NIUhuskies
02-25-2008, 02:49 PM
Draft stock now soaring for Keller, Mendenhall
Dan Pompei | On the NFL
February 25, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS
By Sunday night, the only dashes offensive players were running were to Indianapolis International Airport.
Draft prospects on the offensive side of the ball concluded their NFL scouting combine workouts Sunday, leaving the stock of some rising like helium-filled balloons, and the stock of a few others dropping like real-estate prices.
The offensive player who helped himself more than any other at the combine was Purdue tight end Dustin Keller. He came in as the eighth-ranked tight end by the Tribune. He left as the top-ranked tight end on at least one team's draft board, according to a college scouting director.
Dan Pompei Dan Pompei E-mail | Recent columns
Keller's workout separated him from the pack. He ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, vertical-jumped 38 inches, broad-jumped 10 feet 11 inches and ran the 20-yard shuttle in 4.14—all bests among tight ends. He also had 26 bench-press reps of 225 pounds—one fewer rep than leader Craig Stevens of Cal.
What's more, one scout said Keller interviewed extremely well and came across as a bright guy.
The buzz on Sunday was about the 4.33 40-yard dash turned in by Arkansas' Darren McFadden, the top-rated running back in the draft. And McFadden wasn't the only running back who put on a show. He was one of four who broke the 4.4 barrier. The others were East Carolina's Chris Johnson (4.24), Houston's Anthony Alridge (4.36) and Texas' Jamaal Charles (4.38).
But the back who might have helped himself the most was Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall. He ran a 4.45 40 at 225 pounds—fast for his size. Scouts also said he looked chiseled at his weigh-in. Mendenhall had 26 reps in the bench press.
"He's a complete stud," one scout who saw him said. "The gap is probably closing between he and McFadden."
The scout also added that Mendenhall came across as humble and personable in his interview sessions.
Three receivers who helped themselves were DeSean Jackson of Cal, Eddie Royal of Virginia Tech and Jordy Nelson of Kansas State.
Jackson ran a 4.35 40-yard dash, tops among receivers. He also was impressive running routes and catching the ball away from his body in receiving drills. Royal showed all-around athleticism.
Nelson ran a 4.4 40, allaying concerns he wasn't fast enough. Now he looks like a second-round pick.
As for the offensive linemen, top-ranked Jake Long of Michigan looked just how teams want a high first-rounder to look. He weighed 313 pounds, and according to those who saw him shirtless, his abs were ripped.
Two other offensive linemen who impressed were Virginia guard Branden Albert and Rutgers offensive tackle Jeremy Zuttah, who showed a nice combination of quickness and athleticism.
Albert likely moved into the first round by impressing NFL teams on multiple fronts. He interviewed brilliantly, he moved well in drills and his arms measured a long 351/2 inches.
As a result of Albert's quickness and long arms, there now is discussion that he could play tackle instead of guard.
Going in the opposite direction was Pittsburgh offensive tackle Jeff Otah, who ran a 5.54 40 and did not work out well. Scouts said his body looked a little flabby.
San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson was the most athletic quarterback based on the weekend's results, but he probably hurt himself nonetheless. The problem: His passes fluttered.
Michigan quarterback Chad Henne also did not have a great workout, but he redeemed himself with wonderful interviews.
dpompei@tribune.com
more in /sports/football/bears
Copyright © 2008, The Chicago Tribune
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080224-nfl-combine-mendenhall-keller,1,7609114.column
Dan Pompei | On the NFL
February 25, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS
By Sunday night, the only dashes offensive players were running were to Indianapolis International Airport.
Draft prospects on the offensive side of the ball concluded their NFL scouting combine workouts Sunday, leaving the stock of some rising like helium-filled balloons, and the stock of a few others dropping like real-estate prices.
The offensive player who helped himself more than any other at the combine was Purdue tight end Dustin Keller. He came in as the eighth-ranked tight end by the Tribune. He left as the top-ranked tight end on at least one team's draft board, according to a college scouting director.
Dan Pompei Dan Pompei E-mail | Recent columns
Keller's workout separated him from the pack. He ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, vertical-jumped 38 inches, broad-jumped 10 feet 11 inches and ran the 20-yard shuttle in 4.14—all bests among tight ends. He also had 26 bench-press reps of 225 pounds—one fewer rep than leader Craig Stevens of Cal.
What's more, one scout said Keller interviewed extremely well and came across as a bright guy.
The buzz on Sunday was about the 4.33 40-yard dash turned in by Arkansas' Darren McFadden, the top-rated running back in the draft. And McFadden wasn't the only running back who put on a show. He was one of four who broke the 4.4 barrier. The others were East Carolina's Chris Johnson (4.24), Houston's Anthony Alridge (4.36) and Texas' Jamaal Charles (4.38).
But the back who might have helped himself the most was Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall. He ran a 4.45 40 at 225 pounds—fast for his size. Scouts also said he looked chiseled at his weigh-in. Mendenhall had 26 reps in the bench press.
"He's a complete stud," one scout who saw him said. "The gap is probably closing between he and McFadden."
The scout also added that Mendenhall came across as humble and personable in his interview sessions.
Three receivers who helped themselves were DeSean Jackson of Cal, Eddie Royal of Virginia Tech and Jordy Nelson of Kansas State.
Jackson ran a 4.35 40-yard dash, tops among receivers. He also was impressive running routes and catching the ball away from his body in receiving drills. Royal showed all-around athleticism.
Nelson ran a 4.4 40, allaying concerns he wasn't fast enough. Now he looks like a second-round pick.
As for the offensive linemen, top-ranked Jake Long of Michigan looked just how teams want a high first-rounder to look. He weighed 313 pounds, and according to those who saw him shirtless, his abs were ripped.
Two other offensive linemen who impressed were Virginia guard Branden Albert and Rutgers offensive tackle Jeremy Zuttah, who showed a nice combination of quickness and athleticism.
Albert likely moved into the first round by impressing NFL teams on multiple fronts. He interviewed brilliantly, he moved well in drills and his arms measured a long 351/2 inches.
As a result of Albert's quickness and long arms, there now is discussion that he could play tackle instead of guard.
Going in the opposite direction was Pittsburgh offensive tackle Jeff Otah, who ran a 5.54 40 and did not work out well. Scouts said his body looked a little flabby.
San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson was the most athletic quarterback based on the weekend's results, but he probably hurt himself nonetheless. The problem: His passes fluttered.
Michigan quarterback Chad Henne also did not have a great workout, but he redeemed himself with wonderful interviews.
dpompei@tribune.com
more in /sports/football/bears
Copyright © 2008, The Chicago Tribune
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080224-nfl-combine-mendenhall-keller,1,7609114.column