Today is technically the first day of the combine, although work outs won’t begin until Saturday. I noted the week’s schedule in full here. This is my least favorite time of the week in all honesty – a lot of hype, speculation and supposition. The work outs create nice talking points and are thoroughly enjoyable to follow, but they can’t begin soon enough.
The measurements are quite interesting for offensive lineman, although most passed through today without any headlines. Tyron Smith was the biggest story as he’s worked his way up to 307lbs which is to his credit– he always had the frame to add good bulk but maintain his athleticism. I wouldn’t have any issue playing him at 295lbs in the pro’s because of his arm length and explosive lateral agility.
Rodney Hudson was weighed at 299lbs, which is a further eight pound gain from the Senior Bowl. I still think he deserves a high grade as a brilliant technician and now his weight is much less of an issue.
A few links to follow:
Todd McShay says the combine will be the Cam Newton show. “Newton is the face of this draft.”
In my latest mock draft, I had Newton going first overall to Carolina.
Tony Pauline’s Draft Insider blog is updated with combine information throughout this week. It’s also one of the best places for information.
Gabe Carimi thinks he’s the best offensive lineman in the draft. I beg to differ – it’s Tyron Smith.
Mel Kiper previews the combine work outs:
Tyron Smith has always been an absolute beast. Here is a picture of him as a freshman at USC (he is a offensive linemen?):
http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/44/441092.jpg
Rob,
I know its not viewed as a big need for the Seahawks but are there any later round MLB prospects that you like? To me Lofa only has a few “good” years left. Max.
I think Nate Irving is one player to keep an eye on in that respect and if we’re talking late round – Josh Bynes at Auburn.
Rob,
With the Seahawks chosing not to franchise Mare again, do you see the Seahawks looking at kickers again in this draft? It would make sense to bring some one in, but i’d hate to see another Brandon Coutu situation.
Possibly. I don’t tend to watch college kickers closely because in fairness most are nowhere close to NFL standard. I like the Iowa punter a lot who is part of this class – he has a big future IMO. The kickers I’m not sure about. The thing with Mare is if the team wished to franchise him they’d have to pay 120% of his 2010 salary. That’s a major improvement on already a top kicking salary for a season we have no idea will even take place. Franchising him made little sense in that regard, but I suspect re-signing him would be a formality should a CBA be agreed.
just one tiny note on Rodney Hudson. Scout Inc’s Kevin noted that Rodney’s 299 lb was the type of “bad” weight gain.
I just saw that Greg Little weighed in at 231 pounds. I will be interested to see how well he runs with that much weight on him.