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Day two of the 2013 NFL Combine is upon us, and it marks the arrival of the glamor positions. Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers are all arriving today. They will register, go through orientation and get their medical examinations underway. They will also get their first opportunities to interview with teams.
Thursday also marks the start of measurements and media availability for the first arrivals. Offensive linemen, tight ends and special teams players all will be getting that taken care of, while also continuing their team interviews.
Nick and Trevor took a few minutes to run down some of the new arrivals they will be paying attention in the coming days. This will cover workouts and drills, but will also include their height and weight measurement. For some positions, an inch or two shorter in measurement could cost them some bucks in the Draft.
Nick Chiamardas
Quarterbacks
Matt Scott, Arizona - Dual threat style QB that will likely be a bit of a project in the NFL. A bit on the smallish side but has a above average mechanics and a quick release. Will need to demonstrate solid knowledge of defensive schemes pre-snap.
Landry Jones, Oklahoma - Once considered a first round pick Jones struggled with accuracy at the Senior Bowl in January, particularly on short routes and swing passes. It may have been an anomaly as accuracy was never really an issue at OU. Good mechanics and above average arm should allow him to be an early to mid round pick.
Running Backs
Lonnie Pryor, Florida State - Pryor is listed as a fullback because that's where he played at FSU. However, Pryor a unique athlete capable of playing fullback, running back, and H-back. He's also an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield and could evolve into a 'Swiss Army knife' type player at the next level.
Le'Veon Bell, Michigan State - Big bruising running back listed at 6-2 244lbs Bell could be a candidate to fill the short yardage back slot on the roster that Brandon Jacobs was initially signed to fill. Bell showed signs of quickness and above average agility for his size during the season. Should he do well at the Combine he'll likely be an early round pick.
Wide Receivers
Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech - Patton was one of the best players on the field during Senior Bowl practices. He was excellent in his routes and exploded out of his breaks. He also showed incredible hands as he caught everything thrown his way. While he lacks top end speed, I think Patton may have worked himself into the late 1st round and could be on the Niners radar at 31.
Denard Robinson, Michigan - I'm one of those who believe Robinson would be better suited with a switch to running back. There is no doubting his athleticism. He's lightening in a bottle with the ball in his hands. Problem at WR will be getting the ball in his hands...he had several drops at the Senior Bowl. Even if he shows improved hands, route running may still be an issue. Despite those issues, it'll will be exciting to watch him test.
Trevor Woods
Quarterbacks
Collin Klein, Kansas State - Klein has received a lot of criticism about his throwing motion, and some have even compared it to that of Tim Tebow's. I disagree with this assessment. I find Klein to be a fairly accurate quarterback who has the ability to throw the ball down the field on target. He has been working with Jake Plummer on his mechanics, and I think Jake the snake will help him. Klein has the ability to run the read option and do things out of the pistol formation. He will be participating in all quarterback drills at the combine.
Jordan Rodgers, Vanderbilt - He's worth keeping an eye on for the fact he's Aaron Rodgers brother alone. That makes for good television. Rodgers isn't as highly sought after as his brother was coming out of college, but a team will take a flier on him in round 6.
Running Backs
Johnathan Franklin, UCLA - 1,700 yards rushing this season, yet this guy is projected as a third rounder. Not only can Franklin run with speed and has the ability to break tackles, he is also a receiving threat. Franklin had 33 receptions this season. There's a lot to like about this Bruin.
Stepfan Taylor, Stanford - Taylor, a Harbaugh recruited product, has done nothing but produce as a Stanford Cardinal. While this was a down year for him in the yards per carry department (4.8 ypc), Taylor still rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Taylor is also a receiving threat, tallying 44 catches. Stepfan also is a good blocking running back (wonder who he learned that from), and is as clutch as they come on third downs.
Wide Receiver
Chris Harper, Kansas State - Harper is a tank at 6-1 228 lbs. Harper is projected as a late round selection right now but he has "sleeper" written all over him. He has good hands, possesses good yard after the catch ability, can catch the ball in traffic, and is a good route runner. Reminds me a bit of Michael Crabtree with how he can accelerate instantly after catching the ball. If Harper runs a sub 4.45, look for his stock to rise, I doubt he drops many balls at the combine.
Aaron Dobson, Marshall - While he doesn't project to be a player with the height/speed combination (has height at 6-3, but not blazing speed), Dobson could be a solid NFL player. He makes up for his lack of premier speed with crisp route running, which gives him the ability to gain separation. Dobson had a good week of practices Senior Bowl week, making the corners look bad.
Markus Wheaton, Oregon State - Wheaton is every bit as good as Tavon Austin, just has yet to receive the love Austin has received by scouts and the media. This could all change at the combine. Small and shifty at 5-11 183 lbs, Wheaton is speedy too. He'll make a good slot receiver in the NFL who will make some big plays for whoever drafts him. Wheaton is also known for his good blocking, which is a trait 49ers demand out of their receivers.
DAY 2 ARRIVALS*: Group 4 (QB, WO), Group 5 (QB, WO), Group 6 (RB)
Thursday February 21, 2013 |
Travel to Indianapolis* ~ Registration ~ Hospital Pre-Exam & X-rays ~ Orientation ~ Interviews |
Friday February 22, 2013 |
Measurements ~ Medical Examinations ~ Media ~ Interviews |
Saturday February 23, 2013 |
NFLPA Meeting ~ Psychological Testing ~ Bench Press ~ Interviews |
Sunday February 24, 2013 |
On-Field Workout (timing, stations, skill drills) ~ Departure from Indianapolis |