Combine weigh ins as they come in: [Archive]

hawaiianboy

02-20-2009, 03:29 PM

Texas Tech’s Vasquez dominates O-line bench press

The first bench press results of the combine are in, and among the offensive linemen, there was Louis Vasquez and everyone else.

The Texas Tech guard lifted the required 225 pounds 39 times, five more than BYU’s Travis Bright and Juan Garcia of Washington. It was the fifth most reps by an offensive lineman at the combine since 2000.

The top 10:
Player School Reps
LOUIS VASQUEZ TEXAS TECH 39
TRAVIS BRIGHT BRIGHAM YOUNG 34
JUAN GARCIA WASHINGTON 34
ALEX BOONE OHIO STATE 33
ROBBY FELIX UTEP 33
A.Q. SHIPLEY PENN STATE 33
JASON SMITH BAYLOR 33
JON COOPER OKLAHOMA 31
JAMON MEREDITH SOUTH CAROLINA 31
ROB BRUGGEMAN IOWA 30
RAY FEINGA BRIGHAM YOUNG 30
ALEX FLETCHER STANFORD 30
ERIC WOOD LOUISVILLE 30

007

02-20-2009, 03:37 PM

Oher with 21.

James Casey and Travis Beckum with 28.

Jason Watkins 18 and Jason Smith 33.

BigTron

02-20-2009, 04:59 PM

Oher with 21.

James Casey and Travis Beckum with 28.

Jason Watkins 18 and Jason Smith 33.

J.Smith > Oher/A.Smith after today.

1. E.Monroe
2. J.Smith
3. A.Smith/Oher

Im close to bumping up Smith because thats damn impressive for a guy who is a "pass blocker." Has anyone heard Jason Smith interview. He is very likable and sounds as mean and nasty as you'd want from OL.

Jamon Meridith is looking like a fallback Rnd 2 RT/RG.

Langlier

02-20-2009, 05:03 PM

Jason Smith is the only guy that could jump Eugene for me... and I'd love either in S&B moving Mario to RT

Byron2112

02-20-2009, 05:04 PM

Smith is lookin' beastly... I heard him talking about how he likes abusing people on the field the other day on NFLN too.

007

02-20-2009, 05:08 PM

Andre Smith was just fine measurement wise.

35 inch arms is SECOND only to Loadholt. 35.5 inches.

At 6-4 330 with those arms and big hands, He won't slide like some are predicting.

Oher has officially slid out of my top spot though, as far as tackles go. 2-3 punters out lifted him today.

All the OL and TE numbers are flooding in now.

007

02-20-2009, 05:08 PM

Kenny Britt is only 6-2 which is suprising.

CrossBones

02-20-2009, 05:09 PM

What's going on in here?

I ran a 4.36 today!

007

02-20-2009, 05:16 PM

J.Smith > Oher/A.Smith after today.

1. E.Monroe
2. J.Smith
3. A.Smith/Oher

Im close to bumping up Smith because thats damn impressive for a guy who is a "pass blocker." Has anyone heard Jason Smith interview. He is very likable and sounds as mean and nasty as you'd want from OL.

Jamon Meridith is looking like a fallback Rnd 2 RT/RG.

I've posted it before Tronner, but I know two people who have watched him play.

I can't move him up until I watch some clips and see him in drills tomorrow. I've seen a ton of Dre, Oher and Monroe. I've watched Britton a lot too.

I can't realistically move Jason Smith on my personal board when I don't even know how he is in the run blocking game. I heard he's never been in a 3pt stance...

YodasBeast

02-20-2009, 09:59 PM

What's going on in here?

I ran a 4.36 today!

Are you sure that wasn't your vertical jump?

s.dot88

02-21-2009, 04:12 AM

Crabtree measuring in at 6015 and 205 is only going to help maclin.

Any word on Heyward Bey?

hawaiianboy

02-21-2009, 07:10 AM

Are you sure that wasn't your vertical jump?

I was thinking that was his Wunderlik score...

I've posted it before Tronner, but I know two people who have watched him play.

I can't move him up until I watch some clips and see him in drills tomorrow. I've seen a ton of Dre, Oher and Monroe. I've watched Britton a lot too.

I can't realistically move Jason Smith on my personal board when I don't even know how he is in the run blocking game. I heard he's never been in a 3pt stance...

I wish I had paid some attention to him as well... People are starting to talk about him as the #1 overall pick... I dunno, Andre Smith is the best run blocker at OT I've seen, Monroe the best pass blocker and Oher the best combination of both... I have a real hard time moving a guy past these guys based on bench press numbers... Imagine how much Orakpo is going to jump up with his freak weightroom skills if that's the case....

Rupert

02-21-2009, 07:20 AM

Are you sure that wasn't your vertical jump?

Oh hell. Busted.

007

02-21-2009, 09:56 AM

I love that Britton smoked the 40 time, and came right up on the 'premier' athletes like Beatty, Meredith and Fulton.

Mayock stated how Britton might be suited to RT, but I don't think he's that much less athletic than the big 4, and he's shown it today.

007

02-21-2009, 10:49 AM

Jared Cook just did his best Vernon Davis impression.

6-5 250.

41 inch vertical

4.42 forty.

WOW.

He just made himself a TON of money, especially with Casey running a 4.71 and Ingram running a 4.6

BigTron

02-21-2009, 12:27 PM

How about Crabtree needing surgery. I can see him falling to us now. Crabtree and Andre Smith might both be around for our pick. Hopefully Al Davis doesnt fall in love with Maclin instead. I like him only after Crabtree.

BigTron

02-21-2009, 12:32 PM

I've posted it before Tronner, but I know two people who have watched him play.

I can't move him up until I watch some clips and see him in drills tomorrow. I've seen a ton of Dre, Oher and Monroe. I've watched Britton a lot too.

I can't realistically move Jason Smith on my personal board when I don't even know how he is in the run blocking game. I heard he's never been in a 3pt stance...

Ive only seen lamo highlight tapes of Smith, but he has great feet and a nasty attitude. I like Monroe #1, but Smith gets the nod over Andre " i forgot to work out for the combine, yet had an agent before the bowl game" Smith or Michael " i didnt read a fucking book written about me" Oher. Those guys mentally just got a red flag for that BS.

J.Smith did run a rather slow 40 for a former TE. I was hoping it would be 5.0 flat. Throwing up 30+ reps and being a pass blocker excite's me tho. Especially when he talks about physically assaulting the other team. Thats the song and dance at the combine. Not being able to hit a homerun in the interview always makes me scratch my head. Just say you love football and love competing blah blah blah.

CrossBones

02-21-2009, 12:33 PM

Jack's sore libido

02-21-2009, 12:42 PM

I would cream myself if the Raiders somehow managed to trade down a few spots and still land Andre Smith, then used that extra ammo to trade up from the second round to snag Crabtree.

007

02-21-2009, 12:49 PM

So they are gonna trade down for Andre Smith and then get Crabtree in round two?

Wow.

I still think even with an injury and a no-show at the combine, that both guys are top 20 picks.

massraider

02-21-2009, 01:11 PM

So they are gonna trade down for Andre Smith and then get Crabtree in round two?

Wow.

I still think even with an injury and a no-show at the combine, that both guys are top 20 picks.

And again, the February proclamations prove useless. people fly up and down the draft boards. Sanchez could be the #1 pick, Maclin could pass Crabtree, anything can happen.

So Crabtree isn't a lock at #4 to Seattle any more?????

NIPS

02-21-2009, 01:40 PM

Stress fracture of his foot (Crabtree). Requires a pin in it. He won't be working out for anybody prior to the draft. :eek:

Seems to me he could easily drop out of the top 10 now. Somebody will probably take a chance on him though --- Al says "hi".

That dudes always hurt, seem like every game he was hobbling off the field in college

Guys got talent, but I aint blowing a top 15 pick on a guy that could land on the Pup the next 3 years

Byron2112

02-21-2009, 01:55 PM

I don't think there's any way Crabs doesn't fall to us now that he's only 6'1" and has a pin in his foot... I'll bet he does fall between 10-20 .

007

02-21-2009, 02:00 PM

And again, the February proclamations prove useless. people fly up and down the draft boards. Sanchez could be the #1 pick, Maclin could pass Crabtree, anything can happen.

So Crabtree isn't a lock at #4 to Seattle any more?????

Is it futile? Sure.

This stuff is never useless though. Plenty of guys climb. Plenty of guys drop.

Guys like Adrian Peterson, Glen Dorsey, Chris Long and Matt Leinart, even Michael Oher have seemingly been penciled in as top 10 picks for 3-4 years.

It's all interesting, and its all part of the process.

I still think Crabtree is a top 10 pick, personally. How quickly people forget what a dominant college player he was. Size, hands, brains and body control is usually a recipe for success, whether he's a 4.3 or a 4.6 guy.

hawaiianboy

02-21-2009, 02:21 PM

Mayock stated how Britton might be suited to RT, but I don't think he's that much less athletic than the big 4, and he's shown it today.

I thought he looked better when he played RT myself...

massraider

02-21-2009, 02:33 PM

Is it futile? Sure.

This stuff is never useless though. Plenty of guys climb. Plenty of guys drop.

Guys like Adrian Peterson, Glen Dorsey, Chris Long and Matt Leinart, even Michael Oher have seemingly been penciled in as top 10 picks for 3-4 years.

It's all interesting, and its all part of the process.

I still think Crabtree is a top 10 pick, personally. How quickly people forget what a dominant college player he was. Size, hands, brains and body control is usually a recipe for success, whether he's a 4.3 or a 4.6 guy.

My only point is, I read the 'absolute' statements in February, and it's like no one remembers last year, or any other year.

Speaking about Crabtree, all we heard was, "No way he falls to us!"

Well, now you will hear, "hey, maybe we can trade down and still get Crabtree!"

Nonsense. Look at Andre Smith. Look at what Raji has done. People move up and down, and everyone needs to realize that no player, not one, is 'guaranteed' to not be there when we pick.

007

02-21-2009, 02:36 PM

Good point Mass.

Absolute comments are silly at this point.

"No way Quinn falls outta the top ten"

"No way Crabtree falls outta the top ten"

Who the fuck knows?

I thought Alan Branch was a top five pick two years ago at this time, and we passed on him twice on his plummet into round 2.

I remember people wanting to take Adarius Bowman on day one last year, and he goes undrafted and ends up being a special team in Saskatchewan (Seriously)

I hear ya for sure...Its a crapshoot, but it sure is fun, hey?

007

02-21-2009, 02:38 PM

I thought he looked better when he played RT myself...

Im sure he might have, but do you think he can't play LT in the NFL?

I think he can.

Raider Nation

02-21-2009, 03:20 PM

hawaiianboy

02-21-2009, 03:27 PM

But damn if it wouldn't be tempting to take Andre Smith, let Cable coach him up, and start him from day 1 at RT.

Great, now I got me some visions of Erik Williams tugging at my groin...

If Andre had his shit straight going into this offseason, he would have probably ended up in the top 3 picks... I would LOVE to have him at 7...

NIPS

02-21-2009, 03:31 PM

The way things look, and obviously it's going to change more since it's still late-February, it's quite possible Andre Smith and Crabtree are still on the board at #7. The safer pick would be Crabtree purely from the perspective that he's one of the smallest character risks in the draft, let alone the top-10.

But damn if it wouldn't be tempting to take Andre Smith, let Cable coach him up, and start him from day 1 at RT. That would solve A LOT of issues if Cable could get his head on straight and keep it there. It scares the hell out of me, however, to see this kid continually trip up since December. Clearly not the brightest bulb. Prototypical risk/reward player.

Much rather risk a 4th on Alex Boone than to go about fuckin around with Smith. He's showing hes lazy.

We gotta nail this #7 pick fellas, whatever position it might be. We spread cheeks on this pick and it could set this team back farther than it already is

Everrette Brown, Racks or Raji please

s.dot88

02-21-2009, 03:50 PM

Combine or no combine, stress fracture and all; I still want crabtree at 7

I've heard that he plans on doing EVERYTHING at his pro day (per Eisen on NFLN)

hawaiianboy

02-21-2009, 04:11 PM

Combine or no combine, stress fracture and all; I still want crabtree at 7

True dat... One thing the combine cannot measure is heart... Anyone who watches as much film as Crabtree and emulates Jerry Rice's workouts and then produces on the field, is damn good enough for me no matter what his 40 time is....

There is way too much overreaction to the combine with all the coverage there is now... I saw someone somewhere else call Oher weak because he only put up 20 reps or whatever, never mind that he is said to power clean over 360 which is much more indicative of strength...

Raider Nation

02-21-2009, 04:30 PM

True dat... One thing the combine cannot measure is heart... Anyone who watches as much film as Crabtree and emulates Jerry Rice's workouts and then produces on the field, is damn good enough for me no matter what his 40 time is....

There is way too much overreaction to the combine with all the coverage there is now... I saw someone somewhere else call Oher weak because he only put up 20 reps or whatever, never mind that he is said to power clean over 360 which is much more indicative of strength...

Speaking of Oher... did you see the footwork he displayed in the agility drill? Really good choppy steps, good angle. I see him purely as a RT myself, but he sure does remind me of Kyle Turley from years ago. The 22 reps doesn't both me nearly as much after seeing his footwork and balance. With Andre Smith going 51/50 Oher and the kid from UCONN are vying for the 3rd overall OT position.

Oh, and I have a lust for Max Unger in round 2 at this point. I'd love Oakland to go OL/OL in the first 2 rounds, but I just don't see it. If they go DL or WR in round 1, Unger in round 2 would be fantastic. Bring him in at Center, Right Guard, or Right Tackle... I don't care.

s.dot88

02-21-2009, 04:40 PM

as much as i love Mack, i wouldnt be upset with Wood or Unger in round 2 or even Luigs maybe in round 3

007

02-21-2009, 04:50 PM

Mayock has Unger ahead of Mack and in round one...

Some very good interior OL. I'll be sad if they are off the board when we pick.

Even more sad when we take Louis Delmas over Mack when they are both sitting there at 40. :) (You know its gonna happen, LOL)

s.dot88

02-21-2009, 04:58 PM

to be honest, theres enough holes on this team that we could definitely get an instant contribution-type player in the first 3 or 4 rounds, maybe even 5

we can use a solid WR, a FS or SS, and as many linemen as we can get (o and d), and you know we'll get a fast corner in there somewhere as well

the way this class is shaping up, heavy on WRs and OL, i think we should be able to get some more building blocks for the offense. im more worried about the defense now with the loss of gibril and edwards.

Madturk

02-21-2009, 06:52 PM

Wood and AQ Shipley looked pretty quick and agile in the drills I saw them. Both appeared to display quick feet. Shipley's a spitting image of Mike Alstott.

If we miss out on Mack or Unger, we can still nail a potential starting center later on.

Postmaster

02-21-2009, 07:45 PM

007

02-21-2009, 07:55 PM

Shipley has a real bad case of t-rex disease.

I think I heard Mayock or Billick say he was the only guy to check in with arms under 30 inches?

Thats a short squatty center right there. I can't even picture how he hikes the ball up to the QB...His arms cant even reach his pockets.

Postmaster

02-21-2009, 08:11 PM

I think I heard Mayock or Billick say he was the only guy to check in with arms under 30 inches?

Thats a short squatty center right there. I can't even picture how he hikes the ball up to the QB...His arms cant even reach his pockets.

At Penn St he had to put the ball on a phone book before he snapped it. Don't think they will let him do that in the pros.

007

02-22-2009, 12:03 AM

Any predictions for tomorrow?

I don't know about you guys, but I love seeing all the skill position guys stepping up and running. Its a fun thing to watch.

Im gonna go with a few:

Jeremy Maclin: 4.38

Kenny Britt: 4.52

Hakeem Nicks: 4.48

Chris "007's favorite sleeper" Ogbannaya: 4.55

Jarrett Dillard: 4.44 (I hear his vert is insane, so I'll predict a combine leading 42 inches)

Chris Wells: 4.58

And my 'skill position' scrub performance prediction...Shady McCoy. 4.6 at sub 200 pounds. He is apparently sick though, so Im a cheater.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 12:09 AM

Fuck dude, the way Smith has shot himself in the foot, he might last until the 20s.

So trade down a few spots and take Crabtree, then use that ammo to trade up from 2.39 to the first for Smith.

I don't care. I'm happy either way.

BigTron

02-22-2009, 01:00 AM

s.dot88

02-22-2009, 01:49 AM

my "bold" prediction for sunday is that Heyward-Bey will run sub-4.3

Maclin and Harvin will be sub-4.4

and even though EVERYBODY talks about how 40-times and workout numbers are overrated, there will still be a handful of people that will springboard one of those WRs ahead of Crabtree in a few days

Madturk

02-22-2009, 07:46 AM

The Eric Wood T-rexx comment is spot on! He is a baller other than that tho.

I believe they were referring to AQ Shipley. I don't think the T rex arms are as big as a problem for centers and guards as opposed to OT (see Bob Gallery):p
Shipley wouldn't be my #1 choice but I think he'd be a good fall back if we pass on a center early.

Anyone else think Bear Pascoe would be a good compliment to Zach Miller?

007

02-22-2009, 08:12 AM

Any predictions for tomorrow?

I don't know about you guys, but I love seeing all the skill position guys stepping up and running. Its a fun thing to watch.

Im gonna go with a few:

Jeremy Maclin: 4.38 (4.40)

Kenny Britt: 4.52 (4.48)
Hakeem Nicks: 4.48

Chris "007's favorite sleeper" Ogbannaya: 4.55

Jarrett Dillard: 4.44 (I hear his vert is insane, so I'll predict a combine leading 42 inches) (4.52)

Chris Wells: 4.58

And my 'skill position' scrub performance prediction...Shady McCoy. 4.6 at sub 200 pounds. He is apparently sick though, so Im a cheater.

NFLN saying the fastest group ever.

Harvin 4.37

Barden 4.59

DHB: 4.32

Madturk

02-22-2009, 08:28 AM

Macklin unofficially with a pedestrian 4.40

007

02-22-2009, 08:40 AM

4.4 is pretty fuckin fast, lol.

Harvin had a 4,37 and there isnt that much difference...

Limee

02-22-2009, 08:41 AM

Its amazing the importance of fractions but it will be interesting to see how the WR rankings change with Crabtree's injury and being shorter than expected and Maclin being slightly slower than expected.

Madturk

02-22-2009, 08:43 AM

Macklin apparently injured his leg during position drills, he's done for the rest of the combines.

007

02-22-2009, 08:51 AM

Maybe Maclin is soft though, lol.

DHB running a 4.32 doesnt help us.

hawaiianboy

02-22-2009, 09:12 AM

Macklin unofficially with a pedestrian 4.40

He plays faster in pads than anyone I've seen in a long time...

Bey smoking the 40 isn't a big surprise... I really thought he'd develop into Randy Moss lite when I saw him as a freshmen... So far he's been Chris Chambers lite...

Nicks did well for himself... I really wasn't expecting a real fast time from him... At worst he should be the 3rd rated WR in this class IMO...

CrossBones

02-22-2009, 10:01 AM

NFLN saying the fastest group ever.

Harvin 4.37

Barden 4.59

DHB: 4.32

What's going on in here?

I ran a 4.36 today!Pffffft. :)

BigTron

02-22-2009, 10:06 AM

The Eric Wood T-rexx comment is spot on! He is a baller other than that tho. I expect Maclin to run 4.38, Harvin to run 4.37 and Cable to take a hard look at Jamon Meredith at RT in Rnd 2 for our RT spot.

Rnd 1. Monroe/J.smith/Crabtree/Maclin/Raji

Rd 2. T.Jackson/A.Mack/E.Britton/P.Harvin/DHB/Unger/J.Meredith

Oops i meant Shipley not Wood. Nailed Harvins time and was slightly off on Mac daddy. Who took a spill before his 40 and still posted a 4.4

007

02-22-2009, 10:14 AM

Guys not named Harvin or Heyward-Bey who ran in the 4.3's that the Raiders may draft now:

Mike Wallace

Johnny Knox (4.25)

Louis Murphy

Mike Thomas

Deon Butler (4.25)

Demetrius Byrd

Kevin Ogletree

*You're now crying because its true*

LOL.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 10:36 AM

Heyward-Bey with a 4.3.

Thank God for the official times. Johnny Knox went from 4.25 to 4.34. Now Al won't draft him.

007

02-22-2009, 10:40 AM

Shields and Branch were both right there time-wise last year, haha.

I think Robiskie has been the most polished and NFL ready WR today. I could draft him in round two and not think twice about it.

007

02-22-2009, 10:50 AM

Maclin was 4.45 official.

Not bad, not stellar.

If you break it down Britt, Nicks and Robiskie ran 4.49 which is right there with him...they are all much bigger too.

Im interested in his 10Y split though. Sucks Maclin got injured and we didnt see him in drills.

My prediction of a combine leading 42 inch vert by Dillard was spot on. Well, 42.5 LOL.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 11:03 AM

Nicks is the guy I'd like to see us take in Round 2 if we go OL or DL in Round 1.

But I'm afraid that 4.49 might have put him into Round 1.

But then, DHB's 4.3 might have solidified his spot ahead of Nicks.

Who the fuck knows right now?

007

02-22-2009, 11:05 AM

Im agreeing with your KFFL post...Robiskie is climbing my charts.

Damn he looked smooth today.

Pat White threw the ball well too. Someone will spend a 2nd-3rd rounder on a guy like him.

hawaiianboy

02-22-2009, 11:16 AM

Nicks is the guy I'd like to see us take in Round 2 if we go OL or DL in Round 1.

If we don't take Crabtree or Maclin in RD1, I'd as soon skip taking a WR altogether and go ahead and get more linemen in 2, 3 and 4... I like Nicks, but we already have three young guys in Schillens, Higgins and Schields than may have comparable skills to a Nicks, Britt or Robiskie...

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 11:18 AM

You know, for that matter, there are a dozen or so WRs I'd like to have on my team from this class. So in that regard, it's not essential that we take Crabtree or Maclin at 1.7, because we're bound to get one in the second round.

I mean, would anyone really be that bothered if we took one of these guys in the second:
Kenny Britt
Hakeem Nicks
Darrius Heyward-Bey
Brian Robiskie
Juaquin Iglesias
Percy Harvin
Ramses Barden

Or even in the third round:
Jarrett Dillard
Brandon Tate
Patrick Turner
Aaron Kelly

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 11:20 AM

If we don't take Crabtree or Maclin in RD1, I'd as soon skip taking a WR altogether and go ahead and get more linemen in 2, 3 and 4... I like Nicks, but we already have three young guys in Schillens, Higgins and Schields than may have comparable skills to a Nicks, Britt or Robiskie...

Bah!

None of those three are as polished as Robiskie, and none have Nicks' hands.

My fear is that we have to hold onto Javon, so we might not go WR at all.

hawaiianboy

02-22-2009, 11:37 AM

None of those three are as polished as Robiskie, and none have Nicks' hands.

WR whore...

Maclin has elite game speed... Crabtree has elite hands and route skills... None of the other guys have an elite enough skill where I'd want to pass on some of the centers or OT's... I thought Schillens showed some things that indicate big things in the future... We have enough developmental receivers IMO, enough that I'd be pretty upset if we left some big bodies on the board to grab another one... If we leave guys like Mack, Unger, Paul Kruger, Gilbert, Brace, Beatty, a bunch of those strongside LB's and OG's to take Robiskie's kid, someone is going to pay...

And if we draft Ramses Barden in the 2nd or Patrick freakin ain't done nothing with my 5 star ass Turner in the 3rd, I'd be pretty unhappy...

007

02-22-2009, 11:41 AM

Any predictions for tomorrow?

Chris "007's favorite sleeper" Ogbannaya: 4.55

LOL.

On the money.

007

02-22-2009, 11:42 AM

WR whore...

Maclin has elite game speed... Crabtree has elite hands and route skills... None of the other guys have an elite enough skill where I'd want to pass on some of the centers or OT's... I thought Schillens showed some things that indicate big things in the future... We have enough developmental receivers IMO, enough that I'd be pretty upset if we left some big bodies on the board to grab another one... If we leave guys like Mack, Unger, Paul Kruger, Gilbert, Brace, Beatty, a bunch of those strongside LB's and OG's to take Robiskie's kid, someone is going to pay...

And if we draft Ramses Barden in the 2nd or Patrick freakin ain't done nothing with my 5 star ass Turner in the 3rd, I'd be pretty unhappy...

We leave big, smart lineman on the board every year man.

I'd be looking at a DB or Mike freakin Wallace in round two.

Heh.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 12:10 PM

WR whore...

True, but if we're grabbing a WR in the second round, it means we'll have taken a tackle or DE in the first, and we could still get Antoine Caldwell in the third.

Happy happy joy joy.

007

02-22-2009, 12:23 PM

Raider Bill

02-22-2009, 12:36 PM

I may be in the minority here, but I don't like Crabtree at all. I think Kenny Britt will wind up being the best WR from this class.

There have been a plethora of productive WR's out of Tech through the last 5-6 years who haven't done squat.

Welker has succeeded because he found a niche with the Patriots who basicly run Texas Tech's passing offense.

007

02-22-2009, 12:42 PM

I don't think you can compare Crabtree to a guy like Joel Filani or Jarrett Hicks.

Crabtree has the leaping ability and body control that you don't see very often. Larry Fitzgerald-esque. I think he runs crisp routes, he's big and strong. He was an ex-QB who is still learning to play WR and is only 20 years old.

I don't see what there is to dislike, personally.

Thats like saying Louis Murphy and Percy Harvin are no good because Florida receivers have sucked in the last decade.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 01:02 PM

Louis Murphy IS no good, though.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 01:05 PM

Yeah, Im ok with that plan.

Although if Mack or Unger is sitting there at pick forty, I know I'll be screaming for them on draft day.

Im starting to get worried that DHB is going to 'climb into the top ten' and the Raiders will take him. Maclin is a fast football player, DHB is a track guy who is becoming a football player.

Seriously, it wouldn't bother me a bit if we took:

1. Brown/Orakpo/Jerry
2. Mack/Unger/Beatty
3. Dillard

As long as we're getting good players, I really don't give a crap what position they play. The only positions we can't justify taking in the first three rounds are QB, RB, TE, PK and P.

massraider

02-22-2009, 01:28 PM

MACLIN SUFFERS INJURY, BUT RETURNS TO FINISH WORKOUT
Posted by Mike Florio on February 22, 2009, 11:39 a.m.

A league source tells us that Missouri receiver Jeremy Maclin, who reportedly suffered a leg injury while running a deep pass route on Sunday, returned to action after getting checked out and finished the drills.

The injury, then, is not believed to be serious.

Earlier in the hour, NFP reported that Maclin had suffered an injury, was getting checked on the training table, and would not return.

Maclin previously ran the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds.

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 02:08 PM

After watching the RBs run today I can say emphatically that I'm quite happy to have landed McFadden last year. A lot of functional backs in the draft this year, but nowhere near the explosiveness you saw in the group last year.

At this point I've seen enough of the OL and WR prospects to know we've got some REAL good players in the top 3 rounds of the draft. I'm still leaning towards a preference of offensive tackle at #7 overall, but Crabtree would work for me too.

What I'm now very interested in seeing is how the top-ranked D-lineman look. Orakpo's going to blow people away with the eyeball test, Brown will be fine, and I want to see Raji lift and do the agility drill. In fact, the DL agility drill for me is going to go a long ways in determining my preference for #7. If Orakpo blows this thing up, he's going to be high on my list.

I'm also very interested in seeing Cushing's workout. He's the one true guy I see coming in to the Strongside in a 4-3 from day 1 and playing well. He'd help us a lot at that position. Maualuga would be great, but I just don't see Al taking him at #7 given our history with linebackers. And after Maualuga and Laurinaitis, I'm just not thrilled with the ILB position this year. Beckwith might be the 3rd or 4th best, but he's not going to take on offensive guards or centers at the NFL level and win.

Like it or not, the release of Gibril Wilson is going to make it a high probability that a DB is taken in round 4 or higher. I'm hoping Al decides to fill this position in terms of competition in camp via Free Agency because outside of William Moore, I'm not a big fan of this position in the '09 draft. If Rashad Johnson runs well I could see him being on the radar. But make no mistake, I'm no fan of going DB in round 2 even if Moore is still on the board (although he's a fine player). A round 3 DB wouldn't kill me, but not my preference either. Dunno... just see a BIG potential for Al reaching here.

As I stated in another thread, the one going for us Raider fans this year is this drafts strengths fit very nicely with this team's needs.

Man, Brian Robiskie definitely worked his way into the top half of round 2 and maybe the back end of round 1. Could see 7 or 8 WRs go by the #40 pick.

007

02-22-2009, 02:20 PM

Good stuff RNat.

Raji put up a very solid 33 today on the BP.

If you think about it, Jamal Charles/Felix Jones/Ray Rice/Steve Slaton/ Matt Forte/Mendenhall/Stewart/Johnson and our own McFadden

ALL WOULD HAVE LED THE RB's IN THIS YEARS COMBINE times. Every one of them timed sub 4.45, I believe. Or sub 4.5 at worst.

That is nuts, and I start to think its the track, as they moved from the RCA dome...Then you realize that 4 WR's broke 4.4 and blitstered the track.

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 02:30 PM

I'll be watching Raji's every move. The only defensive players worthy of the #7 pick (IMO) are Curry, Orakpo, Brown, Raji, Maualuga, and Jenkins. I don't see us taking Maualuga or Jenkins and Curry's likely to be gone. It's gonna come down to the other 3 for me.

Getting by with whatever we have at FS this year sure would be nice if we could get in a position to get Taylor Mays next year. That dude's gonna redefine the FS position like Calvin Johnson is with WR.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 02:53 PM

If somehow Alphonso Smith were there in Round 2, I'd love to take him.

BPA. Take care of the rest in free agency.

007

02-22-2009, 03:03 PM

Sean Smith is about the only CB in round two that I wouldnt mind taking.

He reminds me of Asomugha with his size and strength, and Im hoping he times well in a couple days.

That being said, if we take Alphonso Smith with Mack/Unger/Nicks/Britt on the board, I might throw something at the TV.

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 03:07 PM

If somehow Alphonso Smith were there in Round 2, I'd love to take him.

BPA. Take care of the rest in free agency.

I like Alphonso Smith, but let's be honest. If he gets drafted the very best he could do would be to contribute as the Nickel back, and that would involve beating out Routt.

IMO, there are too many holes on this team, specifically at OL, DL, WR, and LB, that could be addressed with the 2nd round pick that could contribute in a starting fashion righ away.

If Alphonso Smith checked in at 6'0 instead of 5'9, we'd be worried about him with the #7 overall pick though. Dude can play, no doubt.

hawaiianboy

02-22-2009, 03:11 PM

If Orakpo blows this thing up, he's going to be high on my list.

I'm already trying to wrap my head around the guy because he is an Al type player... He'll be a combine darling for sure... Looks amazing in shorts and possesses ungodly weight room numbers (380+ power clean :eek: ).... I'm just not really feeling it though.... I find him to be a tweener, good power but not great size to be a power based pass rusher and not quite quick enough around the edge to be a speed rusher... If he can keep the weight on, he could be another Adewale Ogunleye, but I'm just wondering if we couldn't get that later in the draft with Paul Kruger or Barwin?...

I'm trying real hard to fall in love with one guy at 7, especially a D guy but it's tough this year... Curry is overrated much the way Derrick Johnson was IMO, not a real big EBrown or Orakpo guy in a 43 set, Raji's value has jumped by at least a half round through all star games and the combine which is always a red flag for me, I like Maualuga but worry that we won't ever utilize what I think is elite blitz skills...

Dreaming now, but I'm hoping like hell that maybe Washington tries to jump in front of Green Bay and some of these other 34 teams to get Raji at 7 and then the Lions feel the need to move up from 20 to get ahead of the Jets, Bear and Bucs to take the overrated Mark Sanchez.... Get down to 20 and take Mack...

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 03:18 PM

I'm already trying to wrap my head around the guy because he is an Al type player... He'll be a combine darling for sure... Looks amazing in shorts and possesses ungodly weight room numbers (380+ power clean :eek: ).... I'm just not really feeling it though.... I find him to be a tweener, good power but not great size to be a power based pass rusher and not quite quick enough around the edge to be a speed rusher... If he can keep the weight on, he could be another Adewale Ogunleye, but I'm just wondering if we couldn't get that later in the draft with Paul Kruger or Barwin?...

I'm trying real hard to fall in love with one guy at 7, especially a D guy but it's tough this year... Curry is overrated much the way Derrick Johnson was IMO, not a real big EBrown or Orakpo guy, Raji's value has jumped by at least a half round through all star games and the combine which is always a red flag for me, I like Maualuga but worry that we won't ever utilize what I think is elite blitz skills...

Dreaming now, but I'm hoping like hell that maybe Washington tries to jump in front of Green Bay and some of these other 34 teams to get Raji at 7 and then the Lions feel the need to move up from 20 to get ahead of the Jets, Bear and Bucs to take the overrated Mark Sanchez.... Get down to 20 and take Mack...

If it's me, the draft is today, and I have to take a defensive player at #7, it's probably Raji. The productivity is there, the size is there, he's the one guy whose workout numbers match his on-field production most consistently. Orakpo, IMO, is a little underrated in what he did on the field before he got hurt. He was tearing things up before he got nicked up. But Raji is the kind of guy that reminds me of Broderick Bunkley both in build and late-season rising up the charts. IMO, Raji's more of a pure football player than Bunkley was coming out, although Bunk's growing into the role finally.

For me, locking up that 2nd DT spot and trotting out a tandem of Kelly/Raji would free up some much needed cap space by releasing either Warren or Sands, and help out the run defense immensely, which is still our biggest problem on D. The fact he can get to the passer only helps and he and T. Kelly could really play off of each other well in that area.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 04:36 PM

I like Alphonso Smith, but let's be honest. If he gets drafted the very best he could do would be to contribute as the Nickel back, and that would involve beating out Routt.

This year, sure.

But I don't plan my draft strategy around just this year. I expect the first-rounder and the free agents to contribute right away. The 2-7 rounds of the draft, I just want the best players I can get, regardless of position (except for RB, TE and QB, which would be a waste, IMO).

If Chris Johnson can't repeat his performance from the second half of last year, then we're going to need a new starter sooner than later. And with his age, plus Asomugha's and Routt's contract lengths, I think CB is an area that we can't simply assume is set for more than a year, anyway.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 04:41 PM

IMO, Raji's more of a pure football player than Bunkley was coming out, although Bunk's growing into the role finally.

Bunkley was an animal for the Noles. Not sure what about his collegiate play suggested that he wasn't a pure football player.

Just because a guy has great workouts, doesn't mean he wasn't a great player, too. Bunkley was both.

007

02-22-2009, 04:56 PM

Was he as good as Raji though? (Im seriously unsure)

9 sacks and 17 TFL's for Raji at 325 pounds is something you don't see very often.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 05:11 PM

Bunkley had 9 sacks and 25 tackles for loss as a senior.

And even though he was a good 25-35 pounds lighter than Raji, he outlifted him by a wide margin -- 44 reps to 33.

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 05:12 PM

This year, sure.

But I don't plan my draft strategy around just this year. I expect the first-rounder and the free agents to contribute right away. The 2-7 rounds of the draft, I just want the best players I can get, regardless of position (except for RB, TE and QB, which would be a waste, IMO).

If Chris Johnson can't repeat his performance from the second half of last year, then we're going to need a new starter sooner than later. And with his age, plus Asomugha's and Routt's contract lengths, I think CB is an area that we can't simply assume is set for more than a year, anyway.

An excellent point. Part of my hesitation is simply from the perspective that Al likes to draft DBs, and, quite frankly, I have DB about 5th on the list of needs and if you separate the DBs between CB and S, I have CB about 8th on the list. As such, I'm not a fan of picking a CB in round 2 given the current climate of our team.

If we were closer to the playoffs or Super Bowl contention, absolutely. But too much work remains at OT, OG, C, DT, DE, OLB, and FS for me to think about a CB in the 2nd round. I think your argument is a fine one, but I'm more "scared" we'd take Alphonso Smith when other, more immediate, could be addressed given Al's history than I'm comfortable with.

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 05:23 PM

Bunkley was an animal for the Noles. Not sure what about his collegiate play suggested that he wasn't a pure football player.

Just because a guy has great workouts, doesn't mean he wasn't a great player, too. Bunkley was both.

Well, let me put it this way... there's a lot less talk about BJ Raji being "raw" than there was with Bunkley. That part's indisputable. Chalk it up to Bunkley being undersized, being a workout guy, whatever. But right now, Raji measures up in terms of size and production when you use the term "pure DT." I'm not trying to knock Bunkely, as I know you're an FSU guy, as much as I'm trying to say that right now, at equal points of their draft evaluation, Raji is seen as the better DT prospect compared to Bunkley in '06.

Bunkley was more of the guy who blew up all the tests, had good, if not great, numbers his final season in college but teams werent' sure if he would play DT, DE, or even DE in a 3-4. Not to get on hb's 3-4 bandwagon, but I would LOVE to see Bunkley at DE in that scheme. Perfect size, very active, and could generate pressure from the edge in that format. You put him on the Steelers and I'd be salivating to see what he could.

But back to Raji... there's no speculation as to where this guy fits. It's DT. It's in any scheme. And he'd REALLY help our problems stopping the run and generate enough of a pass-rush at DT to collapse a pocket or two. His presence would also help out the knocks on Kirk Morrison, which I'm not convinced are all that fair. He's not Ray Lewis, but he's not a bum either. Give him 2 DT's that can tie up and play every down and not take plays off or be inconsistent like Warrent & Sands and let's see what he really has.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 05:36 PM

Well, let me put it this way... there's a lot less talk about BJ Raji being "raw" than there was with Bunkley.

I don't know who was saying that, but they're full of it.

I think a lot of times "draftniks" pencil a guy into one of two categories -- workout warrior, or "football player." Those guys were very wrong to do that with Bunkley, if they were doing it (frankly, I can't remember who was saying what about him, I just know I thought he was a freaking stud).

But right now, Raji measures up in terms of size and production when you use the term "pure DT."

What part of Bunkley's sophomore and senior years didn't measure up?

He was lighter than Raji is, but he was more dominant, too. And stronger.

Raji is seen as the better DT prospect compared to Bunkley in '06.

Well, Bunkley went 14th overall. Raji is mostly projected to the same area. I don't see how he's considered a superior prospect, or more of a "football player."

I just don't see it.

werent' sure if he would play DT, DE, or even DE in a 3-4.

I think that might have been the case until he weighed in at 300.

I just don't remember there being this "raw" label on him, which is what I was getting at.

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 05:56 PM

Dunno, I remember the mark that went along with Bunkley were comments along the lines of "undesized, explosive, but raw". His explosion his intensity were never questioned, but his techniques, hand quickness, and motivation were. Sorry, but that pretty easily translates into "raw" in my world. I'll dig up all this stuff if you like, but I'd rather avoid the back and forth internet research contests you get in with biggie over at KFFL. But if you want it, that's fine.

Again, I'm not trying to knock Bunkely but rather illustrate that Raji is a superior prospect at DT. You were stuck on my phrase of "football player" in post 99 yet my amendment to that statement in post 105 of him being the better "pure DT" prospect went unacknowledged. I don't see much of an argument in Raji being a better "pure DT" prospect than Bunkley. However, I'm also not all that interested in debating which prospect, 4 years apart, is better than the other. It was just a comparison in terms of production and where they're at at this point in the evaluation process. Outside of physical size, I see a lot of parallels here.

Who knows, maybe I'm crazy.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 05:59 PM

Oh, I don't doubt that some people said that shit. I'm just saying they were idiots and didn't know what they were watching. :) Bunkley was a stud on the field and at the combine.

I'm not going to go as far as to say he was a superior prospect to Raji, because I haven't watched much of Raji. But it's really, really hard for me to imagine any DT being a clear-cut superior prospect to Bunkley.

hawaiianboy

02-22-2009, 06:02 PM

Part of my hesitation is simply from the perspective that Al likes to draft DBs

Man, thanks for the reminder Sparky... I'm trying hard here to hold onto this little mention from when we cut DeAngelo Hall:

Hall said Davis told him the Raiders are about to get rid of other players to clear money in order to acquire better linemen on both sides of the ball and address other areas of need -- like locking up Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

Al seemed to be high on Tyvonne Branch, but does Louis Delmas become a realistic option in 2?...

Christ you would think that after spending a top 10 pick on Huff and giving Gibril all that loot, we'd have this safety crap on lock down...

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 06:12 PM

Everette Brown did 26 or 28 reps

Orakpo did 31

Raji did 33

Nothing hurts any of them in that scenario.

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 06:20 PM

Man, thanks for the reminder Sparky... I'm trying hard here to hold onto this little mention from when we cut DeAngelo Hall:

Hall said Davis told him the Raiders are about to get rid of other players to clear money in order to acquire better linemen on both sides of the ball and address other areas of need -- like locking up Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

To quote a great American hero, Carl Spackler:

License to kill gophers by the government of the United Nations. Man, free to kill gophers at will. To kill, you must know your enemy, and in this case my enemy is a varmint. And a varmint will never quit - ever. They're like the Viet Cong - Varmint Cong. So you have to fall back on superior intelligence and superior firepower.

You need to know your enemy hb... the irony of the Lil Al contest is that your enemy is, in fact, Al Davis himself. I've already told you too much, but, then again, I haven't told you anything you don't already know... just something you can't seem to overcome. Bones happens to have the perfect smiley for your condition -- :banghead:

Al seemed to be high on Tyvonne Branch, but does Louis Delmas become a realistic option in 2?...

I don't think Delmas is an option given his college pedigree, but, again, I'm hand-feeding you bits of Lil Al knowledge you should already be aware of. You do realize you don't have a chance, don't you?

007

02-22-2009, 06:22 PM

David Veikune did 35 reps...

Hey HB, how do you compare him to Alama-Francis?

I really liked him coming out, and Veikune has solid numbers, but checked in at 250 pounds, I believe.

007

02-22-2009, 06:30 PM

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 06:42 PM

Would you guys take Cushing if he slipped to the 40 spot?

I think I would consider it. He's the type of guy you could plug on the strong side for 10 years and not think twice, IMO.

The LB's did well on the BP in general.

I would definitely consider it, if not take him outright. The guy that has my attention at #40 is Mack. But I don't think he'd be there. Unger's going to be close... anywhere from 32 -- 45, IMO. If I have Unger and Cushing on the board, it's a tough call... and one that's influenced by whether or not then re-sign Grove or Carlisle, or both.

IMO, Unger is a great, versatile talent. But, on the other hand, Cushing is the one true 4-3 strongside LB I'd have confidence in from Year 1. So, to answer your question, I'd absolutely consider it and he'd be in my top-5 for that pick if available.

hawaiianboy

02-22-2009, 06:49 PM

David Veikune did 35 reps...

Hey HB, how do you compare him to Alama-Francis?

I really liked him coming out, and Veikune has solid numbers, but checked in at 250 pounds, I believe.

Francis was an athlete who built his body up (too much IMO) to be a football player... Veikune is more limited athletically but all football player...

Veikune is not starting material IMO... he's just a tough guy with a big heart that you use on every special team and as a situational DE...

Any official height and weights on Brown and Orakpo?... I'm seeing 6'2 255 for Brown and 6'3 263 for O...

Michael Johnson 6'7 266... Got his weight up to respectable level...

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 06:53 PM

The 6-2 255 is probably right for Brown, because prior to the combine, the weight always listed was 252, so any change in that is probably right.

Jack's sore libido

02-22-2009, 06:54 PM

As for Cushing ... he's going to deliver such a good workout that he'll never fall out of the first round.

007

02-22-2009, 07:21 PM

6-2 for Everette is shorter than I figured.

I can't think of many 6-2 250 pound DE's who don't play for the Colts and actually play significant minutes for teams.

I think Maybin, Brown and possibly Orakpo are all 3-4 backers'. JMO though.

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 07:28 PM

As for Cushing ... he's going to deliver such a good workout that he'll never fall out of the first round.

Sadly, I think you're right. And the rich will get richer in the sense that Cushing will go somewhere from 16th in round 1 or later... so teams like the Giants, Panthers, Patriots, Ravens, etc will be getting a great player to fit into an already good/great team.

007

02-22-2009, 07:49 PM

Arizona will follow their Lindy's draft guide and combine him with Dansby on the edge...

Imagine that dude in Pittsburgh or Tennessee?

Good lord. I actually don't like thinking about it.

Madturk

02-22-2009, 08:19 PM

Sadly, I think you're right. And the rich will get richer in the sense that Cushing will go somewhere from 16th in round 1 or later... so teams like the Giants, Panthers, Patriots, Ravens, etc will be getting a great player to fit into an already good/great team.

There's a lot to be said in implementing a system and staying with it for more than one season or two. I really think that this is the draft to trade down and stockpile some picks and hopefully get this thing turned around quickly.

hawaiianboy

02-22-2009, 08:56 PM

If there's going to be one player who pisses hot before the draft, it's going to be Cushing... Great player, but too many rumors about being a product of science to ignore... Bitch tits aside, it wouldn't surprise me to see him go as high as 16 to the Bolts...

Speaking of LB's, Maualuga and Pat Willis on the same team?... Shit...

Beat reporter Matt Maiocco speculates that USC ILB Rey Maualuga could be the 49ers' pick at No. 10 overall in the draft.
Maiocco makes it clear that he's only speculating, but this is a very real possibility with Takeo Spikes unsigned. Maiacco points out that the Niners were high on Jared Mayo last year as a possible inside partner for Pat Willis.

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 09:07 PM

If there's going to be one player who pisses hot before the draft, it's going to be Cushing... Great player, but too many rumors about being a product of science to ignore... Bitch tits aside, it wouldn't surprise me to see him go as high as 16 to the Bolts...

Speaking of LB's, Maualuga and Pat Willis on the same team?... Shit...

That would be totally fucking frightening... except for the fact that the 9ers still couldn't generate a pass rush, cover anybody deep, nor find a quarterback.

They might be able to lay claim to the best 3-some of ILBs in the league though with Willis, Maualuga, and Singletary :D

hawaiianboy

02-22-2009, 09:24 PM

6-2 for Everette is shorter than I figured.

I can't think of many 6-2 250 pound DE's who don't play for the Colts and actually play significant minutes for teams.

Officially 6' 1 and 7/8 and 263.... so Darryl Tapp maybe maybe?...

Raider Nation

02-22-2009, 09:37 PM

Officially 6' 1 and 7/8 and 263.... so Darryl Tapp maybe maybe?...

Not with the #7 overall pick. We'll see what he does in the individual drills, but homeboy better blow it up. Otherwise his best chance will be one of the 382 teams that decided to take up the 3-4 this offseason and maybe they'll reach.

007

02-22-2009, 10:06 PM

Where are you gettin' DL weights/heights?

I can't find any.

hawaiianboy

02-22-2009, 10:12 PM

Where are you gettin' DL weights/heights?

I can't find any.

NFL.com has them up: http://www.nfl.com/combine/players

007

02-22-2009, 10:32 PM

They've got Brown at 256, not that its a huge difference.

I like NFL.com, but all they've done is take NFLDS scouting reports and shorten them.

Im curious to know if those are official sizes, or the ones NFLDS has had up all year.

EDIT: I checked a few others who have already been "officially" measured and they seem correct. (Cushing, Crabtree, Casey just to check)

BigTron

02-22-2009, 11:06 PM

The DE's always get smaller.

NIPS

02-23-2009, 04:43 AM

E. Brown needs to add about 10 more lbs

1) Everette Brown
2) Ron Brace
3) Antoine Caldwell
4) Alex Boone

Raider Nation

02-23-2009, 09:02 AM

Orakpo ran back-to-back 4.63 40s. Great time for him coupled with the strongest bench press of any pass rusher. I'm not sure if Everette Brown ran or not... didn't see it/hear it. Looks like Orakpo's going to be the highest rated pass rusher at this point.

Aaron Maybin ran in the 4.8s... OUCH.

hawaiianboy

02-23-2009, 09:09 AM

Orakpo looks like he is chiseled out of granite... 31 reps, 4.63 40

Brown 26 reps, 4.63

Raider Nation

02-23-2009, 09:20 AM

Good time for Brown. 4.63 will keep him near the top-10.

I dunno if it's just me or not, but I see Brown having a smoother transition to OLB than Orakpo. Especially if it's in the 30 front. At the same time, I'm personally more comfortable with the idea of Orakpo with his hand on the ground in a 40 front than Brown at this point.

hawaiianboy

02-23-2009, 09:32 AM

I dunno if it's just me or not, but I see Brown having a smoother transition to OLB than Orakpo. Especially if it's in the 30 front. At the same time, I'm personally more comfortable with the idea of Orakpo with his hand on the ground in a 40 front than Brown at this point.

I agree... Personally, I view Brown as strictly a 34 rush LB... He was supposedly running low 4.5's at the lower weight, so he may be better playing there at 245-250...

Raider Nation

02-23-2009, 10:11 AM

Connor Barwin just made himself a lot of money today. Could sneak into the late-1st round with those numbers.

Let the Vrabel comparisons begin.

007

02-23-2009, 10:15 AM

Curry with a friggin 4.54

Cushing 4.64

Jasper 'The Tank' Brinkley with a 4.65, I believe.

The LB's havent dissapointed.

007

02-23-2009, 10:18 AM

The official times are much different than NFLN times...

Sidsbury the fastest DL with a 4.66

Brown: 4.73

Orakpo isnt listed now?

007

02-23-2009, 10:25 AM

Mauluaga and Laurinaitis (Smith and Jones from now on) both shit the bed.

4.81 and 4.83.

007

02-23-2009, 11:49 AM

I was just looking at the NFL.com top performers, and Rhett Bomar has the fastest 20 yard shuttle, LOL.

He beat every WR and RB.

Lydon Murtha also had a 3 cone that was WR/RB-esque.

Interesting. They've definitely climbed on the Raiders boards. :)

BigTron

02-23-2009, 12:01 PM

Mauluaga and Laurinaitis (Smith and Jones from now on) both shit the bed.

4.81 and 4.83.

Small chance we get a look at one of these guys in Rnd2. I would totally be down with Jasper Brinkley day 2. He looks great now that he is recovered from his injury and slimmed down.

After today my new mock:

1. Lions - Aaron Curry - safe pick. Cant afford to miss here on Stafford.
2. Rams - E.Monroe - Pace is old. Spags waits til Rnd2 for an attack dog.
3. Chiefs - Matt Stafford - Thigpen... did he even take snaps under C?
4. Seattle - Malcom Jenkins - They need secondary help bad opposite Trufant.
5. Browns - B.Orakpo -Mangini thinks VG2? Then picks Orakpo anyway.
6. Bengals - J.Smith - They need help keeping Carson upright. (007 pointed it out, he never played from a 3 point stance. I have him #2 bc of that.)

7. Da Raidaz - We get to choose between A.Smith/Crabtree/Raji and Maclin. Al Davis shuts up the haters and finally takes the football player. Michael Crabtree. The triplets are complete. Fuck all the skill positions are set. Let go OL/DL from here out.

8. Jags - you get what we dont want bitches. You need all the same shit too. Smith, Raji and Mac all fit here.

hawaiianboy

02-23-2009, 12:03 PM

Mauluaga and Laurinaitis (Smith and Jones from now on) both shit the bed.

4.81 and 4.83.

I didn't expect either of them to be combine guys... Intensity is what separates these guys as football players... I would love to be able to hear Laurinaitis's interview's...

BigTron

02-23-2009, 12:03 PM

T.Taylor from Michigan making up lost money today. Good day 2 fat boy.

007

02-23-2009, 12:53 PM

I didn't expect either of them to be combine guys... Intensity is what separates these guys as football players... I would love to be able to hear Laurinaitis's interview's...

I hear ya, both are good football players.

There is a difference between being a 'combine guy' and posting one of the worst times of any LB at the event.

Most TE's a majority of DE's and an OT ran faster than that, which is disconcerning, IMO.

I know you won't care, but I fully assume some GM's have taken notice when a guy like Matthews and Curry blazed excellent times.

Byron2112

02-23-2009, 01:08 PM

They could still be badass two down MLB's though right, ala Millien?

007

02-23-2009, 01:21 PM

Oh they'll both be solid, but are they going to go where Posluzny went, where Dan Connor went?

Are they on Patrick Willis or Jerod Mayo's level? I don't think they are close, personally.

Maybe 20-40 overall?

Byron2112

02-23-2009, 01:37 PM

Yeah, you'd have to be an all around badass athlete to expect a Willis type LB.

BigTron

02-23-2009, 01:37 PM

Gruden nailed it. They have to be able to cover the RB in man to man situations sometimes. If they cant stay on the field all three downs it hurts their value. I think both these guys would thrive inside a 3-4 with another stud MLB next to them. Baltimore, San Fran, Pittsburgh, SD, Dallas, NYJ, NE, Cleveland... etc all good fits.

Byron2112

02-23-2009, 01:45 PM

Good call Tron.

No one here really wants to blow # 7 on Andre Smith do they?

The more I hear about this guy the more I see Barrett Robbins.

What kinda A-hole blows tens of millions of dollars because he doesn't feel like working?

A nutty, crazy A-hole IMO. Maybe a 3rd-4th round chance, but forget making that guy rich and expecting great things.

Byron2112

02-23-2009, 01:50 PM

Damn, Raji is one fat bastard... baby faced too.

hawaiianboy

02-23-2009, 01:53 PM

I know you won't care, but I fully assume some GM's have taken notice when a guy like Matthews and Curry blazed excellent times.

It's not that I don't care, but in every draft there are going to be a handful of guys that it won't matter what they do in Sr Bowl or combine settings because the game tape trumps 40 times, bench presses and all the other window dressing...

In this draft it's Crabtree, Maulauga, Mack and to some extent Paul Kruger... They may not be the most physically gifted guys, but when the helmets go on and the whistle blows, they're better than the guy you line up opposite them more often than not...

Maulauga has got 40 minute intensity, the same intensity that allowed Singletary and Ray Lewis to be great in spite of whatever physical attributes are lacking... When people do the redraft for this draft in a couple of years, I'd be shocked if the results didn't say that Maulauga should have gone in the top 5...

Raider Nation

02-23-2009, 01:54 PM

I would love to be able to hear Laurinaitis's interview's...

I read Peter King's MMQB artile this morning and there's a blurb on there about the evening interviews that prospects do with teams. 15 minutes per team, something like no more than 60 interviews the entire week, etc.

What was funny, though was a story told to him about Laurinaitis's interview with one team where he walked in the room and the coach said to him "Tell me something. When was the last time a linebacker from Ohio State came to the NFL and was worth a shit?''

I would've loved to see how he responded to that question... talk about throwing a kid off his game with a question!

007

02-23-2009, 01:58 PM

Maulauga has got 40 minute intensity, the same intensity that allowed Singletary and Ray Lewis to be great in spite of whatever physical attributes are lacking... When people do the redraft for this draft in a couple of years, I'd be shocked if the results didn't say that Maulauga should have gone in the top 5...

Im no expert, but don't you want 60 minute intensity? :D

I think Rey is a great player, and Laurinaitis will be a steal for someone.

I just think they've now put themselves in that 20-40 range, whereas people are saying Curry is a #1 overall possibility after todays performance...

I'd love to be sitting there with the #40 pick staring Rey down, but I don't think he'll last that long.

I was suprised by Cushings time. He looked faster than he timed, but he's almost too robotic with his running, lifting and physical makeup. Its almost like he's been training for the combine for 10 years, haha.

hawaiianboy

02-23-2009, 01:58 PM

That sounds like something Parcell's would ask... :pound:

BigTron

02-23-2009, 02:03 PM

Cushing did look robotic. I thought he would hit 4.5

007

02-23-2009, 02:04 PM

I think my combine comparison is a good one though.

You look through the last five drafts, and guys like Mayo, Willis, Hawk, Rivers, Sims, Ware, Merriman, DJ Williams and even Vilma and Beason KILLED the combine. They stood out in every way, shape and form, and ended up going early because of it over guys who might have been better college players.

Laurinaitis and Rey ended up looking a little more like Posluzny, Tatupu, Thurman, Connor and Crowder. All those guys are great players, but they didnt do enough in the pre-draft workouts to get into the top 15-20 picks.

raiderfreak7

02-23-2009, 02:05 PM

If I remember correctly, there was a defensive end who got into a bit of an argument with a Raider coach during his interview (Kenny Peterson?). Something like the coach was really knocking Petersons motivation and Peterson stood up for himself.

007

02-23-2009, 02:11 PM

Haha, I rmember picking Peterson in round one in my first career Lil' Al.

I think that was the Asomugha year, IIRC?

Byron2112

02-23-2009, 02:32 PM

Raji's got a nice rack... almost as nice as 'Turks avatar.

Madturk

02-23-2009, 02:52 PM

Raji's got a nice rack... almost as nice as 'Turks avatar.

I don't care if he wears high heels:eek:, guy can motor.

Byron2112

02-23-2009, 02:54 PM

He can move for sure.

007

02-23-2009, 02:56 PM

Kevin Ellison put up 32 reps on the bench...Thats a strong safety right there.

Vontae Davis did 25. He's 5-11 205 and he's gonna kill the combine tomorrow. :::gulp:::

Byron2112

02-23-2009, 02:59 PM

I wish Sapp would shut his face.

He's really cheapening my experience.

Madturk

02-23-2009, 03:02 PM

Kevin Ellison put up 32 reps on the bench...Thats a strong safety right there.

Vontae Davis did 25. He's 5-11 205 and he's gonna kill the combine tomorrow. :::gulp:::

I read somewhere that Davis is definitely on our radar screen. I don't think we'll reach for him at 7 will we? :o And he'll be long gone before our 2nd pick.

007

02-23-2009, 03:08 PM

Lets hope so...

Byron2112

02-23-2009, 04:10 PM

When do you guys think Clay Mathews is going?

Raider Nation

02-23-2009, 04:44 PM

Late 1st/early 2nd, IMO.

BigTron

02-23-2009, 05:26 PM

Kevin Ellison put up 32 reps on the bench...Thats a strong safety right there.

Vontae Davis did 25. He's 5-11 205 and he's gonna kill the combine tomorrow. :::gulp:::

I thought the same thing as i watched him do the bench... yikes. Come on Al. Look at his brother. He is not worth the #7.

Raider Nation

02-23-2009, 05:34 PM

I've got the DL workouts from this morning on in the background and just heard Sapp say that from a distance, Orakpo has the same body type as Derrick Burgess and "we know how much of a beast Burgess is."

Interesting considering Burgess hasn't been "himself" the last 2 seasons due to injury but the comparison is somewhat valid. It'd sure be interesting to see 3rd down with Burgess at LE and Orakpo at RE.

BigTron

02-23-2009, 05:42 PM

I still like Burgess. He is a top notch pass rusher when Healthy(not often.) We also havent given him alot of help. The other side of the field usually features some stiff and we dont blitz. He isnt worth a huge contract but he should stick around this year and if he blows up... franchise tag.

007

02-24-2009, 10:38 AM

Sean Smith just made some money.

The DB's in general look likey they are running in mud. Munnerlyn, Davis, Jenkins, Alphonso Smith all running 4.5 or so.

Im suprised.

I hope more DB's run 4.5+

massraider

02-24-2009, 11:04 AM

Sean Smith just made some money.

The DB's in general look likey they are running in mud. Munnerlyn, Davis, Jenkins, Alphonso Smith all running 4.5 or so.

Im suprised.

I hope more DB's run 4.5+

This is the first year of the new surface (RCA dome up until last year) and Under Armour apparently provided everyone with shoes, a new style.

Might have contributed to the slightly slower times across the board.

Love that Deion is here, he shoulda been there all week.

007

02-24-2009, 02:15 PM

Only two CB's broke 4.5 in the entire combine, LOL.

Al is probably crying himself to sleep right now,

16 CB's ran over 4.55...

Heh. Makes me feel better.

Jack's sore libido

02-24-2009, 02:20 PM

Al is probably crying himself to sleep right now,

Either that or he's saying "Thank God I got my guys locked up, so I don't have to burn a high pick on a guy who can't run."

BigTron

02-24-2009, 02:37 PM

Only two CB's broke 4.5 in the entire combine, LOL.

Al is probably crying himself to sleep right now,

16 CB's ran over 4.55...

Heh. Makes me feel better.

Weak class IMO. Im shocked Malcom Jenkins ran so slow. I knew he wasnt a burner but i thought he'd be high 4's very low 5's at worst. Thanks god our boy Davis didnt break a 4.3 or he'd be in S&B.

I dont know id Seattle will pass Crabtree for any of these guys now. Maybe they fall in love with Raji.

007

02-24-2009, 03:17 PM

Weak class IMO. Im shocked Malcom Jenkins ran so slow. I knew he wasnt a burner but i thought he'd be high 4's very low 5's at worst. Thanks god our boy Davis didnt break a 4.3 or he'd be in S&B.

I dont know id Seattle will pass Crabtree for any of these guys now. Maybe they fall in love with Raji.

While I get that the class might be a little weak, do you seriously think a guy like Vontae Davis is a 4.5 guy? I watched his forty, and if you would have held a gun to my head and told me to guess his time, I would have siad 4.35 without hesitation.

I've seen Keenan Lewis and Munnerlyn a few times too, and they don't seem like 4.5 guys either.

I always thought Morgan Trent was a burner and he ran a 4.55 or so...

Its just weird to me that no DB out of 50+ ran a sub 4.4; Not one.

I think the track might be a little slow.

People bring up DHB's time, but we all know he could have run a 4.3 in a mud pit. After that there were only 3 or 4 sub 4.4 times in the whole draft. Last year you have 12-15 guys including Royal, Jackson, Branch, Shields, McKelvin, Cromartie, McFadden (Off the top of my head) and the year before was 10+ as well.

Who knows though. I still think Jenkins is a killer CB prospect.

Byron2112

02-24-2009, 05:05 PM

No shit, that kid from Ohio state ran a 4.5? :eek:

That's just precious. :D

BigTron

02-25-2009, 02:27 PM

While I get that the class might be a little weak, do you seriously think a guy like Vontae Davis is a 4.5 guy? I watched his forty, and if you would have held a gun to my head and told me to guess his time, I would have siad 4.35 without hesitation.

I've seen Keenan Lewis and Munnerlyn a few times too, and they don't seem like 4.5 guys either.

I always thought Morgan Trent was a burner and he ran a 4.55 or so...

Its just weird to me that no DB out of 50+ ran a sub 4.4; Not one.

I think the track might be a little slow.

People bring up DHB's time, but we all know he could have run a 4.3 in a mud pit. After that there were only 3 or 4 sub 4.4 times in the whole draft. Last year you have 12-15 guys including Royal, Jackson, Branch, Shields, McKelvin, Cromartie, McFadden (Off the top of my head) and the year before was 10+ as well.

Who knows though. I still think Jenkins is a killer CB prospect.

I still like Jenkins too. Im not all about the 40 time or anything. I do think its important to run well but I also prefer football players. You might be on to something with this slow track theory. People were shredding that shit last year. Seems odd.