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Steuber's Combine Risers and Fallers


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Just ran across this... don't think it's been posted.

 

But I've been pretty busy...

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NFL Combine: Risers, Fallers and Rankings

 

By Chris Steuber

Scout.com NFL Draft Analyst

Posted Feb 25, 2009

 

 

With the Scouting Combine behind us, it's time to evaluate how the players performed. Scout.com's NFL Draft Analyst Chris Steuber identifies his top three risers and fallers by position on the offensive side of the ball and adjusts Scout.com's NFL Draft Rankings.

 

 

****SCOUT.COM'S 2009 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS****

 

 

Running Backs

 

RISERS**************************************************************************

*************************************

 

Donald Brown, Connecticut

 

Donald Brown was the most impressive running back at the Scouting Combine. He measured in at 5-foot-10, 210 pounds and was the most consistent performer in drills. He ran a solid 4.51 in the 40, finished with a 41.5-inch vertical, and finished second among the running backs in the broad jump (10-foot-5-inches) and 20-yard shuttle (4.10). Brown’s performance at the Combine will definitely improve his draft status and could elevate him from a mid-second round pick to a late first, early second rounder.

 

Change In Rank: Brown is now the 4th rated RB (previously 5th) in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings.

 

*****

Brown's workout at the Combine, along with his showing at the Senior Bowl makes him a fast riser.

 

Andre Brown, NC State

 

At the Senior Bowl, Andre Brown enjoyed great success; he displayed the all-around game scouts want to see out of a running back. He’s one of the best blockers at the position and showcased surprising explosiveness and the ability to break free in the open field. During his workout at the Scouting Combine, it was more of the same for Brown, as he was timed at a 4.49 in the 40. He did well in the bench press with 24 reps at 225 pounds and showcased his athleticism with a 37-inch vertical. The biggest question about Brown is his injury history, a history that limited him to just 523 carries over a four-year career. But when he’s healthy, and that’s what he’s been this offseason, Brown has the talent to exceed expectations at the next level and could be ticketed as a third round pick.

 

Change In Rank: Brown is still the 8th rated RB in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings.

 

*****

Cedric Peerman, Virginia

 

Another player who continues to impress this offseason is the versatile Virginia runner Cedric Peerman. Peerman enjoyed a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl and was even more impressive while meeting with teams in interviews. A player recognized for his leadership qualities and scat back ability, Peerman finished with the best 40-time (4.45) among the RBs at the Combine and placed second in the vertical jump with a 40-inch vertical and bench press with 27 reps. At 5-foot-9, 216 pounds, Peerman has the strength to run between the tackles, but durability is a concern. Those concerns could limit Peerman’s chances of making a meteoric rise in the draft.

 

Change In Rank: Peerman is now the 11th rated RB (previously 15th) in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings.

 

*****

FALLERS*************************************************************************

**************************************

 

Shonn Greene, Iowa

 

A one-year wonder at Iowa, some questioned Shonn Greene’s decision to enter the draft. But after seeing the rise Rashard Mendenhall experienced in the draft last season, after just one year as a starter in college, Greene decided to strike the iron while it’s hot. In Indianapolis, the temperature outside of Lucas Oil Field was below freezing, and for Greene, the wind chill inside was also below zero. The 5-foot-10, 227-pound bulldozer ran a disappointing 4.65 in the 40 and didn’t impress scouts with his 19 reps in the bench press. But, the more important aspect of his game that needs the most work is his receiving skills; an aspect of his game that wasn’t utilized much at Iowa. Despite his effort at the Combine, Greene is still a quality back who will receive second round consideration.

 

Change In Rank: Greene is now the 5th rated RB (previously 4th) in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings.

 

*****

Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon

 

Jeremiah Johnson was very impressive at the Senior Bowl and received a lot of attention from the scouts and media. It was at the Senior Bowl where Johnson displayed his ability as a receiver out of the backfield, since he didn’t have many opportunities to showcase those skills at Oregon. Johnson failed to show the explosiveness he had in Mobile at the Combine and finished with a disastrous 4.67 in the 40. In addition to that workout, Johnson managed just 20 reps in the bench press. Johnson’s still considered to be a third – fourth round pick, but the Combine solidified him as a complimentary back at the next level.

 

Change In Rank: Johnson is still the 10th rated RB in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings.

 

*****

 

Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern

 

Another scat back that’s known for his deceptive strength, quickness and receiving ability out of the backfield, Tyrell Sutton had one of the most disappointing workouts at the Combine. Sutton measured in at 5-foot-8, 211 pounds, but failed to show the quickness he’s known for and turned in an eyebrow raising 4.65 in the 40. He’s a standup individual and presents himself well to the media, but just like his straight-line speed, his durability is worrisome. Sutton still has mid-round potential, but could fall to the sixth round after his lackluster showing.

 

Change In Rank: Sutton is now the 16th rated RB (previously 14th) in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings.

 

*****

 

RISERS**************************************************************************

*************************************

 

 

Smith said that he's the draft's top OT and he proved it at the Combine.

Jason Smith, Baylor

 

When Jason Smith stepped to the podium during his press conference on the first day players spoke to the media, he said, “I’m the best OT in the draft, and I don’t think I have any flaws.” Those were big words for a man to live up to, but in the end he was proven correct and has emerged as the top OT in the draft. The word is that Smith was so impressive in his interviews with teams that the No. 1 pick overall has more value than it did before the start of the Combine, and some teams are interested in trading up for the right to select him. Smith’s athleticism is what initially jumps out at you and being a former tight end helps him tremendously. The 6-foot-5, 309-pound Smith showed his strength by posting 33 reps; displayed his athleticism by running an above average 5.22 in the 40 and did well in positional drills. Don’t be surprised if Smith ends up being the No. 1 pick in the draft.

 

Change In Rank: Smith is now the top rated OT (previously 4th) in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings.

 

*****

William Beatty, Connecticut

 

There’s no denying William Beatty’s athletic talent; he has the quickest feet of all the OTs in the draft. But it’s his overall strength that’s been questioned. At the Senior Bowl, Beatty struggled against speed rushers who initiate contact and bull-rush the opposition. In Mobile, Beatty weighed in at 291 pounds, and a month later in Indianapolis, Beatty measured in at 6-foot-6 and 307 pounds. The extra bulk suited him well and helped him with his 27-rep performance in the bench press, and it didn’t have an effect on his quickness as he registered a 5.12 in the 40. Beatty also flashed a 33.5-inch vertical. With offensive tackles being at a premium in the NFL, it’s possible that Beatty sneaks into the first round, similar to the way Duane Brown did in the ’08 draft.

 

Change In Rank: Beatty is now the 5th rated OT (previously 7th) in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings.

 

*****

 

Lydon Murtha, Nebraska

 

“Who is Lydon Murtha?” one reporter asked me at the Combine. “Did you see what he just did?” It wasn’t surprising to see Murtha’s success at the Combine, because he’s a workout warrior and a tremendous athlete. This was the kind of venue that would put Murtha on the map after an inconsistent collegiate career. Murtha had a better 40-time (4.89) than a few of the tight ends and looked natural running on the Lucas Oil Field turf. He also recorded a 35-inch vertical and dominated the 3-cone and 20-yard shuttle drills. Murtha was viewed as a borderline draft pick prior to this workout and could now work his way into the fifth or sixth round.

 

Change In Rank: Murtha is now the 18th rated OT (previously N/R) in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings.

 

*****

FALLERS*************************************************************************

**************************************

 

Andre Smith, Alabama

 

The fact that Andre Smith showed up at the Combine out of shape, not ready to perform, acting immature in team interviews and abruptly leaving Indianapolis without telling anyone is a major red flag on a player whose commitment level has always been questioned. Smith is a premier talent and was at one point considered to be a top-three pick in the draft. But, with the NFL high on character guys, don’t be surprised if Smith drops out of the top-ten.

 

Change In Rank: Smith is now the 4th rated OT (previously 3rd) in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings.

 

*****

 

 

Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma

 

Being 6-foot-8 and 332 pounds - 11 pounds down from what he weighed at the Senior Bowl - you don’t expect to see a lot of athleticism, but Phil Loadholt didn’t impress anyone with his 5.45 in the 40. He had good and bad moments during positional drills and still has some footwork issues to correct, but showed good strength in the bench press with 24 reps. Loadholt is trying to get in shape and shake the stigma that he’s uncoordinated and not mobile. He’s heading in that direction, but he’s not there yet. He’s likely a mid-to-late second round pick.

 

Change In Rank: Loadholt is now the 7th rated OT (previously 5th) in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings.

 

*****

 

Greg Isdaner, West Virginia

 

Even though Isdaner graduated before the end of his junior season, he still had to develop more as a player. At 6-foot-3, 325 pounds, Isdaner has great size for an interior lineman, but he lacks athleticism. He looked horrible running the 40, which he was timed at a 5.44 (the second worst among the guards). He had the shortest arms of all the guards and only managed 24 reps in the bench press. He also lacked mobility in positional drills. Isdaner is a late round prospect who could end up being undrafted.

 

Change In Rank: Isdaner is now the 11th rated OG (previously 7th) in Scout.com’s NFL Draft Rankings

 

 

 

 

 

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