2009 NFL Combine: Offensive Winners and Losers

Casey 2009

Combine workouts have begun, in fact they’re half-way done. Saturday and Sunday saw offensive players work out. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to watch the combine much on Monday or Tuesday, but it’s a good time to hammer out who improved their stock and who hurt their stock.

Several players, especially high-profile players, come to the combine with well publicized “skeletons in their closet,” Whether they are off-the-field issues of a guy like Randy Moss, slow timed speed for Dwayne Jarrett, or a low test aptitude for a guy like Vince Young.

In recent years it has seemed like many more players have seen their stock plummet after a questionable combine than those who have raised their stock immensely.


Winners

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Throughout the year Heyward-Bey’s stock has slipped. Once thought to be potentially a top-10 pick, after only moderate production playing with an only adequate college quarterback, Heyward-Bey has been projected as low as the second round by some.

Heyward-Bey came to the combine taller than Michael Crabtree and nearly as bulky. In addition, he ran a 4.30 40-yard-dash and had a 38.5” vertical.

Heyward-Bey was expected to be athletic, and his pro-day, where his route running ability will be on display is perhaps more important, but was probably even more athletic than expected.

Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

Last year there was a consensus best tight end going into the draft, Fred Davis. Davis ended up being the third tight end taken; very much as a result of Dustin Keller’s eye-popping combine.

Like Keller, Cook had the best 40-time of all the tight ends, and the best vertical leap. On his last attempt at the 40, he strained his hamstrings. Though he didn’t participate in drills his pass-catching ability wasn’t in question. Cook probably vaulted himself to the second tight-end off the board, perhaps sneaking into the back of the first round.

Ian Johnson, RB, Boise State

Before he ever stepped foot on the new Lucas Oil Field, Johnson’s draft stock rose. He weighed in 12 lbs heavier than his list weight at Boise State, with his size as one of analysts major criticisms of him.

Known as a full effort guy, Johnson tied for the best 40-time, and seemed to run harder than everybody in drills.

Pat White, QB, West Virginia

White’s insistence on playing quarterback is very similar to that of Eric Crouch. Crouch refused to play receiver, and has attempted to make it under center from NFL Europe to the Canadian Football League to the semi-defunct All-American Football League.

However, I think that the difference is that White throws the ball better. In fact, I think that strictly in terms of how his ball looks coming out of his hand, he’s one of the top 5 passers in this draft. Clearly, being 6’ and left handed hurt him, but his 4.49 40-time should make him an interesting piece that someone will take a look at, perhaps as early as the late second round.

Lydon Murtha, OT, Nebraska

I don’t know how much 40 times really impact an offensive lineman’s stock. By most accounts, Murtha won’t fit well into a zone-blocking-scheme, but a 4.89 40-yard-dash from a guy who weighs 307 pounds certainly shows some athleticism. Murtha will be able to make second level blocks, even if that isn’t part of the scheme he’s a part of.

Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

Brian Robiskie looked like a pro throughout his entire combine workout. He ran a better-than-expected 40-yard-dash and looked great catching the ball. He showed that even as a big physical target that he’s got some refined receiving skills and athletic ability.

Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty

Jenning did a lot to help his stock by simply showing up. Compared to most of the other backs available in the 2009 draft, Jennings is built like an Adonis. His timed speed wasn’t great, and his level of competition will remain a question, but seeing him next two many of the smaller backs in this year’s draft he’s simply physically superior to most of this year’s class.


Losers

Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Smith to very harsh criticism on the NFL network. Shortly after he was suspended for Alabama’s bowl game, it seemed like the majority of draftniks were downplaying the importance of his lack of focus on competition.

Smith left the combine unbeknownst to anyone at the combine. He allegedly had two workouts scheduled in Atlanta, and moved his flight up in order to make the workouts.

In my opinion, it would be the equivalent of me showing up to an ESPN convention where half of the invitees would be hired, and after the opening ceremonies to attend a grammar workshop. Is Smith 2009’s Winston Justice?

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Crabtree’s physical exam showed that he had a pre-existing stress fracture in his foot. The Texas Tech standout didn’t work out at the combine.

Crabtree was unable to shut up any of his doubters. The biggest question-mark surrounding his game is his long, timed speed. Without running the 40 he was unable to prove any of his doubters wrong.

Crabtree says he’ll run at his Pro Day in March, postponing the surgery to repair a fracture until after that Pro Day. Crabtree could fall pretty swiftly. Not only was he injured, but he’s almost two inches shorter than his list height.

Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

Oher is one of my favorite prospects. Though I still think he’s got hope for an immensely successful career, even the most stubborn apologists can’t say that Oher’s stock rose, or even stayed the same during the combine.

Oher, Eugene Monroe and Jason Smith will all benefit from Andre Smith’s actions, as Smith probably drops to the fourth tackle on the board, but Oher’s lack luster measurable numbers and uninspiring drill performance left a lot to be desired.

Even I can’t project Oher as a left tackle any longer.

Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

Harvin, whose biggest concerns entering the combine were size and durability, showed up about 10 lbs lighter than expected. Harvin probably can’t do a whole lot to improve his stock now, unless he shows up 10 lbs heavier at his Pro Day

Jarrett Dillard, WR, Rice

Dillard was ultra-productive at Rice, but entered the draft process with question-marks surrounding his size and timed speed. His size had very little room for improvement, but any hope of Dillard being a Shaun McDonald type of slot receiver may be dashed after running in the 4.5’s. His 42.5” vertical and a 10’9” broad jump, both best for wide receivers.

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