NFL Combine Information

[ChrisPozz]

Blackmon to "do it all" at Combine; Fleener won't - CBSSports.com

 

[EKmane]

NFL.com news: Pre-combine position rankings for 2012 NFL Draft

Ingram enters the combine as the #1 ranked de. I think he'd be a factor at the 3-4 rush backer spot too. Too bad he'll be gone at 30.

I think Vinny Curry will rise back into the 1st round after the combine. I would love for him to be our pick at #30. Curry and Aldon off the edges would pump fear into opposing qb's, every week.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Griffin says he’ll “wow them in the interviews” at Scouting Combine | ProFootballTalk

 

[clyde_carbon]

Pre Combine: Top 15 prospect rankings | National Football Post

A few surprises there. Ta'amu at 14, Charles at 13, Glenn at 9, and DeCastro at 4.

 

[NinerSickness]

Man Still & Brockers are overrated.

 

[BINGO]

Small-school DBs ready to rise at combine
February, 20, 2012
2:10PM ET
By Kevin Weidl

The NFL combine annually gives small-school prospects a chance to shine alongside higher-profile players from bigger programs, with former Chattanooga/current Cleveland Browns CB Buster Skrine and former Nicholls State/current Baltimore Ravens CB Lardarius Webb being recent examples. This year's event (Feb. 22-28) will be no different, and there is an interesting storyline developing in this year's small-school crop.

The 2012 batch of small-school defensive backs is the deepest, most talented I've seen in that position group in the five years I've been with Scouts Inc. It helps that the list includes two players who transferred from SEC schools -- North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins and McNeese State's Janzen Jackson -- but the overall talent level is still impressive.

Of the 12 noteworthy prospects listed below (grade in parentheses), I expect at least seven to hear their names called in the draft, including several who could come off the board in the early rounds.

Janoris Jenkins, who went from Florida to North Alabama, heads up the small-school standouts.

North Alabama CB Janoris Jenkins (94)
Montana CB Trumaine Johnson (83)
Coastal Carolina CB Josh Norman (79)
McNeese State S Janzen Jackson (72)
Cal-Poly CB Asa Jackson (70)
Furman CB Ryan Steed (65)
Presbyterian CB/S Justin Bethel (50)
Appalachian State CB De'andre Presley (46)
Wayne State (Mich.) CB J.J. Jones (42)
Samford S Corey White (44)
Hampton CB Micah Pellerin (34)
Maine S Jerron McMillian (30)

Three prospects in particular deserve some attention, beginning with Johnson. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Johnson should impress with his combination of size and athleticism. He shows good range on tape, as well as above-average ball skills when tracking and playing passes downfield.

He's somewhat similar to Baltimore Ravens CB Jimmy Smith, another big corner who boosted his stock with a fast 40-yard dash time, and, if Johnson runs the 40 in under 4.5 seconds, his stock could get a big boost. Johnson carries a late-second-round grade as it stands now and could get himself into the top 40 overall with a solid combine.

I've also been impressed with Asa Jackson in recent film study. Jackson shows quick-twitch movements, excellent man-coverage skills and impressive balance and change-of-direction on film, and his closing burst and recovery speed jump out. He left the Senior Bowl with an injury, but, assuming Jackson is at full strength at the combine, he could help himself with a 40 in the 4.4 range. Posting a time in that area would help him remain on the fringe of Day 2.

Finally, Steed comes to Indianapolis looking to regain some momentum after a disappointing showing late in the season and in Senior Bowl week. He's a good overall player who is physical in press coverage, shows toughness and quickness, and contributes on special teams, but Steed was exposed a bit in man coverage at the Senior Bowl and had problems with the top-end speed of Florida's receivers in the Paladins' season finale.

Steed did a nice job against early-round WR Alshon Jeffery (South Carolina) in 2010, but his overall speed and ability to recover are in question, so it is vital to Steed's stock that he run well. Doing so will help build some positive momentum and keep Steed in the Day 2 mix.



Talent at other positions, too

There is also plenty of small-school talent at other positions, including these three noteworthy prospects:

Appalachian State WR Brian Quick (75)
Another FCS prospect who stumbled at the Senior Bowl, Quick (6-3½, 222) is a very good athlete and can make some acrobatic catches, but his hands and route-running skills are inconsistent. Quick should shine during drills with his combination of size and athleticism, though, and, if he can post a 40 time in the 4.5 range, he'll help his cause.


Midwestern State G Amini Silatolu (73)
Silatolu (6-3½, 312) is another athletic big man who should shine during drills. He has good foot quickness and agility, and, although he needs to clean up his technique, Silatolu is strong, aggressive and knows how to finish blocks. He played tackle in college but is likely to move to guard in the NFL because of a lack of length, but a strong showing in Indianapolis would give him a chance to get into Round 3.


Regina DT Akiem Hicks (57)
Hicks was a junior college signee at LSU in 2009 but did not play for the Tigers that season as improprieties during his recruitment were investigated, and he left the program in early 2010. He's been off the radar in Canada since then, but his impressive measurables (6-4⅝, 324; 10⅛-inch hands; 35⅛ arms) and movement skills for his size are sure to turn some heads.

Hicks is raw and needs coaching, but he showed quick hands and feet during East-West Shrine week, and, if he should break 5.0 in the 40, the hype machine will begin cranking at full capacity for Hicks.

 

[AU_Fever]

Small-school DBs ready to rise at combine
February, 20, 2012
2:10PM ET
By Kevin Weidl

The NFL combine annually gives small-school prospects a chance to shine alongside higher-profile players from bigger programs, with former Chattanooga/current Cleveland Browns CB Buster Skrine and former Nicholls State/current Baltimore Ravens CB Lardarius Webb being recent examples. This year's event (Feb. 22-28) will be no different, and there is an interesting storyline developing in this year's small-school crop.

The 2012 batch of small-school defensive backs is the deepest, most talented I've seen in that position group in the five years I've been with Scouts Inc. It helps that the list includes two players who transferred from SEC schools -- North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins and McNeese State's Janzen Jackson -- but the overall talent level is still impressive.

Of the 12 noteworthy prospects listed below (grade in parentheses), I expect at least seven to hear their names called in the draft, including several who could come off the board in the early rounds.

Janoris Jenkins, who went from Florida to North Alabama, heads up the small-school standouts.

North Alabama CB Janoris Jenkins (94)
Montana CB Trumaine Johnson (83)
Coastal Carolina CB Josh Norman (79)
McNeese State S Janzen Jackson (72)
Cal-Poly CB Asa Jackson (70)
Furman CB Ryan Steed (65)
Presbyterian CB/S Justin Bethel (50)
Appalachian State CB De'andre Presley (46)
Wayne State (Mich.) CB J.J. Jones (42)
Samford S Corey White (44)
Hampton CB Micah Pellerin (34)
Maine S Jerron McMillian (30)

Three prospects in particular deserve some attention, beginning with Johnson. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Johnson should impress with his combination of size and athleticism. He shows good range on tape, as well as above-average ball skills when tracking and playing passes downfield.

He's somewhat similar to Baltimore Ravens CB Jimmy Smith, another big corner who boosted his stock with a fast 40-yard dash time, and, if Johnson runs the 40 in under 4.5 seconds, his stock could get a big boost. Johnson carries a late-second-round grade as it stands now and could get himself into the top 40 overall with a solid combine.

I've also been impressed with Asa Jackson in recent film study. Jackson shows quick-twitch movements, excellent man-coverage skills and impressive balance and change-of-direction on film, and his closing burst and recovery speed jump out. He left the Senior Bowl with an injury, but, assuming Jackson is at full strength at the combine, he could help himself with a 40 in the 4.4 range. Posting a time in that area would help him remain on the fringe of Day 2.

Finally, Steed comes to Indianapolis looking to regain some momentum after a disappointing showing late in the season and in Senior Bowl week. He's a good overall player who is physical in press coverage, shows toughness and quickness, and contributes on special teams, but Steed was exposed a bit in man coverage at the Senior Bowl and had problems with the top-end speed of Florida's receivers in the Paladins' season finale.

Steed did a nice job against early-round WR Alshon Jeffery (South Carolina) in 2010, but his overall speed and ability to recover are in question, so it is vital to Steed's stock that he run well. Doing so will help build some positive momentum and keep Steed in the Day 2 mix.



Talent at other positions, too

There is also plenty of small-school talent at other positions, including these three noteworthy prospects:

Appalachian State WR Brian Quick (75)
Another FCS prospect who stumbled at the Senior Bowl, Quick (6-3½, 222) is a very good athlete and can make some acrobatic catches, but his hands and route-running skills are inconsistent. Quick should shine during drills with his combination of size and athleticism, though, and, if he can post a 40 time in the 4.5 range, he'll help his cause.


Midwestern State G Amini Silatolu (73)
Silatolu (6-3½, 312) is another athletic big man who should shine during drills. He has good foot quickness and agility, and, although he needs to clean up his technique, Silatolu is strong, aggressive and knows how to finish blocks. He played tackle in college but is likely to move to guard in the NFL because of a lack of length, but a strong showing in Indianapolis would give him a chance to get into Round 3.


Regina DT Akiem Hicks (57)
Hicks was a junior college signee at LSU in 2009 but did not play for the Tigers that season as improprieties during his recruitment were investigated, and he left the program in early 2010. He's been off the radar in Canada since then, but his impressive measurables (6-4⅝, 324; 10⅛-inch hands; 35⅛ arms) and movement skills for his size are sure to turn some heads.

Hicks is raw and needs coaching, but he showed quick hands and feet during East-West Shrine week, and, if he should break 5.0 in the 40, the hype machine will begin cranking at full capacity for Hicks.

Thanks for the info Bingo. Good to know some players from smaller schools. I know you're a big fan of Jenkins. He may slip to #30, but the Cowboys and the Bengals need secondary help.

 

[BINGO]

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/53924/nfl-combine-player-schedule-2

NFL combine: Player schedule
February, 20, 2012
Feb 20 3:52PM ET
By ESPN.com staff

Player Schedule: Feb. 22-28​

Date Activity

Day 1 Arrivals*: Group 1 (Kickers, Special Teams, Offensive Line),
Group 2 (Offensive Line), Group 3 (Tight Ends)​

Wed., Feb. 22 Travel to Indianapolis* ~ Registration ~ Hospital Pre-Exam
& X-rays ~ Orientation ~ Interviews
Thurs., Feb. 23 Measurements ~ Medical Examinations ~ Media ~
Psychological Testing ~ Interviews
Fri., Feb. 24 NFLPA Meeting ~ Psychological Testing ~ *PK/ST
Workout* ~ Interview
Sat., Feb. 25 Workout (timing, stations, skill drills) ~ Departure from
Indianapolis

Day 2 Arrivals*: Group 4 (Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers),
Group 5 (Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers), Group 6 (Running Backs)​

Thurs., Feb. 23 Travel to Indianapolis* ~ Registration ~ Hospital Pre-Exam
& X-rays ~ Orientation ~ Interviews
Fri., Feb. 24 Measurements ~ Medical Examinations ~ Media ~
Psychological Testing ~ Interviews
Sat., Feb. 25 NFLPA Meeting ~ Psychological Testing ~ Interviews
Sun., Feb. 26 Workout (timing, stations, skill drills) ~ Departure from
Indianapolis

Day 3 Arrivals*: Group 7 (Defensive Line), Group 8 (Defensive Line), Group 9 (Linebackers)​

Fri., Feb. 24 Travel to Indianapolis* ~ Registration ~ Hospital Pre-Exam
& X-rays ~ Orientation ~ Interviews
Sat., Feb. 25 Measurements ~ Medical Examinations ~ Media ~
Psychological Testing ~ Interviews
Sun., Feb. 26 NFLPA Meeting ~ Psychological Testing ~ Interviews
Mon., Feb. 27 Workout (timing, stations, skill drills) ~ Departure from
Indianapolis

Day 4 Arrivals: Group 10 (Defensive Backs), Group 11 (Defensive Backs)​

Sat., Feb. 25 Travel to Indianapolis ~ Registration ~ Hospital Pre-Exam &
X-rays ~ Orientation ~ Interviews
Sun., Feb. 26 Measurements ~ Medical Examinations ~ Media ~
Psychological Testing ~ Interviews
Mon., Feb. 27 NFLPA Meeting ~ Psychological Testing ~ Interviews
Tues., Feb. 28 Workout (timing, stations, skill drills) ~ Departure from
Indianapolis


*Select players from any Group arriving the first three days (Groups 1-9), may arrive one day prior to their scheduled date listed above in order to assist with medical scheduling. This will be based on flight schedules and medical tests only and no players arriving early will have advanced contact with teams.

 

[BINGO]

NFL Draft Blog
Three with a big combine opportunity
February, 21, 2012 11:29AM ET
By Steve Muench

The NFL combine (Feb. 22-28) will offer all prospects a chance to boost their stock at least a little, but some players are in position to make more of a gain than most.

Perhaps they played in a scheme that didn't maximize their talents and/or were on a team that struggled in 2011. Others might be looking to rebound from a disappointing showing during an all-star game or to show teams that they are healthy after missing time with injuries.

With that in mind, here are the three 2012 prospects who could help themselves as much as anyone else during their upcoming time in Indianapolis. As always, non-seniors are noted with an asterisk.


Rueben Randle's ball skills are known, but his 40 time will be important at the combine.


LSU WR Rueben Randle* (Scouts Inc. Grade: 84)
Randle is coming off a big season, and he's faced some of the best athletes in the country during his career in the SEC, but he flew under the radar playing for a Tigers team known for its running game and defense. That run-heavy scheme and quarterback play that could be considered inconsistent at best hurt Randle's overall production and hindered his progress, especially as a route-runner.

In terms of draft positioning, Randle sits right behind South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery* (85), who is not expected to run well at the combine. If Randle posts a better 40-yard dash time and catches the ball as well as expected, while also showing some improvement in his routes during field drills, he could very well leapfrog Jeffery on the draft board. That would put him in position to land with a team like the Minnesota Vikings, who could be in the market for a receiver early in the second round.


Mississippi OT Bobby Massie* (76)
Massie didn't get much attention as Mississippi went 2-10 and 4-8 the last two seasons, but don't be surprised if he creates some buzz while in Indianapolis. He's an above-average athlete expected to measure in the 6-6 range and weigh in at around 320 pounds, and Massie has the potential to stand out during position-specific drills. In particular, keep an eye on his footwork and lateral mobility when asked to slide in pass protection.

The 2012 tackle class is not all that strong, and with teams always looking for help at that position Massie has an opportunity to move into the second-round conversation if he performs as well as expected. The Miami Dolphins need to address their quarterback need before anything else, but they would do well to get Massie on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3). He could line up on the right side, teaming with standout LOT Jake Long to give the Dolphins the bookends they'll need in order for their quarterback to have time in the pocket.


Washington RB Chris Polk (70)
Polk is coming off a somewhat underwhelming performance at the Senior Bowl, where he didn't look at quick as he appears on film, so running well in Indianapolis would help Polk regain some momentum. He's said he expects to run in the 4.4-second range in the 40, which would be well below the four-year combine average (4.60) for running backs.

That time would be even more impressive when you consider Polk weighed in at 224 pounds at the Senior Bowl. Polk also catches the ball well, so he has chance to stand out during that portion of position-specific drills. The Green Bay should be in the market for a running back, and if Polk shows well at the combine he could be an intriguing possibility late in the third round. He has the tools to develop into a primary ball carrier and can contribute on passing downs early in his career.


Five others to watch
Troy DE/OLB Jonathan Massaquoi* (74)
Louisiana Lafayette TE Ladarius Green (71)
Texas A&M DC Coryell Judie (61)
Virginia Tech DC Jayron Hosley* (60)
Arizona State DC Omar Bolden (51)

 

[ChrisPozz]

Scout.com: Is Alshon Jeffery in shape for the combine?

 

[BINGO]

Man Still & Brockers are overrated.

Brockers would be a beast as a DE (3-4 scheme) IMO.

 

[BINGO]

Originally Published: February 22, 2012

Combine's most intriguing players
Remember Ryan Broyles? The NFL combine is a good place to get re-acquainted
By Mel Kiper
ESPN Insider


Ryan Broyles is one player who needs to show he's healthy this week at the combine.

Earlier this season, I had Oklahoma wide receiver Ryan Broyles on my Big Board. An excellent route-runner with good quickness, if not great speed and steady hands, he was a potential first-round pick. Good NFL scouts have long memories, and plenty of tape, which means good things for Broyles -- who tore his ACL in a game early in November -- but doesn't totally diminish the importance of this week.

Broyles is one of a few guys who will be able to give clear status updates on injuries during this week's NFL combine in Indianapolis. But to go beyond the guys coming in with injury questions, here's a list of players who fit a few categories when it comes to intrigue, and where I see them right now.

More Kiper NFL draft content:
Combine preview | Mock Draft 2.0 | Latest Big Board | Top 5 by position​

Intrigue factor

QB Robert Griffin III: Few quarterbacks listed under 6-foot-2 started NFL games this season. Only one NFL quarterback is shorter than 6 feet -- Seneca Wallace. Hey, there's no height that makes a guy great, but it's fair to say scouts and coaches take it into account. I have Griffin listed at 6-2, and my guess is he measures at that. But the combine gives us a lot of interesting measurements. Griffin seems like a lock to be a top-five pick, even more so if he's as tall as currently listed.

WR Alshon Jeffery: For Jeffery, it's weight, and how that correlates with speed. The former South Carolina star saw his production fall this year, but most of that had to do with erratic QB play. Still, if he's not south of 230 pounds, it won't help him if the speed isn't there. Lower weight and good quickness could keep him in the first round.

QB B.J. Coleman: I've said he has a fifth- or sixth-round grade, but the UT-Chattanooga star has good size and a big arm, and it's always important for the small-school guys to walk around and perform with the bigger names, just because it helps eliminate the idea they don't belong. I could see Coleman leapfrogging some better-known QBs if he shows a lot this week.

LB Lavonte David: The Nebraska linebacker has some games when he seems to be in on every tackle. Really, the tape just sings sometimes. But what do you do with a LB who could scale at 225 pounds soaking wet? Does he have the speed for strong safety? Is he more of a SAM linebacker in a creative system? Coaches may love David, but not all will be sure what to do with him.



The athlete factor

S Harrison Smith: I have the safety out of Notre Dame with a potential first-round grade, but he can secure it if he shows off adequate speed and size for the position. His tape is outstanding, with great instincts for the position. It helps when athleticism proves to be a part the equation.

DE Whitney Mercilus: The defensive end out of Illinois could go as early as the top 10, but teams want to see if he's the athlete he looked like in 2011. He has a great year, but no body of work beyond that, so good combine marks would help the case.

Scouts want to see if Coby Fleener has the speed to create separation at the NFL level.

TE Coby Fleener: Catching passes from Andrew Luck is a good and bad thing. Good because people saw Fleener could play and has great hands; bad because Luck was so accurate, you question how good Fleener had to be. He can get into the conversation as an early Round 2 pick if the speed is there because he has great hands. Scouts just need to see him as more of a weapon and less as a solid pass-catcher.

WR Mohamed Sanu: Scouts will be interested in Sanu's speed after his production simply exploded in 2011. If he runs and tests well, he won't be seen as a one-year wonder, just a guy coming into his own.

LB Vontaze Burfict: Because Burfict faces makeup questions, I think he needs a "wow" area for scouts, and I think the workouts could be it. He's had a reputation as a player, but also one carrying an attitude, since high school. He needs a new aspect to his track record, and I think coming in really prepared to impress as an athlete can help his stock.


The health factor

WR Ryan Broyles Not much more to say about Broyles. If he's progressing really well, you wouldn't be surprised to see him off the board before the third round. The question is whether a team feels he can help early.

DT Jared Crick: At one time, I had the DT out of Nebraska on my Big Board. I don't think the pectoral injury he suffered should hurt his performance as a player, but he has less tape playing without Ndamukong Suh because of it. He's probably a second-round guy right now, but you never know.

OT Andrew Datko: The Florida State tackle has a lot of talent, but his shoulders (both) are a question mark. I can see him going in the third round if teams feel he's recovered fully.

S Mark Barron: I have a hard time thinking he falls out of Round 1 (maybe even the top half), but he did just have hernia surgery, so teams will check to make sure his recovery is on track.

A few more: CB Omar Bolden, DT Josh Chapman, RB Cyrus Gray, WR Chris Owusu

Mel Kiper has been the premier name in NFL draft prospect evaluations for more than three decades. He started putting out his annual draft guides in 1978 and started contributing to ESPN as an analyst in 1984. For more from Mel, check out his annual draft publications or his home page. He also can be found on Twitter here.

 

[BINGO]

Originally Published: February 22, 2012
10 things to watch at combine
Workouts could help determine No. 3 QB; clarity regarding RBs awaits, too
By John Clayton
ESPN.com


Indianapolis hosted perhaps the best-run Super Bowl in the game's 46-year run. This week's return to Indy for the NFL scouting combine should be a breeze.

A total of 327 draft prospects started converging on downtown Indianapolis on Wednesday to be poked, probed and tested by NFL teams over the next seven days.

More than just draft research, the combine is to pro football what the winter meetings are to baseball. With the official league year starting shortly after the conclusion of the combine, teams will start talking trades, determining the value of potential free agents, working on getting under the salary cap and making other plans for the 2012 season.

Virtually every scout, coach, general manager, agent and most of the top draft prospects will be in town. Here are the 10 things to watch in the 2012 combine.

1. Figuring out the quarterback hierarchy: Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is expected to go to the Indianapolis Colts as the first pick in the draft. Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III is the next quarterback pick, and if the Rams can begin shopping his talents, a team will move up to the No. 2 selection to take him. But who's No. 3? Most teams have different ratings on the quarterbacks behind Luck and Griffin. The list includes Ryan Tannehill of Texas A&M, Brandon Weeden of Oklahoma State, Brock Osweiler of Arizona State, Kirk Cousins of Michigan State and Nick Foles of Arizona.

Luck and Griffin may run 40-yard dashes, but they aren't throwing Sunday, reserving their shows for their pro days in March. Tannehill is injured and won't work out. The rest of the quarterbacks need to do as much as they can to sort out this year's class. Each has to overcome questions. For Weeden, it's his age. He's going to be a 28-year-old rookie. If Osweiler measures out close to 6-foot-8, that could be a negative because very few quarterbacks that tall succeed. A good combine could help Cousins and Foles improve some second- and third-round grades.


Trent Richardson is trying to prove he's worthy of being a top-15 pick.


2. Placing the running backs: It's tough to be a running back these days. The move to a passing league has devalued featured backs. Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy in 2010, but that netted him only the 28th pick in the first round, when the Saints traded up to get him. The next back didn't go until the 38th pick.

This year's backs will be battling similar problems. Trent Richardson of Alabama is clearly the best back in the draft. In many circles, he's a top-10 pick. But he either has to run a good 40 time or convince a top-15 team in need of a running back that he's too valuable to pass up. Like the quarterback position, the combine starts the battle to see who is the No. 2 back and whether that back merits first-round consideration. Among the candidates are Lamar Miller of Miami, Chris Polk of Washington, David Wilson of Virginia Tech and Doug Martin of Boise State.

3. QB-WR match game: A recent successful trend has been drafting a big, fast wideout to become the go-to receiver for a talented, young quarterback. The Falcons traded up to acquire Julio Jones to help out Matt Ryan. The Bengals had instant success putting A.J. Green with Andy Dalton. The Calvin Johnson-Matthew Stafford and Andre Johnson-Matt Schaub pairings created major problems for defenses.

Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State is considered the best receiver in a deep class of pass-catchers. The Rams found out last season they lacked the receiving threats to advance the development of Sam Bradford. They have the second pick in the draft and could trade down to a team that needs Griffin, but trading down too much could cost them Blackmon. The Panthers, a team that used to emphasis defense and the running game, advanced into the quarterback age last season with the success of Cam Newton. They might be willing to trade up to get Blackmon.

Most of the top receivers, such as Michael Floyd, Mohamed Sanu, Alshon Jeffery, Rueben Randle and Stephen Hill, all have great size. Good 40 times and great workouts could excite teams.

4. Hot corners: One of the highlights of the upcoming draft is the depth at cornerback. More than 10 corners could go in the first two rounds. Because recent combines have been on television, corners have treated combines like track meets. They train hard, and if they have speed, they don't fear running at the combine. More defenses are looking for man-to-man corners, and the bigger and faster the better.

Taller cornerbacks such as Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama, Stephon Gilmore of South Carolina and Trumaine Johnson of Montana could really help themselves with great workouts. Because there are so many good prospects at corner this year, the combine will start sorting out where they might go.

5. Figuring out the hybrids: Because quarterbacks are getting rid of the ball so quickly, the premium in drafts is finding pass-rushers. One of the problems, though, is determining whether they fit as a 3-4 linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end. Melvin Ingram of South Carolina and Courtney Upshaw of Alabama are 270-plus-pound linebacker prospects, but 4-3 teams such as the Seahawks have to watch the workouts carefully to see if these players could work as defensive ends in a 4-3. Nick Perry of Southern Cal and Whitney Mercilus of Illinois are undersized defensive ends. Would they fit better in a 3-4? Their workouts could help the teams in need of pass-rushers answer those questions.

6. Bulking up the middle of offensive lines: Guards and centers do not get selected often in the first round because teams in need of blockers prioritize the tackle position. But the recent successes of interior blockers such as Maurkice Pouncey of the Steelers and Mike Iupati of the 49ers have allowed teams to appreciate guards and centers more in the first round.

That's what makes this an interesting combine for guards David DeCastro (Stanford) and Cordy Glenn (Georgia) and center Peter Konz (Wisconsin). DeCastro has the dimensions of a tackle, but because he's so dominant in the middle, he could go in the top 15. Glenn (6-foot-6, 346 pounds) could be switched to tackle. Konz (6-5, 315) is considered the best center prospect. With a few more teams shifting to the 4-3, the value of guards and centers to protect the pocket of quarterbacks will influence this combine.


If the Rams hold on to the No. 2 pick, USC's Matt Kalil could be their guy.


7. Competition at tackle: Matt Kalil of Southern Cal is considered the best offensive tackle in the draft and could go as high as the second pick if the Rams can't pull off a trade. Offensive line coaches will be hoping many offensive tackles work out to see which ones have the footwork to be a left tackle and protect the quarterback's blind side.

Left tackles are on islands blocking defensive ends and pass-rushing linebackers. Good combines could only help Riley Reiff of Iowa, Mike Adams of Ohio State, Jonathan Martin of Stanford and others.

8. Will the great run on tight ends continue? Thanks to Vernon Davis, Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham and others, the NFL is in a golden era of tight end play. All of a sudden, it's hard to win without a top tight end who can stretch the seam or have a big presence in the middle of the field.

There are 14 tight ends at the combine, and all will be trying to prove themselves. Among the names to watch are Coby Fleener of Stanford, Dwayne Allen of Clemson and Orson Charles of Georgia. This doesn't appear to be a deep class, but the combine will begin to show if it's a good one.

9. Franchises and franchise players: Starting Monday, teams with unsigned players will have 15 days to decide how they'll use the franchise tag. With agents for the top players here in Indianapolis, negotiations on long-term deals will be intense. With more than $700 million of cap room and more than 470 free agents, something has to give. Agents and general managers will be huddling up in coffee shops, restaurants and suites throughout the city.

10. Trade discussions, salary-cap cuts and Peyton Manning: The new collective bargaining agreement rolled back the value of top draft choices. Instead of six-year contracts that topped out at $78 million, the top pick settles for a $22 million, four-year deal. For the first time in years, teams won't fear trading into the top five. The Rams might as well set up a trading post to service teams such as Cleveland, Washington and Miami, who might want to trade up to acquire RG3.

It's not out the question for swaps of draft picks to start as early as March, but the foundations of those discussions could start in Indianapolis. This week, teams should find out the final salary-cap number, which isn't supposed to go much higher than $120.375 million. And yes, the big offseason story remains Manning. Colts owner Jim Irsay could meet with Manning this week and sort out whether he stays a Colt or whether he will be released.

John Clayton, a recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's McCann Award for distinguished reporting, is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

 

[NinerSickness]

Brockers would be a beast as a DE (3-4 scheme) IMO.

He'd be pretty good in a 2 gap 5 technique, but I don't see him as anywhere near the prospects Darius & Watt were in the top 10 or 11 last year.

 

[ChrisPozz]

Under radar underclassmen set to light up combine - CBSSports.com

Top 10: Best bets to put on combine freak show - CBSSports.com

 

[ChrisPozz]

Kendall Wright, Melvin Ingram among players to watch at NFL Scouting Combine - Tony Pauline - SI.com

 

[BINGO]

He'd be pretty good in a 2 gap 5 technique, but I don't see him as anywhere near the prospects Darius & Watt were in the top 10 or 11 last year.

Of course he's not. Watt is one of a kind. Watt will be as good as Justin Smith, whereas Brockers (at the 5technique) could be as good as Aaron Schobel was or a player like Shaun Ellis with the Jets. The kid would be a force but not quite JJ Watt level.

1.) Michael Brockers vs Georgia 2011 - YouTube

 

[ChrisPozz]

Adam Caplan:

Baylor WR Kendall Wright (ankle) will run during the Combine.

1 hour ago
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Jason La Canfora:

Alabama's Trent Richardson, the top RB in this draft, had minor knee scope 3 weeks ago, and won't do on-field drills at the combine...

1 hour ago

 

[clyde_carbon]

He'd be pretty good in a 2 gap 5 technique, but I don't see him as anywhere near the prospects Darius & Watt were in the top 10 or 11 last year.

You must not be a big fan then, since you weren't a huge fan of Watt last year either.

 

[NinerSickness]

You must not be a big fan then, since you weren't a huge fan of Watt last year either.

This is true. I finally came around after his insane combine performance though...

Let's just say that I think Brokers & Still are good prospects (like I originally thought Watt was), but not great like a top15 pick should be. I like Brockers more than Still by a decent margin though.