Scouting Combine Chatter...

boozeman

28 Years And Counting...
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
121,730
2014 NFL Draft: Combine list includes 85 underclassmen


By Frank Cooney | NFLDraftScout.com

February 5, 2014 1:42 pm ET


Predictably, a record 85 underclassmen will be among the 335 players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis February 19-24, The Sports Xchange learned Wednesday.

Although players have been notified, the official list has not yet been announced formally, and there are often a few late changes right up until the week of the event.

Leading name on the list is Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews, the latest NFL prospect from the Matthews clan that includes his Hall of Fame father, Bruce. Jake is the top rated prospect this year by NFLDraftScout.com.

Headlining -- literally in terms of headlines -- the 85 underclassmen is Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, who played one more season in 2013 after a dazzling 2012 season in which he became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy.

However, despite his dynamic college career, there is a debate on where and how he will fit into the NFL game, evidenced by the fact that NFLDraftScout.com has him rated as the No. 3 quarterback behind two other underclassmen -- Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater (1st QB, 3rd overall) and University of Central Florida's Blake Bortles (2nd QB, 5th overall). Manziel is listed seventh overall by NFLDraftScout.com

Although the 85 invited underclassmen is a record, so was the 98 underclassmen who were accepted into the draft, meaning 13 of them were not invited to the combine, or not yet anyway.

Perhaps most notable among them is Wyoming quarterback Brett Smith. NFLDraftScout.com currently rates him as the No. 11 quarterback and projects him as a fifth-round pick, he has gained increasing attention as a poor-man's Manziel, especially due to his dramatic, gun-slinging playing style. It is possible he may be added to the list.

Looking at the list by schools, Alabama has the most invitees with 12, followed by LSU at 11, then Norte Dame and Florida State at nine each, and Stanford with eight.

Here is a look at the list, by position:

QUARTERBACKS
*Bortles, Blake, Central Florida
Boyd, Tajh, Clemson
Bridgewater, Theodore (Teddy), Louisville
Carr, Derek, Fresno State
Fales, David, San Jose State
Garoppolo, James (Jimmy), Eastern Illinois
Lynch, Jordan, Northern Illinois
*Manziel, Johnnyxas A & M
Mathews, Jeffrey (Jeff), Cornell
Mc Carron, Raymond (A.J.), Alabama
Mettenberger, Zachary (Zach), Louisiana State
Morris, Stephen, Miami
Murray, Aaron, Georgia
Renner, Bryn, North Carolina
Savage, Thomas (Tom), Pittsburgh
Shaw, Connor, South Carolina
Thomas, Logan, Virginia Tech
Vaughan, Dustin, West Texas A & M
Wenning, Keith, Ball State

RUNNING BACKS
Andrews, Antonio, Western Kentucky
Archer, Dri, Kent State
*Atkinson, George, Notre Dame
*Bibbs, Kapri, Colorado State
*Blue, Alfred, Louisiana State
*Carey, Ka'deem, Arizona
Copeland, Javoddron (J.C.), Louisiana State
Cornett, Timothy (Tim), Nevada - Las Vegas
*Crowell, Isaiah, Alabama State
Flanders, Timothy, Sam Houston State
Fluellen, David, Toledo
*Freeman, Devonta, Florida State
Gaffney, Tyler, Stanford
Grice, Marion, Arizona State
Hewitt, Ryan, Stanford
*Hill, Jeremy, Louisiana State
Hyde, Carlos, Ohio State
*Johnson, Westleigh (Storm), Central Florida
*Josey, Henry, Missouri
*Mason, Tre, Auburn
Mc Kinnon, Jerick, Georgia Southern
Millard, Trey, Oklahoma
*Muema, Adam, San Diego State
Perkins, Ladarius, Mississippi State
Redd, Silas, Southern California
*Sankey, Bishop, Washington
*Seastrunk, Lache, Baylor
Sims, Charles, West Virginia
*Smith, Jerome, Syracuse
Taliaferro, Lorenzo, Coastal Carolina
*Thomas, De'anthony, Oregon
*Westrrance, Towson
White, James, Wisconsin
*Wilder, James, Florida State
Williams, Andre, Boston College
Williams, Damien, Oklahoma

TIGHT ENDS
*Amaro, Jacexas Tech
Blanchflower, Robert (Rob), Massachusetts
Burton, Lawrence (Trey), Florida
Denham, Anthony (A.D.), Utah
Duncan, Joseph (Joe Don), Dixie
*Ebron, Eric, North Carolina
Fedorowicz, Colton (C.J.), Iowa
Gillmore, Crockett, Colorado State
*Grimble, Xavier, Southern California
*Jacobs, Nicholas (Nic), Mc Neese State
Jensen, Marcel, Fresno State
Jordan, Reginald (Reggie), Missouri Western State
*Leonard, A.C.nnessee State
*Lyerla, Colt, Oregon
Lynch, Arthur, Georgia
*Murphy, Jake, Utah
Najvar, Jordan, Baylor
*Niklas, Troy, Notre Dame
Pedersen, Jacob (Jake), Wisconsin
*Rodgers, Richard, California
*Seferian-Jenkins, Austin, Washington
Tialavea, Donald (D.J.), Utah State

WIDE RECEIVERS
Abbrederis, Jared, Wisconsin
*Adams, Davante, Fresno State
*Beckham, Odell, Louisiana State
*Benjamin, Kelvin, Florida State
*Boyd, Christopher, Vanderbilt
Brown, Corey (Philly), Ohio State
Brown, John, Pittsburg State
*Bryant, Martavis, Clemson
Burse, Isaiah, Fresno State
Campanaro, Michael, Wake Forest
*Coleman, Brandon, Rutgers
Colter, Theodis (Kain), Northwestern
*Cooks, Brandin, Oregon State
Copeland, Damian, Louisville
Davis, Michael (Mike) Texas
*Ellington, Bruce, South Carolina
Enunwa, Onochie (Quincy), Nebraska
*Evans, Mikexas A & M
Evans, Shaquelle (Shaq), UCLA
Fowler, Bennie, Michigan State
*Franklin, Austin, New Mexico State
Gallon, Jeremy, Michigan
Grant, Ryan, Tulane
Hazel, Charles (Matt), Coastal Carolina
Herron, Robert, Wyoming
Hoffman, Cody, Brigham Young
Huff, Joshua (Josh), Oregon
Hurns, Allen, Miami
Janis, Jeffrey (Jeff), Saginaw Valley State
Jones, Tailer (T.J.), Notre Dame
*Landry, Jarvis, Louisiana State
*Latimer, Cody, Indiana
*Lee, Marqise, Southern California
Lucas, Marcus, Missouri
Matthews, Jordan, Vanderbilt
*Moncrief, Donte, Mississippi
Norwood, Kevin, Alabama
Powell, Walter (Walt), Murray State
Reesevin, Baylor
*Richardson, Paul, Colorado
*Robinson, Allen, Penn State
Saunders, Jalen, Oklahoma
*Snead, Willie, Ball State
*Stewart, Josh, Oklahoma State
Street, Devin, Pittsburgh
Washington, L'damian, Missouri
* Watkins, Sammy, Clemson
Wilson, Albert, Georgia State

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Armstrong, Matthew (Matt), Grand Valley State
Bitonio, Joel, Nevada
*Bodine, Russell, North Carolina
Boffell, Conor, Iowa
Britt, Justin, Missouri
Dozier, Dakota, Furman
Edwards, Kadeemnnessee State
Feiler, Matt, Bloomsburg
*Flemong, Cameron, Stanford
Fulton, Zachery (Zach)nnessee
Groy, Ryan, Wisconsin
Halapio, Jonathan (Jon), Florida
Harrison, Jonotthan, Florida
Henderson, Seantrel, Miami
Hurst, James, North Carolina
Ikard, Gabriel (Gabe), Oklahoma
Jackson, Gabriel, Mississippi State
James, Ja'wuannnessee
Johnson, Wesley, Vanderbilt
*Kouandijo, Cyrus, Alabama
Larsen, Tyler, Utah State
Leno, Charles, Boise State
Lewan, Taylor, Michigan
Linder, Brandon, Miami
Linsley, Corey, Ohio State
Long, Spencer, Nebraska
Lucas, Cornelius (Luke), Kansas State
*Martin, Marcus, Southern California
Martin, Zachary (Zack), Notre Dame
Matthews, Jacob (Jake)xas A & M
Mewhort, Jack, Ohio State
Moses, Morgan, Virginia
Paradis, Matthew (Matt), Boise State
Patchan, Matthew (Matt), Boston College
*Richardson, Antonionnessee
Richardson, Cyril, Baylor
Richburg, Weston, Colorado State
*Robinson, Greg, Auburn
Schofield, Michael, Michigan
Steen, Anthony, Alabama
Stone, Jamesnnessee
Stork, Bryan, Florida State
*Su'a-Filo, Xavier, UCLA
Swanson, Travis, Arkansas
Thomas, Brandon, Clemson
*Turner, Trai, Louisiana State
Turner, William (Billy), North Dakota State
Urschel, John, Penn State
Watt, Christopher (Chris), Notre Dame
*Yankey, David, Stanford

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Carrethers, Ryan, Arkansas State
Clarke, William, West Virginia
*Clowney, Jadeveon, South Carolina
*Crichton, Scott, Oregon State
*Ealy, Kony, Missouri
Edeball, Kasim, Boston College
Enemkpall, Kemefuna (I.K.), Louisiana Tech
Ford, Donald (Dee), Auburn
Gayle, Jacon (James), Virginia Tech
Hart, Taylor, Oregon
Jeffcoat, Jacksonxas
*Jernigan, Timmy, Florida State
Jones, Howard, Shepherd
Kerr, Zachariah (Zach), Delaware
*Lawrence, Demarcus, Boise State
*Lynch, Aaron, South Florida
Manumaleuna, Eathyn, Brigham Young
Marsh, Cassius, UCLA
Martin, Kareem, North Carolina
Mauro, Joshua (Josh), Stanford
Mimsvin, South Florida
Moore, Zachary (Zach), Concordia
Newsome, Jonathan, Ball State
*Nix, Louis, Notre Dame
*Pagan, Jeoffrey, Alabama
Ramsey, Kaleb, Boston College
Sam, Michael, Missouri
Smith, Chris, Arkansas
Smith, Marcus, Louisville
Stinson, Edward (Ed), Alabama
*Tuitt, Stephon, Notre Dame
*Uko, George, Southern California
Webster, Larry, Bloomsburg
Westbrooks, Ethan, West Texas A & M

DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Bromley, Jason (Jay), Syracuse
Coleman, Deandre, California
Donald, Aaron, Pittsburgh
Easley, Dominique, Florida
Ellis, Justin, Louisiana Tech
*Ferguson, Ego, Louisiana State
Hageman, Ra'shede, Minnesota
Hyder, Kerryxas Tech
*Johnson, Anthony, Louisiana State
Jones, Daquan, Penn State
Mc Cullers, Daniel (Dan)nnessee
Palepoinny, Utah
Pennel, Michael (Mike), Colorado State - Pueblo
*Quarles, Kelcy, South Carolina
Reid, Caralin, Princeton
Stephen, Shamar, Connecticut
Sutton, William (Will), Arizona State
Thomas, Robert, Arkansas
Thornton, Khyri, Southern Mississippi
Urban, Brent, Virginia
Whaley, Christopher (Chris)xas
Wynn, Kerry, Richmond

LINEBACKERS
Attaochu, Jeremiah (Jerry), Georgia Tech
Barr, Anthony, UCLA
Barrow, Lamin, Louisiana State
Borland, Christopher (Chris), Wisconsin
Bradford, Carl, Arizona State
Brown, Jonathan, Illinois
Brown, Michael (Preston), Louisville
Bullough, Max, Michigan State
*Fortt, Khairi, California
George, Jeremiah, Iowa State
Hitchens, Anthony, Iowa
Hubbard, Adrian, Alabama
Jackson, Andrew (Drew), Western Kentucky
Jones, Christian, Florida State
Kennard, Devon, Southern California
Kirksey, Christian (Chris), Iowa
Lokombo, Boseko, Oregon
Mack, Khalil, Buffalo
Morris, James, Iowa
Mosley, Clinton (C.J.), Alabama
Murphy, Trenton (Trent), Stanford
Pierre-Louis, Kevin, Boston College
*Powell, Ronald, Florida
Reilly, Trevor, Utah
*Shazier, Ryan, Ohio State
Shembo, Prince, Notre Dame
Skov, Shayne, Stanford
*Smallwood, Yawin, Connecticut
Smithlvin, Florida State
Starr, Tyler, South Dakota
Tripp, Jordan (Jordie), Montana
Unga, Devin (Uani'), Brigham Young
Van Noy, Kyle, Brigham Young
Williamson, Avery, Kentucky
Zumwalt, Jordan, UCLA

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Alexander, Maurice (Mo), Utah State
Allen, Ricardo, Purdue
Bailey, Dion, Southern California
Belue, Deion, Alabama
Benwikere, Bene', San Jose State
Berhe, Natneal (Nat), San Diego State
Boston, Jayestin (Tre), North Carolina
*Breeland, Bashaud, Clemson
Brooksrrence, Florida State
Bucannon, Deone, Washington State
Carrie, Travis (T.J.), Ohio
*Clinton-Dix, Ha'sean (Ha Ha), Alabama
Cockrell, Ross, Duke
Colvin, Aaron, Oklahoma
Davis, Christopher (Chris), Auburn
Dennard, Darqueze, Michigan State
Desir, Pierre, Lindenwood
Dixon, Ahmad (A.D.), Baylor
Dixon, Brandon, Northwest Missouri State
*Dowling, Jonathan, Western Kentucky
Exum, Antone, Virginia Tech
Fuller, Kyle, Virginia Tech
Gaines, Edwin (E.J.), Missouri
Gaines, Phillip, Rice
Gilbert, Justin, Oklahoma State
Goodson, Demetri (Meech), Baylor
Hal, Andre (Dre), Vanderbilt
*Hampton, Victor, South Carolina
Huff, Marqueston, Wyoming
Jackson, Bennett, Notre Dame
James, Kendall, Maine
Jean-Baptiste, Stanley (Stan), Nebraska
Johnson, Dontae, North Carolina State
Joyner, Lamarcus, Florida State
Ladler, Kenneth (Kenny), Vanderbilt
Lawson, Nevin (Nevo), Utah State
Lewis, Isaiah, Michigan State
Loston, Craig, Louisiana State
Mc Dougle, Dexter (Dex), Maryland
Mc Gill, Keith, Utah
*Mitchellrrance, Oregon
Price, Jabari, North Carolina
*Pryor, Calvin, Louisville
*Purifoy, Loucheiz, Florida
Reaser, Keith, Florida Atlantic
*Reynolds, Ed, Stanford
Reynolds, Rashaad, Oregon State
*Roberson, Marcus, Florida
*Roby, Bradley, Ohio State
Sorensen, Daniel, Brigham Young
Southward, Dezmen (Dez), Wisconsin
*Sunseri, Vinnie, Alabama
Thomas, Jemea, Georgia Tech
Vereen, Brock, Minnesota
Verrett, Jasonxas Christian
Ward, Jimmie, Northern Illinois
Washington, Todd, Southeastern Louisiana
Watkins, Jaylen, Florida
Westbrooks, Lavelle, Georgia Southern

LONG SNAPPER
Heit, Marcus, Kansas State

PUNTERS
Clark, Steven, Auburn
Hocker, Zachary (Zach), Arkansas
Hornsey, Thomas (Tom), Memphis
Leone, Richard (Richie), Houston
Mandell, Cody, Alabama
O'Donnell, Patrick (Pat), Miami

KICKERS
Boswell, Christopher (Chris), Rice
Fera, Anthonyxas
Santos, Cairo, Tulane
 

boozeman

28 Years And Counting...
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
121,730
2014 NFL Draft: Combine snubs at each position


By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

February 5, 2014 2:35 pm ET

The NFL Combine, also known as the NFL Draft Underwear Olympics, is one of the most essential events of the NFL Draft process as hundreds of prospects will travel to Indianapolis to get poked and prodded by 32 NFL teams. From the official measurements to the on-field drills to the medical examinations, the Combine puts each prospect in the same environment to grade them in a number of different ways.

But even with 335 prospects invited, there are still several notable omissions from this year's official list. A record 98 underclassmen declared early for the NFL Draft, but only 85 are on the Combine list, meaning 13 players who left school early weren't invited, including Wyoming quarterback Brett Smith who was surprisingly not one of the 19 quarterbacks invited.

Below are the top Combine snubs at each position, as well as a surprise invitee:

Quarterback – Brett Smith, Wyoming

One of the 13 underclassmen who declared early and didn't receive a Combine invite, Smith doesn't have elite physical tools, but he's an athletic, confident and decisive passer who set numerous school and conference records in college. He needs to develop his decision-making, but is tough, gutsy and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Smith arrived at Wyoming as an underrated recruit and leaves Wyoming as an underrated NFL prospect.

OTHER QB SNUBS: Kenny Guiton (Ohio State), Tommy Rees (Notre Dame), James Franklin (Missouri)

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED QB INVITEE: Dustin Vaughan, West Texas A&M

Running Back – Zach Bauman, North Arizona

Undersized at 5-7 and 196 pounds, Bauman was one of only nine players in FCS history to rush for 1,000+ yards four times, earning All-Big Sky honors each season. He doesn't look like much and lacks a power element, but is quick-footed to make explosive jump cuts and pick his way through the defense. Bauman runs low to the ground with a light lower body to make fast, decisive moves and finish runs.

OTHER RB SNUBS: Brendan Bigelow (California), Darrin Reaves (UAB), Rajion Neal (Tennessee)

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED RB INVITEE: Damian Williams, Oklahoma

Wide Receiver – Chandler Jones, San Jose State

After Noel Grigsby went down with an injury, Jones stepped up as the clear-cut No. 1 target for David Fales and the San Jose State offense, finishing the 2013 season with 79 catches for 1,356 yards and 15 receiving scores. He is undersized at 5-9 and 180 pounds, but creates separation with his foot quickness and natural burst and does a nice job finishing catches and creating after the catch.

OTHER WR SNUBS: Alex Amidon (Boston College), Eric Ward (Texas Tech), Erik Lora (Eastern Illinois)

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED WR INVITEE: Philly Brown, Ohio State

Tight End/Fullback – Jay Prosch, Auburn

An athletic, smash-mouth blocker, Prosch had just five touches as a senior and zero carries, but he was still a big part of the Tigers offense, helping to create run lanes as a lead blocker. He has an intriguing blend of size, speed, and strength and showed at the Senior Bowl that he has the versatility to help out with the ball in his hands or running over defenders as a blocker.

OTHER TE/FB SNUBS: Gabe Holmes (Purdue), Ted Bolser (Indiana), Kaneakua Friel (BYU)

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED TE/FB INVITEE: Colt Lyerla, Oregon

Offensive Line – Kevin Danser, Stanford

Danser, who started all 14 games at right guard each of the last two seasons, needs to learn patience, often overextending himself, but he works hard to finish. He flashes a killer instinct and enjoys mauling defenders in the run game with his physical, competitive nature. Danser has the temperament for the NFL, but needs time to adjust to the speed of the next level and improve his discipline.

OTHER OL SNUBS: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (McGill), Matt Hall (Belhaven), Danny Kistler (Montana)

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED OL INVITEE: Corey Linsley, Ohio State

Defensive End – Chaz Sutton, South Carolina

Rushing off the edge opposite Jadeveon Clowney, Sutton totaled the same number of sacks (three) in 2013 as the future 1st rounder. He needs to play more controlled and finish, but he has some intriguing tools to stop the run and disrupt the pocket – he just struggles to do it consistently.

OTHER DE SNUBS: Walker May (Vanderbilt), Ben Gardner (Stanford), Denico Autry (Mississippi State)

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED DE INVITEE: Kasim Edebali, Boston College

Defensive Tackle – Bruce Gaston, Purdue

After a notable junior season playing next to Kawann Short, Gaston had a ho-hum senior season as he struggled to adjust to Purdue's new 3-4 defensive scheme. He looks the part and has good snap quickness to attack gaps and keep his hips low to anchor at the point of attack. Gaston had a positive week at the East-West Shrine game and is considered draftable.

OTHER DT SNUBS: Calvin Barnett (Oklahoma State), Wade Keliikipi (Oregon), Beau Allen)

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED DT INVITEE: Mike Pennel, Colorado State – Pueblo

Linebacker – Morgan Breslin, USC

A junior college transfer last year, Breslin burst onto the scene with a team-best 13.0 sacks for the Trojans in 2012. However, he battled injuries this past season as a senior, finishing with just 4.5 sacks in five games. Breslin underwent hip surgery in November and might be trying to receive a medical hardship waiver to play in 2014 for the Trojans.

OTHER LB SNUBS: DeDe Lattimore, Shaquil Barrett, Eddie Lackey

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED LB INVITEE: Jordan Tripp, Montana

Cornerback – Shaquille Richardson, Arizona

A tall, long-armed defensive back, Richardson has an intriguing mix of size and speed, which is a very popular combination right now in the NFL. He has enough hip fluidity and foot quickness to play in space and play close to the line of scrimmage in press, but he needs to play with more consistency in coverage and vs. the run. Richardson had a positive week at the East-West Shrine practices and is a surprise omission from the Combine list.

OTHER CB SNUBS: Walt Aikens (Liberty), Carrington Byndom (Texas), Marcus Williams (North Dakota State)

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED CB INVITEE: Dexter McDougle, Maryland

Safety – Denicos Allen, Michigan State

A key cog to the Spartan defense that won the Big Ten and Rose Bowl this past season, Allen played mostly linebacker at Michigan State but projects to more of a hybrid safety role at the next level. His “tweener” skill-set creates some concern, but he has the mental make-up and tenacity to play the run and drop in space.

OTHER S SNUBS: Sean Parker (Washington), Alden Darby (Arizona State), Hakeem Smith (Louisville)

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED INVITEE: Nat Berhe, San Diego State
--------------------

Very unusual to see so many well-regarded prospects get shafted. Haven't seen it like this before.
 

boozeman

28 Years And Counting...
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
121,730
First Draft: Against S Calvin Pryor, 'you're going to pay a price'


By Tyler Dunne of the Journal Sentinel

Feb. 4, 2014

(Note: In the days leading up to the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, we'll talk to college coaches in previewing each position)

Green Bay — In 2010 and 2012, both the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers drafted safeties to lower the boom on Sundays.

The Seahawks took Kam Chancellor in the fifth round. Two years later, the Packers went with Jerron McMillian in the fourth round.

One became a legitimate Super Bowl MVP candidate, the player setting the tone in a 43-8 triumph. One was released.

So here the Packers are again. In need of a safety. If it’s a big hitter they’re after, Louisville’s Calvin Pryor may be the best option. His collegiate career was splattered with collisions. His coach says he can read the field, too.

Former Louisville defensive coordinator Vance Bedford — who's now at Texas — said that when Pryor hit receivers, some never returned.

“He had three games in a row where he hit somebody and they did not finish the game,” Bedford said. “He doesn’t want to injure anybody, but he brings a certain physicality that if you’re going to throw the ball down the middle of the field, you’re going to pay a price.

“That’s how the game used to be played. He did things the right way and that’s what people like about him so much. And he’s a coach on the field—high football IQ. He controls everything. Gets guys lined up. Makes the checks. He does it all. He’s a guy Louisville is going to miss next year and I wish I had him here with me at Texas right now.”

The streak of knockouts began with Louisville’s lone loss, to Central Florida.

That game, receiver J.J. Worton accelerated up the left sideline and Pryor dropped him with a vicious left shoulder.

“Clean hits,” Bedford said. “He made sure he didn’t lead with his head. He understands the game.”

Of course, hitting and tackling are two very different concepts. And this is a league that cracks down on head-to-head hits. At Louisville, Pryor finished 75 tackles (54 solo) last season. He was around the ball plenty, too, intercepting seven passes with nine forced fumbles in three years.

McMillian’s tackling problems were central to his demise. Saying that Pryor never led with his head, Bedford was adament that Pryor, “No. 1,” is a “sound tackler.”

“The game is going to be a little bit faster up there,” Bedford said. “It’s like anything else. If you work at it, you can improve at it."

Above all, the Packers will be looking for a playmaker who won’t get burnt deep. For the first time since at least the 1950’s, the team didn’t have a safety record an interception. And the group was beat deep too often.

Bedford says Pryor’s football intellect is “off the charts" at free safety.

“He’s another coach on the football field," Bedford said. "He makes checks. He gets guys lined up. He does it all.”

At the Senior Bowl, Green Bay's scouts had a close look at a handful of possibilities, including Northern Illinois' Jimmie Ward. This year's draft class lacks star power at the position, which may compel the Packers to scan free agency for help. As LeRoy Butler mentioned in Mobile, a veteran could help Morgan Burnett maximize his potential. Green Bay has not been able to replace Nick Collins with youth.

Bedford would know the difficulties in a college safety making the NFL jump. He coached the Chicago Bears defensive backs from 1999 to 2004. During that run, safety Mike Brown and cornerback Nathan Vasher both emerged as playmakers.

The 2001 Bears secondary that propelled an mediocre offense to a 13-3 season was what the 2013 Packers safeties were not.

Brown had five interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, with another 11 pass break-ups and two forced fumbles.

“And Calvin Pryor reminds me of a bigger Mike Brown,” Bedford said.

During their time together, Brown studied every position on the defense. He knew where help was, where he was vulnerable. The result was a feeding frenzy of turnovers.

“He was a coach on the football field,” Bedford said. “That’s always what separated him. He understood the game and he understood the defense. A lot of guys go out there and play, learning just one spot. And you wonder, why doesn’t he make that play? It’s because he didn’t take time to learn where his help was. Mike Brown understood the entire defense.

“That’s what makes great players. Understanding the entire defense. Calvin Pryor is a lot like that.”

Here are a few other safeties to monitor through the NFL scouting combine later this month...

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Alabama): Probably the best safety in this year's draft. May not slide to Green Bay's 21st overall selection. Had 52 tackles and two interceptions last season. Eleven of the 13 players to leave school early under Nick Saban have been drafted in the first round.

Deone Bucannon (Washington State): Like Pryor, Bucannon is known as a big hitter. On the downside, he didn't cover receivers often in college. Was active in the run game and around the ball (six interceptions).

Terrence Brooks (Florida State): Shorter than scouts would like at 5-11, Brooks brings coverage skills. Played cornerback. Often covered slot receivers. Finished with 56 tackles (eight for loss), two interceptions and five pass break-ups.

Jimmie Ward (Northern Illinois): Named the Senior Bowl's Outstanding Defensive Back during practice. Didn't create turnovers in Mobile, but was around the ball often. Had seven picks last fall. A confident player.

Ed Reynolds (Stanford): Early entries Pryor, Clinton-Dix and Reynolds really strengthen this year's draft class. At 6-2, 216, Reynolds is well-built for the position. Defense ranked 16th nationally and third against the run. Was rarely out of position in college. After six interceptions in 2012, had only one in 2013.
 

dallen

Senior Tech
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
Messages
8,466
Zach Hocker is a kicker, not a punter
 

Cotton

One-armed Knife Sharpener
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
119,698
Manziel, Sam to draw spotlight at NFL combine

By MICHAEL MAROT - AP Sports Writer - Monday, February 17, 2014 9:22 a.m. CST

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Johnny Manziel and Michael Sam will be the headliners at the NFL's scouting combine.

Workouts for the league's pre-draft event begin Saturday.

The most important aspects of the combine are often the ones that get the least publicity — players measuring in, going through the medical checks and the team interviews that could put many questions to rest or raise an entirely new set of concerns. So with more than 300 NFL draft hopefuls attending the second biggest offseason event on the NFL calendar — and the only that draws team owners, team executives, league officials, coaches, agents and potential future stars to the same venue— this week will be far more than just a two-man show.

Here are five things to watch this week in Indianapolis.

JOHNNY BE GOOD: Manziel is a dynamic player who may have more on the line this week than anybody else in town. After two sensational years at Texas A&M, he's trying to position himself to be considered the first overall pick by the Houston Texans. While the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner has said he will not work out next weekend, scouts will be looking at Manziel's height and weight to determine if he can hold up against the NFL's bigger, faster, stronger defenders. Coaches and team executives also will be eager to see how he handles the private interviews — the one part of the combine outsiders never see — to determine whether he's the guy they want as the face of their franchise for the next decade.

MICHAEL SAM: Last week, Sam became the first NFL draft prospect to acknowledge he is gay. This week, he'll face a media circus in Indy. He also has some questions about his physical ability to answer. The SEC's defensive player of the year was listed last season at 6-foot-2, 255 pounds, meaning Sam must demonstrate he has the speed and the agility to change directions to make it in the NFL. The heavy shift to 3-4 defenses has put a premium on heavier defensive ends, forcing lighter players to make the move to linebacker. If Sam demonstrates he's quick enough to be a pass-rushing end in a 4-3 front or athletic enough to move to rush linebacker in a 3-4 front, his draft stock should improve.

THE NO. 1 QUESTION: Manziel is only one part of the equation at the top of the draft. And if Manziel doesn't go No. 1, who will? That answer probably won't be settled after this weekend, though most analysts believe a quarterback will once again be taken with the first pick. If the choice is not Manziel, it could be Blake Bortles or Teddy Bridgewater. The Texans recently hired Central Florida's former college quarterback coach, and Bridgewater was considered the front-runner to be No. 1 throughout most of the college season. A year ago, at this point the odds-on favorite to go No. 1 was Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. So a lot can change between now and May's draft, and don't rule out a possible resurgence by South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

JUNIOR JAM: A record number of college players (102) have given up their remaining college eligibility to jump into this year's NFL draft. While the first-round is sure to include plenty of underclassmen draftees, led by the likes of Manziel and Clowney, dozens of other early-entry draft hopefuls must show they're worthy of being drafted. If the underclassmen do well and go high, the trend of seeing more and more underclassmen enter the draft could continue in future years.

CHARACTER COUNTS: The toughest job this week goes to any of the players having to answer questions about their character. The list of indiscretions includes everything from arrests to drug-related suspensions to the use, or misuse, of Twitter. What scouts and team execs will try to do is sort fact from fiction as they attempt to figure out whether these were simple youthful missteps or a pattern of behavior that could continue to cause problems in the future.
 

Cotton

One-armed Knife Sharpener
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
119,698
A look at Cowboys' prospects at combine

February, 18, 2014

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com


IRVING, Texas -- The NFL scouting combine serves as a get-to-know-you session for teams and prospects, so with that, we offer up a photo gallery of 10 players the Dallas Cowboyscould have an interest in over at ESPNDallas.com

Not to spoil it, but with a tremendous need on defense, nine of the 10 are on that side of the ball and are considered first- or second-round picks, so clearly the Cowboys won’t be able to get their hands on more than one, possibly two, if they do some maneuvering.

Defensive linemen, like Aaron Donald, are scheduled to do their bench-press test on Sunday and on-field drills on Monday. Defensive backs, like safeties Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Calvin Pryor, work out last, on Monday and Feb. 25.

For the full schedule of workouts, click here.
 

boozeman

28 Years And Counting...
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
121,730
 
D

Deuce

Guest
Good for him. He has an opportunity to separate himself from the other QBs since Manziel isn't throwing and I assume Bridgewater does the same.
 

Carp

DCC 4Life
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
15,127
Pryor sure seems to have more value than I thought...felt he was a 2nd round guy.
 

Bob Roberts

Professor StinkFinger
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
3,023
Bortles will fall flat on his face at the combine.

They'll call him Flake Fartles
 
D

Deuce

Guest
Pryor sure seems to have more value than I thought...felt he was a 2nd round guy.
I've liked the player for a while, but I still don't know how he's taken over as the top Safety on some boards. He's slower, has less range and isn't the ball hawk Clinton-Dix is.
 

Cotton

One-armed Knife Sharpener
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
119,698
 

BipolarFuk

Demoted
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
11,464
INDIANAPOLIS -- A week after promising he would measure "72 inches on the dot" at the NFL Scouting Combine, quarterback Johnny Manziel came up just short of the mark in the official measurement early Friday morning.

The former Texas A&M quarterback many expect to be taken in the top three picks in the 2014 NFL Draft, came in at 5-foot-11 3/4, and weighed 207 pounds, according to NFL Media analysts Gil Brandt and Daniel Jeremiah.

Manziel's height is among NFL scouting concerns about his pro potential, although he is widely considered one of the top three quarterbacks in the draft, along with Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater and Central Florida's Blake Bortles.

Manziel's hand size, also important to NFL scouts for quarterback evaluations (particularly smaller quarterbacks), measured large as advertised at 9 7/8 inches.

Concerns about Eastern Illinois QB Jimmy Garoppolo's hand size were eased a bit when his measured 9 1/4 inches. Many consider 9 inches to be the minimum standard for NFL quarterbacks.

Other notable measurements:

» Bridgewater: 6-2 1/8, 214 pounds, 9 1/4 hands.

» Bortles: 6-5, 232 pounds.
 
D

Deuce

Guest
@BFeldmanCBS: #Miami OT Seantrel Henderson, the inconsistent 6-7 1/8, 331-lb ex 5-star recruit, just ran an unofficial 5.03 40 w a speedy 1.71 split. Wow.

Someone might overdraft him based on his athleticism, but I love the player. Just needs the right OL coach to teach him some consistency. Too bad we lost Philips. :unsure
 

boozeman

28 Years And Counting...
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
121,730
@BFeldmanCBS: #Miami OT Seantrel Henderson, the inconsistent 6-7 1/8, 331-lb ex 5-star recruit, just ran an unofficial 5.03 40 w a speedy 1.71 split. Wow.

Someone might overdraft him based on his athleticism, but I love the player. Just needs the right OL coach to teach him some consistency. Too bad we lost Philips. :unsure
He's had a bunch of off-the-field stuff. He's probably "in the box"...not a RKG.
 

boozeman

28 Years And Counting...
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
121,730
I want to see which one of these meathead linemen wins the "David Arkin runs like a retard" trophy.
 

boozeman

28 Years And Counting...
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
121,730
I looked up and they snuck a punter in the 40. I was like that's the smallest OL I have ever seen.
 

boozeman

28 Years And Counting...
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
121,730
 

Cotton

One-armed Knife Sharpener
Staff member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
119,698
Whew, I was starting to get worried.
 
Top Bottom