2009 NFL Combine — Big Day For The Big Boys

Despite all of the buzz surrounding Michael Crabtree, Matt Stafford and Mark Sanchez, the 2009 NFL Draft will likely feature a handful of big men. Jake Long led the field of draft picks in 2008, one of 5 tackles taken in the Top 20 last years…a trend that will undoubtedly repeat itself in ‘09. In fact, you could argue that 3 of the top 5 players drafted could be offensive tackles. Contrary to the belief that Georgia QB Matt Stafford will be granted the pole position, the Lions may be better off picking from the litter of premier left tackles available.

BIG MEN ON CAMPUS. Of the left tackles available, there are easily three or four that can make an argument for top honors. Alabama OT Andre Smith may have won this year’s Outland Trophy and received multiple All-American nods, but his mounting rookie mistakes may have cost him valuable draft position. Regardless, he won’t be available very long. He’s arguably the most talented left tackle of the bunch.

Since Orlando Pace was drafted #1 overall in 1997, the trend of choosing left tackles has proven to pay more dividends than any other position. St. Louis, Cinncinatti, and Jacksonville could benefit from blind side protection. Detroit will benefit from any pick they make, except maybe a wide receiver.

Detroit may also take the road last traveled and mimic Atlanta’s 2008 draft strategy. The Falcons chose QB Matt Ryan (3rd overall) and OT Sam Baker (21st overall). The Lions sit in a similar seat with the 1st and 20th (thanks, Cowgirls) picks.

Some of the more impressive performances on Day 1 of the NFL Combine came from Jason Smith from Baylor. He turned in 33 reps on the bench press and knocked off unofficial times of 5.14 and 5.20 in the 40-yard dash (5.22 officially). Louis Vasquez, a guard from Texas Tech, pushed up 39 reps on the bench press. Lydon Murtha, the 6′7″, 306-lb tackle from Nebraska, blazed through the 40-yd dash in 4.89 seconds (#1), recorded a 35″ vertical (#2), and flew 9′2″ in the board jump (T-2).

THE BEST…AND THE REST. Oklahoma State TE, Brandon Pettigrew, came into this year’s NFL Combine as the top tight end going into this year’s draft. And despite a highly althletic class of Belgian Blues tight ends, it’s rather unclear as to who will follow Pettigrew into the NFL. Pettigrew put his skills on display all season long impressing coaches with his capable blocking abilities and with his amazing route separation despite his big size and lumbering speed.

As Dustin Keller did last year, South Carolina TE, Jared Cook, wowed on-lookers with his performances. In fact, he topped Keller’s numbers — unofficial 40-yd dash times of 4.42 and 4.49 (4.50 officially, #1), 23 reps in the bench press (#5), a 41″ vertical jump (#1), and a 10′3″ launch in the broad jump (#1). Cook suffered a minor hamstring injury while running his second 40-yd dash and did not participate in the remaining drills including the gauntlet. Not far behind him was James Casey from Rice.

The biggest question mark may be Cornelius Ingram from Florida. Going into the 2008 season, Ingram was one of the top tight end prospects for the upcoming draft. The former Gator shooting guard (2004-05) and quarterback suffered a torn ACL in August, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. In 2007, he caught 34 passes for 508 yards and 7 TDs.

SQUIB NOTE. Whomever thinks kickers don’t do anything noteworthy during the NFL Combine should think again. USC Trojan PK, David Buehler, threw up 25 reps on the bench press. That was better than 27 offensive lineman. Impressive.

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