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Pro day recaps: Smith’s versatility evident
By National Football Post Mar 13, 2:40 pm EDT
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Over the next few weeks leading to the NFL draft, the National Football Post will break down and analyze prospects’ pro days at their respective colleges. Scouts recently visited Alabama, Oklahoma, Auburn, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Utah, Tulsa and Colorado. Our scouting report:
Alabama
OT Andre Smith measured 6-foot-4, 325 pounds and ran his 40 in 5.28 seconds. He had a 25-inch vertical, 4.93 short shuttle and lifted 225 pounds 19 times. Although his numbers aren’t eye popping, Smith looked fluid during position drills and has some of the smoothest feet in the draft. He possesses the coordination, foot speed and power to play left tackle as well as the versatility to play right tackle or kick inside to guard.
Photo Wilson did nothing to hurt his draft stock.
(Dave Martin/AP Photo)
G/C Antoine Caldwell (6-3, 310) and FS Rashad Johnson (5-11, 200) elected to sit on their numbers from the scouting combine in Indianapolis but competed in position drills. Both had impressive workouts and should be in the second/ third-round mix.
QB John Parker Wilson also kept his numbers from the combine but went through a full passing workout. He was said to be very accurate, displayed impressive footwork and showcased a better than anticipated arm. Overall, Wilson left a strong impression in the minds of NFL scouts.
Oklahoma
OT Phil Loadholt (6-8, 332) looked very good during position drills and recorded a low time of 5.45 in the 40. Loadholt has clearly been working on his footwork and technique since the Senior Bowl and may have put himself in position to come off the board some time during the second round.
OG Duke Robinson (6-5, 330) stood on his 40 time from the combine (5.27) but did run the short shuttle (4.98) and put up 20 reps on the bench. Keep in mind, Robinson has a massive arm length (34¾ inches), which makes benching much more difficult.
C Jon Cooper (6-2, 290) is continuing to keep his weight up. He ran well (5.09 seconds), posted an impressive 32 reps on the bench and looked fluid during position drills. He is undersized, but Cooper has the athletic ability to make an impact as a zone-blocking scheme center.
WR Juaquin Iglesias opted to stand on his numbers from the combine but did a great job during position drills. He plucks the ball away from his body as well as any wideout in the draft and may have cemented himself a spot in the second round.
SS/OLB Nic Harris will likely be forced to make the transition to linebacker at the next level. He posted another pair of slow times in the 40 (4.83, 4.82) and simply doesn’t have the range to play in the deep half of the field at the next level. Harris is a fluid athlete with a smooth backpedal and showed well during position drills, but there’s too much of a concern about his straight-line speed.
Auburn
DT Sen’Derrick Marks measured 6-1 and weighed 301 pounds. He elected to keep his 40 time from the combine (5.03), however, he took part in position drills and showcased impressive burst and lateral mobility inside. Marks possesses a 34½-inch reach, which is an impressive number for his size. His combination of burst, athleticism and length make him one of the nation’s top one-gapping defensive tackles. He could sneak into the latter portions of Round 1.
OG Tyronne Green (6-2, 305) was unable to run the 40 because of a quad strain, but he posted a 28½-inch vertical, 4.80-second short shuttle and 8.12-second three-cone drill.
RB Brad Lester got his first chance to work out in front of scouts and measured in at 5-10, 190 pounds. He recorded a 4.52 40 time and a 38½-inch vertical and did 18 reps on the bench. Lester has fallen a long way since the start of the year, but he showcases the talent to warrant a contract after the draft.
CB Jerraud Powers had the kind of workout he needed to generate some interest and improve his stock. The underclassman ran a 4.43 in the 40, recorded a 35-inch vertical and looked smooth and fluid in position drills.
Georgia Tech
DE/OLB Michael Johnson was the top player on display at the Georgia Tech pro day and he did little to disappoint. Johnson measured in at 6-7, 266 pounds and did 23 reps on the bench. He flashed impressive athleticism during position drills at both linebacker and defensive end and posted a 4.61 40 time. The tools are there, he just needs to put them all together. However, after a performance like this, I can see a team falling in love with his raw numbers and taking him in the first round.
OT Andrew Gardner measured in at 6-6, 304 pounds and showcased impressive athleticism running a 4.94 40. He also recorded a 30½-inch vertical and 4.70-second short shuttle. Gardner is a good athlete in space and was forced to do a lot of cut blocking in the Georgia Tech triple-option offense, which should make him an ideal fit for a zone-blocking scheme.
CB Jahi Word-Daniels had a disappointing day, running his 40 in the 4.6 range.
Harvard
QB Chris Pizzotti measured 6-5, 220 pounds but did not feel well during his workout. He ran a 4.83 40 but will throw at the Boston College pro day.
Making big news was DL Desmond Bryant (6-6, 288), who recorded 35 reps on the bench. What makes that number even more impressive is that Bryant has 35 ½-inch arms. He also ran a 4.92 40 and recorded a 31-inch vertical.
Arkansas
C Jonathan Luigs measured in at 6-4, 300 pounds and elected to stand on all his numbers at the combine. He only took part in position drills.
OT Jose Valdez (6-4, 315) ran an impressive 5.16 40 time but recorded just 16 reps on the bench and needs to add more strength to his overall frame.
CB Jamar Love (6-0, 191) generated plenty of buzz by recording a 4.35 in the 40. He’s an explosive athlete who also posted a 34½-inch vertical, 10-foot broad jump and 4.07-second short shuttle. Love’s 40 time could go a long way toward possibly getting him drafted in April.
Utah
The story of the day was CB Brice McCain, who, at 5-9, 185 pounds, absolutely blistered his 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds. He posted a 36½-inch vertical, 10-3 broad jump and did 12 reps on the bench. McCain was often overlooked last season because of Utah’s talented secondary, but he’s a good corner in his own right and might have put himself in position to be a late-round pick.
CB/FS Sean Smith measured in at 6-3½, 214 pounds and was said to look very smooth during position drills. He ran his 40 in the high 4.4 range and posted a 32-inch vertical.
DE Paul Kruger (6-4½, 263) again ran his 40 in the 4.80 range. He also recorded a 32-inch vertical and finished with 22 reps on the bench.
Tulsa
QB David Johnson measured in at 6-2, 219 pounds and participated in the 40-yard dash (4.94), vertical jump (26½), broad jump (8-10), short shuttle (4.44) and the three-cone (7.19). He threw the ball well during position drills and was said to show good accuracy and zip on his underneath and intermediate passes. Johnson is a West Coast-type quarterback who has a shot at coming off the board during the latter portions of the draft.
Colorado
DT George Hypolite weighed in at 6-1, 299 pounds and ran his 40 in an impressive 5.04 seconds. He posted a 32-inch vertical and did 32 reps on the bench. Hypolite is trying to create some positive buzz after his stock dropped during his senior season.
The most intriguing prospect at the Colorado pro day was DE Maurice Lucas, who ran in the high 4.8 range and only had a 28-inch vertical jump. However, the kid weighed in at 6-4, 262 pounds and flashes good burst off the edge. He’s a try-hard player who will find himself competing for a roster spot this summer.
The National Football Post (www.nationalfootballpost.com) is a unique and premier online source of insight about all sides of football featuring professionals with experience in all facets of the NFL.
By National Football Post Mar 13, 2:40 pm EDT
*
Buzz up! 1 vote
*
Over the next few weeks leading to the NFL draft, the National Football Post will break down and analyze prospects’ pro days at their respective colleges. Scouts recently visited Alabama, Oklahoma, Auburn, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Utah, Tulsa and Colorado. Our scouting report:
Alabama
OT Andre Smith measured 6-foot-4, 325 pounds and ran his 40 in 5.28 seconds. He had a 25-inch vertical, 4.93 short shuttle and lifted 225 pounds 19 times. Although his numbers aren’t eye popping, Smith looked fluid during position drills and has some of the smoothest feet in the draft. He possesses the coordination, foot speed and power to play left tackle as well as the versatility to play right tackle or kick inside to guard.
Photo Wilson did nothing to hurt his draft stock.
(Dave Martin/AP Photo)
G/C Antoine Caldwell (6-3, 310) and FS Rashad Johnson (5-11, 200) elected to sit on their numbers from the scouting combine in Indianapolis but competed in position drills. Both had impressive workouts and should be in the second/ third-round mix.
QB John Parker Wilson also kept his numbers from the combine but went through a full passing workout. He was said to be very accurate, displayed impressive footwork and showcased a better than anticipated arm. Overall, Wilson left a strong impression in the minds of NFL scouts.
Oklahoma
OT Phil Loadholt (6-8, 332) looked very good during position drills and recorded a low time of 5.45 in the 40. Loadholt has clearly been working on his footwork and technique since the Senior Bowl and may have put himself in position to come off the board some time during the second round.
OG Duke Robinson (6-5, 330) stood on his 40 time from the combine (5.27) but did run the short shuttle (4.98) and put up 20 reps on the bench. Keep in mind, Robinson has a massive arm length (34¾ inches), which makes benching much more difficult.
C Jon Cooper (6-2, 290) is continuing to keep his weight up. He ran well (5.09 seconds), posted an impressive 32 reps on the bench and looked fluid during position drills. He is undersized, but Cooper has the athletic ability to make an impact as a zone-blocking scheme center.
WR Juaquin Iglesias opted to stand on his numbers from the combine but did a great job during position drills. He plucks the ball away from his body as well as any wideout in the draft and may have cemented himself a spot in the second round.
SS/OLB Nic Harris will likely be forced to make the transition to linebacker at the next level. He posted another pair of slow times in the 40 (4.83, 4.82) and simply doesn’t have the range to play in the deep half of the field at the next level. Harris is a fluid athlete with a smooth backpedal and showed well during position drills, but there’s too much of a concern about his straight-line speed.
Auburn
DT Sen’Derrick Marks measured 6-1 and weighed 301 pounds. He elected to keep his 40 time from the combine (5.03), however, he took part in position drills and showcased impressive burst and lateral mobility inside. Marks possesses a 34½-inch reach, which is an impressive number for his size. His combination of burst, athleticism and length make him one of the nation’s top one-gapping defensive tackles. He could sneak into the latter portions of Round 1.
OG Tyronne Green (6-2, 305) was unable to run the 40 because of a quad strain, but he posted a 28½-inch vertical, 4.80-second short shuttle and 8.12-second three-cone drill.
RB Brad Lester got his first chance to work out in front of scouts and measured in at 5-10, 190 pounds. He recorded a 4.52 40 time and a 38½-inch vertical and did 18 reps on the bench. Lester has fallen a long way since the start of the year, but he showcases the talent to warrant a contract after the draft.
CB Jerraud Powers had the kind of workout he needed to generate some interest and improve his stock. The underclassman ran a 4.43 in the 40, recorded a 35-inch vertical and looked smooth and fluid in position drills.
Georgia Tech
DE/OLB Michael Johnson was the top player on display at the Georgia Tech pro day and he did little to disappoint. Johnson measured in at 6-7, 266 pounds and did 23 reps on the bench. He flashed impressive athleticism during position drills at both linebacker and defensive end and posted a 4.61 40 time. The tools are there, he just needs to put them all together. However, after a performance like this, I can see a team falling in love with his raw numbers and taking him in the first round.
OT Andrew Gardner measured in at 6-6, 304 pounds and showcased impressive athleticism running a 4.94 40. He also recorded a 30½-inch vertical and 4.70-second short shuttle. Gardner is a good athlete in space and was forced to do a lot of cut blocking in the Georgia Tech triple-option offense, which should make him an ideal fit for a zone-blocking scheme.
CB Jahi Word-Daniels had a disappointing day, running his 40 in the 4.6 range.
Harvard
QB Chris Pizzotti measured 6-5, 220 pounds but did not feel well during his workout. He ran a 4.83 40 but will throw at the Boston College pro day.
Making big news was DL Desmond Bryant (6-6, 288), who recorded 35 reps on the bench. What makes that number even more impressive is that Bryant has 35 ½-inch arms. He also ran a 4.92 40 and recorded a 31-inch vertical.
Arkansas
C Jonathan Luigs measured in at 6-4, 300 pounds and elected to stand on all his numbers at the combine. He only took part in position drills.
OT Jose Valdez (6-4, 315) ran an impressive 5.16 40 time but recorded just 16 reps on the bench and needs to add more strength to his overall frame.
CB Jamar Love (6-0, 191) generated plenty of buzz by recording a 4.35 in the 40. He’s an explosive athlete who also posted a 34½-inch vertical, 10-foot broad jump and 4.07-second short shuttle. Love’s 40 time could go a long way toward possibly getting him drafted in April.
Utah
The story of the day was CB Brice McCain, who, at 5-9, 185 pounds, absolutely blistered his 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds. He posted a 36½-inch vertical, 10-3 broad jump and did 12 reps on the bench. McCain was often overlooked last season because of Utah’s talented secondary, but he’s a good corner in his own right and might have put himself in position to be a late-round pick.
CB/FS Sean Smith measured in at 6-3½, 214 pounds and was said to look very smooth during position drills. He ran his 40 in the high 4.4 range and posted a 32-inch vertical.
DE Paul Kruger (6-4½, 263) again ran his 40 in the 4.80 range. He also recorded a 32-inch vertical and finished with 22 reps on the bench.
Tulsa
QB David Johnson measured in at 6-2, 219 pounds and participated in the 40-yard dash (4.94), vertical jump (26½), broad jump (8-10), short shuttle (4.44) and the three-cone (7.19). He threw the ball well during position drills and was said to show good accuracy and zip on his underneath and intermediate passes. Johnson is a West Coast-type quarterback who has a shot at coming off the board during the latter portions of the draft.
Colorado
DT George Hypolite weighed in at 6-1, 299 pounds and ran his 40 in an impressive 5.04 seconds. He posted a 32-inch vertical and did 32 reps on the bench. Hypolite is trying to create some positive buzz after his stock dropped during his senior season.
The most intriguing prospect at the Colorado pro day was DE Maurice Lucas, who ran in the high 4.8 range and only had a 28-inch vertical jump. However, the kid weighed in at 6-4, 262 pounds and flashes good burst off the edge. He’s a try-hard player who will find himself competing for a roster spot this summer.
The National Football Post (www.nationalfootballpost.com) is a unique and premier online source of insight about all sides of football featuring professionals with experience in all facets of the NFL.
