NFL Draft News and Notes: Combine Interviews and More
First up is a combine stock report for small school players by Josh Buchanan of jbscouting.com
RISERS
Presbyterian CB JUSTIN BETHEL only ran a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash with some hand helds in the 4.53 range but tested very well across the board. He measured in at 5115, 200 pounds and led all corners with a 39.5-inch vertical, was second with a 10’11 broad jump, had a 6.79 3-cone, and did an impressive 19 reps. Bethel could potentially land in the top 125, especially if he can post 4.4s during his pro day. If he sticks on his current time he should fall no farther than the 6th round because of his ability to contribute on special teams and play either safety or corner.
One player who helped himself quietly was Richmond QB AARON CORP measured in at 6035, 215 pounds. He finished 5th in the 40-yard dash with a 4.72 and was 6th in the 3-cone with a 7.03. He also had a 4.73 short-shuttle and beat out Coleman in the drills. If not for injury as a senior Corp is a guy who could have landed in the mid rounds and could still be taken late due to his upside shown by his arm and athletic ability.
Fallers:
Furman CB RYAN STEED did very well during interviews and tested fine in the other drills but his 40-yard dash times ranging from 4.68-4.72 hurt, especially after many expected a 4.50-4.55 in the 40. He will run again at the Furman pro day as he will need to improve his times despite putting up decent numbers, especially solid results in the broad jump (10’1) and 3-cone (6.94). Steed was considered a 3rd or 4th round pick coming in to the combine but is more likely to go in the 5th or 6th round unless he can improve his 40-yard dash time.
Agree on Steed I liked his ability and was hoping he ran faster. The problem with Steed running slow is that was a question about him on the game-film. He is very instinctive and fluid, but there were questions about his straight line speed and ability to handle N.F.L. athletes. He didn’t himself at the combine.
If you’re interested in Pro Days be sure to follow along Tony Pauline’s Pro Day Tracker
The National Football Post’s Tony Pauline has a list of who flourished and did poorly with Combine interviews.
Michael Floyd, Notre Dame WR: He didn’t interview terribly, but NFL teams would have liked to have seen him be more accountable for his alcohol issues. Floyd didn’t help himself in interviews as much as he could have.
Vontaze Burflict, Arizona State LB: Multiple front office men were not impressed. One said he was rough around the edges. Another said he was not convincing explaining his lack of on-field discipline.
Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State DT: He helped himself in the drills, but he also helped himself in the interview room. Cox projected himself as a player who teams would feel comfortable making a big investment in.
Cliff Harris, Oregon CB: He had a chance to present a mea culpa for being kicked off the team and having run-ins with the law. Instead he told NFL teams it wasn’t his fault.
LaMichael James, Oregon RB: He was able to talk through his arrest for domestic violence, and he sounded remorseful. One NFL man came away saying he thought James was a good kid.
I’ve watched Lewis against Maryland, Tulsa, and South Carolina. Against the Gamecocks the ECU wide receiver gave All-SEC cornerback Stephon Gilmore a real challenge – beating him repeatedly on fade routes, including a Brandon Lloyd/Randy Moss-like, red zone catch for a score. My colleague Josh Norris has Gilmore as his No.3 cornerback in this draft class. Lewis is barely in the realm of conversation among wide receivers – and that’s only if you count me and Ryan Lownes talking to each other about him on Twitter.
If evaluating Lewis solely on physical ability, football skill, and potential, he’s at least a fourth-round prospect. When it comes to the fade route, he might be among best. Here are two plays where Lewis is Brandon Lloyd’s doppelganger.
That’s all I’ve got for you this mornig