Pro Days

[Randall]

In a Friday morning appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock said that Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman has moved into round-one territory after putting in a “tremendous” Pro Day workout on Thursday.

 

The top two quarterback prospects in the draft are Georgia’s Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez of USC.

 

But some league insiders wonder whether Stafford and Sanchez are regarded as first-round talent because they genuinely merit such consideration in relation to players at other position, or simply because they’re the best two quarterbacks in a class that isn’t all that impressive.

 

One scout recently opined that neither Stafford nor Sanchez would be regarded as possible first-round picks in any other year.

 

Mayock isn’t a fan of Stafford as the potential No. 1 overall pick, to the Lions. Mayock explained that Stafford’s performances in college were too inconsistent, despite being surrounded by elite talent. Mayock compared (and not favorably) Stafford to Matt Ryan and Jay Cutler, both of whom in Mayock’s opinion would try to will otherwise mediocre teams to win.

Edited March 13, 2009 by Randall

[westvirginia]

In a Friday morning appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock said that Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman has moved into round-one territory after putting in a "tremendous" Pro Day workout on Thursday.

 

The top two quarterback prospects in the draft are Georgia's Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez of USC.

 

But some league insiders wonder whether Stafford and Sanchez are regarded as first-round talent because they genuinely merit such consideration in relation to players at other position, or simply because they're the best two quarterbacks in a class that isn't all that impressive.

 

One scout recently opined that neither Stafford nor Sanchez would be regarded as possible first-round picks in any other year.

 

Mayock isn't a fan of Stafford as the potential No. 1 overall pick, to the Lions. Mayock explained that Stafford's performances in college were too inconsistent, despite being surrounded by elite talent. Mayock compared (and not favorably) Stafford to Matt Ryan and Jay Cutler, both of whom in Mayock's opinion would try to will otherwise mediocre teams to win.

 

I've watched a lot of GA football down here and I wholeheartedly agree with the analysis on Stafford. He's not mentally ready for the NFL like Ryan and Cutler were.

 

Now Mareno is a completely different story. He'll be a much better back than Wells, IMO. That kid just has the will to do it, period.

[tazinib1]

I've watched a lot of GA football down here and I wholeheartedly agree with the analysis on Stafford. He's not mentally ready for the NFL like Ryan and Cutler were.

 

Now Mareno is a completely different story. He'll be a much better back than Wells, IMO. That kid just has the will to do it, period.

 

I pray to the heavens that AJ Smith doesn't screw up this draft and takes KnowMo if he's there.

[Randall]

You can listen to the interview at the link above.

 

In it Mayock said if you fail at the #1 pick you set your team back 5 years. He said he would take a safer pick Curry or one of the 2 tackles.

Edited March 14, 2009 by Randall

[Whiskey Pimp]

I've watched a lot of GA football down here and I wholeheartedly agree with the analysis on Stafford. He's not mentally ready for the NFL like Ryan and Cutler were.

 

Now Mareno is a completely different story. He'll be a much better back than Wells, IMO. That kid just has the will to do it, period.

 

Mayock has Wells as his #3 RB on the board with Knowshon #1.

[westvirginia]

Mayock has Wells as his #3 RB on the board with Knowshon #1.

 

That I didn't know. I've mostly seen stuff on these boards about folks wanting Wells on their team. Knowshawn can just do it all, and has the will to be a really great back. He's what made GA as good as they were the last two years, IMO.

[Randall]

Mayock's RB rankings

 

 

1*Knowshon Moreno Georgia Lateral quickness, love his finish

2*Donald Brown Connecticut Great quickness, makes people miss, patient

3*Chris "Beanie" Wells Ohio State Downhill runner, inconsistent durability

4*LeSean McCoy Pittsburgh Vision and cutback ability, questionable long speed

5*Mike Goodson Texas A&M Great burst and acceleration, situational back

 

 

MICHAEL JOHNSON TO VISIT FOUR TEAMS

Posted by Aaron Wilson on March 13, 2009, 1:26 p.m. EDT

Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson, a potential first-round draft pick, has set up private workouts/visits with the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to a league source.

 

Johnson is scheduled to visit the Buccaneers on April 2, the Redskins on April 4, the Browns on April 8 and the Falcons on Monday.

 

At 6-foot-6, 266 pounds, Johnson is a tall, lanky pass rusher who registered nine sacks and 17 1/2 tackles for losses last season and was named All-Atlantic Coast Conference. He was a finalist for the Bednarik and Hendricks awards.

 

According to a league source, the Green Bay Packers are high on Johnson.

 

The Cincinnati Bengals were well-represented at Johnson’s Pro Day.

 

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/03/13/...sit-four-teams/

Edited March 13, 2009 by Randall

[Randall]

OHIO STATE’S WELLS CLOCKS A 4.34

Posted by Aaron Wilson on March 13, 2009, 5:03 p.m. EDT

Ohio State star running back Chris “Beanie” Wells ran faster than expected at today’s Pro Day workout in Columbus, Ohio, turning in swift times between 4.34 and 4.46 seconds in front of 29 NFL teams, according to Tony Pauline of SI.com.

 

Afterward, Wells credited hard work late into the night for his progress on his start.

 

Per the article, Buckeyes standout cornerback Malcolm Jenkins’ time of 4.46 to 4.53 seconds wasn’t impressive. It was described as him running “poorly,” since Ohio State is considered to have an extremely fast surface.

 

Following the workout, Jenkins “seemed resigned that he’ll likely make the move to safety in the NFL,” Pauline reports.

 

Meanwhile, linebacker James Laurinitis ran times between 4.68 and 4.78 seconds as wide receiver Brian Robiskie ran a 4.47.

 

Source: ProFootballTalk

[Randall]

Catching up with the week’s pro days

Posted: March 13th, 2009 | NFL.com Staff | Tags: Abilene Christian, Kentucky, Portland State

 

Here is a look at some pro days throughout the week:

 

Portland State:

They worked out at a velocity center in Hillsboro, Oregon. They ran outdoors at the high school field next door on AstroTurf.

 

Fifteen teams showed up to watch eight players work out.

 

The two most notable players were LB Andy Schantz and CB Reginald Jones. Shantz (6-0 3/4, 234 pounds) ran a 4.71 and 4.75 in the 40, had a 34-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot, 8-inch broad jump, a 7.48 three-cone drill, a 4.34 short shuttle and did 19 bench press reps. Jones (5-11 3/4, 193 pounds) ran a 4.49 and 4.43 in the 40, had a 40-inch vertical, a 10-foot, 7-inch broad jump, a 4.42 short shuttle, a 6.95 three-cone drill and did 13 bench press reps.

 

Abilene Christian:

Four players worked out indoors on AstroTurf at a local high school. Three receiver coaches, including Rams assistant Charlie Baggett, were present and 15 teams overall showed up.

 

WR Johnny Knox (5-11 3/4, 181 pounds) stood on his combine numbers for the workout drills, but looked great catching the ball in the position drills.

 

RB Bernard Scott (5-10 3/4, 195 pounds) did the long shuttle in 11.01 seconds and did position drills, he kept everything else from the combine.

 

Kentucky:

Couldn’t go outside due to bad weather, so 12 different players worked out indoors. The scouts described the day as awesome and credited coach Rich Brooks.

 

As follows were the notable prospects:

 

DL Myron Pryor (6-1, 313 pounds) stood on all the combine numbers, except he did 24 bench reps.

 

DB Marcus McClinton (6-0 1/8, 204) ran a 4.50 and 4.49 in the 40, did no jumps, had a 4.30 short shuttle, a 6.79 three-cone drill and did 18 bench press lifts.

 

LB Johnny Williams (6-1 1/4, 236 pounds) ran a 4.79 and 4.74 in the 40, had a 35-inch vertical, a 9-foot, 8-inch broad jump, a 4.49 short shuttle, a 7.39 cone drill and 16 bench presses. He’s a clone of former teammate Wesley Woodyard, who went undrafted last year.

 

Coach Brooks’ sleeper — David Jones, DB (5-9 3/8, 194 pounds) ran a 4.45 and 4.50 in the 40, had a 35 1/2-inch vertical jump, had a 4.42 short shuttle, a 7.11 three-cone drill and put up 14 bench press reps.

 

Kansas:

Ten teams were on hand to watch eight players run indoors on AstroTurf.

 

As follows were the notable prospects:

 

LB Mike Rivera (6-2, 245 pounds) ran a 4.63 and 4.66 in the 40, had a 38 1/2-inch vertical, a 9-foot, 10-inch broad jump, a 4.08 short shuttle, a 6.67 three-cone drill and 14 bench press reps.

 

LB James Holt (6-1 7/8, 223 pounds) ran a 4.72 and 4.73 in the 40, had a 32-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot, 5-inch broad jump, a 4.12 short shuttle, a 6.81 three-cone drill and did 17 lifts in the bench press.

 

LB Joe Mortensen (6-0 1/4, 240 pounds) ran a 4.71, 4.72 and 4.69 in the 40, had a 32-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot, 4-inch broad jump, a 4.25 short shuttle, a 6.96 three-cone drill and had 23 bench press reps.

 

Keep an eye on Boston College LB Toll

Posted: March 13th, 2009 | NFL.com Staff | Tags: B.J. Raji, Boston College, Brian Toll, Ron Brace

 

One of the most interesting prospects at Boston College’s pro day Thursday was LB Brian Toll.

 

At 6-0 1/4 and 228 pounds, Toll probably doesn’t have the size to play linebacker at the pro level, but he is a good athlete. He worked out at both safety and fullback and is the kind of player who belongs on the field. He just has to find the right position. He ran a 4.65 and 4.67 in the 40, had a 37 1/2-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot broad jump, a 4.45 short shuttle, a 7.03 three-cone drill and 15 bench press reps at 225 pounds.

 

He and the rest of the prospects ran on the game field under a bubble. Twenty teams were there, including three defensive Line coaches and Jets assistant GM Scott Cohen. Ten players worked out from Boston College and 25 players worked out from Boston-area schools.

 

Here are the notable prospects:

 

DT B.J. Raji (6-1 1/4, 330 pounds), who kept all of his numbers from the NFL combine, did positional drills.

 

DT Ron Brace (6-2 3/4, 331 pounds) ran 5.55 and 5.51 in the 40 and did positional workouts, but kept everything else from the combine.

 

LB Kevin Akins (6-2, 219 pounds) ran 4.76 and 4.73 in the 40 and kept everything else from the combine. He was worked out as a safety.

 

TE Ryan Purvis (6-3 3/4, 254 pounds) ran 4.95 twice in the 40, had a 4.61 short shuttle, a 7.25 three-cone drill, a 29-inch vertical, an 8-7 broad jump and put up 19 lifts.

 

LB Robert Francois (6-2 1/4, 244 pounds) ran 4.61 and 4.59 in the 40, had a 35 1/2-inch vertical, a 9-10 broad jump, a 4.34 in the short shuttle, a 7.11 three-cone drill and kept his bench press numbers from combine.

 

 

Nebraska-Omaha Pro Day features TE Miller

Posted: March 13th, 2009 | NFL.com Staff | Tags: Nebraska-Omaha, Zach Miller

 

This workout was done indoors on FieldTurf. Twenty teams, including Jaguars tight ends coach Mike Tice, who orchestrated the workout, were present.

 

The one notable prospect was TE Zach Miller (6-4, 233 pounds). He ran a 4.53 and 4.54 in the 40, had a

37 ½-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot, 4-inch broad jump, a 4.22 short shuttle and a 7.06 three-cone drill. He was unable to lift because he tore a tendon in his hand, but he still excelled in the positional drills, catching the football. He reminds me of a Jay Novacek, Dallas Clark-type player.

 

– Gil Brandt

[Randall]

PRO DAYS

LSU Pro Day draws 24 NFL teams

Posted: Pro Days | NFL.com Staff | Tags: Darry Beckwith, Demetrius Byrd, Herman Johnson, LSU, Tyson Jackson

 

The LSU Pro Day was held in Baton Rouge on Monday with 24 NFL teams attending, including the entire Saints coaching staff. A total of 15 NFL position coaches attended, including defensive line, offensive line, linebacker and defensive back coaches.

 

 

One of the hottest prospects from LSU, DE Tyson Jackson (6-4 1/8, 296 pounds), did 20 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press and participated in position drills, but otherwise stood on his times from the NFL combine. Another top prospect, LB Darry Beckwith (6-0 1/8, 234 pounds), put up 40-yard dash times of 4.70 and 4.63 and he participated in position drills, but aside from that he stood on his combine times..

 

G Herman Johnson (6-7 1/8, 356 pounds), an intriguing player due to his incredible size, had a 26 1/2-inch vertical leap with a 7-foot, 10-inch broad jump and times of 5.01 in the short shuttle and 8.58 in the three-cone drill. He had 24 reps on the bench press.

 

A surprise performance came from DE Kirston Pittman (6-2 5/8, 250 pounds), who didn’t attend the combine. He turned in 40 times of 4.69 and 4.72, and had a 30 1/2-inch vertical and an 8-foot, 8-inch broad jump. He had a 4.45 time in the short shuttle and a 7.64 time in the three-cone drill. He put up 28 reps on the bench press.

 

Players ran indoors on FieldTurf. In all, 15 players worked out at an extremely well-organized event that went quickly. Here are other notables:

 

WR Demetrius Byrd (6-0 1/2, 196 pounds) had times of 4.47 and 4.50 in the 40. He had a 35 1/2-inch vertical and a 9-foot, 9-inch broad jump with times of 4.52 in the short shuttle and 7.08 in the three-cone drill. He did not lift.

 

FS Curtis Taylor (6-2 1/4, 207 pounds) ran the 40-yard dash with times of 4.52 and 4.55, and he stood on the rest of his numbers from the combine.

 

FB Quinn Johnson (6-1 1/4, 250 pounds) had times of 4.72 and 4.75 in the 40, and produced a 7.65 time in the three-cone drill. He stood on the rest of his numbers from the combine.

 

 

 

4:46 PM EDT, March 18, 2009

STATE COLLEGE - Aaron Maybin and Derrick Williams left their former practice facility today feeling more confident about their futures. Both former Penn State football players ran significantly better times in the 40-yard dash at Penn State's annual Pro Day than they did at last month's NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

 

Maybin, an all-American defensive end who gave up his final year of eligibility, ran his best 40 in 4.53 seconds today, a quarter-second faster than his time at the Combine. He also improved on his vertical jump (38 to 40 inches) and broad jump (10-4 to 10-10) in a performance that should solidify him as a first-round pick in next month's NFL Draft.

 

"It was a good day," Maybin said outside Holuba Hall afterward. "I know my athletic ability and I know what I'm capable of. I put some numbers on the board that are indicative of the kind of player I am."

 

After the session, Maybin met with representatives from the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. His agent, former Penn State receiver Chafie Fields, said most NFL teams have shown interest.

 

 

"Aaron Maybin is a freak of nature," Fields said. "Today only solidified that he's a freak."

 

Williams ran a 4.65 40 at the Combine, where he had bronchitis and the flu. Fields pleaded with the receiver not to run that day, but "me being a hard head, I went out there and tried to work out anyway," Williams said.

 

Today, Williams' lowest 40 time was 4.37, which would have put him in the top 5 among receivers at the Combine. He also improved his bench press from 15 to 18 repetitions at 225 pounds.

 

"He did exceptionally," Fields said. "He helped himself."

 

More than a dozen former Penn State players participated in the Pro Day, which was attended by scouts from all 32 NFL teams, including Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox.

 

Scouts from the Philadelphia Eagles will be in State College on Friday for a private workout with former receivers Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood.

 

-- Reporting by Mark Wogenrich, The Morning Call

Edited March 19, 2009 by Randall

[Randall]

From another site. Dawg Post Knowshon is running today.

 

unofficial first run of 4.44

 

 

2nd run unofficially at 4.62. Times arent official yet but Mcshay has the two runs at 4.59 and 4.62.

 

Allen 4.33 both times

MoMass 4.4

Moreno 4.44

CJ 4.38

Goodman 4.35

Ellerbe 4.6

 

Apparently Stafford missing some throws and overthrowing receivers

 

Update Stafford hit on 48 of 50.

Knowshon ran in the 4.6's on both runs

Massaquoi ran 4.48/4.50 and caught everything that wasn't way overthrown

CJ and Allen both running in the 4.3's

Edited March 19, 2009 by Randall

[Randall]

I heard Orakpo had a good workout today but it han't been posted yet.

 

"Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and New York Jets coach Rex Ryan were among those in attendance on March 19 at the University of Cincinnati Pro Day. In all, 28 NFL teams sent representatives and 12 position coaches were in attendance, including Jaguars tight ends coach Mike Tice. The program has made great strides in recent years, as evidenced by its six players sent to the NFL combine, the most ever for the school.

 

One of the Bearcats’ top prospects this year is DE/TE Connor Barwin (6-3 7/8, 251 pounds). He’s a unique prospect in that he played tight end two years ago before switching to defensive end last season, where he earned an all-conference nod. He ran identical times of 4.50 in two tries in the 40-yard dash, and put up 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Barwin otherwise stood on his numbers from the combine.

 

Here are other notables from the pro day at Cincinnati, which took place outdoors on FieldTurf:

 

G Trevor Canfield (6-4 3/4, 308 pounds) had times of 5.30 and 5.31 in the 40-yard dash, with a 32-inch vertical and a 9-foot, 1-inch broad jump. He had a 4.90 short shuttle, a 7.86 three-cone time and 32 reps on the bench press.

 

T Khalil El-Amin (6-3 3/8, 317 pounds) ran the 40 in 5.48 and 5.54, with a 29-inch vertical and an 8-foot, 8-inch broad jump. He had a 4.96 short-shuttle time, with a 7.58 in the three-cone drill and 29 reps on the bench press.

 

P Kevin Huber (6-1 1/8, 221 pounds), who drew two NFL special teams coaches for the workout, participated in position drills.

 

CB Mike Mickens (5-11 5/8, 186 pounds) looked very good in position drills, and turned in 40-yard dash times of 4.57 and 4.59 seconds. He had a 35 1/2-inch vertical, a 9-foot, 11-inch broad jump, a 4.17 short shuttle drill and a 6.94 time in the three-cone drill. He did not participate in the bench press.

 

OLB Corey Smith (6-0 1/8, 221 pounds) had times of 4.71 and 4.74 in the 40 with a 34 1/2-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 3-inch broad jump. He did the short shuttle in 4.34 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.72 seconds.

 

CB DeAngelo Smith (5-10 7/8, 191 pounds) had times of 4.63 and 4.66 in the 40-yard dash with a 32-inch vertical leap and a 9-foot, 7-inch broad jump. He had a 4.40 short-shuttle time and a 6.86 three-cone drill time, and he did not participate in the bench press.

[tazinib1]

I was really hoping for KnowMo to post a sub 4.5. I know alot of people put too much stock in the 40, especially when it comes to RB's. I'm confident KnowMo remains the top RB in the draft and barring some loony GM's perception of Beanie Wells, should be taken first, followed by Donald Brown.

 

KnowMo's football speed should overcome any concerns over his perceived slow breakaway speed.

[Randall]

I was really hoping for KnowMo to post a sub 4.5. I know alot of people put too much stock in the 40, especially when it comes to RB's. I'm confident KnowMo remains the top RB in the draft and barring some loony GM's perception of Beanie Wells, should be taken first, followed by Donald Brown.

 

KnowMo's football speed should overcome any concerns over his perceived slow breakaway speed.

 

 

Close in quickness and the ability to avoid hits and get in the open field is more important to me. As is blocking (so he stays on the field) and catching ability.

 

 

 

"Athens — Running back Knowshon Moreno did not have the best day at Georgia’s Pro Day Thursday. He ran slow 40-yard dash times of 4.6 and 4.63 seconds.

 

“It’s not too slow,” ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said. “There have been great backs before him that have been in that ball park. Emmitt Smith didn’t run exceptionally well and he turned out to have a pretty good career.”

 

 

 

 

 

Connecticut has never had a player taken in the first round of the draft. The highest UConn player drafted was three years ago when LB Albert Fincher went to New Orleans in the third round.

That looks to change this year’s draft, where as many as four Huskies could go in the first two rounds.

 

One of Connecticut’s most intriguing prospects is RB Donald Brown. The early-entry candidate, who led the nation with 2,086 rushing yards as a junior last season while averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Brown chose to rely on most of his numbers from the NFL Scouting Combine, but excelled in position drills at Wednesday’s workout, especially catching the ball.

 

“I just wanted to go out there and just be able show that I can do other things than run the football,” Brown said. “I ran a lot of different routes, and I caught the ball well.”

 

Brown did not run a 40-yard dash Wednesday, but was clocked at 4.51 seconds at the combine, the fifth-fastest 40 time at the event. He finished first in vertical jump (41.5 inches) and the 60-yard shuttle (11.30), third in broad jump (10-foot, 5-inches), fourth in the 20-yard shuttle (4.10) and ninth in the three-cone drill (6.93).

 

Brown said as many as 12 teams have shown interest in him, and he has visits set up with the Chargers, Bengals, Eagles and Jets.

 

Mayock has Brown rated as the second overall running back available in the draft, behind Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno. Fellow NFL Network analyst Charles Davis has him listed as the top overall running back at No. 10 in his top 20 prospects, and projects him as the No. 21 overall pick to the Eagles in his latest mock draft.

 

“I love this guy,” Davis said. “I love his production. I think he’s gotten better and better during his time at UConn.”

 

 

According to Mayock, CB Darius Butler ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and looked fluid and quick in change of direction drills.

 

Davis said Butler’s performance Wednesday makes him a late first-round candidate.

 

“As we saw at the senior Bowl, (Butler’s) feet were magnificent and he had a terrific week,” Davis said. “Now what was going to be the follow-up? Well he ran even better today. Now he’s in the conversation with Malcolm Jenkins, he’s in the conversation with Vontae Davis, amongst the top corners and has really put himself in the conversation for the first round.”

 

Mayock said OT William Beatty appeared quick and fluid, noting, “He’s a good looking athlete for 6-foot-6, 307 pounds.”

 

Said Davis of Beatty: “I think he’s a guy who needs a little bit more time in the weight room…But I think with his feet and his athleticism, eventually we’re going to look at William Beatty as possibly a steal late in the first round.”

 

Other performances of note included:

 

DE/LB Cody Brown, who improved his 40 time from 4.8 to 4.6 indoors on Wednesday.

 

QB Tyler Lorenzen (6-5, 227 pounds) is not expected to be an NFL quarterback, but Mayock noted he ran well. Lorenzen worked out at wide receiver and defensive back.

 

 

 

NFL's coverage of Pro Days

 

Fifteen NFL teams were present to watch five players work out at Rice’s Pro Day, which was run by Jerry Rhome — a former QB for the Cowboys, Browns, Oilers and Rams from 1965 to 1971 and who coached under current Redskins coach Jim Zorn in Seattle.

 

Among those players catching passes from QB Chase Clement was WR Jarett Dillard (5-10 1/2, 187), who showed very good hands during positional workouts. Dillard posted a 4.50 and a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash, a 40.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot, 11-inch broad jump. He stood on the rest of his numbers from the combine.

 

TE James Casey (6-3 5/8, 243) ran a 4.80 and a 4.79 in the 40-yard dash and stood on the rest of his numbers from the combine.

 

Clement (6-0 5/8, 208) ran a 4.63 and a 4.60 in the 40-yard dash, posted a 28.5-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot, 2-inch broad jump, a 4.16 short shuttle and a 7.43 in the three-cone drill.

 

– Gil Brandt

Edited March 27, 2009 by Randall