NFL Combine: Day Five, February 26th

On Monday, the defensive linemen and linebackers took the field to participate in drills. Several items of interest developed.

Monday’s Big Winners:

Brian Robison, the Texas defensive end, benched a respectable 27 reps at 225 pounds on Sunday, and then used Monday to impress those in attendance. He posted the quickest Three-Cone Drill time among defensive linemen at 6.89, which was the only time under seven second, leaped the best broad jump in his group at 10’1”, and posted the third fastest 40-yard dash time among linemen crossing the line in 4.67. His shuttle time was also one of the fastest on the day. Overall, he performed drills smoothly, and shined throughout the day. Robison definitely bumped up several draft boards.

Clemson end Gaines Adams also excelled during drills. He had a solid Three-Cone Drill time (7.17) and one of the better vertical jumps with 35”. His 4.36 shuttle and 9’11” broad jump, the third best in his group, also solidified his position as one of the top linemen available in the draft. He also ran a group best 4.64 4o-yard dash, while displaying athleticism and strong footwork and positioning. He may also be considered a spot linebacker.

Zak DeOssie, an Ivy League invite from Brown, had a stellar day. His size (6’4”, 250 pounds) is desirable, and he ran a 4.53 40 to go with 26 reps. He truly impressed during drills, though, where the converted safety showed quickness, good reaction, and the ability to move laterally. He likely jumped to the first day of the draft, and may go as high as the second round.

New Mexico’s Quincy Black ran the best 40 of the day at 4.42 and also had the best broad jump at 10’4”. Black was impressive athletically, and showed extreme promise during drills. He undoubtedly moved up across the NFL, and some team will take a chance on this athletic specimen before too long.

There was plenty more news on the day.

Defensive Linemen Notes:

DeMarcus 'Tank' Tyler, of North Carolina State, lived up to his name by benching pressing 225 pounds 42 times, a Combine high. Not only is Tank actually built like a tank at just over 6’2” and weighing 306 pounds, but he also showed promise during drills. Teams had to take notice.

Purdue product Anthony Spencer impressed throughout the day. He’s slightly undersized for a lineman, but he posted a fast time of 4.73 in the 40 and had 30 reps at 225. He had a strong showing during drills and definitely improved his stock.

Nebraska’s Adam Carriker looked good throughout drills, and his positioning and body control was something of note. He also has strength, having benched 33 reps in the weight room.

Tim Crowder, the Texas standout, ran a 4.69 in the 40 and had 32 reps to show that he has strength and some quickness. He measured in at 6’3” and 272 pounds, making him a decent option for teams looking to acquire a pass-rushing end.

Justin Harrell from Tennessee looked average during certain drills, but his ‘measurables’ were not impressive. His stock may have dropped slightly, but he probably won’t move much up or down based on his Combine.

Charles Johnson’s size and skill package could push teams to consider him for a linebacker spot, even though he played defensive end for Georgia. Johnson looked much better during drills than college teammate Quentin Moses. He ran a 4.84 40 and benched 33 reps, to have an above average showing.

Johnson’s teammate at Georgia, Quentin Moses, did not look strong during drills. His hips were stiff and he didn’t display much in the way of agility or lateral movement.

Louisville’s young Amobi Okoye looked above average on the day, and he is moving up many team’s boards because of the combination of his age (19) and potential, even with a 4.97 40 time.

Quinn Pitcock of Ohio State ran a 4.93 40, and didn’t standout during drills. His performance was generally average, and his name could be slipping down some boards after the standout performances of other players on the day.

Another college standout with an average day was Oklahoma’s Larry Birdine, who completed 21 reps on at 225 on Sunday and didn’t show impressive numbers during drills.

Michigan’s LaMarr Woodley didn’t run.

40-yard dash - Defensive Lineman

Linebacker Notes:

Antwan Barnes of Florida International had a strong day. He measured in 6’0”5/8, 240 pounds and benched 31 reps on Sunday. On Monday, he ran the second fastest time in his group with a 4.43 40-yard dash. Barnes is definitely athletic, and could be a sleeper pick in April.

Tim Shaw, the other Penn State linebacker, had a take notice day. He had a great 40 time (4.51) and a solid rep total (26). His movement during drills and workouts were equally impressive. Shaw has good size and good instincts, which make him a more interesting prospect than his college teammate Paul Posluszny.

Jon Abbate, the Wake Forest defender, measured in at a small 5’9”3/4. While he had a decent total of 26 reps at 225, he failed to impress by running a 4.98 40. For his size, Abbate needed a better time to help his position. He’s more than likely a second day pick based on his performance.

Michigan’s David Harris ran a 4.53 40 and then ran through his drills like a quality player. His positioning and athleticism is NFL-worthy, and the interest in Harris is higher at the end of the day than it was at the beginning of the day.

Another impressive day was had by Justin Durant from Hampton. Durant ran a solid 4.51 in the 40, and had 25 reps on the bench. Durant had his best showing during drills, where he displayed nice agility and technique, while also showing that he has good body control. Durant is one player who helped himself more than others.

Patrick Willis was an excellent college linebacker, and his Combine went well. He posted 22 reps on the bar, and ran a 4.51 40 on Monday. He looked above average during drills, and was one of the better looking talents on the field. Willis is expected to go in the first half of the first round, and he may have helped his position by a few spots.

Michigan’s Prescott Burgess and Florida’s Earl Everett may have both hurt their stock. Both players had 19 reps on the bench, and had below average days. Burgess ran a 4.90 40, and Everett wasn’t much better with a 4.88. Both struggled at times during drills, and neither showed quality agility. Chances are that each player will slip down draft boards based on weaker Monday performances.

40-yard dash - Linebackers