NFL Scouting Combine: Day 2 Impressions

Day 2 at the NFL horse farm was all about the rocket armed and the fleet of foot. Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers took the field at Lucas Oil Stadium to strut their stuff. Of course, the biggest name of the bunch, Michael Crabtree, was unable to participate due to his stress fracture. Crabtree says he will run at his pro day next month, then decide on surgery. To me, all this is much ado about nothing. The kid can flat out play. You don’t draft a player (especially a receiver) for six months from now; you draft him for five years from now. Crabtree is still a top 5 pick who shouldn’t fall past the Seahawks at #4.

Enough about Crabtree. It’s not like the Eagles are gonna land him. However, there were a number of guys that should be on the Birds’ radar who looked pretty darn good. Once again, the NFL Network chose to cut-away at inopportune times, like during the RB pass receiving drills. Oh, well.

Here are my impressions from Day 2:

• The quarterback class seems pretty weak. If Mark Sanchez is the #2 overall signal caller, the pickings are slim. Sanchez does not impress me at all. He has a strong arm, but he throws erratically and only started 16 games in college. Too risky to spend a first round selection, in my opinion.
• On the flipside, Pat White looked sharp. Ran well and threw well. He’s probably still looking at a “gimmick” type NFL career, but I think he can play under center as a backup. If Seneca Wallace can play QB, so can White.
• John Parker Wilson could be a starter down the road. Isn’t flashy but does everything well. At 6’2″, 220, has the size to compete. Probably a 3rd or 4th rounder.
• Crabtree may be getting all the hype, but Rutgers’ Kenny Britt looks like a pro receiver. A 4.48 40 and 23 reps of 225. Big, strong, fluid with decent speed. He will be an absolute steal, probably late in the first round. Could it be the Eagles? I doubt it.
• Here’s a guy the Birds might draft: Brian Robiskie. I questioned his speed but a 4.51 40-yard dash is solid for a guy 6’3″, 210 lbs. He runs crisp routes, has soft hands, and is the son of a coach. Would make an ideal inside receiver and red zone target. Should be able to contribute as a rookie.
• Darrius Heyward-Bey is fast, real fast. He is the ultimate hit or miss pick. Could be an elite receiver in three years or could be out of the NFL. Due to his athleticism, should go late 1st round, early 2nd.
• I like North Carolina’s Hakeem Nicks a lot. Ran a 4.49 40, then pulled up lame during routes. Likely will go somewhere in the 2nd round.
• The 2009 running back class is deep and talented. There is no Adrien Peterson or Darren McFadden but there are three rounds worth of versatile backs.
• Some bad news first. Pitt’s LeSean McCoy – who I was looking forward to seeing – was struck down with flu and did not work out. He reminds me a little of Brian Westbrook, which leads me to believe the Eagles may have their eye on him. Could go in the 1st round, possibly at 28.
• There’s been a ton of Chris Wells hatin’ going around. I still can’t figure out why. He ran faster than Knowshon Moreno and put up 25 reps of 225. Then he went out and actually caught a couple passes. At 6’1″, 230, he will be a stud at the next level.  It won’t be the Birds, but whichever team drafts him will be getting a true #1 back for 7 to 8 years.
• My sleeper RB is N.C. State’s Andre Brown. Did have a fractured foot in ’07, but didn’t log many carries in his career. At 6’0″, 225, is similar to Correll Buckhalter. Ran a 4.49 and catches the ball well. Had 29 receptions for 309 yards and 2 TDs as a senior. Played great in the Senior Bowl game. Looks like a 3rd rounder.
• Workout warrior of the day goes to RB Ian Johnson. Ran the second best 40 (4.46) and put up 26 reps. Also caught the ball well. Lacks flash but makes up for it with hard work. Scored 25 touchdowns as a sophomore. Reminds me of Duce Staley.

That’s a wrap for Day 2. Tomorrow the linebackers and defensive lineman will take to the turf. I’ll be back with who caught my eye. Until then….