2009 Scouting Combine Buzz Day Two: QB, RB and WR
NFL Draft 101 is providing live coverage in the blog (11 am - 2 pm daily) but we will also recap each day's biggest stories in article format as well. Here is the day two buzz:
Sunday's quarterback, running back and wide receiver workouts came and went without a true breakout star like Jared Cook on Saturday but most importantly the players avoided the drama of Saturday when Michael Crabtree's injury and Andre Smith's disappearance dominated the workouts. This is not to say players stocks did not go up or down based on today's work. Here are today's winners and losers:
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The lack of credit White is getting at quarterback is bordering on ridiculous. Even without the great 40 (4.55) and other measureables, White was the best thrower in the 2nd group of quarterbacks today.
He displayed accuracy and arm strength building upon an excellent Senior Bowl week and Meineke Car Care Bowl. It is time for people to stop talking about his decision to not workout at wide receiver and start evaluating him as a quarterback.
He is the 4th best quarterback in the draft and would be higher if he was taller (Michael Vick was also only 6'). Call him the a wildcat novelty if you want but he looks more and more like a quarterback every time I see him play.
NFLN did viewers a huge disfavor by not showing his workout, but early word is he showed a tremendous arm and has ideal height. He could be working his way into the end of round one.
Stephen McGee, Texas A&M
If you are looking for a sleeper QB, McGee might be your guy. He did not play much this year due to a shoulder injury but he is a great athlete (4.66 40) and had a nice day throwing the football today.
Did a nice job throwing the ball during his workout and may have shown enough to get drafted after a sub-par senior season.
Early word is Sanchez did a good job in the interviews but his decision to throw did not improve his stock. It was as if Sanchez was pressing during the throwing drills as he had too much mustard on his short throws and overthrew several passes including an out and post corner.
The arm strength, footwork and motion were there but the accuracy was not. It was not a terrible performance but it was not the type of workout you expect from a guy who is trying to be the the overall No. 1 pick.
Despite the struggles, Draft101 Chief Scout Dan Wernery still thinks Sanchez will get taken in the top 10 on draft day.
Like Freeman NFLN did viewers a disfavor by not showing his workout but the lack buzz afterward is not a good sign. On the plus side, the early word is he showed good arm strength during his workout.
The only one of the top 5 running backs to break 4.5 in the 40. He ranked in the top two running backs in the vertical jump, broad jump, and the 20 yard and 60 yard shuttles.
He also showcased good change of direction and receiving ability in the drills. A solid all-around performance.
Built on an excellent Senior Bowl with a good all-around performance. Sub 4.5 speed for a 225 pound running back.
Ian Johnson, Boise State
His stock has been sliding after struggling as a junior and senior but a good 40 and bench press plus a solid all-around performance in the drills gives him value as a 3rd down back. He may have gone from a late round flier to a 4th or 5th rounder.
Tony Fiametta, Syracuse
Showed good speed and receiving ability for a fullback.
Big back but needed to run better than 4.59 in the 40. He did have the best broad jump and was solid in the drills. Not a top 15 workout.
Like Wells his 40 time was a disappointment at 4.61. He's not a burner anyway but he would have benefited from running a 4.50 or better. Redeemed himself a little with good performances in the bench press, three-cone and 20 yard shuttle. Looked good as a receiver out of the backfield. Not a top 15 workout.
Shonn Greene, Iowa and Gartrell Johnson, Colorado State
You don't want to overestimate the 40 for big backs like these two, but their failure to break 4.7 is a concern and will likely keep them out of the 1st day. Neither ranked in the top 10 in the bench press either.
Did not flash the speed and quickness he needed to stay in the 1st day conversation.
Forties are overrated but Heyward-Bey had the 2nd fastest one since 2000 going an official 4.30. His stats don't show elite production, but he has the best size/speed combination of any receiver in the draft.
All three of these big, physical red zone wide receivers ran sub 4.5 40s. Robiskie also looked tremendous drills and will merit day one consideration with his polish. Don't be surprised if Britt or Nicks challenge for round 1 slots and sneak above Percy Harvin come draft day.
Kenny McKinley, South Carolina
Kept alive the Gamecocks streak of tremendous workouts. Excellent measureables and showed nice polish in the receiving drills.
Mike Wallace, Mississippi
Wallace had one of the best all-around workouts of any receiver today including a tremendous 40, vertical and broad jump. Also ran a flawless gauntlet and caught the ball with his hands (which is something he has struggled with in the past).
A tad slow (but a decent 4.53) and undersized (5'10) but he showed excellent athleticism with a 42.5" vertical and 10'9" broad jump both bests for the position. A much better day than expected for a receiver who is known more for his productivity than his measureables.
Overemphasizing the 40 is dangerous, but when your speed and quickness are your biggest attribute you can't afford a 4.6 40.
Darius Passmore, Marshall
Was expected to be one of the weekend's workout warrior but ran just an average 40 and did not finish in the top 10 in any receiver category.
Join NFLDraft101.com throughout the weekend for live coverage of the workouts from 11 am - 2 pm Feb 21-24) at the Combine Live Blog.
Chris Maier is Senior Editor for NFLDraft101.com. He can be reached at cmaier@nfldraft101.com. Chief Scout Dan Werney contributed to this article.
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