NFL Draft 2011: 10 Players Who Need a Strong Showing at the Combine
This year’s edition of the NFL Scouting Combine starts tomorrow and extends through March 1st.
This is where the new crop of talent begins their journey to the next level. We’ll see college stars compete against themselves, and one another, to impress team executives, coaches, and scouts.
These athletes will be tested on strength, speed, football knowledge, and overall character through drills and interviews.
Stats and notes taken from CBSSports.com
10) Derek Sherrod OT, Mississippi State
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Position Rank: 5
Positive: Sherrod is a great pass blocker. Has above-average quickness and does a good job getting to the linebackers.
Negative: Below average run blocker and can become fundamentally lazy.
At 6’6”, he’s actually a little bit shorter than his fellow tackles in the combine (Nate Solder of Colorado is 6’9”). He’ll need to have a strong showing if he’s going to move up past players like Gabe Carimi and Anthony Castonzo.
9) Adrian Clayborn DE, Iowa
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Position Rank: 4
Positive: Does a great job shedding blocks. Can be used in 3-4 or 4-3 and has some speed coming off the end.
Negative: Vulnerable to running back moves and misdirection plays. Plus, his small size allows larger tackles to overpower him.
This year’s draft is heavy on the defensive side of the ball, especially the front seven. Clayborn must prove he can read plays and not overcommit. Also, he must show he can contain his speed and not take himself out of a play.
8) Akeem Ayers OLB, UCLA
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Position Rank: 3
Positive: Great speed and capable linebacker in either 3-4 or 4-3. Good at getting through the line and into the backfield.
Negative: Pass coverage. Ayers often bites on play-action and must rely on speed to catch up to receivers.
Ayers is one of four outside linebackers projected to go in the first round, along with seven defensive ends (who could possibly be transitioned into 3-4 linebackers). He has the basic skill set to be a good defensive threat but has a lot of competition to worry about.
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7) Andy Dalton QB, TCU
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Position Rank: 7
Positive: Proven that he knows how to win in college and is an accurate short passer.
Negative: Must work on mechanics. Often passes off back foot and has trouble passing under center.
In his four years at TCU, Dalton helped lead the Horned Frogs to four bowl games (won three) and the No. 3 overall ranking in 2010. His small size may work against him at 6’2”, but a good combine could bump him above some quarterbacks that scouts aren’t yet sold on like Colin Kaepernick and Ryan Mallett.
6) Jimmy Smith CB, Colorado
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Position Rank: 3
Positive: Great size, speed and skill. Best against man coverage.
Negative: Easily blocked, poor tackling form.
Smith is listed behind fellow cornerbacks Patrick Peterson of LSU and Prince Amukamara of Nebraska. While Peterson is skipping the combine, Amukamara is not. Smith can use the combine as an opportunity to catapult his stock above Amukamara.
5) Christian Ponder QB, Florida State
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Position Rank: 4
Positive: Good accuracy. Can escape the pocket to buy time.
Negative: Has some trouble reading defenses.
Ponder impressed some coaches at the Senior Bowl, even earning MVP honors, and could improve his stock with a good showing in Indianapolis. His main competition figures to be Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett.
4) Mike Pouncey OG, Florida
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Position Rank: 1
Positive: Great upper body strength and good balance. Solid all-around lineman.
Negative: Can be overpowered by larger defensive lineman.
Considered by many to be the best interior lineman in this year’s class. Pouncey must prove he’s his own man and not just the brother of Steelers’ center Maurkice Pouncey.
3) Ryan Mallett QB, Arkansas
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Position Rank: 5
Positive: Good size, terrific arm strength, and above average accuracy
Negative: Questionable leadership skills, must work on passing from under center.
At 6'7'', Mallett has the size needed to see over the line. He also has a cannon for an arm.
However, most teams will be hesitant to look at him based on his character. He will have to prove to teams that he has a good head on his shoulders that will keep him out of trouble.
2) Von Miller OLB, Texas A&M
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Position Rank: 1
Positive: Great speed, instincts, and blitzing ability. Solid tackler.
Negative: Could be liable in the passing game
Miller turned a lot of heads at the Senior Bowl. He has great raw ability and the character desired for an NFL rookie. Still, some scouts believe he’s too small to be a force at the next level. A good performance at the NFL Combine could solidify him as a top-five selection.
1) Cam Newton QB, Auburn
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Position Rank: 2
Positive: Great arm strength, decent accuracy and proven leader.
Negative: Struggles reading defenses, took most snaps out of shotgun, and may have character issues.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has many scouts and coaches concerned over his off-field issues, from the alleged cheating scandal to the whole ordeal with his dad. On the field, he’ll have to prove he can read a pro-style defense and that he can cut it in the NFL.
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