Wednesday, February 27, 2008

NFL Combine: Bulls and Bears

-Courtesy of Frank Coyle - www.draftinsiders.com

NFL Combine ‘08 - Workouts Monday Feb 25
Prospects on the Rise

DE/LB Cliff
Avril - Purdue
Classic defensive tweener hopes to follow the Purdue tradition of top pro edge pass rushers. He ran fine 4.51 and 4.56 times at 253 lbs. with a very strong 6.91 three cone drill in addition to a 9’2” BJ and 17 reps.

DE Chris Long - Virginia
Blue chip defender ran excellent 4.71 and 4.77 times with a 34” VL. His agility drill numbers were equal to any linebacker in an excellent showing. His overall effort was one of the best of the event. He did not lift but will at the Va. pro day.


DE Vernon Gholston - Ohio St
Athletic tewener had one of the strongest showings at the combine. He ran an outstanding
4.67 time at 266 lbs. He also tied Jake Long with 37 reps for the most reps at the event. He added a good 35.5” VL that probably guarantees him a top 8 selection.


DE Quentin Groves - Auburn
Fast edge rusher displayed top athleticism with a blazing 4.52 and
4.57 sprint times. He added 33 reps in the lifting and had a 10’ BJ.


DT Trevor Laws - Notre Dame
Explosive tackle continued his terrific postseason at NFL Combine following a strong week at the Senior Bowl. He ran 5.08 and 5.09 times and 35 reps in the lifting. He performed very well in the agility drills and is the one shining light in a dismal ND football season.


DE Derrick Harvey - Florida
Quick athletic defefnder came in at 271 lbs. and ran a fine 4.80 sprint. He did 31 reps in the lifting and was impressive in the agility drills that could move him into the top 12 prospects.


Prospects on the Decline

DE Phillip Merling - Clemson
Big mobile base end came in at over 6’4” and 276 lbs. but did not run. He did only 17 reps and needs a big Clemson workout to maintain a top 30-40 draft grade.


DT Letroy Guion - Florida St
Athletic junior has been hyped since he declared in January but ran a subpar 5.30 time. He did well with 26 reps in the lifting. He needs a big FSU pro day to move into top rounds.

DT Frank Okam - Texas
Massive tackle came in at 347 lbs. and was totally out of shape. He ran a poor 5.35 time and looked worse in the agility drills. He may have eaten himself out of the Top 150 prospects.


LB Ali Highsmith - LSU
Mobile outside linebacker ran poor 4.95 and 4.96 times that will hurt his current grade. He did not lift and has to make up some ground at the LSU pro day in March. .


LB Jolonn Dunbar - Boston College
Savvy senior Mike backer ran a poor 4.92 time that makes his pro day critical if he expects even an early middle round grade.

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