Doomsday101
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(Feb. 15, 2007) -- Here's a look at 10 prospects who figure to command a great deal of attention during the NFL Scouting Combine, beginning Feb. 22 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis:
JaMarcus Russell, quarterback, LSU: His excellent performance against Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl caused his stock to soar, much the way Vince Young's did after he led Texas to a national championship. Russell clearly overshadowed the quarterback once presumed to be the top overall choice in the draft, Brady Quinn, who could fall into the bottom third of the first round. The question that must be answered is whether Russell, who is entering the draft as an underclassman, is a one-game wonder or potential franchise quarterback? At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, he certainly is big enough and strong enough to stand tall in an NFL pocket. He also has a powerful, accurate arm with a quick release. The Oakland Raiders, still searching for a franchise quarterback, could very well make Russell the No. 1 pick.
Joe Thomas, offensive tackle, Wisconsin: He is talented enough to be an immediate starter at left tackle and remain there through a long, successful career. He has exceptional athleticism for someone with a 6-6, 311-pound frame. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, the top offensive tackle selected in the 2006 draft, might have drawn more attention last year, but Thomas is equally productive. He has made steady improvement since overcoming a knee injury as a junior. Although he does a superb job in consistently gaining a position advantage on his opponent, he needs to show NFL scouts and coaches that he can be more physical. The Detroit Lions, who are desperate for help on their offensive line, could make Thomas the draft's second overall pick.
Adrian Peterson, running back, Oklahoma: The underclassman is a strong, powerful, aggressive runner. At 6-2 and 220 pounds, Peterson can barrel his way through the middle and trample would-be tacklers. He has big-play capability, although he is not particularly explosive outside. His greatest asset on perimeter runs is the same as it is on inside carries -- the ability to overpower defenders. Although Peterson didn't catch many passes for the Sooners, he does have sure hands and can use his explosiveness for a nice gain after the catch. He has had problems staying healthy in college. Peterson also needs to work on picking up blitzes and protecting the ball in a crowd. Nevertheless, he could end up going to the Cleveland Browns, who need a running back, with the No. 3 or 4 pick.
Calvin Johnson, wide receiver, Georgia Tech: He could be the most dynamic player in the draft. Johnson, an underclassman, has superb hands. He shows excellent concentration, which, along with his size (6-4 and 210 pounds) and strength, allows him to make tough catches in traffic. He also does an outstanding job of adjusting to the ball in flight. With a combination of muscle and his long arms, Johnson can consistently power his way through defensive backs who try and jam him at the line of scrimmage. Despite his large frame, he has good quickness and elusiveness in the open field. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have more pressing needs elsewhere, but Johnson might be too tempting for offensive-minded Jon Gruden to resist with the third or fourth overall choice.
Gaines Adams, defensive end, Clemson: He is a tremendous athlete with the ability to make a significant impact as a rookie. Adams is a highly explosive pass rusher who makes the most of his greatest attribute, which is speed. He already has a nice repertoire of moves. At 6-4 and 260 pounds, he could be plugged in either at end in a 4-3 scheme or an outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment. Adams figures to be highly effective right away as a pass-rush specialist. However, he does need to add some bulk and strength to be more of a force against the run. Adams looks like a top-five pick that is very much on the radar of the Lions (No. 2) and Arizona Cardinals (No. 5), both of whom are seeking to upgrade their offensive and defensive lines.
Ted Ginn Jr., wide receiver, Ohio State: His rare, game-breaking speed makes him as intriguing as any player in the draft. It could be enough for Ginn to be a top-10 choice because of his ability to contribute immediately as a return man. Teams easily could picture him becoming the 2007 version of Devin Hester, the former University of Miami star who set a record with six touchdown returns as a rookie for the Chicago Bears and became the first player in Super Bowl history to return the opening kickoff for a score. Ginn, an underclassman, has the physical tools to be an outstanding receiver, but needs to work on ball security.
Alan Branch, defensive tackle, Michigan: His combination of tremendous strength, athleticism and drive makes him a consistent run-stuffing force. Branch probably is a better fit as a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme rather than as a tackle who is asked mainly to rely on quick penetration in a four-man front. The underclassman excels at gaining separation from blockers and making plays at the line of scrimmage. He does a nice job of maintaining his ground, even against double-team blocking. Branch gets high marks for his instincts and ability to correctly anticipate a play. He makes good use of his long arms to tip passes at the line, but could develop some better moves to rush the passer.
Jamaal Anderson, defensive end, Arkansas: He has what it takes to emerge as a top-flight NFL player, but it is unlikely to happen in his rookie year. Anderson is an underclassman with raw talent that needs a season or two to develop. He is big (6-6 and 268 pounds) and strong, and does a nice job when using aggressiveness and power to rush the quarterback. Anderson also is solid when it comes to defending the run on his side and is surprisingly fast enough to be effective in backside pursuit.
Paul Posluszny, linebacker, Penn State: He is one of the draft's most complete players at his position, showing equal prowess for defending the run and pass. Posluszny compares favorably to Ohio State's A.J. Hawk in terms of having a tremendous work ethic and great instincts. He doesn't have Hawk's size or strength, but he makes the most of his 6-1, 237-pound frame by making excellent reads and attacking holes aggressively. NFL scouts, coaches, and especially medical types will take notice of how well Posluszny recovered from a knee injury he suffered at the end of his junior season in the Orange Bowl.
Reggie Nelson, safety, Florida: He is a highly productive player whose aggressive and energetic approach is contagious. His impact on a defense is similar to that of Indianapolis Colts free safety Bob Sanders. Nelson, an underclassman, has enough size (6-0, 196 pounds), speed, and athleticism to be effective in covering tight ends and can hold his own against slot receivers. He has exceptionally good hands to make interceptions. Nelson does a superb job of making reads and reacting quickly to a run or pass. He rarely takes false steps, showing good discipline when quarterbacks use play action. He is an aggressive, hard-hitter against the run.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/story/9999738
JaMarcus Russell, quarterback, LSU: His excellent performance against Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl caused his stock to soar, much the way Vince Young's did after he led Texas to a national championship. Russell clearly overshadowed the quarterback once presumed to be the top overall choice in the draft, Brady Quinn, who could fall into the bottom third of the first round. The question that must be answered is whether Russell, who is entering the draft as an underclassman, is a one-game wonder or potential franchise quarterback? At 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, he certainly is big enough and strong enough to stand tall in an NFL pocket. He also has a powerful, accurate arm with a quick release. The Oakland Raiders, still searching for a franchise quarterback, could very well make Russell the No. 1 pick.
Joe Thomas, offensive tackle, Wisconsin: He is talented enough to be an immediate starter at left tackle and remain there through a long, successful career. He has exceptional athleticism for someone with a 6-6, 311-pound frame. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, the top offensive tackle selected in the 2006 draft, might have drawn more attention last year, but Thomas is equally productive. He has made steady improvement since overcoming a knee injury as a junior. Although he does a superb job in consistently gaining a position advantage on his opponent, he needs to show NFL scouts and coaches that he can be more physical. The Detroit Lions, who are desperate for help on their offensive line, could make Thomas the draft's second overall pick.
Adrian Peterson, running back, Oklahoma: The underclassman is a strong, powerful, aggressive runner. At 6-2 and 220 pounds, Peterson can barrel his way through the middle and trample would-be tacklers. He has big-play capability, although he is not particularly explosive outside. His greatest asset on perimeter runs is the same as it is on inside carries -- the ability to overpower defenders. Although Peterson didn't catch many passes for the Sooners, he does have sure hands and can use his explosiveness for a nice gain after the catch. He has had problems staying healthy in college. Peterson also needs to work on picking up blitzes and protecting the ball in a crowd. Nevertheless, he could end up going to the Cleveland Browns, who need a running back, with the No. 3 or 4 pick.
Calvin Johnson, wide receiver, Georgia Tech: He could be the most dynamic player in the draft. Johnson, an underclassman, has superb hands. He shows excellent concentration, which, along with his size (6-4 and 210 pounds) and strength, allows him to make tough catches in traffic. He also does an outstanding job of adjusting to the ball in flight. With a combination of muscle and his long arms, Johnson can consistently power his way through defensive backs who try and jam him at the line of scrimmage. Despite his large frame, he has good quickness and elusiveness in the open field. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have more pressing needs elsewhere, but Johnson might be too tempting for offensive-minded Jon Gruden to resist with the third or fourth overall choice.
Gaines Adams, defensive end, Clemson: He is a tremendous athlete with the ability to make a significant impact as a rookie. Adams is a highly explosive pass rusher who makes the most of his greatest attribute, which is speed. He already has a nice repertoire of moves. At 6-4 and 260 pounds, he could be plugged in either at end in a 4-3 scheme or an outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment. Adams figures to be highly effective right away as a pass-rush specialist. However, he does need to add some bulk and strength to be more of a force against the run. Adams looks like a top-five pick that is very much on the radar of the Lions (No. 2) and Arizona Cardinals (No. 5), both of whom are seeking to upgrade their offensive and defensive lines.
Ted Ginn Jr., wide receiver, Ohio State: His rare, game-breaking speed makes him as intriguing as any player in the draft. It could be enough for Ginn to be a top-10 choice because of his ability to contribute immediately as a return man. Teams easily could picture him becoming the 2007 version of Devin Hester, the former University of Miami star who set a record with six touchdown returns as a rookie for the Chicago Bears and became the first player in Super Bowl history to return the opening kickoff for a score. Ginn, an underclassman, has the physical tools to be an outstanding receiver, but needs to work on ball security.
Alan Branch, defensive tackle, Michigan: His combination of tremendous strength, athleticism and drive makes him a consistent run-stuffing force. Branch probably is a better fit as a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme rather than as a tackle who is asked mainly to rely on quick penetration in a four-man front. The underclassman excels at gaining separation from blockers and making plays at the line of scrimmage. He does a nice job of maintaining his ground, even against double-team blocking. Branch gets high marks for his instincts and ability to correctly anticipate a play. He makes good use of his long arms to tip passes at the line, but could develop some better moves to rush the passer.
Jamaal Anderson, defensive end, Arkansas: He has what it takes to emerge as a top-flight NFL player, but it is unlikely to happen in his rookie year. Anderson is an underclassman with raw talent that needs a season or two to develop. He is big (6-6 and 268 pounds) and strong, and does a nice job when using aggressiveness and power to rush the quarterback. Anderson also is solid when it comes to defending the run on his side and is surprisingly fast enough to be effective in backside pursuit.
Paul Posluszny, linebacker, Penn State: He is one of the draft's most complete players at his position, showing equal prowess for defending the run and pass. Posluszny compares favorably to Ohio State's A.J. Hawk in terms of having a tremendous work ethic and great instincts. He doesn't have Hawk's size or strength, but he makes the most of his 6-1, 237-pound frame by making excellent reads and attacking holes aggressively. NFL scouts, coaches, and especially medical types will take notice of how well Posluszny recovered from a knee injury he suffered at the end of his junior season in the Orange Bowl.
Reggie Nelson, safety, Florida: He is a highly productive player whose aggressive and energetic approach is contagious. His impact on a defense is similar to that of Indianapolis Colts free safety Bob Sanders. Nelson, an underclassman, has enough size (6-0, 196 pounds), speed, and athleticism to be effective in covering tight ends and can hold his own against slot receivers. He has exceptionally good hands to make interceptions. Nelson does a superb job of making reads and reacting quickly to a run or pass. He rarely takes false steps, showing good discipline when quarterbacks use play action. He is an aggressive, hard-hitter against the run.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/story/9999738
