.42 10-yard dash: 1.56 20-yard shuttle: 3.96 60-yard shuttle: 11.06 Broad jump: 9-7 225-lb. bench: 24 3-cone drill: 6.82 Vertical jump: 40 Wonderlic: 20-yard dash: 2.65

Against the inside run: Is a tackling machine. Is an old-school, blue-collar player with elite speed and athleticism. Shows great football instincts. Attacks the line of scrimmage, is physical at the point of attack and uses hands well to shed blockers. Must strengthen lower body and bulk up to hold ground against NFL linemen. Grade: 8.4.

Against the outside run: Shows great open-field speed and range. Is quick to diagnose plays and takes great angles to the ball. Uses hands well to fight through traffic. Shuts down cutback lanes in pursuit. Wraps up and explodes through tackles. Grade: 8.5.
Blitz/coverage:: Shows great blitz instincts and explosiveness. Is disruptive and relentless in the backfield. Shows a closing burst as a pass rusher. Matches up well with tight ends and running backs on underneath zones but lacks the smooth hips to turn and run with them in man-to-man coverage. Has great recovery speed. Grade: 8.6.
Run/pass recognition: Excels in this area. Rarely takes false steps. Shows superior awareness and football intelligence. Always is in position to make plays. Grade: 8.5.
Pursuit/tackling: Is tenacious; never stops hustling. Makes sideline-to-sideline plays but always stays under control. Shows stiff hips, reducing ability to make quick cuts; compensates with elite speed and superior positioning. Is aggressive but rarely goes for highlight-reel hits; is more likely to go for reliable, wrap-up tackles than risk missing plays. Grade: 8.4.
Bottom line: Hawk is the most complete linebacker in the 2006 draft. He is a force against the run, is relentless in pursuit, is a disruptive pass rusher and has the ball skills to make plays in coverage. He is a natural playmaker whose presence must be accounted for on every play. He is versatile and can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 but is at his best when protected by defensive tackles and free to chase the ball. Hawk should be the first linebacker drafted as a potential top-five pick overall.

Dan Pompei analysis
Tough linebacker who always is around the ball. Has been productive for four years. Good cover 'backer with athleticism. Isn't as explosive as some.



NEWS
Hawk solidified his status as a top-10 choice in the April 29 NFL Draft with his workout at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Hawk had the top time in his group in the short shuttle (3.96) and long shuttle (11.06) and ranked third in his group in the vertical jump (40 inches) and three-cone drill (6.82). -- Akron Beacon Journal
 

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Ray Edwards
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RAY EDWARDS MEASURABLES Height: 6-4
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Weight: 273 40-yard dash: 4.81 10-yard dash: 1.64 20-yard shuttle: 4.57 60-yard shuttle: 12.09 Broad jump: 9-6 225-lb. bench: 30 3-cone drill: 7.71 Vertical jump: 39 Wonderlic: 20-yard dash: 2.75


Strengths: Has good size and quickness. Explodes at the point of attack. Rolls hips to create leverage against larger opponents. Despite lean frame, can contain outside runs and plays with wide enough base to hold up at the point of attack. Beats most offensive tackles with a great first step. Uses long frame to create separation. Shows fluid pass-rush moves to keep opponents off-balance. Uses speed to set up bull rush, which has steadily improved. Takes good angles in pursuit. Shows the speed to chase down plays from the backside. Is a good open-field tackler.


Weaknesses: Must bulk up. Sometimes plays upright, becoming vulnerable against the run. Tends to fire off the snap out of control when anticipating passes, and gets caught out of position if the play is a run. Must improve at dissecting plays. Is slow to find the ball. Uses athleticism to compensate for mental mistakes. Doesn't always hustle in pursuit.
Bottom line: Edwards, a junior, surprised some with his decision to turn pro because he regressed after a breakout sophomore season. His combination of size and speed make him attractive as a 4-3 end or 3-4 outside linebacker, but he must work hard to mature into a complete NFL end. His physical attributes and upside should earn him a mid- to late-Round 2 pick.


 

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Antonio Cromartie
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ANTONIO CROMARTIE MEASURABLES Height: 6-2
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Weight: 203 40-yard dash: 4.37 10-yard dash: 1.53 20-yard shuttle: 3.89 60-yard shuttle: Broad jump: 11-0 225-lb. bench: 18 3-cone drill: 7.02 Vertical jump: 42 Wonderlic: 20-yard dash: 2.59
Strengths: Has excellent speed. Consistently uses his height, long arms and athleticism to easily jam and redirect receivers. Shows good footwork and fluid hip movement in man-to-man coverage. Shows outstanding instincts. Outjumps receivers, and uses strong hands to challenge for passes. Contributes well in run support. Has played wide receiver and could return kicks.

Weaknesses: Relies too much on pure talent; must improve technique. Is slow to recognize routes in zone coverage; must learn to better anticipate routes. Gets turned around by receivers, and struggles to find the ball after recovering. Has durability concerns; tore a knee ligament in July of '05 and did not play last season.
Bottom line: Cromartie is big, talented and has track speed. He was a sure first-round pick before last summer's knee injury. Despite missing the '05 season, he gave up his senior year of eligibility -- against Florida State coach Bobby Bowden's advice -- and a chance to add experience and prove his health. Cromartie is a boom-or-bust prospect. If 100 percent, he can become an NFL playmaker. If his knee is sound and he performs well during pre-draft workouts, Cromartie could move into the first round.

 

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Tye Hill
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TYE HILL MEASURABLES Height: 5-9
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Weight: 185 40-yard dash: 4.30 10-yard dash: 1.50 20-yard shuttle: 4.01 60-yard shuttle: 11.17 Broad jump: 10-9 225-lb. bench: 3-cone drill: 6.63 Vertical jump: 41 Wonderlic: 20-yard dash: 2.53


Coverage skills: Has all the ideal attributes except size. Is quick, and has blazing speed. Makes sudden cuts. Shows good awareness and instincts in zone coverage. Is good in tight man-to-man coverage. Is excellent in bump-and-run coverage. Is smooth and fluid to turn and run with the fastest receivers. Tracks downfield passes nicely. Must improve technique. Grade: 8.0.

Run/pass recognition: Is improving, but remains a work in progress. Gets a quick jump on passes in front of him. Has a nice feel for receivers breaking off routes. Is learning to read quarterbacks' eyes. Grade: 8.0.
Closing speed: Is strong in this area. Makes quick and smooth cuts. Doesn't lose much in transition. Has the explosive closing burst and speed to catch up to passes. Grade: 8.5.
Ball skills: Is an outstanding playmaker. Shows good instincts, but must improve ability to locate the ball. Is tough, physical and aggressive. Has terrific leaping ability to challenge receivers on jump balls. Is a threat to score after any interception. Grade: 8.3.
Run support: Is aggressive against the run, but will struggle in the NFL because of his lack of size and bulk. Is tough and not afraid to fill the hole hard. Is a solid open-field tackler with good technique. Grade: 8.1.
Bottom line: Hill is a former running back who continues to learn to play defense. He will benefit greatly from working on technique with NFL coaches. Despite a lack of ideal size, he is a terrific athlete and plays big and tough. His stock soared after a great week at the Senior Bowl, where he dominated receivers daily. Hill is an explosive playmaker and should be one of the top cornerbacks selected.



NEWS Hill is well short of ideal size, but proved he can play great man-press coverage at the Senior Bowl. He backed it up with a standout performance at the Combine. He will go through position drills at the Clemson pro day, but the body of his work is done. Hill may not have the size to surpass Jimmy Williams or Michael Huff, but he has closed the gap.
 

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Domata Peko


DOMATA PEKO MEASURABLES Height: 6-2
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Weight: 310 40-yard dash: 5.27 10-yard dash: 1.76 20-yard shuttle: 4.49 60-yard shuttle: Broad jump: 8-7 225-lb. bench: 25 3-cone drill: 7.69 Vertical jump: 28
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Wonderlic: 20-yard dash: 3.03

Strengths: Still developing as a fine run stopper. Is a big, powerful defender with a strong lower body. Consistently occupies two blockers, freeing up teammates. Packs a powerful initial punch. Gets penetration on most plays. Sheds blocks quickly and is a sure tackler. Shows decent straight-line speed.

Weaknesses: Is a poor pass rusher, relying solely on bull rushes. Doesn't play well in open field. Has trouble changing directions. Started for only one season at Michigan State. Has limited lateral movement. Lacks great athleticism. Has some off-field baggage.
Bottom line: Peko has limited experience and still is raw. He is one-dimensional player who can only contribute on running downs. He could get selected late but is more likely to go undrafted.

Dan Pompei analysis
Is strictly a run stuffer. Offers little in the way of pass rush. Has some quickness. Doesn't run very well. Gets good leverage. Plays with a good base. Knows how to use his hands.

 

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Donte Whitner
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NFL comparison:
Bob Sanders, Colts


DONTE WHITNER MEASURABLES Height: 5-10
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Weight: 204 40-yard dash: 4.34 10-yard dash: 1.51 20-yard shuttle: 60-yard shuttle: Broad jump: 11-0 225-lb. bench: 18 3-cone drill: Vertical jump: 40 Wonderlic: 20-yard dash: 2.56

Strengths: Is a tough, explosive defender all over the field. Excels in the box; can blitz off the corner and get to the quarterback. Is aggressive vs. the run; understands blocking schemes and closes quickly to the ball carrier. Can make plays in the open field; is a sure tackler. Is versatile vs. the pass; can play on the perimeter in man-to-man coverage. Can jam and redirect receivers at the line. Has excellent hands and ball skills. Plays with a high motor. Could contribute right away on special teams.

Weaknesses: Played strong safety in college but is a bit small and projects better as a free safety in the NFL. Started only one year in college. Lacks great recognition skills and is slow to react to play fakes. Must improve overall strength to be a run stopper in the NFL. Get pushed around at times. A knee injury in 2004 raises some durability concerns.
Bottom line: Whitner is the most versatile secondary prospect and can play all the positions in the defensive backfield. His ability to play man-to-man coverage will make him valuable right away in nickel and dime packages. His limited starting experience is a concern, but his talent is unquestioned and should warrant a second-round selection.

News
Whitner will skip his senior season and enter the '06 draft, he announced Jan. 14. Whitner is the third Ohio State underclassman to jump to the pros, joining cornerback Ashton Youboty and wide receiver Santonio Holmes.


Whitner, a junior from Cleveland, was third on the team in tackles with 73. He also four sacks, two interceptions and broke up six passes. "I thank coach (Jim) Tressel and all those involved within the football program for creating such a terrific environment to succeed both academically and athletically," Whitner said in a statement issued by his agent. "I now look forward to the challenge of playing against the premier players in the NFL."
--Associated Press
 

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Marcus McNeill
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PROJECTION:
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Dallas Cowboys
Round 1, Pick 18

NFL comparison:
Orlando Pace, Rams


MARCUS MCNEILL MEASURABLES Height: 6-7
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Weight: 334 40-yard dash: 5.07 10-yard dash: 1.79 20-yard shuttle: 5.00 60-yard shuttle: Broad jump: 8-2 225-lb. bench: 353-cone drill: 8.19 Vertical jump: 31 Wonderlic: 20-yard dash: 2.37

Run blocking: Lightning speed allows him to easily reach the linebacker level. Shows athleticism and great bulk. Takes good angles to his man; can completely overpower defenders. Must improve footwork and technique; occasionally lunges. Grade: 7.2.

Pass blocking: Exhibits great knee bend in pass protection. Rarely gets caught off-balance. Has long arms and adjusts well in open field. Gets set quickly and then uses size and bulk to force defenders wide. Makes full use of strong hands. Needs to polish technique; sometimes plays too upright. Grade: 7.5.
Initial quickness: Is athletic and quick. Sets very quickly and shows great range. Must keep weight in check to prevent sluggish and inconsistent play. Grade: 7.4.
Strength: Has a tall, impressive frame. Shows the lower-body strength to drive on run blocks. Uses strength and bulk to anchor well against bull rushes. Has powerful hands and rarely loses when locked on. Grade: 7.4.
Mobility: Is an exceptional athlete with great speed for his size. Shows nice footwork with room to improve. Recovers quickly and can handle double moves. Works to get into linebackers. Weight and conditioning can slow him late in games. Grade: 7.5.
Bottom line: A starter since the middle of his freshman season, McNeill is an experienced and gifted athlete. There is some concern over a medical condition with his back, but it appears he has been cleared to everyone's satisfaction. If he continues to control his weight and overcomes concerns about his level of intensity, McNeill may be drafted as high as mid-to-late Round 1.

Dan Pompei analysis
Is a huge man who didn't help himself much as a senior. Started poorly, but came on late. Is a durability concern. Is a strong run blocker who can drive back defensive linemen. Is an athletic player who can reach and squash linebackers. Is surprisingly nimble, but loses balance at times. Has trouble with edge speed at times. Plays tall and bends too much at his waist. Struggles to combat pass rushers’ counter moves. Fails to sustain blocks. Is a little similar to the Eagles’ Tra Thomas.

 

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Chris Hannon
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CHRIS HANNON MEASURABLES Height: 6-4
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Weight: 207 40-yard dash: 4.37 10-yard dash: 1.53 20-yard shuttle: 4.29 60-yard shuttle: Broad jump: 10-7 225-lb. bench: 203-cone drill: 7.24 Vertical jump: 36
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Wonderlic: 2220-yard dash: 2.53

Strengths: Is tall and lanky with deceptive speed. Has impressive natural ability and athleticism. Has good leaping ability and makes tough catches. Shows excellent hands. Catches passes away from his body and over his head. Is smooth.

Weaknesses: Plays faster than he looks but must improve initial quickness. Must learn to make more sudden cuts to keep defensive backs from jumping routes. Must polish route-running skills.
Bottom line: Hannon is an excellent athlete and a consistent playmaker. He will benefit from NFL coaching and technique work. If he can impress during predraft workouts, he could move into the later rounds of the draft.

Information::
http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-fo...n_chris00.html
 

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Bobby Carpenter
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NFL comparison:
Napoleon Harris, Vikings


BOBBY CARPENTER MEASURABLES Height: 6-2
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Weight: 256 40-yard dash: 4.66 10-yard dash: 20-yard shuttle: 4.31 60-yard shuttle: Broad jump: 225-lb. bench: 20 3-cone drill: 6.88 Vertical jump: Wonderlic: 20-yard dash:



Strengths: Has good speed and size with a frame to add bulk. Shows good body control and change-of-direction skills. Can turn and run with tight ends and running backs in man-to-man coverage. Gets quickly into deep drops in zone coverage. Is tough with football smarts and awareness. Takes good angles to the ball, breaks down in pursuit and makes tackles in open field. Has experience at end; shows potential as an edge pass rusher. Shows good blitz instincts and a closing pass-rush burst. Is versatile -- can play everywhere at linebacker. Might fit best outside in a 3-4 because of coverage range and pass-rush skills. Works hard. Has a great attitude. Should contribute early on special teams.

Weaknesses: Must get stronger and play with better leverage at the point of attack. Allows blockers to get into body; must learn to use hands and upper-body strength to shed blockers. Recovering after breaking his right ankle in mid-November. Bottom line: Carpenter has the versatility to back up several positions while he develops an ideal starting spot. While he still must get stronger, his unquestioned work ethic and high character leave little doubt that he will continue to improve. He projects as an early second-round pick.

Dan Pompei analysis
Physical defender shows burst to the ball. Has good size, speed and instincts. Knows how to blitz. Anticipates plays well. Uses strong hands to ward off blockers. Defends the run well. Also can cover and rush the passer. Gets high strung and sometimes loses focus. Sometimes gets caught out of position.


Player's Card::
http://ohiostatebuckeyes.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/carpenter_bobby00.html




 

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Cedric Griffin
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NFL comparison:
Sammy Davis, Chargers


CEDRIC GRIFFIN MEASURABLES Height: 6-0
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Weight: 202 40-yard dash: 4.51 10-yard dash: 1.59 20-yard shuttle: 4.10 60-yard shuttle: 11.30 Broad jump: 10-5 225-lb. bench: 17 3-cone drill: 6.84 Vertical jump: 35
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Wonderlic: 19 20-yard dash: 2.65


Strengths: Is physical and aggressive. Is solid in zone coverage. Uses his height and long arms to break up passes. Has the upper-body strength to overwhelm receivers at the line of scrimmage. Has a nice burst out of backpedal. Shows excellent tackling skills. Is versatile; can play safety or cornerback. Shows good instincts. Is reliable on special teams.

Weaknesses: Plays a bit high, and gets caught out of position. Lacks ideal speed and quickness. Can look stiff in transition. Must improve ball skills. Has the height to reach passes, but doesn't make game-changing plays. Lacks great change-of-direction skills. Can struggle in man-to-man coverage.
Bottom line: Griffin is a physical and aggressive presence. His ability to play any position in the secondary improves his draft stock. Pencil Griffin in as a late-Day 1 selection.

Dan Pompei analysis
Is big and aggressive. Gets a nice break on the ball. Shows good range. Is good in press coverage, and has cover-2 capabilities. Is tough, and will rock the ball carrier. Is a solid tackler. Shows so-so instincts. Could move to safety. Is a little stiff in hip movements, and could struggle to cover quick receivers man-to-man.

 

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Thomas Howard

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THOMAS HOWARD MEASURABLES Height: 6-3
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Weight: 239 40-yard dash: 4.42 10-yard dash: 1.56 20-yard shuttle: 4.28 60-yard shuttle: 11.22 Broad jump: 10-4 225-lb. bench: 21 3-cone drill: 6.96 Vertical jump: 39 Wonderlic: 27 20-yard dash: 2.58

Strengths: Has outstanding speed and size with the frame to add bulk. Shows first-step burst, great body control and change-of-direction skills. Makes plays sideline-to-sideline. Disrupts many plays in the backfield. Is aggressive in pursuit, uses hands well to fight through traffic and chases down the ball from behind. Tackles with pop. Is an effective edge pass rusher; shows a good closing burst. Has upside in coverage because of athleticism and smooth transition in hips to turn and run. Can contribute immediately on special teams.

Weaknesses: Must develop awareness and instincts and learn to play against elite competition. Sometimes plays with blinders on -- getting too aggressive, overrunning the ball and getting out of plays. Must bulk up to hold ground at the point of attack. Must strengthen upper body and use hands better to shed blockers. Must shed bad habits developed against lesser competition, such as skipping blockers and taking bad angles. Bites on play-action and is slow to drop into coverage. Struggled to make plays on the ball at the Senior Bowl, dropping two potential interceptions.
Bottom line: Howard operates best in the open field with room to chase the ball. He has great upside but faces a big NFL learning curve from a mid-major conference where he relied a bit too heavily on speed and superior athleticism. On that upside and athleticism, Thomas grades out as an early second-round prospect who could impress someone enough to sneak into Round 1.

Dan Pompei analysis
Is big and explosive; consistently blows up ball carriers. Is decisive; reacts quickly, but doesn't always read plays correctly. Best assets are athleticism and speed. Has trouble taking on blockers. Shows some good pass-rush skills. Best suited for strong side. Played safety in high school.
No. 6 on Pompei's OLB rankings




NEWS
If the Colts opt to help themselves at linebacker through the draft, two prospects that could end up topping their list are Florida State’s Ernie Sims and Texas-El Paso’s Thomas Howard.
According to most scouting services, Sims has been a fast riser and could be gone by the time Indianapolis makes its first selection with a 30th pick of the first round. If the Colts decide to go for a running back with their initial draft choice, Howard might be available in the second round. “Without giving away secrets and what we’re going to do [in the draft], we’re still looking to continue to build the defense,” coach Tony Dungy said. -- Terre Haute (Ind.) Star-Tribune
 
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