By Peter Christian
The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the sporting events which truly exemplifies my dorky sports obsession. Long before the days of the NFL Network, I was always wishing I could see the drills and skills of the rookie prospects. Now, however, I don’t have to wish and clamor for that ability because for the next week, I will dedicate more than 12 hours to watching the drills live and on replay to whet my appetite for more knowledge about the players that will be drafted on April 22nd, 23rd and 24th.
New this year is the ability to watch both groups on the field with the aid of NFL.com which means I am plopped in front of the TV and the computer… My wife and kids hate me right now, but I’ve got my Powerade, I’m wearing my Under Armour. I’m ready to dive into my own nerdiness.
Laugh away, I’m having the time of my life.
Check back here all morning to find the highlights of the first day of on-field drills.
Top performances
(Group 1 – OL, PK, ST)
Bruce Campbell (OT Maryland) ran a sub 4.8 40 yard dash (4.78 seconds unofficially) Projected: 1st rd pick
Trindon Holliday (WR/KR LSU) ran a 4.27 (unofficial) 40 time. Projected: 5-7th round pick
Selvish Capers (OT West Virginia) ran an unofficial 5.09 40, 2nd best among Group 1 Offensive Lineman. He also recorded the longest broad jump of Group 1 OL, 8’10”. Projected : 2nd rd pick
(Group 2 – OL)
Mitch Petrus (OG – Arkansas) completed 45 bench presses of 225 lbs, best at the combine since 2006. Projected: 5th-6th rd pick
Russell Okung (OT – Oklahoma St) ran a 5.17 40 yd dash and completed 38 bench presses. Projected: 1st rd pick
Shelley Smith (OG – Colorado St.) ran a 5.03 40. Projected: 4th rd pick
Trent Williams (OT – Oklahoma) ran a 4.82 second 40 yard dash, 2nd amongst OL to only Bruce Campbell. Projected: 1st rd pick
Mike Mayock Glossary
If by chance you do flip on NFL Network to see some of the drills, you might need to get acclimated to the slightly arrogant, but highly thought of (at least inside the NFL Network studios) NFL Draft Expert Mike Mayock’s terminology, here’s his best:
Bender – Mike Mayock’s favorite way to describe an OL who can bend at the waist and knee. It’s a good thing to be a bender. Learn to love this one.
In a Phone Booth – A way to describe how a guy engages without taking into consideration his footwork or lateral movement.
Straight Leg – A guy who is too rigid and too tall in his movement (lateral or backward). Not a good thing.
Good Hips – The ability to maintain balance and power while twisting. Also describes an athlete who is flexible through their midsection.
Measurables or Numbers – Mayock’s way to describe all the physical attributes that can be “measured” (i.e. Height, weight, arm length,etc.). He also will include the drill and skill results in this category (40 time, shuttle run time, vertical jump, etc.) Ex: Mayock may refer to a player as a “Great Measurables Guy” which means he has ideal size, weight and runs good times, but may not be as good during the game.
(Note: Jamie Dukes just likes to argue, he is actually super knowledgeable and extremely accurate in his player projections. Don’t get turned off of him because he’s so disagreeable.)
If you would like to see the Sports Bank Mock Draft click here (Round 1 or Round 2) or check out our Big Board or our Team Needs Section