NFL Scouting Combine: Day 1 Impressions

The NFL meat market in finally under way. The NFL Network‘s coverage was okay, but they cut to commercial at odd times and some of the drills were missed. Oh well, still got to see most of the elite OL and TE prospects. Oh yeah, I guess the kickers were there too.

The big news from day one was top wideout Michael Crabtree‘s stress fracture in his foot. According to Adam Schefter, Crabtree may miss up to ten weeks and require surgery. I’ve seen enough of the guy to know he can play. I doubt the injury will cost him much in the draft.

In other news, Alabama’s Andre Smith gets the bozo the clown award for showing up and admitting he was fat and lazy and wasn’t going to workout. At least he was honest. I love Brian Billick’s quote on Smith: “You’ve got to learn to lie better.” Mike Mayock (who I respect) trashed Smith for the next two hours. Great stuff.

For what’s it worth, here are my impressions from Day 1:

• Baylor’s Jason Smith is easily the best tackle, in my opinion. He just looks like a pro. Is strong (33 of 225) and moves well. Could be the #1 overall pick if the Lions elect to not take a QB.
• Jamon Meredith from South Carolina is intriguing. Ran the second best 40 time and had 31 reps of 225. At 6’5″, he has long arms and could be a starting tackle. However, off-field issues and the fact that he played in Steve Spurrier’s crazy offense doesn’t help his stock. Probably a 2nd or 3rd rounder.
• Michael Oher didn’t overly impress me at the Senior Bowl, but he looked a little better today. He’s a project type player; raw and athletic. Only 21 reps of 225 is a little strange.
• Unfortunately, I didn’t see much of Eben Britton. I’ve seen his name show up on several mock draft boards next to the Eagles. The book on Britton is he’s better suited for a rush-style offense due to his ability to drive block. Played tackle in college but could slide inside in the NFL. I doubt Reid would pick him if he’s not a pass protector.
• Nothing better than watching 300 lb dudes running the 40!
• The workout warrior of the day was definitely South Carolina tight end Jared Cook. He ran a 4.5 40-yard dash, best of the day. He was also tops in the vertical and broad jumps. He reminds me a little of Shannon Sharpe. 6’5″, 246, he is quite the physical specimen. Did pull his hammy running the 40 and to sit out the pass-catching drills. May have done enough to move up to the bottom of the first round. I hope the Eagles at least consider him.
• Especially if Brandon Pettigrew is not available at 21. I don’t think he will be. Mike Mayock has the massive Oklahoma State tight end ranked #8 overall on his big board. That’s high praise. Pettigrew did nothing to change my opinion of him. He’s big, strong, and has nice hands. He’s not super-fast, but a 4.85 40 time is respectable. He looked smooth in the “gauntlet” drill. His best attribute is his willingness to block. He’s like having an extra tackle along the offensive line.
• Here’s a name you might not know: Shawn Nelson from Southern Mississippi. I’ve never seen him play but he looked very impressive. Like Cook he’s very athletic and fast. Ran the second best 40 at 4.56. Also excelled at pass-catching, in particular the gauntlet drill. A four-year starter in college, Nelson had 157 catches for 2054 yards and 16 touchdowns. Terrific numbers. Would be a great fit in the Reid pass-happy offense. Although, he’s not much of a blocker.
• Great to see Juan Castillo down in the trenches coaching the “mirror” drill. He’s one of the more underrated guys in the league. I wouldn’t be surprised if he lands a head coaching job one day.

That’s all I got. Tomorrow will be the big day. Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs take the field. I’ll be watching closely. Until then….