NFL Scouting Combine: 10 Players to Watch

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:13 pm

NFL Scouting Combine: 10 Players to Watch

NFL Scouting Combine: 10 Players to Watch
By Gary Fitzgerald
Redskins.com
February 22, 2007

Holding the sixth overall pick in April's NFL Draft, the Redskins' college player evaluation process continues in earnest this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Head coach Joe Gibbs, vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato, director of college scouting Scott Campbell, director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer and head athletic trainer John Burrell are among the team officials expected to attend.

The combine runs from Feb. 21-27.

Workouts start on Saturday, with tight ends, kickers and offensive linemen. On Sunday, quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers get a look. Linebackers and defensive linemen are evaluated on Monday and cornerbacks and safeties are evaluated on Tuesday.

Who are some of the top players who could get a close look by the Redskins' brass?

Here are 10 prospects to keep an eye on as the NFL Scouting Combine unfolds:

-- Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
The Redskins are in need of a pass rush and Adams, at 6-5 and 265 pounds, was prolific in college. He had 9.5 sacks for the Tigers in 2005, and 12 sacks last season. He's a little light in frame, but he should be able to bulk up in the pros to become more of a classic defensive end.

-- Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Anderson vaulted to the top among defensive end prospects with a huge junior season last year. The 6-6, 280-pounder logged 13.5 sacks and 65 tackles. A player with a non-stop motor, Anderson will look to display bull-rush and finesse moves in combine drills.

-- Justin Blalock, G, Texas
If Derrick Dockery opts to leave the Redskins via free agency, then Blalock--another University of Texas alum--would be a suitable replacement. A four-year starter at Texas, Blalock played mostly right tackle at Texas, but at 6-4 and 329 pounds, he projects to be a guard in the pros.

-- Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
Branch is a run-stuffing defensive tackle, something the Redskins needed towards the end of last season. With his 6-6, 331-pound frame, his ability to clog the lines up front will be prized in the NFL Draft. He'll need to work on his pass-rushing skills in the pros, but he should be a top 10 pick.

-- Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
The Redskins could find themselves needing depth at the cornerback position this offseason. Hall is regarded as a solid cover corner, but he'll need a strong showing in the 40-yard dash to vault into elite status. As a senior, he recorded three interceptions, 15 pass break-ups and 45 tackles as a senior.

-- Daymeion Hughes, CB, California
Hughes had the buzz during Senior Bowl week, but he suffered a hamstring injury and sat out the game. His speed is a question mark, but at 6-2 and 188 pounds, he plays physical. As a senior, Hughes had eight interceptions, 11 pass break-ups and 67 tackles.

-- Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
If he falls to No. 6, do the Redskins take him? Johnson is thought to be the best overall player in the draft. At 6-5 and 235 pounds, Johnson has impressive size, something the Redskins lack in their wide receiver corps. He caught 76 passes for 1,202 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, his junior year.

-- Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
If the Redskins decide to trade down, then Moss could be available later in the first round. At 6-6 and 251 pounds, he is regarded as a speed rusher. He will be asked to bulk up in the pros. As a senior for the national champion Gators, Moss had 7.5 sacks, 56 tackles and 11 tackles for a loss.

-- Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
The Redskins always keep an eye on Hurricanes, and Olsen is next in line among great tight ends from Miami. He caught 38 passes for 444 yards and one touchdown as a senior. Why would the Redskins draft a tight end? If Chris ey is sidelined with injury, the team might need depth.

-- Patrick Willis, MLB, Ole Miss
The Redskins could seek to upgrade the middle with the hard-nosed Willis, a sideline-to-sideline linebacker. Willis won the Butkus Award as a senior, logging 137 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks and seven pass break-ups. He may need to bulk up to play middle linebacker in the pros, adding to his 6-2, 240-pound frame.

brad7686 · Post by **brad7686** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 1:57 am

I'm glad that all of the big three on the DL are going to the combine. It will give the skins a good look at all three.

Also Jarvis Moss is very athletic, he is the one who blocked that field goal against south carolina where he got MAD ups. If the skins did trade down he would be worth consideration but he is a bit of a project.

I wouldnt be shocked at all if someone traded up from way back to get Peterson or Quinn and the skins end up taking Hughes and getting more picks. A ballhawk might be the biggest need they have anyway.

frankcal20 · Post by **frankcal20** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:23 am

Thats what I'm hoping for Brad.

SkinsJock · Post by **SkinsJock** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:05 pm

Thanks - It will be interesting to see how we go in the next few weeks - I would love it if we have a lot of choices as that would mean that we had addressed all of our other needs up front on D (and on the O line with DD)

We are not taking anyone at 6 without first solidifying our front 7 on D and O line through our actions over the next few weeks.

We might even use that pick in other ways by then or on draft day :lol:

frankcal20 · Post by **frankcal20** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:17 pm

The crazy thing is.....you never know what they are going to do.

air_hog · Post by **air_hog** » Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:24 pm

I have a feeling, rather, I know Patrick Willis is going to be a great football player.

But since he isn't hyped up and everything there is no chance we will take him at #6, when he could end up being the starting MLB for the next 10 years or so.