2012 NFL Draft: Justin Blackmon Unlikely To Run At The Combine
by Ryan Van Bibber on Feb 22, 2012 1:02 PM CST
in 2012 NFL Draft
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PrintThose wanting to know just how fast Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon is will have to wait until March 7 to find out. ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Blackmon is unlikely to run at the Scouting Combine this week in Indianapolis.
Many are still trying to determine whether or not Blackmon merits a top-five selection, particular those watching what the St. Louis Rams will do in the draft. How will this decision, assuming he does not run, impact Blackmon's draft status?
The track at the Combine is said to be slow. Blackmon's draft stock depends heavily on less than a tenth of a second. A 4.4 forty would almost certainly ensure a top-five pick. A 4.5 would be status quo, leaving other factors to decide his fate, and anything above a time in the mid-4.5s would fuel doubts about Blackmon as a total package, capable of working as a deep threat.
Of course, teams will not have to long to see Blackmon run the forty. Oklahoma State has their pro day on March 7.
Mocking the Draft has a complete run down of the stakes for Blackmon at the Combine this week.
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Irrelevant to this topic, but...
After looking through a large amount of prospects, Dont’a Hightower looks like JL55 2.0. Somewhat overlooked, very steady player, and could be available at #33. Just throwing his name out there, as I haven’t seen him mentioned much around here…
I agree
but he played inside with Bama. Will be interesting if we can kick him outside to the SAM spot. That would really shore up our LB corp
if feel if he runs a 4.5
he’s guaranteed to be the first WR off the board, the only issue is if someone blows the combine out of the water (floyd/sanu/alshon) then will blackmon be playing catch up on march 7?
If you're not on the Blackmon Bandwagon watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vf6e1Lz3Pw
Julio Jones
I see him like a reverse of Julio’s situation last year. Julio blew people away at the combine, and ended up at #6. If he had been mediocre, he likely would’ve fell to the 10,12,14 range. For Blackmon, it seems like he will end up, at the lowest, the 12 or so range with an awful showing, while a great showing could put him as high as #2, but more likely, the #4 spot.
by RamBradford08 on Feb 22, 2012 1:12 PM CST up reply actions
To be quite honest, his 40 time doesn't concern me.
It’s an overrated measurable, unless we’re talking about the extreme ends of the scale. He’s clearly fast enough for the NFL. I just don’t happen to think he’s worth a top 5 pick.
Forty isn't just about speed to me
Its about explosion. Does he explode off the line or does he pick up speed after striding? Imo, its a combo of speed explosion and fluidity
by Ram_Redemption on Feb 22, 2012 1:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Sure, most Combine events can show explosion.
I say it’s overrated because coaching 40-yard dash form can improve a player’s time, even if that form isn’t applicable to proper NFL action. Further, none of it is as useful as watching the games, but people continue to put too much weight on its outcome.
Watching how fast a player can be while maintaining control, tracking the ball and securing superior position is nothing like straight-line speed in a vacuum.
They should run the damn thing in helmet and full pads.
The separation between a 4.4 and a 4.6 is a little less than 5-1/2 feet at 40yds if my calculations are correct. The separation between a player with quick reflexes and the ability to sell a fake move is being in a wide open spot on the field. Very few players have the combination of dangerous speed, size and jumping ability to consistently beat coverages and no one can do it with proper safety play.
Those concerned about Blackmons strait line speed in shorts and a T-shirt are missing the big picture and are oversimplifying the complexity of the WR position.
Is Blackmon as valuable as other prospects such as Kali and the like? Hell if I know. What I do know is of all the WR in the draft what he’s done on the field is the most impressive in my eyes and this opinion isn’t lacking for supporters.
5 1/2 feet is a hell of a lot in football
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Now when that extra speed translates
into extra quickness with the ability to control your body and make sharp cuts a near full speed it is a huge deal. Thing is there’s track speed and football speed. You always evaluate off actual game play… these measuables only serve to help put the player in context.
Well yeah, but if I have a guy who can run 40 yards and be 5 1/2 feet passed his guy
That’s a huge advantage, I still agree that the 40 is overrated, but to comply ignore it would be stupid. The deep threat open up the short field.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Also the 5-1/2 feet is the difference between a 4.4 and 4.6
I suspect not many starting CBs run as slow as a 4.6. Now a WR that runs a 4.3 can start to scare secondaries but even then unless that speed is paired with the skills of a Randy Moss it’s rare to flat out run coverage in the NFL.
The difference between a WR that runs a 4.5 and one that runs a 4.4 is not the end all be all that a lot of people make it. I’d put more stock in what the player has shown in pads than in shorts. All things being equal I’ll take the guy that runs a 4.4 but I suspect quickness, body control and agility are equally as important as strait speed.
That's why you should also look at the 10 and 20 yard number rather than just the 40
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
So truex but people will continue to overrate it
I guess some font comprehend that just because you have straight line speed out of pads and helmet doesn’t mean you can do it on the football field but oh well..
Be careful who you can a child because if I'm a child you're a pedofile and I be damned if I stand here and get chewed out by a pervert..
- Peter Griffin
by RG31 on Feb 22, 2012 3:19 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
How is that track considered slow?
did they put glue down or what?
Haikus are easy,
but sometimes they don't make sense.
Refrigerator.
What changed his mind?
He sayd he was going to "do it all " and “run a 4.4”
by Ram_Redemption on Feb 22, 2012 1:20 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Same
That’s what I was just thinking to be honest at least IMO this puts a ? on him.
Just a man who loves football
by BurnoutJoeB. on Feb 22, 2012 1:21 PM CST up reply actions
He must be slower than he anticipated
Only reason I could see fit his backtracking
by Ram_Redemption on Feb 22, 2012 1:24 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Eh doesnt matter
The 40 is overrated and he will eventually run the 40 anyways. If he runs a sub 4.5 he will be fine, if he runs a 4.4 he’s absolutely a top 5 pick..
Be careful who you can a child because if I'm a child you're a pedofile and I be damned if I stand here and get chewed out by a pervert..
- Peter Griffin
by RG31 on Feb 22, 2012 1:26 PM CST via mobile reply actions
It meant enough to him
For him to back out. He said he expected to run a 4.4 to 4.5.. So something happened to change his mind. 4.6 maybe?
by Ram_Redemption on Feb 22, 2012 1:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Doesnt matter until we see it
It’s like if Kalil backed out, it wouldn’t affect my opinion of him until I saw what he can do. If he has gotten slower we won’t know until he runs, if march comes and he run a 4.4 will anyone care he back tracked?
Be careful who you can a child because if I'm a child you're a pedofile and I be damned if I stand here and get chewed out by a pervert..
- Peter Griffin
by RG31 on Feb 22, 2012 1:33 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Of course not
But he had his chance to silence critics, and he already said he would “do it all” so his change of heart MIGHT indicate that he has something to lose. Pro days aren’t official. So I just think its weird if he doesn’t run.
by Ram_Redemption on Feb 22, 2012 1:38 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Yea it is suspocious
But until he runs can’t really say anything. Plus his messurables also interest me so either way can’t wait..
Be careful who you can a child because if I'm a child you're a pedofile and I be damned if I stand here and get chewed out by a pervert..
- Peter Griffin
by RG31 on Feb 22, 2012 1:43 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Yes Definently Suspicous
Maybe I’m skeptical cause I really didn’t care for Cam Newton and thought his athletic ability was all hype until he did what he did at the combine.
Plus like Ram_Redemption stated he already said “do it all” so why go back on it. If he never stated that then I wouldn’t care.
Just a man who loves football
by BurnoutJoeB. on Feb 22, 2012 2:55 PM CST up reply actions
Cant wait to see how fast he runs
Even though the 40 is highly overrated..
Be careful who you can a child because if I'm a child you're a pedofile and I be damned if I stand here and get chewed out by a pervert..
- Peter Griffin
by RG31 on Feb 22, 2012 2:58 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
He should run the 40 at the combine
He probably feels he’s not ready to show his speed. He’s still got a pro day to do that. He’d be better off to run and drill at the combine and catch passes at his pro day. Nothing like your own QB to make you look better.
Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf
I voted yes in the poll
I feel he’s below Luck, RGII, probably Kalil, maybe even Richardson, but I can’t put him below anyone else. So at his lowest he’d still be top 5. Even if I put him below Claiborne, which I don’t, voting no would violate the spirit of the question.
Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf
Id say
1. Luck
2. Kalil
3. RG3
4. Blackmon
5. Richardson
If he runs a 4.4 at the combine or proday he’d be bumped up to 3 and could tie for 2 but I don’t see him just passing Kalil, he will stay number 2 no matter what.
Be careful who you can a child because if I'm a child you're a pedofile and I be damned if I stand here and get chewed out by a pervert..
- Peter Griffin
by RG31 on Feb 22, 2012 1:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Dang it
I accidentally voted yes, because Van put no first. Who the hell does that!!
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I almost did the same thing lol
Turf Show Times writer and a proud rams fan.
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for Tim Tebow to complete a pass against the Cover-2" - Jesus Follow @jmwehrle
Just by judging who is a better prospect at their position, and taking positional needs and value totally out of the equation, I would rather have the following players over Blackmon:
1: Luck
2: RG3
3: Richardson
4: DeCastro
5: Kalil
6:Claiborne
7: Konz
8: Reiff
Turf Show Times writer and a proud rams fan.
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for Tim Tebow to complete a pass against the Cover-2" - Jesus Follow @jmwehrle
I dunno about 7, but I agree with the rest, tho not the order. I think Clairborne is a 3 or 4
Alex Song - Krunk as Fuck!
a wise man once said "fear does that"
I find it fitting for this situation
Been losing sleep over Rams football since 1999.
Steven Jackson is a beast, a legend, a HoFer and should be treated as such.
by Joe Mazzi on Feb 22, 2012 2:18 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I agree
To my knowledge, the players who usually don’t run the 40 at the combine have legitimate concerns about their speed. So this is a legit concern.
by nick-the-greek on Feb 22, 2012 2:34 PM CST up reply actions
Where's
The I dunno button? I need to see what his 40 time is before I bring him on board. I would not put him in my fave five if he ran a 4.6 or worse.
I’d rather wait for someone like Sanu in the 2nd if that is the case.
At this moment, I would prefer
another position than WR to be our first round pick. It is a huge need, but I see Sanu as a magnificent prospect at the position and available in round 2, so I would prefer him and then Reiff/Kalil/DeCastro/… in round 1.
Go RAMS!!
by Rams_4_ever on Feb 22, 2012 3:50 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I don't consider myself in a position to make such a definitive statement
I can see legitimate reasons for and against but let’s face it there are a lot of decisions regarding how the GM feels he needs to put the roster together that we’re over looking or flat have no way of knowing.
I suspect the plan will be to trade for as many quality picks as we can get and draft the best player on the board. I don’t see us reaching in the first year of a new coach and GM that will have their eye on bringing in their type of players. I just don’t see Kali as a possibility at anything past pick 3 and his value isn’t greater than two first round selections so we can pretty much forget him. Blackmon could slide and become a good pick for us or we could draft a defender. It’s not as simple as saying we need a LT so we’ll draft one with our first selection if the player available isn’t as good as the ones you bypass ultimately you are making your team weaker. Obviosly at some point you don’t draft certain positions but outside of QB, DE and MLB I think all other positions are in play.
I can see and understand your point
and I agree, let’s await the Combine & Pro Days to see where players really rate, but some definitely have talent and, due to circumstances, will under-perform. It is those players that we will have to look at and go after if we trade down and get a bundle of picks. I just definitely feel Sanu is the top pick, but so under-rated he will fall. And then he should be ours to steal as the new #1 WR. My opinion of course and I know many will disagree, but if we can achieve this, a top Tackle/Guard in the First Round and the top WR in the Second, we would be idiots not to do this. All faith in the new staff to pull the trigger and lead us to new successes at this dawn of a new RAMS era.
Go RAMS!!
by Rams_4_ever on Feb 23, 2012 6:44 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Not sure how many would agree with me but
I think if the Rams stay at 2 the pick should be Kalil and if they trade with the browns Kalil might still be available at 4 or if the Vikings take him then I like Richardson at 4 or if they trade down to 6 Blackmon would probably still be available then. If the Rams are going to have a true two back system then to me Richardson fits. He could learn from SJ39 and be the replacement answer after SJ39.
I love Richardson, but he's the same back as SJ.
So … he’d learn from SJ and be his eventually replacement, but he wouldn’t be part of the “2 back system” because he’s the same type of back, not a smaller, faster back.
Alex Song - Krunk as Fuck!
I'd have to be sold beyond a shadow of doubt on Richardson
We already have Jackson and while it’s important to have a replacement it’s probably a few years too early to select one so high… unless he’s just that much better than the rest of the board and that’s not the sense I’m getting.
I honestly would prefer it if we went WR in the second
There’s a number of decent prospects that could be had there( Randle,Hill,Jeffery,Sanu)
Or even later in the 1st Rd
if we could get that 22nd pick from the Browns we’d be able to have our choice of the guys that are falling.
I maybe be wrong, but I think I read somewhere that Jerry Rice only ran a 4.6
… but he was always as fast as he needed to be in the game.
Alex Song - Krunk as Fuck!
I think Fitz ran a 4.6 also..
Be careful who you can a child because if I'm a child you're a pedofile and I be damned if I stand here and get chewed out by a pervert..
- Peter Griffin
by RG31 on Feb 22, 2012 5:49 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Other measurables here though
Fitz is 6’3", Rice is 6’2" Blackmon is 6’1" (Probably… more accurate measurement here soon). That 1-2 inches can make a big difference. Also, I saw that Fitz’s vertical is reported at 42". I couldn’t find Rice’s, but Blackmon’s is estimated to be about 33" (Once again, we’ll know more soon). So while the 40 maybe not be as important as advertised, these other things are.
by CodyAllenFTW on Feb 22, 2012 9:03 PM CST up reply actions
The combine is right here! Finally!!! Can't wait for the draft.
This will make or break alot of players???
I don't know how you guys are doing it
but it’s been THE worst couple days of NFL and Rams news ever.
Haikus are easy,
but sometimes they don't make sense.
Refrigerator.
Awesome post
Awesome comments. Yay TST.
Turf Show Times editor, Mocking the Draft writer, and I gots that Twitter too, yo.
"my keyboard won't corporate, neighter will my smell check." - Knoxfan
With a 4.6/40 and height of 6'1" Blackmon just doesn't seem worth it.
We have a stable full of slow receivers. Keep Lloyd and go for V. Jackson or Colston. Dump Gibson, Pettis and Alexander. Clayton is done too.
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