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Last notes from the Combine

The NFL Combine ended today, wrapping up on a slow note with no cornerbacks crawling through the 40 yard dash. No CB prospect impressed they way Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie did last year with his 4.33 time. The fastest CB was Nicholls State's Lardarius Webb, a late round CB/S tweener, who ran the 40 in 4.46 seconds.

In fact, there may have been some shifting in the CB rankings as Malcolm Jenkins failed to get under 4.5. Illinois Vonatae Davis, who ran the second fastest 40 at 4.49, probably came away as the top CB in the draft.

The Rams desperately need a CB, but neither one of those guys is likely on the Rams radar, since they didn't figure to be #2 picks in the first place (though a mock draft or two had Jenkins going to the Rams).

A player we have talked about here before is USC LB Rey Maualuga injured his hamstring while running the 40 (jeez, injuries to top prospects was kind of the theme this year, huh?). With durability now a question mark, the questions about whether or not Maualuga is nothing more than a situational MLB will gain some traction. Tony Pauline at SI.com sees Maualuga's stock falling, making him a late first round pick.

LB Scott McKillop - mentioned here in Tackle Box's look at MLB - improved his draft stock as a top performer in 5 drills and a better 40 time than some of the big names like Maualuga and Laurinaitis.

The Rams could easily find a #2 running back in the later rounds. This draft is loaded with value at that position. Purdue RB Kory Sheets, expected to be a 4th or 5th round pick, posted a 4.47 in the 40, the third best time of any RB.

As far as how the Combine went for the Rams...well, it certainly cleared the picture at OT and put LB Aaron Curry on their radar for the #2 pick. Really though, I think the contract talks with Ron Bartell and the staff meetings to go over roster decisions were probably the most important moments of the week for the Rams.

0 recs  |  Comment 8 comments |

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I would offer a caveat to the 40-times

  40-yard speed isn’t everything. It’s important, but athleticism, agility and acceleration (the three A’s) are much more important. How often does an LB run 40 yards? And well supported defenses have safety help over the top on fly balls that you imagine a CB having to run 40 yards on (think O.J. Atogwe).
  So while we look at 40 times and try to use them as a barometer, I think 10-yarders are more important, and even cone drills.

Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.

by 3k on Feb 24, 2009 5:05 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

the shuttles

especially for LBs are a good drill. people make such a big to do over the 40…and then you wind up with Vernon Gholston.

by VanRam on Feb 24, 2009 6:29 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

As I'm watching Barack's address to the nation

I could be wrong, but I think he said the Rams get a tax break… He might have said people who make less than $250k/yr, but I think he said Rams….

Jay Zygmunt, now that you have fired yourself, please have yourself hired by Seattle. Thanks.

by 3k on Feb 24, 2009 8:56 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

jeez

bablue is on both of the sites i check

"I always think one step ahead, like a carpenter....the builds stairs"

by sergey606 on Feb 25, 2009 2:40 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Just make sure

he stays consistent.

;-)

Getting two tickets to an execution is like getting two tickets to NASCAR, except you KNOW Jeff Gordon's gonna die.

by Tackle Box on Feb 25, 2009 9:36 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Don't you know? I'm everywhere!

*Cue Twilight Zone music

Seriously though, I’m not here very often. More just the NFC West in general, particularly the Niners. But the Snakepit, yeah I’m there a lot.

by Brendan Scolari on Feb 27, 2009 1:03 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

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