2011 NFL Combine and Pro Day: Did Alabama Players Deliver?
After a somewhat disappointing season for Nick Saban’s squad, there were a lot of questions that had to be answered by the Alabama Crimson Tide players who wanted to extend their careers to the next level.
In turn, a lot of those questions were answered by a strong showing of explosiveness, speed and agility from both sides of the ball inside of Lucas Oil Stadium. This article will discuss the pros, cons, testing numbers and draft status of each individual Crimson Tide player who participated.
QB Greg McElroy
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Greg McElroy who only lost three games at Alabama, making him the second winningest QB in Alabama history, was not able to participate in all of the NFL Combine and pro day drills due to a broken hand at the Senior Bowl.
Despite having a high Wonderlic score of 43, leading the Crimson Tide to a 2009 national championship and throwing for 2,508 yards, and 17 touchdowns in 2010, many experts see McElroy as a backup QB because he lacks arm strength and does not possess the physical attributes of a starter.
When asked if he could possibly become better than rival Cam Newton in the NFL, McElroy had this to say to the media at the combine, "I think with my experience in the pro-style offense, my ability to drop back from under center, make checks from the line of scrimmage without looking at the sideline, all of those things play in my corner as far as being prepared to make the transition to the next level."
With that said, pundits still expect McElroy to become a third day pick with the Oakland Raiders picking him up as a Round 5 option.
Combine by the Numbers: Greg McElroy
40 yard Dash: 4.91
Bench Press: DNP
Vertical Jump: 33.0
Three Cone Drill: 7.11
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.45
Broad Jump: 9'11"
WR Julio Jones
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Julio Jones has continued to prove his point that he is one of the most dominant receivers in Southeastern Conference history. The All-SEC performer managed to go through the NFL combine running an amazing 4.39 40-yard dash, long jumping out of Lucas Oil Stadium with a 11’3" long jump and outshining Georgia’s A.J. Green in all physical strength tests, on a broken foot. Yes, I said it correctly the first time.
Even though Green remains the top wide receiver of the draft, Jones has the ability to generate big plays after the catch on screens and crossing patterns because of his physicality as a runner and the strength to block downfield.
Jones biggest weakness is his ability to deliver when necessary. Many easy, contested passes were dropped during the 2010 season. Julio needs to sure his hands and route running if he is to succeed at moving the chains in the next level against solid cornerbacks.
Pundits expect for Julio to be picked around the middle of Round 1. Tony Pauline of Sports Illustrated has him going 17th in Round 1. Jones did not participate in the pro day after undergoing surgery for a foot fracture.
Combine by the Numbers: Julio Jones
40 yard Dash: 4.39
Bench Press : 17
Vertical Jump: 38.5
Three Cone Drill: 6.66
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.25
Broad Jump: 11.07
Long Jump: 11’3"
DL Marcell Dareus
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One of the consistent performers for the Alabama defense during the Nick Saban era did not do much to hurt his cause in becoming one of the top players in the 2011 NFL Draft. Dareus is a powerhouse that has the size and quickness many NFL owners would love to possess for their respective defensive line, but there are several issues that owners would like to address first concerning Dareus.
Early last year, Dareus was in hot water with the NCAA, when he was suspended for two games following an investigation into not one, but two, spring trips that involved improper contact with agents. Now, several reports are beginning to surface of Dareus reporting to NCAA officials for a lesser penalty time during the season.
Prior to the combine, former UNC DT Marvin Austin, who was suspended for the entire 2010 season, spoke out about why Dareus had a much shorter suspension time in comparison to his. Insider reports claim Dareus cooperated with the NCAA investigation in order to receive a reduced punishment “tattle-telling” to get a less time.
During media interviews, Austin voiced his displeasure with Dareus, and it was obvious as the tension was high between the two during combine drills. Before April’s draft, it is clear owners will address the off-field maturity issues with both Austin and Dareus. Look for Dareus to be holding up a jersey in the first hour of the NFL Draft.
Combine by the Numbers: Marcell Dareus
40 yard Dash: 4.93
Bench Press: 24
Vertical Jump: 27
Three Cone Drill: 7.83
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.62
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RB Mark Ingram
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The coveted 2009 Heisman Trophy winner did not test well out of the group of elite running backs, but even after a sub-par combine, Ingram continues to be the leader of the pack. Ingram, during his career at Alabama was known to take over games (ex. fourth quarter against South Carolina 2009 in the Wildcat Formation) and carry a team when quarterback play was inconsistent. Ingram is a special player who runs with high knees and explosiveness through the line of scrimmage following his blockers.
Though posting a slow 40 time during the combine, Ingram shaved a few hundredths of a second off his time at pro day. After his faster time, Ingram had this to say to the media, "I just wanted to compete, come out here and show everybody what type of football player that I was going through the position drills. I'm happy with the performance today."
Ingram’s size continues to be an issue with the scouts as well as his inability to become elusive when outside on the edge, but his excellent balance, body control, and quickness with the ball in his hands suggests that he is a better football player than tester.
With Ronnie Brown heading towards free agency, and Ricky Williams who continues to have issues with the Miami Dolphins coaching staff, look for Ingram to be the first running back selected in this year’s draft to the ‘Phins.
Combine by the Numbers: Mark Ingram
40 yard Dash: 4.62
Bench Press : 21
Vertical Jump: 31.5
Three Cone Drill: 7.13
20 Yard Shuttle: DNP
OL James Carpenter
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Ask any offensive lineman and they will tell you that the game is won through them. No, they do not get the glory of always being in the spotlight, but their dirty work should be commended. As a first team All-SEC player, James Carpenter paved the way to a national championship and Alabama’s first Heisman Trophy winning player.
During combine and pro day testing, Carpenter showed great footwork and speed which gives him the athletic ability to get to the second level when run blocking. He possesses a tall frame and build that scouts look for in NFL offensive tackles.
Though, after watching Carpenter’s film, NFL scouts are concerned with his ability to read defensive line stunts and complex blitz packages. With strict coaching, and increased strength and power to help his run blocking skills, Carpenter can become a solid offensive tackle in the National Football League. Expect for Carpenter to go in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft on day two.
Combine by the Numbers: James Carpenter
40 yard Dash: 5.28
Bench Press: 23
Vertical Jump: DNP
Three Cone Drill: DNP
20 Yard Shuttle: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP
Is the First Round Magic Back for the Crimson Tide?
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This year’s Alabama NFL draft class is strong, featuring several players on both sides of the ball. After having a draftless year in 2008, Nick Saban has changed that trend and continues to bring in talent that will produce not only in the SEC, but the next level as well.
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