2010 NFL Combine: QBs, WRs and RBs…and Tim Tebow

When Tim Tebow decided to participate in the 2010 Senior Bowl, college football fans from all over flocked to Ladd-Peebles Stadium. But following the game, critics and draft analysts proceeded to pick apart his throwing motion from his awkward release to his unorthodox throwing base (like throwing a shotput, balance favors his front foot). And it may have been the best thing for him. He immediately began to rebuild his motion, which appeared to be the only flaw in his brand. When he decided not to throw in this year’s NFL Combine, the criticism started all over. But there’s no denying his leadership, his faith, his likeability, his will to win — perfect combination for the face of any franchise.

Joining Tebow in the “I’ll throw during my Pro Day” club were Sam Bradford, Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy all of whom are working through some sort of injury. Dan LeFevour of Central Michigan added his name to that list as he also continues to improve his throwing form. And the criticism continues. But will it even matter come draft day? All of the above are among the best at the quarterback position, and have walked the walk throughout their respective careers.

Not The Size, But The Motion. This seems to be the appropriate theme for this year’s crop of QBs. Of the top prospects, only Tony Pike & Sam Bradford have the height that scouts regard as “ideal”, but the knock for both has been their weight…or lack thereof. Dan LeFevour is the closest thing to the perfect package at 6’3-1/4″, 230. Unfortunately, he doesn’t share the same spotlight as the aforementioned group.

The focus has been throwing motion, specifically that of Tim Tebow. Although he does not plan to unveil Tebow 2.0 until his March 17 Pro Day, we’ve already had a sneak peek at Tebow’s new throwing motion. Dan LeFevour is another QB who has displayed tremendous ability to win, to lead, and to execute (30 TDs & only 3 INTs in the redzone this season); but teams raise their collective brow at his not so compact, less snappy release. His Pro Day is March 24. Jevan Snead is another throwing motion project. I noticed that he holds the ball low by his waist and has to bring it up to throw. His release is quick, but he’s just killing his arm as it is an all-arm throw. To his credit, his accuracy was second to none. But the bad taste he left in the mouths of scouts as a result of his lackluster season will leave teams with a huge question mark by his name.

Zac Robinson had the best overall combine performance in my opnion. He threw well, he looked like he was having a good time out there…comfortable, and he performed well in all of the events (unofficial 4.69 and 4.66 in the 40-yd dash [3], 35″ vertical jump [2], and 9’2″ broad jump [T-5]). Tim Tebow ran an 4.70 and 4.72 in the 40 [4], clocked a 6.66 (how ironic) in the 3-cone drill [1], produced a 38.5″ vertical [1], and leaped 9’7″ in the broad jump [2]. Colt McCoy only covered 40 yards in only 4.79 seconds. And for two QBs that displayed an uncanny ability to elude defenders, these times aren’t impressive. Regardless, they have proven their abilities on the football field.

Speaking of abilities, in case you missed Mike Kafka’s 4th QTR performance in the East West Shrine Game, it’s worth watching. Check it out here.

Running Backs Carry Their Weight. Sure it’s impressive when a RB runs a sub-4.40 40-yd dash, but it might be more impressive when a RB that weighs over 225 lbs blasts through the 40 under 4.7. Although unofficial, Stanford RB Toby Gerhart (231 lbs) did it in 4.53 and 4.58 seconds. LaGarrette Blount, who weighed in at 241 lbs, did it with unofficial times of 4.62 and 4.69 seconds. He also covered the 3-cone drill in 6.85 seconds [3]. Aside from his impressive accomplishments at the Senior Bowl and Combine, he has remained focused on the big picture.

Mississippi State RB Anthony Dixon is another prospect with a skeleton in his closet — a July 2009 DUI — but has managed to put it all behind him. The 233-lb RB [unofficially] covered 40 yards in 4.65 & 4.67 (official 4.70) seconds to which some reacted with a yawn. But his run-catch-block toolbox and durability puts him at the top of the list for consideration.

Auburn’s Ben Tate leaps into draft position — The Birmingham News / Hal Yeager

Some RBs helped themselves at the Combine rather handsomely. Auburn’s Ben Tate weighed in at 220 lbs and covered the 40-yd dash in 4.43 seconds [3], threw up 26 reps in the bench press [T-1], launched 40.5 inches in the vertical jump [2] and 10’4″ in the broad jump [T-1]. Tennessee RB Montario Hardesty weighed in at 225 lbs and breezed through 40 yards in 4.49 seconds [6]. His vertical jump was half an inch better than Tate at 41″ [1]; he matched his broad jump at 10’4″ [T-1].

Ambi-Dexter-ous. When asked if he was a running back or wide receiver, Dexter McCluster responded, “I’m both”. There’s no denying his big play ability. But he didn’t meet expectations — both his and that of the scouts — when running his 40-yd dash. He produced an official time of 4.58. Regardless, he ought to be one of the top players taken in this draft. At only 5’9″, 172 lbs, he cut through defenses like a hot knife through butter…as a tailback…in the SEC.

Mardy Gilyard, who is also referred to as an undersized playmaker, didn’t produce the same “wow” factor at the Combine that he does on the field. He’ll have another chance to woo NFL teams during his Pro Day on March 10. His production speaks for itself.

Beyond Dez Bryant and Golden Tate, the draft forecast looks pretty cloudy. Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech looks great…when he’s not hurt. And Taylor Price from Ohio may be the diamond in the rough, or more appropriately the needle in the haystack. Taylor remained under the radar until the Senior Bowl. He capitalized on the momentum during Combine workouts, and topped it off with a 4.41 40-yd dash [2]. His soft hands are reminiscent of Brian Robiskie.

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Related posts:

1. VIDEO: 2010 NFL Combine — Rich Eisen’s Revenge
2. 2008 NFL Combine — Tight Ends Are Athletes Too
3. 2009 NFL Combine — Big Day For The Big Boys
4. 2007 NFL Combine: DBs Take Center Stage on Tuesday
5. 2009 NFL Combine — Playmakers Unite. QBs, RBs, WRs.