[Direckshun]

Interesting:

Short-Area Quickness

When looking for drills whose top performers tend to have the best future success for specific position groups, two stood out.

First is the 20-yard shuttle for offensive linemen.

Though it fails to account for upper-body strength and skills, the 20-yard shuttle effectively showcases which offensive linemen have an ability to bend, plant, and burst quickly in their lower body as well as move in open space. This is important because nimble linemen can react and redirect against quick-twitch pass rushers. Since 2006, Eagles C Jason Kelce, Colts C Samson Satele, Panthers C Ryan Kalil, Patriots OT Nate Solder, Jets C Nick Mangold, Colts OT Anthony Castonzo, Redskins C Will Montgomery, Vikings G Brandon Fusco, Chiefs T Eric Fisher and long time T Eric Winston make up 10 of the top 14 clocked times in the 20-yard shuttle.

Not all of these offensive linemen are stars, but they have all played at a high level or have displayed promise early on in their careers.

In 2013, we saw the likes of Fisher, Lane Johnson, Terron Armstead, Kyle Long, and Jonathan Cooper display great movement skills for a heavy-set position. I doubt we see that along the offensive line again this year. All eyes will be on Auburn’s Greg Robinson, and I would be shocked if he is not the first offensive lineman off the board in May. Other easy movers could include North Dakota State’s Billy Turner, Clemson’s Brandon Thomas, Furman’s Dakota Dozier and UCLA’s Xavier Su’a-Filo

The other test that projects future success better than others is the 3-cone drill for edge players.

Much is made of a pass rusher's initial upfield get-off, but an ability to plant and quickly change direction can be equally effective. The 3-cone drill puts different types of pass rushers on an equal playing field. Since 2006, pass rushers like the Cardinals’ Sam Acho, Seahawks’ Bruce Irvin, Chargers’ Melvin Ingram, Browns’ Barkevious Mingo, Eagles’ Connor Barwin, Texans’ J.J. Watt, Lions’ Devin Taylor and Vikings’ Brian Robison make up eight of the top 10 times in the “DL” group, all running under a 6.90. The Seahawks’ Cliff Avril is also in the next grouping.

Von Miller would also fit in this grouping but worked out with “LBs,” and Clay Matthews is in Avril’s category after posting a 6.90.

CBS Sports’ Bruce Feldman noted South Dakota edge player Tyler Starr is hoping to shatter these numbers. Not only does Starr want to break Sam Acho’s 6.69, he wants to break the Combine record (since 2006) of 6.42 seconds run by wide receiver Jeff Maehl. If an edge prospect does not waste movement and combines that agility, bend and balance with meaningful hand use and strength, watch out. The Patriots are one team that values the 3-cone times, not only for the positions previously listed but also for cornerbacks.

Along with Starr, take note of UCLA’s Anthony Barr, Buffalo’s Khalil Mack, Georgia Tech’s Jeremiah Attaochu, Auburn’s Dee Ford, Boise State’s Demarcus Lawrence, South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney and one final edge player who fits in my next category…

Incidentally:

Dan Kadar ‏@MockingTheDraft · 1m
Belichick is now breaking down combine drills. He seems to value the three-cone.