Huge Red Flags That Emerged from the 2014 NFL Combine
The NFL Scouting Combine is designed to bring out the best, or worst, in the 335 prospects invited to Indianapolis. It's likely the biggest interview these prospects will have in their entire lives as they're asked to run, jump, be checked medically and meet with front-office executives from all 32 teams.
Few players ever truly hurt their draft value at the combine, despite the constant "stock up, stock down" breakdowns that are prevalent every year. But a handful of players leave Indianapolis with teams having more questions than answers in determining just how valuable they are as potential draft picks.
Among those 335 invited, seven players unfortunately displayed big red flags in their athleticism, injury history or character that will force teams to do more homework to decide if they're draft-worthy.
Combine results courtesy of NFL.com's tracker.
Cyrus Kouandjio: Knee Arthritis
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Generally, the injury checkups for players at the combine don't leak out, as teams hold the privacy of a player's injury history in high regard. However, one or two come to light each year.
In the case of Alabama offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, his arthritic knee condition made waves in Indianapolis, as reported by NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.
An arthritic knee isn't the end of the world for Kouandjio, as he plays a position where movement is restricted to only a few yards per play. Without knowing the level of arthritis or the prognosis by doctors for how long he should be able to play in the league, it doesn't look like a career-ending concern on the surface.
However, his hopes of being a first-rounder are likely gone, and he'll have to convince teams that he can be a long-term starter in the NFL on Day 2 of the draft.
Anthony Barr: Not Elite Workout Numbers
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I'm an Anthony Barr fan based off film, as I appreciate that he's still a developing talent and flashes elite quickness, athleticism and pass-rushing ability to become an NFL impact player. But in saying that, I expected much more impressive combine numbers across the board.
He finished among the top five linebackers in only one drill (the three-cone drill), and lackluster performances in his 40 time (4.66) and bench reps (15) added to his somewhat concerning workout.
His combine performance won't kill his draft value for teams, but evaluators now need to go back, review film and decide exactly what his athleticism level is and if he has the elite upside to be a worthwhile top-10 pick on draft day.
Jarvis Landry: 40 Time
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Forty times are generally overrated, as how fast a prospect can run in a straight line isn't all that indicative of his NFL success. However, in the case of receivers, it's one of the key drills to determine if they'll be able to separate vertically and pick up big chunks of yards after catch.
On film, Jarvis Landry is most effective as a short-area, physical target that has success with strong hands, decisive routes and plus-body positioning. That part of his evaluation hasn't changed, but his vertical ability has room to be questioned now after running an official 4.77 in the 40 in Indianapolis.
He likely had second-round grades entering the combine, but after that 40 time, he'll be a tougher sell to general managers on draft day.
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Ka'deem Carey: 40 Time
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Following Jarvis Landry is another top skill-position prospect whose 40-yard dash time opens the door for question marks about his vertical ability as a runner.
Arizona running back Ka'deem Carey is one of the more impressive runners on film in this class, playing with patience, powerful leg drive in traffic and explosiveness once he reaches the second level.
However, finishing with a 4.70 official time is certainly concerning for teams, as that put him in the bottom tier among the running backs at the combine. He's earned a third-round grade from me based on film, but like Landry, he'll be a tough sell in draft rooms when it's time for a franchise to select a running back.
Adam Muema: Reason for Leaving the Combine
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San Diego State running back Adam Muema opted to leave school early for the NFL after two seasons as the Aztecs starter, entering a loaded class of running backs in the 2014 draft. It was a surprising departure but grounded in the fact that he had accrued a hefty amount of carries in his college career and had lingering injuries throughout.
Muema made another departure, this time leaving Indianapolis after claiming God told him he would be a Seattle Seahawk, which has media and friends concerned about his well-being. Hopefully, he remains safe and doesn't have the mental-health concerns that may be at the root of some of his recent actions.
NFL teams will monitor this closely, but the focus will be on making sure Muema is OK, regardless of his future football career.
Will Sutton: Weight Issues Led to Struggles in Workouts
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Back at the Senior Bowl, Will Sutton's agent told me that the coaching staff at Arizona State asked him to bulk up from 265 pounds to 310 pounds for his senior year, a playing weight that fit the defense better but substantially dropped his pass-rushing impact and production.
Still working on that weight reduction since his last college game, Sutton weighed in at 303 pounds in Indianapolis and struggled to show the quickness he displayed as a junior in college. Finishing among the worst defensive linemen in all timed drills, Sutton's post-combine draft grade may have fallen to a Day 3 pick, despite his flashes on film as a senior and the high impact he displayed as a junior.
Dee Ford: Pulled from Workouts
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After blasting Jadeveon Clowney during his press conference, saying he plays like a "blind dog in a meat market," all eyes were expected to be on Dee Ford to compete in drills alongside Clowney on Day 4 of the combine.
However, as NFL Network's Scott Hanson reported, Ford couldn't participate in drills due to an injury concern. While it remains undisclosed at the moment, you can be sure that teams are aware of the issue and are adjusting their grade on Ford accordingly. The fact that he missed drills completely is concerning, and hopefully, it's not a serious injury that limits his career in the NFL.
Eric Galko is the owner and lead editor of Optimum Scouting and also writes for Sporting News and the National Football Post. Follow him on twitter @OptimumScouting
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