NFL Draft: Combine Performance vs. On-Field Performance

Every year around this time, the focus of every devoted NFL fan and analyst is on one thing: the Draft. Who is good, who is overrated, underrated, who's a steal, who's a bust. It's all a part of the process. So here is my take on some of the top prospects, and how they should fair, in my opinion.

TOP Five PROSPECTS.

1. Jake Long, OL Michigan.

Combine: Definitely served to solidify his status as the nation's top OL prospect. His 37 reps on the bench press showed that along with a prototypical size (6'7" 313lbs.), Long definitely has the strength needed to excel at the professional level. His forty time was adequate (5.2, I believe) but nothing to blow your mind. However, keep in mind that linemen rarely ever run 40 yards in a gametime situation.

Gametime: Three-year starter at the University of Michigan, freshman All-American, two-time All-American, two-time Big Ten lineman of the year.

This guy can play football. Some scouts knock on his pass-blocking ability, calling him a predominately run-blocking tackle. This may be true in some aspects, but don't forget that this guy did not give up a single sack his senior year, and dominated Vernon Gholston when he played Ohio State.

   2. Darren Mcfadden, RB Arkansas.

Combine: As if he needed any more validation in his super-star status, Mcfadden did little more than solidify what every NFL GM already knew way before the month of February, showing blazing speed (4.33) and fluid movement in all drills that he ran.

Gametime: Proven playmaker from the get go (ran for 1,100+yds. freshman year). Really, any guy that warrants an entire formation being designed for him that doesn't include a QB, is doing something REALLY well. Showed the ability to takeover games when needed. The only possible knock on Mcfadden could be the fact that he rarelyr has carried an NFL-starter sized load of 25-30 carries per game.

    3. Chris Long, DE Virginia.

Combine: Didn't hurt himself any. His 40 time left something to be desired for a LB, but it is without a doubt adequate at 4.7. His LB coverage drill were average, but at the LB/DE hybrid that he is projected to play, this is acceptable.

Gametime: His excellent technique seems to have been inherited from his father. Chris has a very effective "rip" move, also showed that he is a powerful bull rusher when need be. Outstanding senior year, finished with 19 sacks and an unanimous All-American selection. However, prior to his senior year, he started 24 games with less than stellar statistics. Not to say he wasn't good, but if he hadn't emerged his senior year, would we really be talking about him this much?

   4. Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State.

Combine: Showed exceptional strength with 37 reps on the bench press. His 40 time at 4.6 is good enough to play OLB and very good for a DE, both of which he could play.

Gametime: The best way to describe Gholston is incredible, yet inconsistent. In some games he was an absolute animal, dominating opposing offensive lines. In others, he seemed to be a complete non-factor. Case in point, where was he in the two national championships he started in?

It is also only fair to note that he did in fact dominate in some big games as well, most notably against Michigan, where he had a school record four sacks. Gholston most definitely has the tools and abilities to excel in the NFL, but only time will tell if he can utilize them.

    5. Matt Ryan QB Boston College.

Combine: Really didn't do too much, as is to be expected by a top-tier QB. His 40 time of 4.9 doesn't hurt him, but it does go to show he won't be the second coming of Michael Vick. Something Ryan could, and should, be proud of.

Gametime: A foot injury in 2006 wasn't entirely healed until his senior season. He had an excellent senior year at B.C., and made a couple of clutch game-winning throws. Showed what NFL teams expect in a franchise QB: leadership, courage, poise, toughness. He definitely fits the stereotypical model of a pocket QB, and his skills reflect this as well. However, he did show some signs of being careless with the ball, forcing it in some situations and threw some avoidable interceptions.