2007 NFL Scouting Combine Highlights
by Armin Mohajeri

Why does the NFL Combine have so much value tied to it? Why are season-long accomplishments thrown out the window for a few quick drills? It can make or break a rookie’s draft status, and more importantly, their paycheck. We all remember Mike Mamula, the poster-child for overrating a player based on his numbers at the combines. It’s also a place where players like Tom Brady get overlooked. However, teams are always looking for that diamond in the rough. Coaches are looking for that player that may have lacked the coaching that they think they can offer. Potential is the word that dominates all thought processes.

Quarterbacks

Ohio State QB Troy Smith seems to be the only big name QB that may have slightly hurt himself at the combines. Michigan State’s Drew Stanton, Houston’s Kevin Kolb and Florida’s Chris Leak looked decent. The surprise of the combine was Central Missouri State QB Toby Korrodi, who had the strongest arm and showed pinpoint accuracy.

Running Backs

Oklahoma’s Adrian Peterson and California’s Marshawn Lynch were hoping to run in the 4.35 range. Neither reached that level, but neither did damage to themselves. Lynch ran a 4.46 while Peterson only ran a 4.38. Auburn’s Kenny Irons ran a 4.46, though at his size, he probably should have been closer to Peterson’s time to impress. Ohio State’s Antonio Pittman ran a 4.4, as did Arizona’s Chris Henry. At Henry’s size (220), he probably just helped himself a lot. Minnesota’s Gary Russell probably took himself completely out of the draft by running successive 4.8s. Brian Leonard of Rutgers, who wants to be rated as a halfback rather than a fullback, ran an impressive 4.5 at 240 pounds.

Receivers

Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson solidified his standing as a top 5 pick. He chose to run, putting up a 4.35. At 6’4”, 235, he is everything David Boston was, without the cocaine or steroids. USC’s Dwayne Jarrett chose not to run, intensifying rumors that he is running in the 4.7s, while Tennessee’s Robert Meacham ran in the high 4.3s, possibly moving himself to the mid-first round. Washington State’s Jason Hill saw his stock rise when he ran a 4.32, which is impressive as he goes around 210 pounds. Lane’s Jacoby Jones is getting a lot of attention. He is threat as a receiver and as a return man. Scouts praised his hands and route running precision. Mike Walker of Central Florida is working out with the WRs, but may even have value as a DB. He is 6’2”, 200 pounds and runs a 4.39. Kansas State’s Yamon Figurs may be drafted just for his special teams capabilities, and the fact that he was clocked at 4.30 in the 40. Miami TE Greg Olsen may have vaulted himself into the top half of the first round, as put up a 4.45 in the 40. On the other hand, Arizona State’s Zach Miller may have crippled himself with times in the 4.8s.

Offensive Linemen

USC center Ryan Kalil solidified a spot in the first round with a very strong combine showing. However, the talk of the combine was Wisconsin offensive tackle, Joe Thomas. He ran a 4.93 in the 40, leading many to believe that the Lions could flip-flop with the Raiders to guarantee that they get Thomas in the draft. Penn State’s Levi Brown may have hurt himself with a slow 40 time. Texas guard Justin Blalock ran pedestrian times as well, however he led all at the combine in benching 225.

Defensive Linemen

Clemson DE Gaines Adams looked the part of the top ranked DE this year. He received great reviews on all of his drills. He ran a 4.64 in the 40, which was tops among DEs at the combine. Miami’s Baraka Atkins and Florida’s Jarvis Moss ran 4.7s. Central Arkansas DE Jacob Ford posted a 4.65 timing. Texas DEs, Tim Crowder and Brian Robinson had great days. Robinson showed his explosion by jumping 40+ inches in the vertical leap. No other DE was close to that number. At DT, Michigan’s Alan Branch and Louisville’s Amobi Okoye looked as good as advertised. While Branch clocked over the 5-second mark, Okoye clocked slightly under. They did 33 and 29 bench press reps respectively. UNC’s Tank Tyler led all DTs in bench press reps with 42, and Ohio State’s Quinn Pitcock had the best 40 time among DTs with a 4.93.

Linebackers

Some linebackers showed up strong. Michigan’s David Harris made a name for himself on the field this year, and backed it up in the combines with a 4.5 timing in the 40. Patrick Willis of Ole Miss solidified his ranking with a low 4.5 time. The surprises of the day were former Florida International DE turned LB Antwan Barnes who ran a blistering 4.40. New Mexico’s Quincy Black turned in a 4.42. Small schools put some speedsters in the field. Hampton’s Justin Durant and Brown’s Zak DeOssie both ran in the low 4.5s. Penn State’s Paul Posluszny may have hurt himself by timing in the 4.6s.

Defensive Backs

Several defensive backs shone. Most notably were the top rated CB and S at the combine. LSU’s Laron Landry solidified his top safety ranking by running a 4.35, and may have secured a spot in the top ten. Michigan’s Leon Hall is a physical CB, but also impressed with his 4.39 timing. Arkansas CB Chris Houston ran the fastest time at 4.32. Houston may push Hall as the top CB selected. Tennessee’s Jonathan Wade ran in the mid-4.3s, as did UNLV’s Eric Wright. Texas FS Michael Griffin helped himself with a mid-4.4 timing.