By Rob Staton
As I type this I'm sat in a stadium waiting to work on an English soccer game, so updates will be sporadic. I'll try and get as much down now as I can now but expect a greater analysis later today. You can watch live coverage from Indianapolis by clicking here. Bruce Campbell, having already impressed in the bench press and measurements, ran a 4.79s forty yard dash. This isn't a surprise - he has to be a candidate for Oakland at #8. LSU return specialist also ran an unofficial 4.27. Trent Williams (OT, Oklahoma) ran a high 4.82 which wasn't expected. Anthony Davis (OT, Rutgers) ran a 5.38 and a 5.41. Not great times, but nobody owns Davis' upside in pass protection amongst offensive lineman. He isn't going to be asked to do much 40 yard running in the NFL either. Bryan Bulaga ran a 5.26 and a 5.30. Mike Iupati similarly managed a 5.26 and a 5.29.
The defensive lineman and linebackers have been measured too, here's some of the stats and I'll update as I get further information:
Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma)
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 295lbs
Terrance Cody (DT, Alabama)
Weight: 354lbs
Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida)
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 277lbs
Sergio Kindle (LB, Texas)
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 250lbs
Everson Griffen (DE, USC)
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 273lbs
Jerry Hughes (OLB, TCU)
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 255lbs
6 comments:
Thanks, Rob. Do you have a link to the DL weights/times? They aren't posted yet on nfl.com, and I wondered where you were getting them.
I don't want to overreact to combine numbers or drills, but I've always been enamoured with Bruce Campbell's physical talent. After watching his interviews, I think he is a coachable kid (could be wrong, but he came across as fairly intelligent). If we bypass OT at #6 and are staring at Campbell at #14, I think his upside and physical talent warrant the selection. He obviously has the athletic ability to fit ZBS and I think with our 2 First rounders, we should be thinking homerun. He could be a guy in 3 years that is just a dominant LT.
Charles Brown also looked great. I thought he and Campbell looked the most "natural and fluid" of every lineman I saw.
Like I said, I don't want to put too much into the combine, but I am excited for the Hawks to take the approach of let's go "big" not just "safe." I think everyone can agree that the Hawks are in their current position because of low risk drafting. Not saying to waste picks, but there are some things you cannot teach. Size and athleticism are natural gifts. Let's take the approach of having confidence in the ability to coach these kids up to their potential, not obsessing about "what's the worst player they could become?"
Looks like Mt. Cody has shed some cheeseburgers.
Injuries are my biggest concern regarding Campbell. He's not got much starting experience. Very raw - you have to do your medical checks.
#6: CB Joe Haden: Even if Berry is available, talented Corners are very tough to find. Much better positional value.
#14: OT Charles Brown or Bruce Campbell: Athletically gifted blind side protectors that fit ZBS. Gibbs can do great things with middle round guys, but the need for a premium LT is paramount no matter the coach/scheme.
#40: WR Demaryius Thomas: Much needed size/speed combo that has not graced a Hawks roster for a long long time (if ever). Has the physical ability to become a true #1. Underrated speed. Matchup nightmare. If this kid had played in a different collegiate offense, I would put good money on the idea of him being a top 15 talent. Give him a few years and I see a big time WR.
You may notice no pass rusher with the first 3 picks. I would not be shocked because I think Carroll can get creative with the use of Curry and Tapp to create a pass rush. I think we see Lawrence Jackson step up big this year as a very solid LDE that can hold against the run while providing adequate QB pressure. By no means a double digit sack guy, but a good fit in terms of Carroll's scheme.
After watching more of Haden and learning more about his background, I just see a kid who is destined for success. It's obvious he comes from a family that instills a great work ethic and he comes across as an intelligent kid. Being a former HS QB also speaks volumes to his understanding of the passing game. Haden really has no glaring flaws in his game.
Obviously success of a DB is hinged on pass rush, but I really think we will see a greatly improved pass rush from Carroll's D because I don't see him as a guy who is trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
When I was researching Trent Williams' POTD, I heard rumors that he was capable of a 4.8-ish 40 time. I thought it was odd that Walterfootball guesstimated his 40 time as 5.27, because on tape he looks quick. So now we know, he really is that fast after all.
For all the talk about Campbell's 4.79 dash, Williams 4.82 dash is basically just as good. While Williams certainly has his issues, he's an impressive athlete and it wouldn't shock me if he went to SF at either #13 or #17 at this point.
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