2010 NFL Combine Recap
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There was not an astonishing amount of movement on the draft boards this past week, but there was definitely enough to warrant some discussion. The Combine started last week on Thursday and ended yesterday in case you missed it. NFL Network had roughly 10 hours of new coverage each day adding up to near 50 hours of total coverage. Over 300 players took part and were invited that could be playing on Sunday's in the NFL this upcoming season. Most will make it and some will have to settle for being practice squad players initially.
Players such as Tim Tebow and Taylor Mays, who have been talked about to the point of exhaustion, did quite well in the events that they decided to take part in. Many other players that took part in the events went one way or the other in their performances. And some players did well in some events and not so well in others. Bottom line is that a lot of these coaches, and a lot of the scouts that were present during the week of events, will go back and look at the tape again and come to the same conclusions they had pre-combine. Mike Mayock said about 95% of the decision making that will go down in regards to the draft, will be done based off of game tape.
The first day of real action started on Saturday with the Offensive Linemen, Kickers/ Punters, and Tight Ends. Trindon Holliday was the lonesome "special teamer" and did all his drills alone. the 5'5" Running Back from LSU higlighted his day with an official 4.34 40-yard dash time which was very impressive. This specific 40-time created some debate by the end of the events because they ran a simulcast with Holliday and Mays' official 40-time and Mays actually beat him, but had a lower time with a 4.43. So a lot of folks speculated that something was definitely off with the way the 40-times were being timed. There were official times and unofficial times conflicting with one and other by .10 and more, so it leaves the question of just how seriously can we take these times?
Sunday featured the Quarterbacks, Running Backs, and Wide Receivers. Four of the top quarterbacks entering the draft this coming season did not throw, and one of them decided just to throw to stationary targets. Jimmy Clausen, Sam Bradford, and Colt McCoy did not throw all due to injury while Tim Tebow didn't throw because he is working on his throwing motion to "wow" scouts at his pro day, and Dan LeFevour decided only to throw to still targets because that is what his agent advised him to do. Later on in the day, Clemson track star, slash-wide receiver, Jacoby Ford set the track on fire with his official 4.28 40-yard dash which was the closest of this draft class to Chris Johnson's record setting 4.24 official 40-yard dash time in 2008. Out of the Running Back's, Jahvid Best validated his last name with his official 40-time of 4.35.
Monday was the big showdown of Ndamukong Suh versus Gerald McCoy as the defensive linemen and linebackers took the field of action. While Suh slightly out performed McCoy in almost every category, McCoy had the better 40-time of the two and showed scouts that he is worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Suh. There weren't any major milestone's by the linebacking class and the highly sought after Rolando McClain did not participate in the events.
The final day of action showcased the defensive backs. While players like Taylor Mays did what everyone knew he was capable of athletically, other players that had mounds of hype surrounding them all year long like Joe Haden fell flat on his face. Other players like Eric Berry and Earl Thomas held steady with their above average performances. The cap to all of the action was a hilarious 40-yard dash by commentator Rich Eisen. This has become sort of a tradition every year since he did it for the first time when Terrell Davis dared him to do it in 2005... maybe next year, he'll be smart enough to do it in something a little lighter than a $5,000 Prada suit. At least he's getting smarter, he wore track shoes this year. The simulcast with Terrence Cody and Eisen was as comical as it gets.
The purpose and concept of what I wanted to do here with this recap post, is to take a look at the top three players that really may have influenced (for the better) when and where they are drafted come April 22nd. After the jump, at each position, I will list the positions, player names, and their respective combine results.
QUARTERBACKS:
1. Tim Tebow -- While he didn't throw, he displayed that he is one of the better athletes in the nation and that he is going to work extremely hard to be a success at the next level. He will have a lot to prove on his pro day as far as throwing is concerned, but being that he pretty much dominated at all other events, he may have opened the eyes of those that were shut in regards to considering Tim Tebow on their rosters. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.72, Vertical Jump: 38.5 (2 inches higher than Michael Vick's jump), Broad Jump: 9'7", 3-cone-drill: 6.66, 20-yard shuttle: 4.17, 60-yard shuttle: 11.27.
2. John Skelton -- Skelton is coming out of a smaller school and thus did not receive a lot of national attention. But for those that were unfamiliar with the 6'5" 243 Pound Fordham Quarterback, became very familiar this past weekend. Skelton before the combine was considered by some to possibly go undrafted. While he may not be a high-round pick, he definitely did enough to get drafted. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.85, Vertical Jump: 33.5, Broad Jump: 9'0", 20-yard shuttle: 4.33.
3. Jarrett Brown -- The West Virginia prodigy had to sit behind Pat White for a couple years but once he got his chance, he shined in his own spotlight. Brown did enough in the Senior Bowl and enough in the events this past week to catapult his stock by a round or so. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.54, Vertical Jump: 34.5, Broad Jump: 9'6", 60-yard shuttle: 11.91.
RUNNING BACKS:
1. Ryan Mathews -- Mathews before the combine was considered to be a solid 2nd Rounder but after his results in this years combine may have secured a 1st round selection. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.45, Bench Press: 19 reps, Vertical Jump: 36.0, 20-yard shuttle: 4.33.
2. Ben Tate -- Because of Tate's low production in years previous to his final year at Auburn, he didn't receive a lot of buzz. That all changed for him on Sunday. His stock sky-rocketed in my opinion, or should have. Tate may have been the most competitive combine participant out of any of the other backs. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.43, Bench Press: 26 reps, Vertical Jump: 40.5, Broad Jump: 10'4", 3-cone drill: 6.91, 20-yard shuttle: 4.12.
3. Montario Hardesty -- Another player that had to wait in line for a starting position at the University of Tennessee, Hardesty absolutely nailed every event in this years combine. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.49, Bench Press: 21 reps, Vertical Jump: 41.0, Broad Jump: 10'4", 3-cone drill: 6.87, 20-yard shuttle: 4.14, 60-yard shuttle: 11.47.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
1. Emmanuel Sanders -- SMU hasn't produced a ton of NFL players, but Sanders could end up putting SMU on the map. He had a solid combine and launched his stock by at least a good round, maybe even two from where it had been. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.41, Vertical Jump: 39.5, Broad Jump: 10'6", 3-cone drill: 6.60, 20-yard shuttle: 4.10.
2. Scott Long -- I have to be honest, I didn't even know a Scott Long existed before the combine... it's tough to keep up with 1000+ players. However, the Louisville wideout came out of no where to make a name for himself. He will now be drafted instead of having to try out for a team as an undrafted free agent. None the less, he's going to have to earn his spot on a roster at the next level. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.46, Bench Press: 20 reps, Vertical Jump: 41.5, Broad Jump: 10'3", 3-cone drill: 6.45, 20-yard shuttle: 4.09, 60-yard shuttle: 11.06.
3. Golden Tate -- The golden domer (as they called him all week long) probably made a case to be selected in the 1st round. Whether or not that will happen is another story. He drew comparison's this past weekend to the likes of players such as Hines Ward and Anquan Boldin. He ran a speedy 40-time and that could have drawn attention by some who were not looking there before. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.42, Bench Press: 17 reps, Broad Jump: 10'0".
TIGHT ENDS:
1. Dorin Dickerson -- His 40-time really seperated him from the rest of the pack. He was a primary weapon at Pittsburgh and he could make an impact day one for an NFL Team. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.40, Bench Press: 24 reps, Vertical Jump: 43.5, Broad Jump: 10'5", 3-cone drill: 6.96, 20-yard shuttle: 4.30.
2. Clay Harbor -- Here is another name that people may not be familiar with because of going to a school like Missouri State. Harbor put himself on the map and could really make an impact from first jump in the NFL. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.69, Bench Press: 30 reps, Vertical Jump: 40.0, Broad Jump: 10'0", 20-yard shuttle: 4.37.
3. Jimmy Graham -- The two-sport athlete at Miami probably made the right choice in going with football over basketball. He had a very well-rounded combine and I am positive it didn't go unoticed. Here are his top-performance reults -- 40-time: 4.56, Vertical Jump: 38.5, Broad Jump: 10', 3-cone drill: 6.90, 60-yard shuttle: 11.76.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN:
1. Bruce Campbell -- People have pointed out flaws in Campbell's game film but his combine reults fanned the competition. If he ends up some place where fundamentals are taught first and foremost, he will have a chance to continue to fan the competition in games at the next level. Here are his top-performance results: 40-time: 4.85, Bench Press: 34 reps, Vertical Jump: 32.0, Broad Jump: 3-cone drill: 7.58, 20-yard shuttle: 4.69.
2. Marshall Newhouse -- Here is a guy who flew a bit below the radar all season long. He came in to the combine and proved that he is athletically worthy enough to be bumped up from his previous stock status. Here are his top-performance results: 40-time: 5.00, 3-cone drill: 7.40, 20-yard shuttle: 4.60.
3. Jared Valdheer -- At 6'8" and 312 LBS, Valdheer blew up every event just about and created a lot of buzz among scouts and coaches. His technique is finely tuned like Slash's guitar and he is ready to rock at the next level. His stock only got better and he made a very good decision to participate. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 5.09, Bench Press: 32 reps, Vertical Jump: 33.5, Broad Jump: 9'1", 3-cone drill: 7.40, 20-yard shuttle: 4.51.
DEFENSIVE LINE:
1. Jason Worilds -- Virginia Tech has produced alot of talent at the pro-level and they did a great job in recruiting Worlids. Worlids hadan excellent combine and potentially boosted his stock by a round maybe even two depending on where you had him before. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.72, Vertical Jump: 38.0, 3-cone drill: 6.95, 20-yard shuttle: 4.29.
2. Jerry Hughes -- Hughes needed a good performance to secure his positioning on where his stock was pre-combine. The defensive lineman class wasn't as impressive as years past. Here is his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.69, 3-cone drill: 6.99, 20-yard shuttle: 4.15.
3. Dexter Davis -- Out of Arizona State, Davis came in to the combine hoping to get a few more dollars tacked on to his first NFL contract and that he did. He performed well in all events and was a top performer in 3 events. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.64, 3-cone drill: 7.08, 20-yard shuttle: 4.30.
LINEBACKERS:
1. Jamar Chaney -- Out of Mississippi State, Chaney did not qualify for only one event out of them all to be a top-performer. He climbed his way up the boards and I am sure some of the scouts and coaches took note of it. Here are some of his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.54, Bench Press: 26 reps, Vertical Jump: 39.0, 3-cone drill: 6.90, 20-yard shuttle: 4.29, 60-yard shuttle: 11.46.
2. Dekota Watson -- Watson has been a disruptive player throughout his career at Florida State and he made just as much of a splash at the 2010 NFL Combine. Watson had the second best 40-time and did exceptional in all the other athletic related drills. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.56, Vertical Jump: 40.0, 20-yard dash: 4.11, 60-yard shuttle: 11.35.
3. Keenan Clayton -- Oklahoma Linebacker Keenan Clayton was thought to have been a late late round pick pre-combine but his results in the 40, the bench press, and vertical jump may have been enough to boost him in to the later portion of the mid rounds. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.66, Bench Press: 27 reps, Vertical Jump: 41.5.
CORNERBACKS:
1. Devin McCourty -- Some of the high praise surrounding McCourty pre-combine was confirmed as he left his mark on the competition. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.48, Broad Jump: 10'6", 3-cone drill: 6.70, 20-yard shuttle: 4.07.
2. A.J. Jefferson -- Here is another one of those guys that came out of now where and flew on to the radars. Jefferson came out of Fresno State and maybe didn't get the recognition he deserved but this definitely put him on a national stage. Here are his top-performance results -- Vertical Jump: 44.0, Broad Jump: 10'6", 3-cone drill: 6.72, 20-yard shuttle: 4.00, 60-yard shuttle: 11.04.
3. Brandon Ghee -- Ghee, out of all Corner's, may have the best opportunity for his potential to meet up with his God-given talent and have the two elements meet up to be one. I don't think Ghee had got the recognition he deserved until these events, but he has made his mark now on the proffesional football world. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.45, Broad Jump: 10'7", 3-cone drill: 6.75, 20-yard shuttle: 4.07, 60-yard shuttle: 11.21.
SAFETIES:
1. Taylor Mays -- Mays has recieved a lot of criticism for this and that and had he not done as well as he did would have jeopardized his 1st Round considerations. He instead may have sling-shotted himself all the way in to a top ten consideration. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.43, Bench Press: 24 reps, Vertical Jump: 41.0, Broad Jump: 10'5".
2. Eric Berry -- He may have secured a top ten selection in this years draft. He did pretty much what most expected him to do. But so much has been made of how well Berry is going to do, that some have forgetten just how special Berry could potentially end up being. I felt he was deserving of mention in the top performers. He may have had the most to lose with not that much to gain because of how highly he has been praised already. Here are his top-performance results -- 40-time: 4.47, Bench Press: 19 reps, Vertical Jump: 43.0, Broad Jump: 10'10".
3. Kyle McCarthy -- McCarthy will be a good underdog story to follow once he's in the NFL. He performed quite well in more than just a couple events. He reminds me a lot of Pat Tillman when he first entered the league and he is definitely a player that I think helped his stock out this past weekend. He isn't the guy who is going to run you a sub 4.4, 40-yard-dash, but he has the natural instinct and quickness that it takes to get far in the NFL. His hard work ethic could take him a long way as well. Here are his top-performance results -- Bench Press: 24 reps, 3-cone drill: 6.74, 20-yard shuttle: 4.13, 60-yard shuttle: 11.18.
Author's note: If you feel that someone should have been in the place of any of these top three's, please feel free to express that. Thanks for reading if you made it this far. Enjoy.
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Comments
first
it would be nice if the combine invited 350 college players and let it go on for 8days a cuople of those days was no drills at all just talkng ,anyway i was really surprised spikes(ILB florida) didn’t work out or run was looking forward 2 seeing him .But i steal feel niners should take earl thomas/safety at 13 i was wondering though if spiller were availible at 13 and earl thomas at 17 could you see them making hose pics.
Decent choices man
There’s actually a good chance Thomas might be there at 17. There is at least one mock that has him going after the 20th pick. If it weren’t for the fact that both have been returners and we have a little depth at safety, those are pretty viable picks.
We have almost no depth at safety though. Michael Lewis may retire halfway through the year if he even comes back. I hope Roman doesn’t come back. That leaves us with Goldson (good enough), reggie smith (can’t stay healthy) and curtis taylor (7th round pick last year never saw the feild). Did I forget anyone?
by hellaninersfan on Mar 4, 2010 12:13 PM PST up reply actions
That's everyone
It’s why I think we should get Atogwe and pick up a safety in the 2nd or 3rd for depth
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
I don’t think Atogwe will happen since the rams have right of first refusal. If there were a safety prospect in our range in the first round who wasn’t undersized I could see us picking him. However I agree that we will be able to find a decent safety in the 2nd or 3rd round.
by hellaninersfan on Mar 4, 2010 12:28 PM PST up reply actions
I know everyone is excited about spiller
as a return guy, but I honestly don’t understand why we don’t hear more about Best at a lower pick? Same speed, can return, but we’d have to pay less and not use a 1st round pick on him. We passed over DeSean because of size/injury concerns and he had a great season with Philly.
Best
runs east and west opposed to Spiller being a north and south runner….mainly just north. We saw that east-west doesn’t work in the NFL (See: Reggie Bush)
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Are we thinking
Spiller is going to end up being Gore’s replacement in a few years? People are talking about him as a change of pace RB. At the 13th pick we are guaranteeing the guy a lot of money to be a returner and now-and-then take snaps as a RB if we think he is going to be a complementary back. Best in the 2nd would not be getting a Reggie Bush paycheck. I’m not saying he’s going to be equally as good, just that he could be a better deal and we might be able to get a DB and an OL in the first round if we wait for him in the second. Assuming he falls to us.
by ljl on Mar 4, 2010 9:17 AM PST up reply actions
Even when he was sharing time with James Davis at Clemson, he was still playing full-time. He was getting 10-15 runs a game, 3-5 passes per game, and doing most of the punt returns and all of the kick returns. He can handle it full-time. If Chris Johnson can do it, so can Spiller. They’re the same size and have about the same amount of physicality to their game.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
this is a total misconception
Best runs much better between the tackles and is more decisive than Spiller. Spiller dances in the hole like Bush.
by microwave donut on Mar 4, 2010 9:24 AM PST up reply actions
Spiller is still higher rated to me
Because of the injuries, but if not for that it would be Best hands down. His running style absolutely translates better to the NFL.
by microwave donut on Mar 4, 2010 9:25 AM PST up reply actions
One of Best's concussions
was from leaping over someone headfirst…something that is relatively easy to avoid in the future. He would also take fewer hits if he wasn’t the focus of the offense like he was at Cal. And I’m not even arguing that Spiller may not be a bit better, just that for someone who is a return guy and change of pace back, it doesn’t make sense to me to pay the premium of a #13 pick when we might be able to get someone with equivalent speed and size in the second round.
by ljl on Mar 4, 2010 9:31 AM PST up reply actions
no doubt
Best would be a much better value in the second than Spiller at #13. I don’t think he makes it to #49 though.
by microwave donut on Mar 4, 2010 9:33 AM PST up reply actions
And out after 5 games because concussions have been proven medically to reoccur easily in a sport like football. See: Brian Westbrook, Michael Lewis, Steve Young, Trent Green and SEVERAL other players throughout the history of the NFL have had them reoccur. Andre Waters has the brain of an 85 year-old man because of concussions. They are not something to play with and I don’t want to invest ANY pick in a guy who could be out of the sport in less than a years time because he’s already had two so far and hasn’t even seen the likes of the NFL yet.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
It's not really clear
medically whether it is the actual concussions or the smaller everyday trauma that cause the long-term damage…not to say that concussions are not a big deal because they are, but really that the league wants to be off the hook by only paying attention to actual concussions. There is probably a reason so many linemen end up with early-onset dementia than other positions yet you don’t as often hear of them going out for a couple games with a concussion compared to the skill positions.
Having said that, he may be forced to sit after another concussion or two. But there is no guarantee that Spiller won’t get hit and have a concussion in his first game either.
Read these because apparently you need to
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-06-18-concussions-cover_N.htm
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8104d786&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
dude i am in medical school
you need to reed my post more closely.
either that or something is getting lost by my typing instead of explaining.
by ljl on Mar 4, 2010 2:05 PM PST up reply actions
Don’t you have to go to a 4-year before med school? “reed”? “dude”?… I don’t know how I’d react if a doctor or nurse called me “dude”. I suppose I’d laugh?
Anyhow back on topic, concussions are very significant concerns, particularly in consideration of drafting someone who’s sustained two major concussions. He was 15 feet in the air and his head broke his fall. He’s lucky to be alive. Steve Young retired because of concussions, Troy Aikman did as well, Westbrook cannot refrain from getting them now… it is a pretty large risk to throw caution to the wind and take Best as high as we’d have to take him. Med school or not, that’s common knowledge.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Wow, so civil.
Thanks for pointing out my typo. FWIW, I would never call a patient dude, but luckily we are having a conversation in an online forum about football, not meeting in an office to talk about your health :)
Obviously something is getting lost in this discussion. I probably was not being clear in my post.
I’m not arguing that concussions aren’t a big deal. However, it actually isn’t clear whether the concussions are the major problem or whether it is repetitive injury of medium-to-high strength experienced everyday in football. Retrospective surveys are known to have a high level of recall bias. It is not unreasonable to expect that concussions have been under-diagnosed in the past, and that players with current memory loss would think back and recall more events that they interpret as concussions compared to former players without memory loss. Especially back in the day when “getting your bell rung” was just seen as part of the game. It is very possible that concussions and long-term dementia are two different but related symptoms stemming from the actual underlying cause.
There is a vested interest on the part of the NFL to attribute the problem only to concussions and not to typical hits with hard pads and helmets. Think Toyota recall and floormats.
I guess I was somewhat cynically (which you can go ahead and criticize me for if you want) trying to say that you are right in that he may be forced to sit after another. That would probably be in his best interest physically and mentally, but it doesn’t necessarily stem from the league trying to do everything in its power to protect its players. There is a lot more they could be doing.
It doesn’t affect my point of view either way about trying to fill a return-man need with a lower pick…which obviously we disagree about, which is fine.
by ljl on Mar 4, 2010 3:19 PM PST up reply actions
It was a friendly jab not meant to be taken personal so apologies that you took it that way.
I just don’t want potentially damaged goods when there is plenty of other players out there that don’t have the concerns
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
fair enough :)
since I butted in I felt I had to explain a little bit better anyway
by ljl on Mar 4, 2010 3:52 PM PST up reply actions
You couldn’t be more off. Best danced aorund more than any other back in NCAA Football. He does unecessary things like jumping in the air and getting hit 15 feet higher because he’s scared to go heads up with LB’s, etc, which pushes him to try and juke more than any other back in college football. You have it completely backwards my friend, if ANYONE is a spitting image of Reggie Bush, it would be Jahvid Best. He is going to get eaten up in the NFL. And if he plays the same way he tried to at Cal, he’s going to end up with a short career. That’s a given. Spiller’s running style is more comparitive to Chris Johnson’s. People watch a few highlights on youtube of Spiller and thinnk they’re experts on him or something.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
I guess that’s why everyone was asking Spiller about the Bush comparisons at the combine?
Comparisons are lame anyway. Neither of these guys are going to be Reggie Bush or Chris Johnson. They are going to be CJ Spiller and Jahvid Best. It’s funny to bring up too because absolutely nobody would have taken Johnson over Bush had they come out the same year. One was a possible #1 overall while the other was considered a reach in the late first.
by microwave donut on Mar 4, 2010 11:10 AM PST up reply actions
Spiller versus Best
I have been reading all of the above with great interest … lots of opinions. How about a look at some facts:
Career Rushing Yards Best = 2,668 Spiller = 3,480
Career Receiving Yards Best = 533 Spiller = 1,362
Career KR / PR Yards Best = 844 Spiller = 2,574
Career Total Yards Best = 4,045 Spiller = 7,416
Career Yards / Carry Best = 7.3 Spiller = 5.9
Career Yards / Catch Best = 8.6 Spiller = 11.4
Average KR Yardage Best = 26.4 Spiller = 27.9
Average PR Yardage Best = 0 Spiller = 10.7
In short, it would seem that Spiller is a more complete player, that is, has more skills. He is a much better receiver. He can contribute more on special teams. And, he is apparently far less fragile.
But, while you MAY be able to get Spiller at #13, you might be able to get Best at #49. To me, it’s a no-brainer because you get far more potential productivity by spending at only one round higher. We are obviously going to take an OT at #17. Who else can you get at #13 that will have a bigger immediate impact than Spiller?
by 49erFanSince1950 on Mar 4, 2010 4:33 PM PST up reply actions
Nobody is denying Best's talent
If you were looking at just talent he’s a 1st round pick for sure. People are scared because of his concussion history
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Best’s performances against superior competition have typically been… how do you say… disappointing, though. There are real, performance-based reasons to be worried about him. I’ve said it before: Vereen has actually played much better against the high-echelon teams than Best has. That said, Best is obviously a dynamic runner, and it’s impossible to predict how his game will translate to the NFL.
And he’s definitely a very intriguing in the return game.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Mar 4, 2010 10:27 AM PST up reply actions
I wouldn't take Best before the 3rd
Between the concussion issue and the ‘dancing’ and the fact that your point (HTS) re: his not always showing up (if Oregon, USC, Oregon State, and Arizona State can hold him to 3.5 yards/carry and less than 64 yards, so can most NFL defenses), consider me not sold.
Jason Hill is turning the corner!
I would be for it
If we got our OL at #13, that way we address the immediate need and we have some options with what we do at 17. Maybe trade it down to secure someone like Best in the 2nd round and maybe pick up a CB either later in the first or in the 2nd.
Here's the simulcast
The good stuff starts about 3 minutes in, watch it, it’s hilarious
I'm sure people are going to jump down my throat for this
But I’m actually not opposed to taking Tebow.
Now – a few caveats:
1) I don’t think he’ll be successful at all as an NFL QB
2) I’m not a dumb Florida/Tebow fan, they both annoy me. A lot.
3) I wouldn’t pick him above the 3rd round, preferably the 4th, which I know probably precludes us from drafting him
4) I’d expect him to take at least a year to adjust to a TE/H-back role
5) I actually don’t think he’d be a bad linebacker…
Clearly he’s a good athlete with those mysterious “good intangibles.” Personality-wise he’s definitely a Mike Singletary kind of guy, physicality-wise, he’s definitely a McC kind of guy. I think he’s got the tools and the drive to succeed in the NFL, just not as a QB. I know he wants a shot a being one and whoever drafts him will most likely give him that shot, but if it was me, it would be a very short leash before I’d want him learning other skills. Though I suppose in the meantime he could run other positions on the scout team…
Oh well, I’m really only posting this because I keep finding myself surprised at how ok I would be if we drafted him as a non-QB in the 3rd.
But that won’t happen, so the point is moot….
Tebow
If he throws even halfway decent at his Pro Day, he will be drafted in the 2nd Round. He is saying all the right things, and he had a fairly good combine (with the exception to not throwing). So if he does even so-so at his Pro Day, someone will give him a shot.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
His best number at the combine
was the 6.66 he cleverly threw in there to let those of us that already suspected know that he is for sure the anti-christ
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Mar 4, 2010 9:20 AM PST up reply actions
I already made all of the best puns on that one in the fanshot we had last week. You’re free to plagiarize my work, though.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Mar 4, 2010 10:29 AM PST up reply actions
Not that your comment was a pun. It’s actually a fairly direct single-entendre. I’m just pointing out how awesome my punnage was there. The quality to quantity ratio was even pretty good!
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Mar 4, 2010 10:30 AM PST up reply actions
Mays unofficial times were ridiculous
A whole bunch of scouts were unofficially clocking him between 4.28 and 4.34. Haden running as slow as he did had to be tremendously disappointing. Should have gone and gotten himself in whatever camp had Gerhart running a 4.50.
Gimme 1 round!
There are likely a number of mocks (at least one that I saw)
That now have Haden dropping out of the 1st round. Again, not much credence given, but I tend to agree.
The simulcasts with Jacoby Ford and Trindon Holliday showed...
that Mays is slower than Ford’s 4.28 and faster than Holliday’s 4.34. Seems pretty simple to explain that he was not only the fastest DB, but the fastest by a full tenth of a second.
Jason Hill is turning the corner!
probably the same people who had Andre Smith in the 20's last year
Mockers overrate the combine and whole draft process in general. Sure rise and a bit, but not as much as they think, especially in the first round. If you take the end of season rankings and predraft rankings, then split the difference, that will be closer to the truth.
Some teams came out and said that their boards were virtually set before the combine and would be very hesitant to move guys.
why do I always mess up replying to the bottom post?
you’d think I would have learned by mow
by microwave donut on Mar 4, 2010 9:58 AM PST up reply actions
no idea
I know he held out and then got injured, but have no clue how he did/what his future looks like at this point.
Anyways: aren’t mockers supposed to say what teams will do, not what they should do?
by microwave donut on Mar 4, 2010 11:41 AM PST up reply actions
Smith missed camp with a holdout, in part over money and a contract clause about his weight. He finally signed, showed up and was severely overweight. Two days of camp drills and his foot cracked from the impact of his chubby, out of shape frame.
I agree with your last point, mockers should focus on what teams will do instead of what they should do . . . been a lot of that around here.
How is anyone to know for sure what teams will do? That’s a pretty bold thing to say when no one really knows for sure.
Care to provide any examples other than just making wise cracks about what people “do around here”?
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
I hate to link you to Maiocco’s article because I know your feelings about him, but the 49ers GM took the podium at the Combine and basically stated that size is everything to him.
You didn’t really answer the question, so if you want to dodge it then so be it. I don’t know what that has to do with what I stated.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
I’m dodging it?
49ers GM has a strong preference for drafting players with prototypical size, see his comments from the Combine. If your mock has the 49ers selecting someone who doesn’t fit the size mold than you really aren’t paying attention and betting on the small percentage they will break their rule.
Singletary was also on NFL Network stating the 49ers don’t deviate from their draft board. If your mock has the 49ers addressing all their needs than again you haven’t been paying attention . . . they are going to draft the guy they gave the highest grade instead of drafting for highest need.
If you mock really doesn’t incorporate these two rules than your mock is what you think they should do.
I call BS. They aren’t going to limit themselves in drafting talented players by ONLY going with guys who are large. Again, what does that even mean? What are those EXACT parameters???? Do you know? Cause they havent exactly come out and said that have they? If so I missed where they said “we’re only gonna draft a Quarterback if he stands 6’7” and weighs 260LBS".
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
It's very much on point and topic
If that’s the best rebutal you have then you’re being the “strawman”. If you can’t answer that, then you’ve lost the debate on this topic.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
No, you are just being childish about it.
I call BS. They aren’t going to limit themselves in drafting talented players by ONLY going with guys who are large.
Yes, I just told you they are. Desean Jackson will agree.
Again, what does that even mean? What are those EXACT parameters???? Do you know?
I have to provide the draft guru parameters and what is prototypical size for a given NFL position?
CB – at least 5’11, 200 lbs +/- a few
RB – at least 215 lbs
WR – at least 6’2, 210 lbs
DE – at least 6’3, 260lbs
I can keep listing them off if you think these parameters are so ambiguous.
If so I missed where they said "we’re only gonna draft a Quarterback if he stands 6’7" and weighs 260LBS".
Strawman
LOL… so passing on one player…. ONE PLAYER, Desean Jackson means they’re going to do it absolutely 100% hands down everytime? Ridiculous.
So if the Niners draft a guy outside those parameters we can scrap that list right? And you’ll stop believeing everything you read on Matt Maiocco’s blog posts??
I’m getting the strawman treatment now?
Strawman to the second power. Mine was on topic simply asking what are the parameters. Had you provided the list initially, it would have prevented it getting to this point. You are the one that went in to name calling and then have the audacity to call me childish? Get real.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
JMO
I know I haven’t been on here for very long -so you can tell me to expletive deleted off, or whatever- but the purpose of these blogs is to foster the expression of different viewpoints.
I know things can get a little bit heated, but as a site contributor you should be a bit above this rather than trying to force your viewpoint upon people.
by microwave donut on Mar 4, 2010 2:20 PM PST up reply actions
I agree, I should in some cases. But I don’t think I am off base or out of line for anything I have said to this point. I am not the one that went in to personal attacks initially mind you. You are certainly welcome to have an opinion but what you are saying here has nothing to do with football. So is it really your place? If Fooch doesn’t approve of what I am saying here, he will let me know. But I do believe that I am well within the guidelines of what I agreed to when I joined the site. Thanks for your concern though.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
They also said the wanted a speedy change-of-pace running back at one point too (via a Matt Maiocco article). The guys reporting is contradictive from one day to the next, take it with a grain of salt and not in the same way that the Pope values the Holy Word.
Does that mean it could happen, does it mean they’ll draft that way because Scot M got on a podium and rambled off a bunch of mumbo-jumbo about wanting “large” players? Maybe, maybe not. What’s considered a large player anyway? Does that mean that if we draft a Corner he better be 6’2" 215 lbs for us to consider him?
I sure hope for the fans sake and the teams sake that McCloughan doesn’t turn in to Al Davis by limiting the amount of talent that can come in by setting thin margins for themselves like that. But instead was throwing out a bluff to other organizations as a draft strategy tactic that is done by several GM’s around the league. Maybe just maybe we’re finally catching on… and then again maybe not. Either way, it’s not exactly cool to throw out garbage comments in regards to people who have fun doing mock drafts on this website. I happen to take in to consideration of team needs and BPA when I do my mocks (which aren’t often) and take the time and effort to research things… so if it was a crack at me specifically, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
I’d say the guys we currently have on the roster are pretty inline with the averages of the league. Possibly even smaller in some areas. Maybe larger in others. There are all kinds of possibilities and to be as narrow minded as that and to take every little song and dance that our FO performs, or the beat writers for that matter, for face value is being pretty naive.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Franklin is average NT size
Smith is undersized for a DE, Sopoaga is a little big for a DE—he’s more a NT type size. Lawson is smallish for an OLB, Haralson is average size, Brooks is average. Willis and Spikes are average for ILB.
Spencer is smallish for a CB, Clements is average, Goldson is smallish for a safety. Lewis is a bit larger.
On the defense we actually tend to run average or smaller for players.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Spencer isn’t smallish! He is 6’1, 190lbs.
Prototypical size =/ Super Size.
It means fitting the size you would expect a player to be at the position.
Terrell Brown – 5’10" 193… well there’s a miss. He’s probably closer to 5’9".
Kory Sheets was brought in last year and didn’t make the team because he couldn’t pass block, not for size.. he was 5’11" 204. That’s under your parameters… they considered him, right> It’s irrelevant that he didn’t make it, point is they had interest.
Dre Bly was brought in …he’s 5’10" 185… so he negates your prototypical size.
Both Reggie Smith and Curtis Taylor arte considered small for their respective positions.
Scott McKillop was drafted to be a back up ILB and he is small for that position at 243.
Justin Smith is considered on the smaller side of a 34DE, we brought him despite size not knowing what we were gonna get for sure didn’t we?
We brought in Chris Patrick who is very small for a Tackle (280) to be a back up last year.
Rossum CB/ KR was brought in by the McCloughan regime (5’8" 178)
Etc…
I am sure that if I dug deeper, I could find other players that McCloughan has been responsible for bringing in with other franchises when with them that do not fit the bill…
Don’t believe everything you hear.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Those are all free agents and late round picks (if picks). Funny, your know-nothing friend Maiocco spelled this out last week. I bet you missed that piece.
I bet you missed all the articles written last year how the 49ers were not interested in Maybin and Everette Brown because they were smallish DE/OLB and the 49ers were already regretting making the exception with Manny Lawson.
It seems we spend a lot of time on here updating you on things that have already been reported.
I've seen all those things and they make no difference in my stand here
What do late round, free agent signings have to do with wanting LARGE football players on your football team? Now who is avoiding the origin of conversation? But I’m the strawman…right. Seems to me that they only care if they are in fact “football players” or not. I’m finished with this if that is the best you have.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Question about Spiller: what do people think about Maiocco's claim that the 9ers won't draft him?
Maiocco claims that he’d be an “exception” and that McC has said that ‘if you allow yourself exceptions to your draft philosophy, you end up with a team of exceptions.’
My thinking is that an ‘exception’ would be picking someone like Arenas or Ford to be our return guy—because both of those guys lack size to even a greater extent than Spiller does. I think Spiller has enough size to hold up in the NFL, and although I’m not a huge fan of his pad level, it looks to me like he’ll be at worst a very productive back at the next level.
Jason Hill is turning the corner!
I just don’t get the logic behind sticking to any certain type of player. That is exactly what Al Davis has been doing forever and it just doesn’t work in today’s game. If you limit yourself to players that fit certain molds then you lose out on the likes of players like Chris Johnson, Deshaun Jackson, Steve Smith, etc. I think that that line of thinking is completely offline with how a NFL GM should think. If you dont think outside the box, then you are setting yourself up for failure.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
something joke about "it's how you use it" seems appropriate here
I think the logic is sound with flyweights like McCluster or Trindon Holliday. Returners have to absorb some of the biggest hits on the football field, and with that comes a serious risk of injury.
An underrated factor (to me) in Maiocco’s contention is the very fact that the Niners had Allen Rossum as a returner. No he couldn’t do anything but return. No, he wasn’t up to proper McC standards, size-wise. But he was productive when he was here and if the Niners had picked him up when he was under 30 rather than over it, I think they would’ve kept him longer.
Spiller reminds me of Percy Harvin, physically, except that his lower body looks more muscular and his center of gravity is lower. Also, Spiller doesn’t have Harvin’s attitude and injury issues (as far as I know). And Harvin still went in the teens despite all that. And Maiccoo doesn’t think McC will think Spiller can be similarly valuable because of size? Seems strange to me.
Jason Hill is turning the corner!
Me too
I really hope that their line of reasoning is not because of that factor (size) if they decide not to select Spiller. There better be better reasons other than that. And if we sit here and watch him slip past two of our first round picks and he ends up being as productive as let’s say a Chris Johnson, then I’m starting a picket line in front of 49ers headquarters to have McCloughan fired and I will be there everyday until it happens. Haha.
Chris Johnson: 5’11", 200 LBS.
C.J. Spiller: 5’11", 196 LBS.
For the folks that say he can’t be an every down back.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
I'll second that
but may I respective add that it could use a quick once-over edit for some errors? Thanks.
by foosball4949 on Mar 4, 2010 11:03 AM PST up reply actions
Mays
Everywhere else I’ve read say that Mays had a terrible combine. He ran fast indeed, but he looked terrible in the drills, especially ones that involve him reversing and moving laterally. Everyone knew he was fast so his 40 time doesnt really help. Every mock I see has him slipping. I didn’t get to watch him, so I’m wondering what you saw in him that made you write the way you did.
Yeah, I didn’t think the same thing as what the critics were saying. He looked just as good as anyone else out there moving laterally. The only thing that I agreed with in what they were saying is that his hips looked a bit stiff in his turns. But that’s easy tuning at the next level. He had a good vertical (which adds value in the secondary with his height), good broad jump (which means he will be able to dive far for a tackle if need be). Some of the other stuff He didn’t look any better or any worse than the middle of the pack. With his athletic nature middle of the pack can turn in to above the pack if he continues to keep an open mind. He is under too fine a microscope and if he wasn’t, people would be astonished at his ability.
I am curious to know why you are stating all these things like they are facts if you didn’t get to watch him? Is this just based off of what you’ve read? And if so, where are you reading and seeing these things?
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
I agree, the media will call it as they want too
He wasn’t spectacular in the drills, but in the 40, bench and vertical jump he was amazing. If he had nothing else, he is a model specimen for athleticism.
I didn’t state anything as a fact. I said that that is what I read, and was wondering why you had a different opinion.
It just sort of came off that way and I wanted to clear that up. If you have links, I’d like to read the articles you are.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Interesting take on it. I didn’t get that impression… I watched it twice. I did think there were times that he made mistakes but they weren’t huge ones. I think if Taylor Mays was under such a big magnifying glass, and that he was from a smaller school, people would have been saying just the opposite of that. Again, in the other drills, SEVERAL other DB’s made mistakes as well. Joe Haden was one of them. There was even one point in those drills where Eric Berry made a mistake. Mays wasn’t making so many to warrant that jab at him by that SI writer. Not in my opinion anyway.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
good points
I just went back and watched Mays at the combine and I agree with you, he looked good. Still on the fence as to whether we should draft him, but you gotta love that ability
Mayock gave a shout out to Dennis Pitta the other day
Lots of people have said that Pitt doesn’t have the skill to block—well he simply wasn’t used that way at BYU. He put up 27 reps on the bench press though, so he’s obviously got the strength, he just needs to learn how.
If a team is looking for a Dallas Clark type of TE Pitta is your guy. He’s got the best hands by far of any TE that was at the combine.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
We already have Delanie Walker
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Not saying the Niners should draft him
we have our pass catching TE in Vernon Davis.
Just saying that a team looking for a Dallas Clark type of TE would do well by picking him up
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Here my views...
I’m not sold on the O tackles this year an I think the top three or four will b gone by 13… so if available spiller, 17 Taylor Mays.. an hopefully tonite we could reach a deal wit duanta Robinson, all I want is jus those three players an a bonus would b my man Benn from Illinois (hometown favorite )
by dc49erfan on Mar 4, 2010 5:57 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Speculation or. . .?
How certain is it that a deal will be reached w/Robinson? I haven’t heard anything that something is truly in the works.
by Mangoman on Mar 4, 2010 7:27 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Looks like he's going to ATL
Just saw a report from MSNBC
by Mangoman on Mar 4, 2010 7:34 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

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