LSU Football: Tracking 2014 NFL Combine Results for Former Tigers' Stars
LSU has an impressive showing yet again at the NFL combine.
The Tigers have 11 former players participating in the "Underwear Olympics," making that 40 over four years. That is the most out of any school in the SEC according to LSU director of player personnel Austin Thomas.
The Tigers now must prove why they consistently make NFL rosters.
The questioning process will be as important as anything. Teams will grill each player with a series of questions, some of which will come as a surprise.
Testing well in drills does not mean a player will get drafted high or at all. Running around in tights means little compared to being strapped up in pads on Sunday. But it can certainly help.
Stay up to date here for the latest developments from Indianapolis.
Zach Mettenberger, Quarterback
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On his new Twitter account, Zach Mettenberger happily tweeted out his "#measureables" on the second day of the NFL combine.
"Great Day 2 already under way... #Measureables...6'-4 7/8", 224.5, hands 9-7/8" and wingspan of 78"...
— Zach Mettenberger (@mettshow) February 21, 2014"
Mettenberger will not be able to participate in drills involving high physical activity at the combine due to an ACL injury he suffered against Arkansas.
First-year offensive coordinator Cam Cameron took Mettenberger's game to the next level in 2013. He shredded secondaries with the help of Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, throwing for more than 3,000 yards.
Matt Miller Draft Projection: Third round to the Chicago Bears
Odell Beckham Jr., Wide Receiver
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Measurements:
"Odell Beckham Jr.'s rounded measurements: 5'11/198 lbs. 10" hands and 32 3/4" arms.
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) February 21, 2014"
40-Yard Dash: 4.43 seconds
Bench Press: seven reps at 225 pounds
Vertical Jump: 38.5''
Broad Jump: 122.0''
3-Cone Drill: 6.69 seconds
20-yard/60-yard shuttle: 3.94 seconds/10.93 seconds
Analysis: Beckham Jr. plays bigger than his listed measurements. He is a pure hands catcher and is great at reeling in the ball at its highest point. His abnormally large hand size should not surprise anybody.
Expect him to be a phenomenal playmaker on Sundays not only as a receiver, but as a return man as well.
Matt Miller Draft Projection: Late first round to the Kansas City Chiefs
Jarvis Landry, Wide Receiver
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Measurements:
"Jarvis Landry's rounded measurements: 5'11/205 lbs. 10 1/4 hands and 31 3/4" arms.
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) February 21, 2014"
40-Yard Dash: 4.77 seconds
Bench Press: 12
Vertical Jump: 28.5''
Broad Jump: 110.0''
3-Cone Drill: DNP
20-yard/60-yard shuttle: DNP
Analysis: Landry's measurements are nearly identical to Beckham Jr.'s, highlighted by his massive hands.
Landry is not as explosive of a playmaker as his collegiate partner in crime, but he did finish with more receptions, yards and touchdowns in 2013. Expect him to be a physical chains-mover who is not afraid of running over the middle at the next level.
Matt Miller Draft Projection: Second round to the Jacksonville Jaguars
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Jeremy Hill, Running Back
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Measurements:
"Jeremy Hill's rounded measurements: 6'1/233 lbs. 10 3/8" hands and 32 5/8" arms.
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) February 21, 2014"
40-Yard Dash: 4.66 seconds
Bench Press: 20
Vertical Jump: 29.0''
Broad Jump: 113.0''
3-Cone Drill: DNP
20-yard/60-yard shuttle: DNP
Analysis: Jeremy Hill has the size and speed to be a special back at the next level. Hill's 2,156 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns over two seasons speaks for itself. But his off-the-field concerns will have some teams hesitant to draft him.
Hill decided to be proactive by sending all 32 NFL teams a personal letter addressing his checkered past.
If Hill stays focused, he is a sure bet to contribute as a rookie.
Matt Miller Draft Projection: Fourth round to the St. Louis Rams
J.C. Copeland, Fullback
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Measurements: 5'11'', 271 pounds, 10'' hand size
40-Yard Dash: 4.63 seconds
Bench Press: 23 reps at 225 pounds
Vertical Jump: 28.5''
Broad Jump: 111.0''
3-Cone Drill: DNP
20-yard/60-yard shuttle: DNP
Analysis: J.C. Copeland is one of the best fullbacks in the draft. He is a mauler in the running game and has some ball skills.
Fullbacks are becoming less valuable in a passing NFL, but Copeland can contribute as a vicious lead blocker. He helped pave the way for Jeremy Hill, while also running for seven touchdowns of his own.
Matt Miller Draft Projection: Undrafted
Alfred Blue, Running Back
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Measurements: 6'2", 223 pounds, 9 7/8'' hands
40-Yard Dash: 4.66 seconds
Bench Press: 13 reps at 225 pounds
Vertical Jump: 32.0''
Broad Jump: 121.0''
3-Cone Drill: DNP
20-yard/60-yard shuttle: DNP
Analysis: Alfred Blue was given an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA, but decided to go pro instead. Blue was far from spectacular in 2013 out of the backfield, rarely getting meaningful carries in SEC play.
Blue is an average running back but a superb special teamer. He is a great tackler, so it is not out of the question that he could play on the opposite side of the football.
Matt Miller Draft Projection: Undrafted
Trai Turner, Right Guard
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Measurements: 6'3'', 310 pounds and 34'' arms
40-Yard Dash: 4.93 seconds
Bench Press: 25 reps at 225 pounds
Vertical Jump: 27.5''
Broad Jump: DNP
3-Cone Drill: DNP
20-yard/60-yard shuttle: DNP
Analysis: Trai Turner shocked everyone by deciding to go pro. Turner will try to prove the doubters wrong by having an excellent combine.
Turner excels in the running game, showing great explosiveness with his initial punch. Yet he is not the fleetest of foot, and his pass protection need some work. Scouts will love his build, so expect him to, at the very least, make the practice squad.
Matt Miller Draft Projection: Undrafted
Anthony Johnson, Defensive Tackle
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Measurements:
"LSU DT Anthony Johnson's rounded measurements: 6'2/308 lbs. 33" arms and 10 3/8" hands.
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) February 22, 2014"
40-Yard Dash: 5.24 seconds
Bench Press: 20 reps at 225 pounds
Vertical Jump: 24.5''
Broad Jump: 102.0''
3-Cone Drill: 7.93 seconds
Analysis: Anthony "Freak" Johnson is certainly a freak talent. But last season, he was quite normal.
Scouts know Johnson is a raw talent who shows flashes of excellence. The New Orleans native was dominant in the Outback Bowl against Iowa.
Matt Miller Draft Projection: Fourth round to the Chicago Bears
Ego Ferguson, Defensive Tackle
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Measurements:
"""Ego Ferguson's rounded measurements: 6'3/315 lbs. 32 1/2" arms and 10 3/4" hands.
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) February 22, 2014"
40-Yard Dash: DNP
Bench Press: 24 reps at 225 pounds
Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP
3-Cone Drill: DNP
Analysis: Ego Ferguson outperformed his defensive tackle counterpart, Anthony Johnson. Ferguson's rise in draft stock is partially a reflection of that.
Ferguson was a menace up the middle. He did go through some dry spells, but his 58 tackles certainly raised eyebrows. His best trait is stalemating offensive linemen at the line of scrimmage and shedding blocks to make tackles.
Matt Miller Draft Projection: Third round to the San Francisco 49ers
Lamin Barrow, Linebacker
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Measurements: 6'1'', 237 pounds, 10 3/8" hands and 33 3/8" arms.
40-Yard Dash: 4.64 seconds
Bench Press: 22 reps at 225 pounds
Vertical Jump: 35.0''
Broad Jump: 123.0''
3-Cone Drill: 7.24 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.35 seconds
Analysis: Lamin Barrow was a productive linebacker at LSU, raking in just under 200 tackles over the past two seasons.
Barrow plays the game with great football IQ. He is not the fastest, but he is physical between the tackles. The NFL fits his style of play, especially if he makes the move to inside linebacker from his usual strong-side duties.
Matt Miller Draft Projection: Fifth round to the Houston Texans
Craig Loston, Safety
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Measurements: 5'11'', 217 pounds, 30 3/4'' arms, 9 3/4'' hands
40-Yard Dash: 4.65 seconds
Bench Press: 12 reps at 225 pounds
Vertical Jump: 32.5''
Broad Jump: 119.0''
3-Cone Drill: 7.15 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.35 seconds
Analysis: Craig Loston has the athleticism to play in the NFL. But does he have the fluid ball skills needed to play defensive back in the NFL?
Loston is a headhunter with a reputation of destroying anybody with or without the ball. He will be a special teams ace who plays the game with high energy. He will develop into a fine NFL contributor.
Matt Miller Draft Projection: Fourth round to the Carolina Panthers
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