Combine on NFL Net right now

[tapeANaspirin2it]

It's on right now and will be replayed throughout the day. Today will feature K, OL, and TE.

So far the OL ran 40s and 3 cone and will do drills later. Sam Baker and Ryan Clady did not run and will not workout because of injury.

[Superman]

Colbutt is over at Dumbster's watching SploogeBob videos on betamax.

[Superman]

It's on right now and will be replayed throughout the day. Today will feature K, OL, and TE.

So far the OL ran 40s and 3 cone and will do drills later. Sam Baker and Ryan Clady did not run and will not workout because of injury.
tell me how Brad Cottam does. I know his cousin.

[kurtistb]

Jake Long is of course a stud and Chris Williams looks very good in drills. I know people say Otah could play Left or Right tackle but to me so far he looks like a RT all the way.

[tapeANaspirin2it]

TEs will be later. Right now it's all OL. Ididn't pay a whole lot of attention to the 40s because i don't think it's that important for the OL.

Branden Albert looked good in the 3 cone, Cherulus did not

They're doing the combination pull drill now. Jake Long was perfect. Kory Lichtensteiger is looking good in drills.

Cottam just had a vert of 33 which is good for a TE. (Dustin Keller had a 38 inch vert which is awesome for a TE.) Cottam benched 24 times which was the same as Fred Davis and tied for third best among TEs. They commented that Cottam's stock is rising.


Here's the top performers in various drills. It's mostly blank because most drills haven't ben completed. Right now then bench for TE and OL is the only thing with results posted
http://www.nfl.com/combine/top-performers;jsessionid=63C1E4F22B3B11BDA282DB53CE73 E798

[t-bone]

why do they call it the long jump?

those guys are airborne for under a half second.

[tapeANaspirin2it]

the top ranked TE, John Carlson ran a 4.89, that's pretty bad

Dustin Keller TE ran a 4.53 along with his 38" vertical and looking smooth the the gauntlet pass catching drill. His only knock is his size. He needs to be am H back type, not a blocker.

Cottam ran a 4.68 which is good for his 6'7" size

[Super Dave]

Maylock has 4 OT's and Brandon Albert in his top 20 players, watch the RB's and QB's be the positions that fall in he draft.

Damn that would suck.

[TMC]

Maylock has 4 OT's and Brandon Albert in his top 20 players, watch the RB's and QB's be the positions that fall in he draft.

Damn that would suck.

Scuttle is that Michael Turner is upset because teams he has talked to have stated his asking price is too high and it would be easier for them to draft a back than it would be to sign him. He is said to be pretty disappointed.

I also heard the Steelers like him a ton, but are not willing to pay his asking price.

[Super Dave]

Before the combine last year, we were a lock for either Carrikker or Willis, so, so close. Positions of need.

I'm hoping the same thing doesn't happen his year. Looks like Albert/williams and Otah have all improved their stock.

[TMC]

Did anyone see what Campbell and Harvey touched the tape at?

University of Florida DE Derrick Harvey measured in at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine with a height of 6-foot-4 5/8 and a weight of 291 pounds.

University of Miami DL Calais Campbell measured in at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine with a height of 6-foot-7 1/2 and a weight of 290 pounds with a 35 1/2-inch wingspan.

Notre Dame DE Trevor Laws measured in at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine with a height of 6-foot-3 3/4 and a weight of 304 pounds.

I am really interested to see where some of these other DEs check in....especially Merling.

That is three pure DEs that could play for us in the 3-4. NICE.

[SteelerFan448]

That is three pure DEs that could play for us in the 3-4. NICE.

If the top tackles are gone by our pick, it would be great to add a DE.

[kurtistb]

Before the combine last year, we were a lock for either Carrikker or Willis, so, so close. Positions of need.

I'm hoping the same thing doesn't happen his year. Looks like Albert/williams and Otah have all improved their stock.

Otah looked like ass in drills today and with limited tape available on him compared to the other top guys at tackle its safe to say that unless Chris Williams walks into interviews huffing on a crack pipe he is solidly the number 3 tackle. Otah better have a much better pro day or he could realistically go from the number 3 tackle a couple weeks ago to the number 6 or 7th tackle by the time the draft rolls around.

Did anyone see what Campbell and Harvey touched the tape at?

University of Florida DE Derrick Harvey measured in at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine with a height of 6-foot-4 5/8 and a weight of 291 pounds.

University of Miami DL Calais Campbell measured in at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine with a height of 6-foot-7 1/2 and a weight of 290 pounds with a 35 1/2-inch wingspan.

Notre Dame DE Trevor Laws measured in at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine with a height of 6-foot-3 3/4 and a weight of 304 pounds.

I am really interested to see where some of these other DEs check in....especially Merling.

That is three pure DEs that could play for us in the 3-4. NICE.
Wasn't Campbell a top 10 pick coming into the season, now I am seeing him go as low as the early second. If we go DE in the first Harvey or Merling wouldn't be bad at all

If the top tackles are gone by our pick, it would be great to add a DE.

I concur

[Hollywood Bags]

I concur with your concur

[mightyguru]

Branden Albert is 1st round material but Schuening would be nice in the 2nd if he didn't hurt himself too bad. Chilo Rachal looks pretty good too.

Gosder looks soft and not very athletic. Williams is my pick over Otah if either is available. Williams looks smoother and more natural.

[TMC]

Otah looked plain unathletic. From the looks of the way he moved, it would be a miracle if he made it at LT in the NFL. He plays high, struggles going side to side, and lumbers when he moves.

I thought he slipped behind Williams and Baker. All three performed on the field. IMO, when you are separating the 3rd to 6th OT this draft, it comes down to preference, left or right, and the smaller things. Williams looks very fluid. Baker did not hurt himself at the combine because he is injured. Otah and Cherilus slipped behind those two...IMO.

[TDX27]

Otah looked plain unathletic. From the looks of the way he moved, it would be a miracle if he made it at LT in the NFL. He plays high, struggles going side to side, and lumbers when he moves.

I thought he slipped behind Williams and Baker. All three performed on the field. IMO, when you are separating the 3rd to 6th OT this draft, it comes down to preference, left or right, and the smaller things. Williams looks very fluid. Baker did not hurt himself at the combine because he is injured. Otah and Cherilus slipped behind those two...IMO.
I agree about Otah. And, the NFL Network dudes also said he looked awful.

[kurtistb]

Its a shame he didn't play in the Senior Bowl. It would have been nice to see how he handled going against other first day guys in that type of setting. The kid lost some money today. I can get past someone not running as fast or lifting as much but, I can't for the life of me figure out how on that kind of stage how you can give anything less than 100%. He looked like he didn't really give a fuck.

[TMC]

I hope this workout fucks him up to the tune of falling into the 2nd round.....say around pick 55 or so. Williams and Otah.....hmmmm......

[kurtistb]

lol that may a bit ambitious. I doubt Williams lasts to 23 and when they go back to looking at film Otah will go higher than 55. Really this just confirmed to me that although this is an amazingly deep draft at tackle its not really that top heavy, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

[LetMePlay]

If the top tackles are gone by our pick, it would be great to add a DE.

I also dont have a problem with taking Limas Sweed in the first either.

[Supersteeler]

Limas Sweed just ran a 4.4 forty at 215 lbs. That doesn't hurt his status any.

[TMC]

I need to edit something.....everywhere I saw had Harvey listed at 291, it is a mistake. He stated at his media session it was 271.

[Steeltime]

Steelers will have a selection of very high talent guys, at a position where help is needed, come pick 23. Any of the following would be a good selection with the first pick: Chris Williams, Sam Baker, Calais Campbell. One of those guys will be there at 23.

Then, the second round will have another very good player who will updgrade the Steelers in the trenches. Scheuning, Rachal, Merling, etc.

Two talented big guys, at positions of need. The depth at OL is great timing.

[t-bone]

it's gotta be...

1. OL
2. OL

unless Sweed, or better yet, Hardy, is available on our pick.

which they won't be.

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Mario Manningham runs a 4.68....ouch. That will hurt him because he's not very polished.

[TMC]

Well, he was not really running now was he.....he fast jogged a 4.68.

[Vader]

Mario Manningham runs a 4.68....ouch. That will hurt him because he's not very polished.

Ward probably runs faster than that.

[Supersteeler]

Mario Manningham runs a 4.68....ouch. That will hurt him because he's not very polished.

I think Sweed just went ahead of him with the 4.4 he ran.

[Steeltime]

Mario Manningham runs a 4.68....ouch. That will hurt him because he's not very polished.

Anquan Boldin ran a 4.72 40.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=27312

He sucks.

[Supersteeler]

Anquan Boldin ran a 4.72 40.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=27312

He sucks.

But like it or not, it hurt his draft status. People look at measurables...Manningham might be a fine NFL WR but there is no denying that his draft status just took a major hit.

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Anquan Boldin ran a 4.72 40.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=27312

He sucks.

He fell in the draft too. And Boldin is very physical, Manningham is not. If you're not fast, you better be big and physical. Manningham is neither. Maybe he had a injury or something because i'm surprised he ran so slow, but if Manningham can't improve on his 40 times before the draft, then he better start shopping for Buicks instead of Benzes.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

He fell in the draft too. And Boldin is very physical, Manningham is not. If you're not fast, you better be big and physical. Manningham is neither. Maybe he had a injury or something because i'm surprised he ran so slow, but if Manningham can't improve on his 40 times before the draft, then he better start shopping for Buicks instead of Benzes.

Will probably post a 4.5 at their personal workout. He is faster than where he just clocked in at.

[LetMePlay]

Limas Sweed just ran a 4.4 forty at 215 lbs. That doesn't hurt his status any.

I dont think he makes it to 23 anyway. He also put up a 35" vert.

He is the best player at his position in the draft. If he falls, we better take him over some second tier OL or DL.

[LetMePlay]

Oh yea, Flacco probably made himself several million bucks today. Henne was not far behind. Both looked excellent throwing the ball.

[Supersteeler]

RB's are getting ready to start running 40's in a few minutes.

[Steeltime]

I dont think he makes it to 23 anyway. He also put up a 35" vert.

He is the best player at his position in the draft. If he falls, we better take him over some second tier OL or DL.

The issue that I have with this scenario is that Sweed might be a key contributor on perhaps 100 plays next year (passes in his direction), if he is a starter. If he is a 3rd WR, as would likely be the case, then he is involved in maybe 40-50 plays.

An offensive lineman taken in round 1 would play in goal line situations, in case of injury, perhaps as a starter very early on. That player will be involved in at least 250 plays, and probably many more.

Plus, a receiver's contribution is diminished if the QB is scrambling to save his life. Not that that would ever happen to a Steeler QB ...

Finally, the quality of offensive lineman in this draft is not like the Troy Edwards selection. An OT or DE that the Steelers take at 23 will be a player worthy of that selection.

[LetMePlay]

Millions of dollars are about the gained and lost.

[kurtistb]

Oh yea, Flacco probably made himself several million bucks today. Henne was not far behind. Both looked excellent throwing the ball.

damn dude how high do you have him going?

[LetMePlay]

The issue that I have with this scenario is that Sweed might be a key contributor on perhaps 100 plays next year (passes in his direction), if he is a starter. If he is a 3rd WR, as would likely be the case, then he is involved in maybe 40-50 plays.


I dont mind drafting for need. Really, I dont but I will never leave the best player at his position on the board in the first round (except kickers/punters). Holmes and Sweed would be a nice combo for the next 5-7 years. I do agree with your overall analysis but I just dont like leaving potentially great players on the board to take decent players that we need.

The way I see it, out OL is going to be bad for at least 1-2 more years so we might as well load up on the skill positions if the scenario presents itself.

[LetMePlay]

damn dude how high do you have him going?

Late first to very early second. Probably late first.

Oh yea, I am a Delaware grad.

[leftcoaststeelerfan]

Late first to very early second. Probably late first.

Oh yea, I am a Delaware grad.

Goes to Miami in the beginning of the 2nd(32nd overall)

[Steeltime]

But like it or not, it hurt his draft status.

He fell in the draft too.

I get that. That was my point. His 4.72 dropped his draft status, and as is frequently the case, running in shorts was not indicative of his football abilities.

[Supersteeler]

I get that. That was my point. His 4.72 dropped his draft status, and as is frequently the case, running in shorts was not indicative of his football abilities.

Nobody is disputing that. I simply said he was going to fall in the draft due to his 40 time.

[kurtistb]

My gf and her two brothers are UD alum so they are also sweating him. Although I think he will end up in the long run as solid as any of these guys I have him as a early second rounder (not based on ability mostly due to pedigree). Truth be told I think he is helped out by all these guys having big question marks if my team needed a QB I wouldn't be thrilled with this class.

[Supersteeler]

Darren McFadden.....4.27!!!!

[Supersteeler]

Mendenhall ran a 4.43

[LetMePlay]

Flacco was generally viewed as a 2/3 round. After the Senior Bowl, the combine, and private workouts I bet he goes late first. If he get late first he is probably looking at 5 years / 10min. Early second probably 5 years 6 mil. TMC probably knows.

Darren McFadden just put up an unofficial 4.27.

[LetMePlay]

NFL.com is way behind. They should get these up in real time.

[Supersteeler]

Ray Rice 4.44

[LetMePlay]

Damn. Lots of RBs torching the tarmac today.

[Supersteeler]

Steve Slaton, also a 4.44

[Supersteeler]

Jonathon Stewart with a 4.44. Popular time. Man, he's 235 lbs too.

[Steelers.exe]

AP ran a 4.4 last year and carries that over to football speed as well.

[LetMePlay]

Some kid just did a 11'4" standing broad jump. Thats like my triple jump.

[Steeltime]

Remember a few years back when some said that the Indy turf was "slow"?

[Supersteeler]

Mendenhall's 2nd run - 4.37

[Steeltime]

Nobody is disputing that. I simply said he was going to fall in the draft due to his 40 time.

Fair enough. And undoubtedly accurate, though every year it is pointed out the football is not played in shorts, without pads, and without somebody trying to knock your head off.

[Vader]

I dont mind drafting for need. Really, I dont but I will never leave the best player at his position on the board in the first round (except kickers/punters). Holmes and Sweed would be a nice combo for the next 5-7 years. I do agree with your overall analysis but I just dont like leaving potentially great players on the board to take decent players that we need.

The way I see it, out OL is going to be bad for at least 1-2 more years so we might as well load up on the skill positions if the scenario presents itself.

If a QB is the BAP the Steeler will still pass him up. Also WR IMHO is a need. Ward is still good but if you have a great WR sitting there and all the top OL are gone then take the WR. Unless a great DL is sitting there.

I don't expect Sweed to be there at 23 however.

[t-bone]

Hardy - 4.47


but he's only 6-5 and change.....

[tapeANaspirin2it]

tough day for michigan, Mike Hart runs near 4.7

[The Iron is Steel On!]

Jon Stewart will be a Steeler if he's there at 23. Otah could be our second round pick at this point.

[TMC]

I have often been one to tout a high draft pick on a great runningback and if Mendenhall or Stewart were there, I would not be upset. But, if they are there and we go elsewhere, I won't be upset either. This is one draft where a 4th round RB could end up being a stud.

[Big Fella]

tough day for michigan, Mike Hart runs near 4.7

Thats actually probably a good time for him. Anyone that was expecting better was fooling themselves.

Manningham's 4.6 is a pretty good indication of how little the 40 means. His double move is dominant and he gets in and out of cuts very well.

[TMC]

I am actually pretty happy Manningham ran a 4.6. I am glad Jordy Nelson ran a 4.51. It means we should have a shot at both on the 2nd day. IMO, both are down field threats with size and pretty good hands.

One time, when we had Burress and Ward, we wanted a speed guy on the edge, we have Holmes and Washington for that....we need a good, solid, dependable bigger target.

[LetMePlay]

If a QB is the BAP the Steeler will still pass him up. Also WR IMHO is a need. Ward is still good but if you have a great WR sitting there and all the top OL are gone then take the WR. Unless a great DL is sitting there.

I don't expect Sweed to be there at 23 however.

There is NO WAY a legit NFL ready to play QB falls to 23. The best that will be there is probably Flacco and he is not that great.

As far as Sweed........I can still hope.

[LetMePlay]

Thats actually probably a good time for him. Anyone that was expecting better was fooling themselves.

Manningham's 4.6 is a pretty good indication of how little the 40 means. His double move is dominant and he gets in and out of cuts very well.

Yup. That time is just fine for Hart. He game is vision and he will never be a game breaker. He will have a good NFL career though.

[Big Fella]

[QUOTE=TMC;75268]I am actually pretty happy Manningham ran a 4.6. I am glad Jordy Nelson ran a 4.51. It means we should have a shot at both on the 2nd day. IMO, both are down field threats with size and pretty good hands.
[QUOTE]

Manningham is pretty small, and I doubt his poor 40's push him to day 2.

I'm shocked by those times but he's one of those guys where his 3 years of film will out-weigh his 40. The guy is clearly fast on the field. His mechanics for the 40 were pretty poor. Fortunately for him, WRs don't line up from a 3 point stance.

Edit*

He's also looking good catching the ball right now. Has adjusted to a few poorly thrown balls and has been plucking it out of the air with his hands.

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Vernon Gholston put up 37 reps, tied with Jake Long for most at the combine this year. That's impressive for a DE/LB tweener. That's huge for him too because the knock on him will be that he's all speed and not strong enough at the point of attack. 37 reps will have scouts re-thinking that assessment.

[PsychoWard]

Vernon Gholston put up 37 reps, tied with Jake Long for most at the combine this year. That's impressive for a DE/LB tweener. That's huge for him too because the knock on him will be that he's all speed and not strong enough at the point of attack. 37 reps will have scouts re-thinking that assessment.


I can't see how anybody could think this guy isn't strong enough


http://i.a.cnn.net/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/0704/gallery.nfl.2008.draft.candids/images/gholston.jpg

[Steeltime]

Gholston was the only player to beat Jake Long for a sack last year. He is the real deal, a guy who can play in week 1 as a pass rush specialist, and will be gone well before pick no. 23.

[Vader]

There is NO WAY a legit NFL ready to play QB falls to 23. The best that will be there is probably Flacco and he is not that great.

As far as Sweed........I can still hope.

It doesn't matter because we won't take them anyway. Just like we didn't take Quinn last year and pasted on tons of other QBs over the past 25 or so years.

[Big Fella]

I can't see how anybody could think this guy isn't strong enough
http://media.ohio.com/images/OSU_wisconsin_6.jpg

The guy is huge up top, but his lower half isn't as well developed. I would tend to think he'll be most successful as a true DE if he can get his lower half stronger.

[Mike64]

His lower body looks as it is his weakest point. You are not going to be bullying offensive lineman in the NFL solely with your arms. His speed certainly should help but it does not appear that he will hold up at the point of attack. He seems to me like he is going to be a pure pass rusher a la Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. His body type reminds me a lot of Jason Gildon.

[LetMePlay]

It doesn't matter because we won't take them anyway. Just like we didn't take Quinn last year and pasted on tons of other QBs over the past 25 or so years.


I agree but Quinn is a bad example. Teams like the Eagles had a 3rd round grade on him.

[Parasite]

Gholston ran through Chad Henne, who is a monster as a quarterback. Ran THROUGH him. His strength is fine. And he has an unbelievably quick first step.

[LetMePlay]

His upper body looks like Lloyds but I agree he has underdeveloped legs.

[Steelers.exe]

Just saw this guy at the combine in shorts. Let me tell you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with his lower body. His legs are swoll!

[Tobe]

I can't see how anybody could think this guy isn't strong enough


http://i.a.cnn.net/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/0704/gallery.nfl.2008.draft.candids/images/gholston.jpg


I hope he has some good masking agents for the roids he's taking. Sheesh.

[JJA]

Damn, bad news for this guy...

NFL | Fagg suffers career-ending injury
Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:07:49 -0800

Jason Wilde, of the Wisconsin State Journal, reports Florida State WR De'Cody Fagg (knee) suffered a possible career-ending knee injury. Fagg was projected to be a late-round pick and an NFC running backs coach said it was one of the worst injuries he had ever seen.

[Tobe]

Damn, bad news for this guy...

NFL | Fagg suffers career-ending injury
Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:07:49 -0800

Jason Wilde, of the Wisconsin State Journal, reports Florida State WR De'Cody Fagg (knee) suffered a possible career-ending knee injury. Fagg was projected to be a late-round pick and an NFC running backs coach said it was one of the worst injuries he had ever seen.

I'd feel worse if my last name was Fagg.

[60 MINUTES]

Looks like a fagg could be fucked.

[Parasite]

His upper body looks like Lloyds but I agree he has underdeveloped legs.


*cough* bullshit *cough*

[LetMePlay]

*cough* bullshit *cough*

http://www.usca.edu/nununupes/kappa%20images/glloyd.jpg

[Parasite]

I meant the underdeveloped legs part. His legs are fine. He is built like a brick shithouse and ran a 4.6 40.

[LetMePlay]

I meant the underdeveloped legs part. His legs are fine. He is built like a brick shithouse and ran a 4.6 40.

He could have legs the size of trees and relative that upper body they would still look skinny.