2011 NFL Draft Notes: ProDay Info, Visits, and Wonderlic Scores
Here are some news and notes invovling Pro Day Season and other draft related activities.
The old regime use to call these “first round links”, any suggestions for a good title to news from around the web?
Here at the be all end all ESPN are some QB wonderlic scores. McElroy, Gabbert, and Ponder scored the highest.
Here’s a statistical prediction that thinks Ricky Stanzi will be the best QB in this draft, or at least should be considered one of the best already.
A very interesting article about Wonderlic Scores and their usefuleness as a measuring tool for success. Spoiler: Most people will not give the stamp of “approval” or assign greatness to a NFL QB unless he has won a Super Bowl. Most of us would admit that it takes an elite QB to win a Super Bowl these days. If for a second you subscribe to the theory that elite QBs win Super Bowls, then as a fan of the Carolina Panthers (or any other team) you better hope you have an elite QB. In our mathematical system, you have a very low probability of being be a future elite QB if you have not hit a 25 or higher on the Wonderlic having taken the test in the past 10 years (maybe longer
Blaine Gabbert is throwing today at his pro-day after not throwing at the combine. Problem is that today he’s not throwing to familiar WR and it is also windy. Because of the lockout former Mizzou players like Jeremy Maclin will not be able to to help Gabbert out.
And that a tweet about a writer from (Gantt) the Charlotte observer:
“Bottom line on [Blaine Gabbert]: Haven’t had one scout/coach/personnel type I know tell me: ‘Love him. Will be a star.’ Looks like one. Is he one?””
The Bengals are paying extra attention to Chris Ponder. At his pro-day Marvin Lewis was the only coach in attendance. according to PFT. Mike Mayock says: Ponder “has more than adequate arm strength, (….) and did really well in the session”
PFT speculates that Mark Ingram could fall on draft day (not breaking news), but other than the pseed issue is:
A general manager asked NFL.com’s Steve Wyche a great question: How many teams really need a running back right now? Wyche’s list: Miami, Washington, and Seattle.
Another nugget via PFT (I dont love PFT, but they do a pretty good job gathering info from across the web)
is that Blaine Gabbert went to dinner with Buddy Nix and other members of the Bills decision making team.
From draftinsider.net One offensive lineman flying up draft boards is James Carpenter of Alabama
Another tackle prospect that continues to move up boards is Danny Watkins of Baylor. We reported last week that Watkins worked out privately for the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears last Thursday. This week on Thursday Watkins will be working out for the St Louis Rams, Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens. Again- as we reported immediately after the combine the Rams are specifically targeting wide receivers and interior offensive linemen with their early picks
The New York Giants have visited with Mike Pouncey and have schedule a workout with DE Justin houston out of Gerogia. They just can’t resist can they?
Matt Bowen of National Football Post has a positive breakdown of Mark Ingram. the one thing I’ll point out is Bowen saying that Ingram has good game speed and can “run well in pads” and that sells Ingram to him. I’ve been saying this forever. Ingram reaches top speed almost instantly and will have more then his fair share of long runs in the league. I think Ingram is a top 10 talent (will our other writers agree: Our newest big board is coming out next week).
NFP also takes a look at the Redskins
Reported in a number of places: Blaine Summer a 335 pound DL from Colorado School of the Mines put up 52 reps on the bench press at the Air Force Pro-Day.
Here’s what Wes Buntin has top say about him: Me personally, I wouldn’t give him a draftable grade. I see him more as a size free agent who I wouldn’t mind having in camp. However, with the lack of ideal talent at the nose tackle position this year and the potential of being unable to sign free agents after the draft, I do think Sumner at least gave himself a shot at a draft pick late come April.
Some other things from national Football Post:
Their newest Mock draft is out
First five picks: Fairley, Peterson, Dareus, Jones, Newton. Interesting.
Anthony Castanzo to the Lions at 13th over Nate Solder-something I’ve read a lot recently is that the Lions really like Castanzo…something to be mindful of. (Solder to the Giants at 19)
Brooks Reed is moving up draft boards Pre-combine and right after the season Reed (in the draftnik community) was a later round selection, but now he’s a potential first round pick. Reed had a great 10 yard split at the combine, which is something teams look at for pass rushers.
Da’Quan Bowers knee is not a problem
Some nuggets from here:
Mike LeShoure is receiving interest from the Rams and the Broncos. The Broncos are also interested in Stefen Wisnewski.
Bills will meet with Cameron Jordan (Bucaneers, Lions, and Steelers as well) and Gabe Carimi.
Vikings are working out Jake Locker and appear very interested in Cam Newton.
The Titans are worried Kenny Britt might not stay in shape.
Bengals QB Coach was at Pat Devlin’s pro-day.
Pittsburgh Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin met with University of Pittsburgh RB Dion Lewis, FB Henry Hynoski, WR Jon Baldwin, OT Jason Pinkston, DLs Greg Romeus and Jabaal Sheard and S Dom DeCicco Wednesday, March 16, reports Gerry Dulac, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Colin Kapernick is scheduled to workout with Dolphins: Jake Locker is not.
Titans schedule to meet with Von Miller as is the 49ers.
The last link I provided is good for keeping track of visits. We’ll pass along the most interesting ones. IF you have any players you’re particularly intersted in let us know and we’ll get you the info.