Jerick Mckinnon, a QB turned running back from division 1-AA Georgia Southern participated in six events at the combine. Mckinnon also finished as a top performer in six events at the combine. In addition to the 40 and the bench press, Mckinnon took part in the vertical and broad jumps as well as the 3-cone drill and 20 yard shuttle. Mckinnon posted an impressive 4.41 at the 40 and 32 reps (more than most linemen) at the bench press competition. Mckinnon was the only non-lineman (with the exception of future blocking TE Joe Don Duncan) to place in the top 15 performers in the bench press. Mckinnon’s on absolutely no one’s draft boards at the moment even though he compiled over 2,800 yards and 32 touchdowns over his last two seasons at Georgia Southern. Obviously it takes more than an impressive combine performance to make it in the NFL, history’s shown that. Mckinnon’s performance on the field and combine show should put him in strong contention for a third round/late second round selection for teams willing to risk taking a small school player.
The fastest wide receiver in the draft (considering 40 time) is Brandin Cooks. The Oregon State speedster clocked in at 4.33. The second fastest wide receiver is John Brown, who clocked in at 4.34. Brown played his college football at Pittsburg State (no ‘h’) of Kansas. He recorded 61 receptions for 1198 yards (that’s almost 20 yards per reception) in his Senior campaign as well as showing versatility as a kick/punt returner on special teams. Brown’s speed and versatility will likely catch the eyes of draft-day bargain hunters looking for depth (or possible starters) in the receiving corps.
Baylor RB Lache Seastrunk finished as the top performer (so far) in both the vertical jump and the broad jump. Seastrunk could stand to gain a little weight, but his impressive combine and time at Baylor should find him leaving no later than the 3rd round with a job.
Michigan OT Taylor Lewan ended the day as the fastest offensive lineman with a sub 4.9 40. His performance timed with Cyrus Kouandjio’s pedestrian showing in the 40 and bench press boost Lewan up the draft board to arguably the third best lineman available.
The supposed trade conversation between Jimmy Haslam and Jim Harbaugh sounds like middle school lunch table gossip.
Minnesota and Oakland will be left trying to convince themselves Derek Carr is worth a top ten first round pick after Manziel, Bridgewater, and Bortles are gone.
The pressure is already on Browns coach Mike Pettine as former coach Rob Chudzinski was fired after one season. Look for Pettine to draft and make moves in free agency to win now as opposed to setting pieces in place for the future (See Mike Singletary, 2010).
New England, Denver, and Green Bay will (and should) select a QB somewhere in day two. Watching Green Bay implode last season is a cautionary tale to any team not ensuring they have a solid backup quarterback. That and Manning and Brady are older than dirt, their respective ball clubs need to start grooming replacements. Brock Osweiler and Ryan Mallett have promise but don’t look ready to lead an AFC powerhouse after one dirty hit.
Dri Archer will never be good unless he gains some weight. He needs to hang out with Tim Tebow. Bulk up. Speed kills in the NFL, but it doesn’t matter how fast you are if you can’t make it past the line of scrimmage. Warrick Dunn was small (180) but he could take hits and keep pushing the pile. Archer needs to hit the weight room if he wants to be taken seriously in the NFL.
Speaking of being tiny. It doesn’t matter how tall Johnny Manziel is. He’s a powerhouse. He could be 6’5″ and bust or be 5’9″ and be an absolute star. He’s proven himself on the highest stages of college football and he’s only been legally allowed to purchase alcohol for about 3 months. His penchant for running wild is worrisome, but his fiercely competitive spirit, throwing arm, and knack for making something out of nothing remind me of Jake Locker (except hopefully he’ll be better than Jake Locker).
Gridiron Seasonal 