While the 2011 Scouting Combine takes shape, practice continues for draft prospects in the NFLPA Game.
Yesterday was weigh-in and the first day of practice as they prepare for Texas vs. the Nation on Saturday.
The player with the most interesting story at the game is easily Grambling DE Christian Anthony. A very promising prospect with an intense motor, he missed the 2010 season, his senior year, with a heart attack. Wes Bunting reports that Anthony looked rusty, to be expected for a guy who hasn't played in a year, but still looked like a player who can get it together and be a productive NFL player with enough time to develop. More on Anthony at Mocking the Draft.
The Rams already have two project players at DE. George Selvie flashed some real talent last year, collecting a sack and a half and seeing action in all 16 games. Behind Selvie is Eugene Sims, a small school product (West Texas A&M) who has the raw athletic ability. It seems unlikely that the Rams would take on another project DE. It's not impossible, but they only so many roster spots reserved for defensive linemen and an obligation to see just what they have in these two sophomores, one of whom looks particularly promising.
Another name Bunting mentions is Fort Valley State WR Ricardo Lockette, calling him a "gifted athlete" that is "explosive off the line, gets up to top-end speed quickly and has some real snap out of his breaks." Lockette measured 6'2" 207 lbs at weigh-in yesterday.
And, circling back to an offensive lineman we mentioned yesterday, Missouri C Tim Barnes. NFL Draft Scout's Chad Reuter praised Branes for his work taking on Ole MIss DT Jerrell Powe. Why do I keep talking about centers when the Rams have Jason Brown signed to a hefty contract? Because, last year the Rams repeatedly left OG John Greco on the inactive list, despite needing better run blocking at RG because they wanted a backup interior lineman who could play center as well. Ask yourself whether or not you want Hank Fraley standing between Jason Brown and Sam Bradford next year when the Rams take on the NFC East and AFC North.