Spring Break
Running backs are plummeting in stock
Mike Mauro
Issue date: 3/26/09 Section: Sports
The NFL Combine is important for prospects for show off their athleticism and natural talent in front of scouts and amongst their peers. However, it isn't the only time they get to put their skills on display; their school's Pro Day gives some players a second chance to improve on disappointing scores in Indianapolis or solidify their workouts by matching them on campus.
Several players who had a disappointing Combine, on what many feel is a very slow service in Indianapolis, improved their times and removed some of the doubt with front office personnel as to their value in the draft. Here are five players who really helped themselves with good Pro Days so far:
Aaron Maybin, DE/LB, Penn State - Maybin had a solid, but not spectacular, Combine like some thought he could. However, he impressed at his Pro Day by running s 4.64 and 4.71 in the 40-yard dash and measured in at 6-foot-4,250 pounds. Maybin, who played defensive end in college, will most likely be drafted by a team with a 3-4 defense and has the prototypical athleticism to flourish in that role. His lightning-fast first step allows him to blow by offensive tackles and he has the athleticism to drop back in coverage and be successful. With these improves times, don't expect Maybin to last past the top-13 picks. He could even be considered by Cleveland at No. 5, which needs defensive help.
Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State - Most of the running backs had disappointing Combines, (aside from UConn back Donald Brown) , but Wells improved on his subpar 40 times in Indy and blazed 4.44 and 4.38 seconds in his two times in Columbus, Ohio. At over 6-foot-1 and 237 pounds, those are fantastic times and give some validity to the breakaway speed that Wells shows during games and on film. Wells was a mid-late first round pick regardless, but these times and his solid workouts have solidified this standing. He could creep into the top-15 if a team falls in love with all of his physical tools and production in college. However, red flags regarding his durability and toughness remain because he missed time for the Buckeyes and always seemed to be dinged up. If he stays on the field he produces and has a chance to be one of the best backs in the league.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh - Because of a lingering illness, McCoy wasn't able to perform at the combine and lost weight prior to showing up in Indianapolis. He couldn't run the 40-yard dash so his individual workout was key in keeping him in the late-first round mix and solidifying a spot in the top of Round Two if he falls that far. McCoy weighed in at 204 pounds and ran a 4.50 and 4.51 in the 40. A little slower than anticipated but not bad at all, he put up a solid 17 reps on the bench. With this performance, combined with McCoy's dynamic playmaking ability and versatile skill set should ensure McCoy is picked among the 40 picks.
With several other high-profile schools' Pro Days remaining, there are plenty of other prospects who can help or hurt themselves by the time April 25 comes around.w
Several players who had a disappointing Combine, on what many feel is a very slow service in Indianapolis, improved their times and removed some of the doubt with front office personnel as to their value in the draft. Here are five players who really helped themselves with good Pro Days so far:
Aaron Maybin, DE/LB, Penn State - Maybin had a solid, but not spectacular, Combine like some thought he could. However, he impressed at his Pro Day by running s 4.64 and 4.71 in the 40-yard dash and measured in at 6-foot-4,250 pounds. Maybin, who played defensive end in college, will most likely be drafted by a team with a 3-4 defense and has the prototypical athleticism to flourish in that role. His lightning-fast first step allows him to blow by offensive tackles and he has the athleticism to drop back in coverage and be successful. With these improves times, don't expect Maybin to last past the top-13 picks. He could even be considered by Cleveland at No. 5, which needs defensive help.
Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State - Most of the running backs had disappointing Combines, (aside from UConn back Donald Brown) , but Wells improved on his subpar 40 times in Indy and blazed 4.44 and 4.38 seconds in his two times in Columbus, Ohio. At over 6-foot-1 and 237 pounds, those are fantastic times and give some validity to the breakaway speed that Wells shows during games and on film. Wells was a mid-late first round pick regardless, but these times and his solid workouts have solidified this standing. He could creep into the top-15 if a team falls in love with all of his physical tools and production in college. However, red flags regarding his durability and toughness remain because he missed time for the Buckeyes and always seemed to be dinged up. If he stays on the field he produces and has a chance to be one of the best backs in the league.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh - Because of a lingering illness, McCoy wasn't able to perform at the combine and lost weight prior to showing up in Indianapolis. He couldn't run the 40-yard dash so his individual workout was key in keeping him in the late-first round mix and solidifying a spot in the top of Round Two if he falls that far. McCoy weighed in at 204 pounds and ran a 4.50 and 4.51 in the 40. A little slower than anticipated but not bad at all, he put up a solid 17 reps on the bench. With this performance, combined with McCoy's dynamic playmaking ability and versatile skill set should ensure McCoy is picked among the 40 picks.
With several other high-profile schools' Pro Days remaining, there are plenty of other prospects who can help or hurt themselves by the time April 25 comes around.w
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