2005 NFL Draft Information

[Breeze]

Florida State held there pro day today. Here is some information that you might find interesting:

OL - Alex Barron - probably secured his position as a top pick and the 1st lineman by running the 40 in the 4.8 range and vertical jumping 38"

CB - Bryant McFadden - often described a physical, technical corner lacking speed - ran a sub 4.4 on 2 stop watches and broad jumped over 11'

DL - Travis Johnson - Good speed in for a 300 pounder - around 4.8. Lifting was average or slightly below for the position.

WR - Cro Thorpe - no surprise he was sub 4.4 in the 40.


Other Players helping themselves (it remains to be seen how much) include:

DE/LB - Eric Moore - improved 40 time
S - B. J. Ward - impressive speed for a big safety
CB - Leroy Smith - proved to be faster than most scouts expected.

[Breeze]

By the way - McFadden's measurables are actually better than Antrell Rolle's.

I believe Rolle ran a 4.52 and 4.48, and broad jumped around 10 feet.

I wonder if this workout is good enough to get McFadden in the bottom of the first round?

[mhass]

Originally Posted by Breeze

OL - Alex Barron - probably secured his position as a top pick and the 1st lineman by running the 40 in the 4.8 range and vertical jumping 38"

Didn't Clarett run a 4.8? Jagoff.

[Breeze]

Funny comment from the Pro Day:

B. J. Ward missed all of the 04 season with an ankle injury, and was mostly known in his Junior year for his ability to block kicks. Anyone one scout had this to say:

"I don't know who Ward is...but he can run."

[Ksyrup]

WR - Cro Thorpe - no surprise he was sub 4.4 in the 40.


I'm surprised. He didn't show that kind of speed coming back from his injury; either that, or no matter how fast he can run in a straight line, he still has issues cutting and getting separation in game conditions.

He was a major disappointment last year. He performed about like Greg Jones post-injury. I feel bad for both of them, and if Cro is over his injury, good for him. But he didn't bounce back very well last year.

[Breeze]

Ksyrup,

When I said no surprise - I didn't mean to indicate his Senior year he was 100%, however he did run a sub 4.4 prior to the 2004 season - so his straight line speed wasn't a problem.

I agree he was obviously slowed by the affects of the injury in game conditions, and I believe it was a combination of being unable to cut (or feeling like he was unable to cut) and the mental aspect of overcoming a serious injury.

Hopefully, he'll be 100% - 2 years removed from the broken leg and have a nice pro career.

[sovereignstar]

Alex Smith "lights out" in private workout

http://nfl.com/draft/story/8297183

All 32 teams were represented at the workout, including San Diego, who had originally decided not to attend but changed their mind. Over 100 personnel were there, including Lions offensive coordinator Ted Tollner, Browns GM Phil Savage and scout Bill Reese, Cardinals executive Rod Graves, 49ers head coach Mike Nolan and offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy and Dolphins new head coach Nick Saban. That's naming just a few.

I've been coming to private workouts for decades, but this is the first time I can remember a player receiving a standing ovation from his audience. He was lights out. Smith threw for 45 minutes, and in that time, only one ball wasn't catchable, and that was at the end of the session when Savoy's tongue was hanging out after being run all over the field.

They don't call this "Money Week" for nothing, and I am sure that Smith feels like he helped himself get into position to be the first quarterback taken, and possibly the first player taken, in April's draft.

[Logan]

When I originally read the story Sov posted above, I thought that the guy could be overhyping his performance because of his close relationship with Smith. And since I'm a Niner fan, the thought of such hype leading to him being taken #1 got me nervous (while I would rather see them trade the pick, I'd prefer Rodgers over Smith.

From today's NY Post...

http://nypost.com/sports/43284.htm

BEWARE OF UTAH QB'S RAVE REVIEWS

By KEN PALMER

March 27, 2005 -- DON'T believe the hype. Those present at Alex Smith's workout certainly didn't. Sure the former Utah quarterback looked good in working out in front of numerous scouts and personnel men on March 16. But his performance was nowhere near as good as the agents who leaked the workout 'information' would have you believe.

Last week, The Post visited with several men who were on hand to watch Smith's workout, which afterward was being compared to Troy Aikman's great performance of 1989. It wasn't even close.

For one, did you know that Smith's receivers at the workout were told not to run full speed? Of course, that makes the fact that only two of his 90 passes hit the ground much less impressive.

Another factor overlooked while grading Smith's "near-perfect" performance was the fact that he worked almost exclusively out of the shotgun.

"He sure looked clumsy taking the snap from under center," one scout revealed.

As for the standing ovation at the end of his workout? Those in attendance weren't seated, and always clap at the end of workouts, partially out of courtesy and partially because they're now free to grab a bite and a cold one. This wasn't exactly the Garden faithful when Willis Reed came limping out of the locker room more than three decades ago.

"We were standing because we had no chairs to sit on," one personnel man said with a laugh.

This isn't to say that Smith won't make it on the pro level. Just that his personal workout was rigged to his strengths and shouldn't be given nearly as much credence as it has been. Tim Couch threw passes through a hanging tire 40 yards away and Kyle Boller lofted tosses 60 yards from his knees. Unfortunately for both disappointing QBs, neither of those skills gets you anywhere on Sunday afternoons.

Other workout tricks that have been used through the years include marking off only 38 or 39 yards for a 40-yard dash, thus clearly decreasing the time, and using barbells that are lighter than marked, a tactic used to make players appear stronger than they actually are.

With Smith's status up in the air, it would not be the least bit surprising if Auburn running back Ronnie Brown went first overall, regardless of whether the Niners keep the top pick or trade it.

Here are three other players The Post has learned are rising meteorically:

Georgia DE David Pollack - It would be shocking if Pollack got past the Lions at 10, and he very likely could go higher. He's certainly not exceptionally big, strong, or fast, but the kid can flat-out play. He reminds many scouts of a Tedy Bruschi type-player.

Maryland DE/LB Shawne Merriman - A great offseason has him almost definitely jumping into the Top 10. He's extremely versatile and a relentless, aggressive pass rusher who could land in Washington at No. 9.

Georgia S Thomas Davis - Extremely big hitter continues to climb the charts and looks to be headed toward the top half of the first round, potentially going to Houston with the 13th pick, or even possibly sixth overall to Tennessee.

As for those who have hurt themselves:

Michigan DB Marlin Jackson - A corner who also projects to play safety didn't do himself any favors by injuring his wrist at Michigan's pro day. He's likely to drop into the bottom of the first round. The Eagles, at 31, would love to jump on Jackson.

West Virginia CB Adam "Pac-Man" Jones - While the media's hyping Jones as a Top 5 pick, several scouts and personnel types said they wouldn't be surprised if he fell all the way to the bottom of the first round, and potentially into the second. While possessing tremendous speed, Jones is very short (5-8), very undisciplined and needs a lot of technique work.

Texas LB Derrick Johnson - His production clearly doesn't match his hype. The rap on Johnson is that he can dominate lesser competition, but disappears in big games. Not a great way to enter the professional level.

[Noop]

Hmm Breeze are you a Florida State? B-Mac is a stud and has been one since his Soph year.

[Galaril]

Does the draft have an online webcast like text at least?

[Blade6119]

A couple pro days

Texas

Of course the story here was RB Cedric Benson, who needed a strong showing after losing some ground to Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams by not working out at the Combine. Benson did a solid job, clocking a 4.51 forty on a slow track which is about what was expected considering he is a 225 lb. runner. This effort should keep him right in the mix to be the top running back selected. He also had a 33-inch vertical and did the bench press 18 times. The two other notables that worked out were TE Bo Scaife and FB Will Matthews who both ran a 4.79 time.

Southern Cal

As always with the Trojans there were a bunch of top prospects taking part, headlined by potential first round DT's Shaun Cody who ran a 5.03 and Mike Patterson who checked in with a 4.90 time. Meanwhile, LB Lofa Tatupu ran a 4.70 and LB / S Matt Grootegoed came in at 4.72. An interesting sleeper prospect also emerged in QB Matt Cassel, who has backed up two Heisman Trophy winners in Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart and who reportedly looked real good throwing the ball and also ran a 4.90 in the forty. Watch out for him in the coming weeks.

North Carolina St.

This event showcased four solid prospects, starting with OT Chris Colmer who ran a 5.22 and RB T.A. McLendon who ran a disappointing 4.63 time. Also, CB Lamont Reid ran a 4.47 while LB Pat Thomas ran a solid 4.61 time.

Georgia

There were a number of top prospects working out here and the guy who probably helped himself the most was ILB Odell Thurman who ran a 4.55 time. Also, OLB / S Thomas Davis improved on his poor 4.60 timing at the Combine by running a 4.45 while their two WR's Reggie Brown ran a sub-4.4 and Fred Gibson a low-4.4 time. The other big star here was DE David Pollack who didn't run but did work out as a linebacker as well as an end. QB David Greene also did a nice job in drills and reportedly impressed.

Auburn

The big names like RB's Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams only did the positional drills since they ran at the Combine but the big story here was CB Carlos Rogers, who looked excellent in the workout and continues his climb up the charts. Also, QB Jason Campbell finally ran a forty and checked in with a 4.85 while S Junior Rosegreen ran a 4.65 time.

Michigan

After not taking part in the workouts at the Combine this was a huge event for WR Braylon Edwards and by all accounts he did not disappoint, running a 4.48 and not dropping a single ball. This should keep him firmly in the mix to be the first wide receiver off the board come Draft Day '05. The other two big stories here took place in the secondary with CB Marlin Jackson and S Ernest Shazor. Jackson ran an impressive 4.45 and while he did suffer a sprain to his wrist in positional drills it should not affect his stock. As for Shazor, he ran a disappointing 4.70 which could lead to more teams considering him a linebacker prospect rather than a safety.

San Diego St.

One of the most productive linebackers in college football finally ran when Kirk Morrison put up a time of 4.72 while his teammate LB Matt McCoy helped himself by running a 4.60 at about 15 lbs. over his playing weight. One other notable time was S Marviel Underwood who ran an very impressive 4.38.

Maryland

The player everyone was eagerly waiting to see was DE/LB Shawne Merriman and while he did very well it wasn't the amazing effort everyone expected. Merriman did run in the 4.66 range while showing off a 40-inch vertical and those numbers should solidify him in the Top 20 overall. Meanwhile the two other top prospects here were CB Dominique Foxworth and OG C.J. Brooks who both opted to go with what they did at the Combine.

Tennessee

The Vols have a number of top pro prospects and here is a breakdown of the events. LB Kevin Burnett ran an impressive 4.57, WR Tony Brown a 4.45, C Jason Respert a 5.33, TE Victor McClure a 5.78, QB C.J. Leak a 4.65, and RB Cedric Houston a 4.60 in the forty. P Dustin Colquitt only did positional drills while OT Michael Munoz did not workout because of an injury but will on March 3

Notre Dame

On a very slow surface DE Justin Tuck ran a 4.68, did 24 reps on the bench press and had a 37.5-inch vertical. Scout were apparently very impressed with his fluidity, explosivity, and athleticism in both the linebacker and defensive line drills. Other notables were LB Derek Curry at 4.85 and LB Mike Goolsby at 4.86, CB Dwight Ellick at 4.37 and S Quentin Burrell at 4.60 in the forty.

Florida St.

This was the much anticipated workout for two guys who may be the premier players at their respective positions come Draft Day. OT Alex Barron looked extremely athletic and was very impressive clocking a 4.83 at 320 lbs. to go along with a 38-inch vertical leap. DT Travis Johnson was very solid with a 4.90 time in the forty as well as a 34-inch vertical and 23 reps in the bench press. CB Bryant McFadden ran a 4.45 while WR Craphonso Thorpe was right around the 4.40 mark. DE Eric Moore ran a 4.72 and QB Chris Rix greatly improved on his times from the Combine by running a 4.55 clocking.

West Virginia

The story here was how CB Adam "Pac-Man" Jones probably secured a spot for himself in the Top 10 overall by running a 4.38 while WR Chris Henry continued to impress with his physical tools clocking a 4.42 and RB Kay-Jay Harris ran a 4.56 time.

Purdue

One of the most prolific wideouts in college football history Taylor Stubblefield ran a 4.73 while QB Kyle Orton ran a 5.08 and looked good throwing the ball.

Washington

WR Charles Frederick was unable to improve on his terrible times at the Combine only running a 4.80 here, while FB Zach Tuiasosopo ran a 5.07 and CB Derrick Johnson was impressive clocking a 4.43 time.

California

The headliner QB Aaron Rodgers will workout later this month. RB J.J. Arrington did not work out but DE Ryan Riddle ran a disappointing 4.86 forty, DT Lorenzo Alexander ran a 5.01, TE Garrett Cross a 4.86, and WR Chase Lyman a 5.54 with a 36 1/2 inch vertical.

Oregon St.

At this workout CB Brandon Browner did not participate while DE Bill Swancutt ran a 4.91, CB Aric Williams a 4.56, and LB Jonathan Pollard a 4.72 time.

Florida

The two highly anticipated workouts here were LB Channing Crowder who ran a 4.71 and RB Ciatrick Fason who ran a disappointing 4.60 average.

Nebraska

On this day S Josh Bullocks impressed by notching a 4.46, LB Barrett Ruud ran a 4.72, DE Benard Thomas a 4.99 and LB Ira Cooper a 4.57.

Oklahoma

There is a ton of news to report here with most excited to hear about DE Dan Cody who ran a 4.75 while S Brodney Pool looked good running a 4.54 with a 39-inch vertical leap. In other news S Donte Nicholson ran a 4.55, CB Antonio Perkins a 4.50, WR Brandon Jones a 4.45, LB Lance Mitchell a 4.87, DE Jonathan Jackson a 4.60 and showed the athleticism to move to linebacker at the next level, WR Will Peoples a 4.60, QB Jason White a 4.99, Vince Carter a 5.60 and DT Lynn McGruder a 5.00. Others such as OT Jammal Brown, WR Mark Clayton and WR Mark Bradley opted to rest on what they did at the Combine.

Miami (FL)

Everyone was here to see CB Antrel Rolle and he did not disappoint, running a 4.49 and looking excellent in drills. Another notable was RB Frank Gore who was only able to run a 4.65 raising further questions about the oft-injured player. OG Chris Myers ran 5.15, QB Brock Berlin 4.94, and WR Roscoe Parrish an impressive 4.40 and looking extremely quick in drills.

Missouri

The most interesting prospect here was DT C.J. Mosley who ran for an average of 5.09 and did 27 reps of 225. Another DT Attiyah Ellison ran for an average of 4.96, RB Damien Nash was able to run for a 4.57 average, TE Victor Sesay a 4.90 and ILB James Kinney impressed by running 4.63 at 6-0 1/2 and 244 lbs. while also putting up 30 reps in the bench press to help his cause.