2013 NFL Scouting Combine Saturday and Sunday News and Notes
by Tyler Lurkins
Saturday and Sunday’s Combine News and Notes
WIDE RECIEVER’S
Tavon Austin-Austin put on a show and had scouts drooling. He really needed to prove he can fight for the ball. After his massive display in the weight room, Austin shows the strength to out muscle a corner. Speed and hands were also proven and Austin may have solidified a first round bid.
Cordarelle Patterson-No surprises here, Patterson lived up to his billing. For his size, he showed great athleticism and catching ability. The big win: he now stands as the top receiver in the draft.
T.J. Moe, Ryan Swope, and Josh Boyce-With the exception of Swope, it’s doubtful this group of receiver will go before the fourth round. Swope looked the most impressive displaying speed, hands, and strength. Boyce and Moe looked stout and solid. I’ve always listed Moe as a sleeper, but both of these will see big attention as gritty, tough, blocking, slot receivers.
RUNNING BACK’S
Eddie Lacy-Unless Lacy puts on a heck of a show at his pro day, don’t expect him to be a first rounder. He basically rolled in to Indy, weighed in, and sat out. With no gauge on his bench or speed, he’s basically just a bruiser with decent film.
Christine Michael and Kniles Davis-Both have separate issues. Michael is labeled as a trouble maker, who has publicly disrespected his coaches. Davis has put one good season together, but is oft injured. With their frame and power, both will see their stocks rise. The third round is probably the ceiling for these two, but at least they will both be drafted.
Onterio McCalebb-If you’re reading this, you already know…McCalebb almost broke the combine speed record. However, he’s still a slight framed track guy. With the NFL all but taking the kick off out of the game, McCalebb will hold little value. Like Dexter McCluster, a team will want to feed him the ball in open space, but McCalebb will not be a 2nd round pick.
QUARTERBACK
A word of advice, do not pull the trigger on Geno Smith as the #1 pick. He performed well, but teams are hinting that no QB’s are overly impressing them. We will definitely know as rumors are flying that Alex Smith has been traded. Stay tuned as the answer may come as soon as Monday.
TIGHT END
Nothing of note here. Eifert is surely the #1 TE, Ertz is the #2, and McDonald and Kelce vie for #3. Gavin Escobar looked very miserable, but has solid tape. Arkansas’ Chris Gragg impressed athletically, but is still very undersized with injury concerns.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Terron Armstead-The pride of Cahokia, Illinois is the biggest buzz. We all know Joeckel, Warmack, Fisher, Johnson, and Cooper are jockeying for first round consideration. Armstead is the ultimate sleeper this year. With speed, size, and strength, Armstead has heads turning. He’s a definite lock in the 2nd round, but will a team like the Bears or Giants, desperately seeking a left tackle, lock Armstead in the first?
DEFENSIVE LINE
Star Lotulelei-Doctors discovered Lotulelei ails from a heart condition. He left Indianapolis to return to Utah for further testing. Though the condition is not known to be major or minor, and we may not know for a month.
Margus Hunt, Bennie Logan, Tank Carradine, and Corey Lemonier-Margus Hunt may very well be a mid to top, first round pick. Logan and Lemonier, both hovering in the 3rd to 4th round area, have impressed enough with size and strength to be considered in the 2nd. Tank Carradine, once considered first round material, impressed with a great weigh in and bench press. Could he be considered in the first again?
Barkevious Mingo and Dion Jordan-These two will be the hardest to mock. Jordan has great height and speed, but is strength is a question. Not to mention, he will be out for the next 3-4 months following surgery. Mingo is very lanky. Publically admitting he took plays off, Mingo’s desire, commitment, and attitude will be in question. Mingo also skipped the bench press, probably because he doesn’t have the power.
SLEEPER ALERT-Look for Akeem Spence to turn heads. I know I often rave on Big 10 players, but I cover them thoroughly. Every expert has Spence hovering at the top of the third round. Yet he has the prototype weight, tossed up 37 reps, and will show off his athleticism later. Much like his companion Corey Luiget, Spence could find himself at the top of 2nd round due to the short comings of Kawann Short.
LINEBACKERS
Alec Ogletree-Unless Ogletree does something completely ignorant between now and draft day, he will not leave the first round. At almost 245, Ogletree possesses rare speed and athleticism. With so many teams at the bottom of the round looking for a middle linebacker (St. Louis, Chicago, Houston, Green Bay) he is almost a lock.
Arthur Brown-Everyone has heard about the ferocious and play making Brown. However, no one knew he would weigh in at 240. Brown needs to show his added weight doesn’t detract from his speed. If he does so, Brown could be the 2nd player drafted at the MLB position. Also, don’t forget he can play any linebacker position in the 34 or 43.
Manti Te’o-Te’o weighed in and addressed the media. It’s also a sure bet he will show good footwork on the field. His failure to do the bench press and run the 40 makes scouts believe he isn’t ready to be put on display. Even with a stellar pro day, I can’t imagine Te’o being selected in the first round.
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