NFL Combine Thread - OL, TE, K

by Adam T on Feb 21, 2009 10:22 AM CST

Nfl-scouting-combine-logo_medium

Decided to throw this up due to the Andre Smith incident. Smith is considered a top 10 pick and around the 2nd or 3rd-ranked offensive tackle.

Exactly what happened is shaky, but he decided not to lift yesterday; some think because he is out of shape. Today he is a no-show at the combine.

(UPDATED: Amidst rumors his weight has ballooned up to 380, Smith stated earlier that it's not true. He said the highest he's been is 345. Regardless, a no-show at the combine is a huge red flag for scouts and teams--ChiFan13)

(UPDATE #2: Adam Schefter of the NFL Network first reported and PFT is validating that Michael Crabtree has a stress fracture in his left foot, thus his no-run at the combine. He'll need surgery to insert a screw in his foot; he will also supposedly be out ten weeks. He was shorter than expected (6'1" 3/8), and now there are questions about his 40-time. Will he fall down draft boards?--ChiFan13)

(UPDATE #3: Adam Schefter spoke with Andre Smith a little while ago. He said that Smith fulfilled the interview process, then decided to fly back to Atlanta at 6 AM to work out twice with his new trainer. Smith just failed to communicate with his group leader and league scouts. Regardless, it's a little odd he decided to skip out of the combine. His pro day will be huge--ChiFan13)

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This is crazy

An OT that won’t lift (Smith) A WR that won’t run (Crabtree) A QB that won’t throw(Stafford) These guys are expecting big bucks and I wish there was some way to penalize them financely for conduct like this. I hope the owners come up with a new way of compensating these rookies.

by luckie815 on Feb 21, 2009 10:44 AM CST reply actions

Wait a sec

Crabtree has a stress fracture in his foot; NFL Network is reporting live that he’s out ten weeks due to the necessary surgery he has to go through. Regardless, this throws the WR position in turmoil. Will a Seattle take Maclin instead of Crabtree?

I do agree with your premise. It’s a hostile environment, not your home turf. Man up and show what you can do.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Feb 21, 2009 10:48 AM CST up reply actions

i bet international players

wouldn’t pull this crap

OH! STEWIE!! GET OUT THE WAY BOY! GET OUT THE WAY!
-Stacey King

by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 21, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions

as son as...

… you can name some that have close to the ability to even be at the combine, let us know.

Bringing moderation to a place I don't moderate.

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by big_lowitzki on Feb 21, 2009 11:24 AM CST up reply actions

yeah. and you can, right?

OH! STEWIE!! GET OUT THE WAY BOY! GET OUT THE WAY!
-Stacey King

by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 21, 2009 11:41 AM CST up reply actions

huh?

What the hell are you talking about?

My point is that such people don’t really exist.

You somehow believe that there are all these people that live outside of the US that have the ability and talent to play in the NFL.

Bringing moderation to a place I don't moderate.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Feb 21, 2009 11:48 AM CST up reply actions

And you know, those people might exist

But NFL reps aren’t going to scour the Earth for physical specimens. If they did, then they’d have to bring em to the US. Then they’d have to teach them. That’s not going to happen.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Feb 21, 2009 11:50 AM CST up reply actions

It probably will happen eventually.

They do it in baseball (they hunt pretty hard). Basketball they have international play, but I dont believe they search beyond that a whole lot. The problem with finding football players, is that other than kickers, its hard to have any context with which to evaluate how physical gifts will translate to the game.

by reprisal on Feb 21, 2009 3:03 PM CST up reply actions

But just like you said

Baseball and basketball has international competition. Beyond a few international football teams, you’re going to have a tough time evaluating people.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Feb 21, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions

except...

… these people actually play basketball and baseball.

They are not going around looking for the right bodies, and then giving them a professional contract.

Bringing moderation to a place I don't moderate.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Feb 21, 2009 4:25 PM CST up reply actions

Wait,

Is this some kind of weird cross-thread discussion about this global thing again?

Too funny…

Things will get better as they improve...

by Dane Noble on Feb 21, 2009 4:33 PM CST up reply actions

look towards...

… the beginning of the comment thread. ifuwannacrownem brought it up here.

Bringing moderation to a place I don't moderate.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Feb 21, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

Lol...

I know he did… and that part of this whole thing was actuslly funny. When I read his comment, I kinda chuckled.

Then it picked up steam, and I was like, Oh Lord…

Things will get better as they improve...

by Dane Noble on Feb 21, 2009 5:00 PM CST up reply actions

That thread started out on the wrong foot and melted down immediately anyways.

by reprisal on Feb 21, 2009 5:15 PM CST up reply actions

Lol... I reckon so.

Things will get better as they improve...

by Dane Noble on Feb 21, 2009 5:16 PM CST up reply actions

In baseball

They do to some extent find people who do not play baseball(mostly trying to find pitching arms). Of course they give them minor league deals. But some teams are(were?) starting to go to pretty great lengths. We will see if they scale back in this economy.

by reprisal on Feb 21, 2009 5:14 PM CST up reply actions

This is...

… very rare, and it is done with very young players who are given plenty of time to develop.

NFL teams simply cannot give the same amount of time in order to let a player develop, nor do they have any system in place to allow them to develop.

Bringing moderation to a place I don't moderate.

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by big_lowitzki on Feb 21, 2009 6:05 PM CST up reply actions

Billion dollar business

Endless resources. they can do it

OH! STEWIE!! GET OUT THE WAY BOY! GET OUT THE WAY!
-Stacey King

by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 21, 2009 6:49 PM CST up reply actions

Possibly but

there has to be an infrastructure and a culture of football in that region for it to produce good prospects. Not worth the money until foreign countries embrace “our” football.

"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus

by propheteer on Feb 21, 2009 7:28 PM CST up reply actions

yea...

… NFL Europe worked so well.

Oh wait.

Bringing moderation to a place I don't moderate.

visit the mindful mission

by big_lowitzki on Feb 22, 2009 7:05 AM CST up reply actions

Really?

If you’re in a position at a job interview where doing something is optional and the only thing you can do is harm your status, why on earth would you work out?

Thats why guys like Stafford (and the highest rated qbs every year) don’t work out at the Combine. And they can have more scouts at their pro days to get their team mates more attention.

I'm not a diaper, so don't try to change me.

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Feb 21, 2009 10:19 PM CST up reply actions

I doubt

elite athletes think about getting their teammate’s more attention, but who knows.

And I definitely disagree about the harming status thing. The combine helps a lot of prospects get more exposure and recognition.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Feb 21, 2009 10:26 PM CST up reply actions

I never thought about the idea of

getting their teammates more attention. That’s an interesting thought if it indeed happens.

The combine can definitely help most players… but cubbiegirl was talking about the ones whose stock is already maxed out. Stafford is the top qb in the draft, so working out could not help him any…

Also, to hbcg: good to se ya… thought you had jumped ship for the offseason.

Things will get better as they improve...

by Dane Noble on Feb 22, 2009 10:42 AM CST up reply actions

Hey!

I’m here. Franchise tag season is excruciatingly boring so I left for that. But the Combine is kind of fun in a weird meat market with a side of creepy sort of way. :-P

I'm not a diaper, so don't try to change me.

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Feb 22, 2009 5:24 PM CST up reply actions

Oh and

I know several top prospects have given the “if my main workout is at my pro day more scouts may notice my teammates” reason for not working at the combine. JaMarcus Russell gave it. I’m sure its largely a diplomatic way to blow off the Combine, but there may be some truth in it.

I'm not a diaper, so don't try to change me.

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Feb 22, 2009 5:26 PM CST up reply actions

It only helps people...

who are not the top prospect at there position. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th rated player could help his status with a good combine, but never the #1 rated prospect.

by chase17 on Feb 22, 2009 12:43 PM CST up reply actions

But then...

why throw at your pro day? If you’re a top-rated prospect at a position, most, if not all, NFL teams will be there to watch you.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Feb 22, 2009 12:48 PM CST up reply actions

Because at your pro day

you’re on your own turf. If you can conduct the “biggest interview of your life” in your own office why do it awkwardly?

I'm not a diaper, so don't try to change me.

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Feb 22, 2009 5:23 PM CST up reply actions

So does this mean that Smith will likely fall?

Does that mean we are going to miss out on an OT at 18 or should we gamble and take Smith if he falls to us?

Kick it to me... I'm open!

by #23 on Feb 21, 2009 11:20 AM CST reply actions

If Crabtree falls to us do we take him hurt?

What if it is Smith and Crabtree available?

Kick it to me... I'm open!

by #23 on Feb 21, 2009 11:20 AM CST up reply actions

Watch the tapes of the SEC championship and the Sugar Bowl

With Andre Smith they held the second most talented NCAA defense Florida in check, without Smith in the Sugar Bowl a midget Utah defense had their way with that O-line. The guy is a talent and if there is no great pass rusher like Brown or Oparko, a good OLB like Cushing or Maybin, or a stud WR like Bay or Nicks you take him.

by Devin47 on Feb 21, 2009 12:03 PM CST up reply actions

NO

Ya know, a lot of the pundits are exactly right on this one. This is the biggest job interview of your life, and you’re not willing to be in shape for it? And you already have some other character issues…..I’ll pass. Oher’s looking good thus far, so if he falls, I’m for him.

If Crabtree’s available (which he won’t be), hell yeah we take him.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Feb 21, 2009 11:23 AM CST up reply actions

Calm down, relax.

Crabtree still goes top 5. It’s no big deal. What is a bigger deal than the stress fracture is that we have been misled about his height being 6’3’ when he is only 6’1". But there is no turmoil being caused because of the stress fracture.

Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.

by Haightminow on Feb 21, 2009 11:39 AM CST reply actions

?

I am calm. I’m confused as to how you thought that.

The height is a big deal, as is his top-end speed. Will it affect his draft status? I doubt it. But people are worried about it.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Feb 21, 2009 11:41 AM CST up reply actions

Who says I was talking to you directly?

I didn’t reply to your comment. No need to be confused I’m just speaking with general sarcasm. You shouldn’t take every thing I say so literally and seriously.

Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.

by Haightminow on Feb 21, 2009 11:46 AM CST up reply actions

Well,

you replied to the overall story, not a specific comment.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Feb 21, 2009 11:48 AM CST up reply actions

If Crabtree falls to us we have to take him right?

There was an incident a few years ago. The Bulls were killing the Knicks, scrubs were playing out the clock, and the fans were screaming at them to score 100 points for free Big Macs. They took a ton of shots, Knicks took offense and they tried to fight some Bulls players.

by Ozzie Montana on Feb 19, 2009 5:25 PM EST

by Jbasic89 on Feb 21, 2009 12:14 PM CST reply actions

Before or after pinching ourselves to see if we're dreaming?

He won’t make it past Seattle unless Maclin does something jawdropping at the Combine.

I'm not a diaper, so don't try to change me.

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Feb 21, 2009 10:21 PM CST up reply actions

Football related, right?

I mean, if he starts doing magic tricks, they’re taking Crabtree.

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by bdalebs on Feb 21, 2009 11:10 PM CST up reply actions

I lol'd.

Things will get better as they improve...

by Dane Noble on Feb 22, 2009 10:43 AM CST up reply actions

Hehe

Smartass. :-P

I'm not a diaper, so don't try to change me.

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Feb 22, 2009 5:26 PM CST up reply actions

Oher

only benched 21 times. That is a huge red flag to me, especially if we wanted him to be our RT. First, he may not have the power to push people off the line in the run game. Second, it suggests to me that he has’t been working hard enough in the weight room the last few years. Besides the obvious lack of power it gives him, it makes me seriously question whether he has the dedication needed to excel in the pros. You can’t get by on raw ability in the pros, and he may have been doing that thus far.

If I’m Angelo, since I already (hopefully) have my LT of the future, I think I pass on Oher if he’s available, since he may not be suited for the right side, and since he may not have the drive to be a successful pro.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Feb 21, 2009 12:50 PM CST reply actions

Further

this reaffirms the need to sign a starting-caliber RT before the draft. Go get Barnes.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Feb 21, 2009 12:50 PM CST up reply actions

free agency is the best route to fix an o-line quick

by Ozzie Montana on Feb 19, 2009 5:25 PM EST

by Jbasic89 on Feb 21, 2009 12:58 PM CST up reply actions

At the same time

The same guys that aren’t putting up big numbers on the bench are usually getting dominated more on the gridiron. Why? Arm length. If you’re a stocky fella with short arms, yeah, you’re gonna dominate the bench press. Herman Johnson didn’t bench that much either, but he has a ridiculously long wingspan.

Now, I do agree with you in that I’m disappointed in Oher. I also agree that we should go out in FA and get someone, but I don’t know if I trust Angelo to make a legit move.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Feb 21, 2009 1:00 PM CST up reply actions

He did

a nice job with Tait, so I guess I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt on finding a RT. For now.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Feb 21, 2009 1:20 PM CST up reply actions

Very true

Good point.

I'M A MAN! I'M 22!

by ChiFan13 on Feb 21, 2009 1:30 PM CST up reply actions

Don't forget Miller and St. Clair either

Even though “drive killer” Miller had a sharp decline two years ago shouldn’t take away JA’s credibility in free-agency.

"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus

by propheteer on Feb 21, 2009 4:07 PM CST up reply actions

A mock draft posted

here a week or so back had Beatty going to the Bears. He has a long wing span and did very well in the bench press if I recall correctly.

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Feb 23, 2009 8:23 AM CST up reply actions

Jump to conclusions about one drill much?

I'm not a diaper, so don't try to change me.

by halfblindcubbiegirl on Feb 22, 2009 5:27 PM CST up reply actions

He already

had question marks about his work ethic and dedication. The bench press is one of the best indicators of how hard a guy has worked in the weight room through college. The fact that he is supposed to be a premier LT and got out-benched by a bunch of the TEs and RBs kind of reinforces that concern. Kenny Britt, a WR outbenched him. That’s a red flag, it’s not jumping to conclusions.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Feb 22, 2009 8:07 PM CST up reply actions