NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 11/6/06

[Hache Man]

Some players shuffled around for this upcoming season, and some tough decisions for those who draft in the top 3 positions.......

LaDanian Tomlinson ?
Shaun Alexander ?
Larry Johnson ?

Can Edgerrin James put up solid numbers now that he's in Arizona?

Should Dallas Cowboys' Terrell Owens be the first WR taken?

Can San Diego's Antonio Gates coninue to put up All-Star RECEIVER stats with Philip Rivers at QB now?

As usual, success in the Football Fantasy World this coming season will rely on some homework, early transactions & trades, and just pure luck!

[The General]

I really enjoy fantasy.

LaDanian Tomlinson ? Winner
Shaun Alexander ? Winner
Larry Johnson ? Not sure

Can Edgerrin James put up solid numbers now that he's in Arizona? Not as good as being in Indy.

Should Dallas Cowboys' Terrell Owens be the first WR taken? No, Marvin Harrison is the guy.

Can San Diego's Antonio Gates coninue to put up All-Star RECEIVER stats with Philip Rivers at QB now? I doubt it. Brees was the man!

[sabian06]

yeah i remember not long ago that everyone was shy on taken T.O. when he went to the eagles......He exploded his first year in philly....everyone was all over him the next season.........

[Ego74]

A lot of people got burnt by Culpepper last year after his huge year in 2004. His stock slide this year becasue of the injury uncertainties and the belief he can't get it done without Moss

But, he's gonna have one hell of a comeback year in 2006 if his knee is 100 %

[sabian06]

Originally Posted by Ego74

A lot of people got burnt by Culpepper last year after his huge year in 2004. His stock slide this year becasue of the injury uncertainties and the belief he can't get it done without Moss

But, he's gonna have one hell of a comeback year in 2006 if his knee is 100 %

I unfortunately was one of those guys ego ....he destroyed me..........but i hope you are so right on the money for this..............major dolphins fan here

[Ego74]

Barring injuries, Dolphins are gonna be major players in the AFC in 2006, Sabian. I hear they may be landing Lavar Arrington soon as well

[Hache Man]

2 Oakland Raiders Teammates to consider & keep an eye on, who in my opinion will rebound with big numbers this year:

QB Aaron Brooks (Former Saints QB)
WR Randy Moss

I believe these two are going to hook up BIG time this year.
Each of them will depend on the other the complete season.
This combination could even mimic the days of Culpepper to Moss.

As long as Aaron & his WR Corps stay healthy, Brooks should put up large passing statistics while throwing to Moss, Joey Porter, and RB Lamont Jordan, who the coaching staff like throwing to out of the backfield while having 70 receptions last year.

[Hache Man]

Some other thought I want to share with myfellow EOG Fantasy Players

New Minnesota RB Chester Taylor (Baltimore Ravens)

If the Vikings coaching staff would commit to one RB instead of changing starters from week to week, new RB Chester Taylor could make a huge impact. He could be a steal in your Fantasy Draft, but in all reality it is just too risky.

Other new RB tandem who's numbers could be affected by sharing playing time, making them risky:

AFC:
Baltimore Ravens: Jamal Lewis / Mike Anderson

NFC:
Arizona Cardinals: Even though former Colts RB Edgerrin James will obviously be the featured back, Arizona's coaches will still more than likely give playing time to both Marcel Shipp & JJ Arrington , hurting Edgerrin's numbers just a bit.

Carolina Panthers: With the release of Stephen Davis, it eliminates a RB tandem which has been problematic for Fantasy Players in the past, and opens the door for DeShaun Foster to get most of the playing time, which should equal big production.

New Orleans Saints: Saints signed Michael Bennett. Even though Deuce will carry the load when healthy, it's just another RB to clog up the backfield with Deuce , Antowain Smith , Aaron Stecker, & Anthony Thomas (If they keep them all that is)

[Ego74]

Totally agree about Chester Taylor, Hache. I actually thought the Ravens were going to let go of Lewis and make Taylor the man there. My only question about the guy was if he had the durability to carry the ball 25-30 times a game, no question about him having the tools to be a big time back

[Hache Man]

Ego I would of guessed that Baltimore was going to keep Taylor also.
Like you, it really surprised me that they held on to Lewis and let Taylor go, who seemed to be very effective when in the game......

[sabian06]

Originally Posted by Ego74

Barring injuries, Dolphins are gonna be major players in the AFC in 2006, Sabian. I hear they may be landing Lavar Arrington soon as well

hope you are right ego..........I would really love to have arrington but i think his price might be a little too high......if we get him along with zach thomas and an up and coming star in channing crowder then we will be a force at linebacker

[Ego74]

Yah, I think LaVar is commanding $6 million a year. Maybe they can wait it out and his price will go down some

[Hache Man]

WR Nate Burleson

This guy should have a big year in Seattle, who signed him away from Minnesota.

After a big year in 2004/2005 , he was limited due to injury this past season.

He should play the opposite side of Darrell Jackson with Bobby Engram going back to the 3rd receiver.

As long as they all stay healthy, Matt Hasselbeck & the Hawks could be even more dangerous this year.

[Hache Man]

Dallas QB Drew Bledsoe

Although Bill Parcells loves to run the ball, he seemed to open it up a little bit more with Bledsoe having targets such as Terry Glenn, Keyshawn Johnson, and tight end Jason Witten.

What may be surprising to some is that Drew Bledsoe finished 8th in the NFL in total passing yardage this past season.

With Terrell Owens joining the Dallas offense this year, Bledsoe once again should put up solid numbers and could likely improve on last season.

[mofome]

-TO Signing will help glen more than anything else, well he and witten
-TO does nothign vs the skins.
-TO now has to play vs philyl who has a great sedcondary
-TO vs the gmen could be his best NFC east matchup
-Smith will be the best fantasy WR with S Moss close second.
-James will have great value in AZ as soon as warner isnt at QB
-Culpepper will be a stud if the Oline plays well
-Bush/Maroney/Williams could be rookie studs
-Johnson is your #1 pick
-Koren robinsons is your breakout candidate at WR
-Javon walker is the best Wr (with favre back)likely to slip the most.
-Portis tops 1850 total yards with new offense and Al Saunders
-Chambers becomes a top 4 WR

those are a few things off the head, much more as the season nears.

love it

[JTC43005]

MARK IT DOWN, TAKE A PICTURE OF IT, I DON'T GIVE A F**K!!!
LARRY JOHNSON WILL RULE FANTASY FOOTBALL NEXT SEASON.

[mofome]

so u agree with me


well done

[sportstalk]

[quote=JTC43005]MARK IT DOWN, TAKE A PICTURE OF IT, I DON'T GIVE A F**K!!!
Just like hache said in the beginning, it will come down to those 3 running backs of LT - L J - and Alexander.
I think it's still up in the air on priest holmes coming back.If he does then that takes away some playing time for lj.

[sabian06]

not sayin he would be top 3 but could see him in the top 5 if he can stay healthy (which you can say about anyone) is julius jones from dallas......especially in leagues where receptions count........with TO it will now open up everything even more.....glenn TO jason witten....drew has it made this year....julius jones IF HEALTHY top 5 possibly top 3

[Hache Man]

Good point Sabian, but as you said key is Julius Jones staying healthy, which he has struggled to do so far in Dallas.

If he does though, there could be a lot of scores/TD's for him this year.....

[mofome]

Portis saw his value increase the most with the Additions of Saunders, Lloyd, and El

[Hache Man]

Originally Posted by mofome

Portis saw his value increase the most with the Additions of Saunders, Lloyd, and El

It's hard to disagree with that mofo, but I'm not sold yet on Antwaan Randle El making it elsewhere. He's a role player that fit into's Pittsburgh's perfectly. Not sure if he will have the same success elsewhere....

[Hache Man]

2006 NFL RB Draft Class

As the top underclassmen usually don’t participate in all-star games, they typically are in a holding pattern until they have a chance to showcase themselves at the Combine. Then the event usually becomes one where underclassmen rise and some seniors fall by default. However, that was not the case this year. Redemption for seniors was a big theme for this RB class at the Combine. With the notable exception of DeAngelo Williams, many of the top rated senior prospects heading in to 2005 had disappointing seasons and several underclassmen quickly passed them up on draft boards. However, with all the top underclassmen choosing to not work out at the Combine, the spotlight went to several seniors who took advantage of the opportunity. Joseph Addai, Jerious Norwood, Leon Washington, and Jerome Harrison all built on very good all-star games to help themselves even more at the Combine. Wali Lundy came out of nowhere to resurrect his draft value. While they had fine seasons, Andre Hall, Quinton Ganther, and Wendell Mathis had been overlooked, but won’t be any longer. The net effect was this RB class is looking a lot deeper than originally perceived. The seemingly improved depth in this class could hurt the draft value of those slotted directly behind Bush, who remains the consensus first pick overall. Teams will think twice about reaching early for a RB when the difference between a number of candidates likely to be there a round or two later is not believed to be that great. Here is a link to find the results of the physical tests at the Combine from two good sources.

Most of those who had a good showing at the Combine sat on their test results at Pro Days, but the big news was the redemption of two top underclassmen, the fall of another, and Bush. Brian Calhoun showed the expected speed he lacked at the Combine and the wait was worth it when Laurence Maroney finally worked out. On the other hand, LenDale White may have cost himself a first round pick. Despite not needing to, Reggie Bush provided the ridiculous numbers to back his status. Among the seniors, DeAngelo Williams wowed them, as well.
Here are links to find the results of Pro Days from three good sources:
NFL.com
NextLevelScoutingInc
FFLiveWire
While a fun activity, full mock drafts and trying to identify the specific round a player will go the deeper you go in the draft is an exercise in futility. So instead of a formal value board, I group an RB class in more general terms, under fairly self-explanatory headings. It’s important to note this is not a ranking of future value per se, just where I expect them to be drafted.

Key: Name (School - Class as of 2005) Height Weight Estimated 40

Blue Chips
Unfortunately the top RB prospects did not follow suit of their 2005 predecessors, who were not afraid to run and participate in drills at the Combine. So unlike last year, we left the Combine without a clear picture of what RBs are solidly locked in as first round picks. As the likely first pick overall, Bush remained a constant (and subsequently locked it up at his Pro Day), but the consensus pre-Combine next three (Maroney, L. White, and D. Williams) all had a lot riding on their Pro Days and individual workouts. Only White proceeded to disappoint.

Reggie Bush (Southern California - 3JR) 5’11” 200 4.45 - Career stats
While it has gotten ridiculous how many players chose to not participate at the Combine in physical tests and/or drills (sort of defeats the purpose – come on, NFL, stand together and do something about this), Bush’s decision is at least relatively understandable. As the consensus expected top pick overall, he had nothing to gain and millions to lose by taking part in the Senior Bowl and workouts at the Combine, especially if he was injured. Even just getting measured netted him a positive result, as he came in nearly 5’11” (actually was that flat at USC’s Pro Day), when some were certain he’d come in shorter. However, unlike teammate LenDale White, Bush saved his best for last, completely blowing scouts away at USC’s April 2nd Pro Day. He was reported to have run between a 4.33 and 4.41 40 yard dash on AstroTurf, making him possibly the fastest back in the draft. His 40 ½ inch vertical was the best by a RB and his 10’8½” broad jump and 24 reps were among the best recorded at the position as well. His measurements were right on target with his weight one pound heavier than at the Combine (202). Despite uninspired efforts from the Texans to appear still undecided, unless they are overwhelmed with a trade offer, their exercising a healthy bonus and contract extension on David Carr makes Bush more certain to not just go first overall on April 29th ,but to Houston (as opposed to someone trading in to the top spot), as well.

Laurence Maroney (Minnesota - 3JR) 5’11” 210 4.51 - Career stats
The only positive thing for Maroney at the Combine was his measurements. He looked good at the weigh-in and at 5’11” exactly and 217 pounds has good size for a feature back. Other than that, a slight strain to his lower left hamstring injured in January while training for the Combine prevented him from helping himself there. He planned to run at the Combine, but two days before, after testing the hamstring, he decided to decline participating in any workouts, apparently on the advice of doctors and his agent. He also spent a while under the MRI machine at the Combine checking the hamstring and an old Achilles’ tendon sprain that kept him out of the MSU game during the season. Despite expecting to be healthy for Minnesota’s Pro Day on March 6th, he again refrained from performing physical tests due to the hamstring. He redeemed himself at an individual workout at Minnesota on March 23rd. He ran one sub-4.50 40 (reports range from 4.46 - 4.49) on FieldTurf (same surface as was run on at the Combine), but did not run a second due to the hamstring acting up. That also prevented him from completing the agility tests. His weight was 216, a pound less than at the Combine, so the additional weight he put on since the end of the season took away none of his speed, another good sign. He was impressive in most of the other test, including putting up 21 reps on the bench and having a 35 ½ inch vertical. Equally important, he showed competence as a receiver, another question mark about him. While it is a bit worrisome the hamstring was still an issue, he erased a lot of doubts about his value. Star Tribune writer Sid Hartman reported most scouts he talked to at the workout felt he locked up a first round pick. After not performing at the Combine or at the Gophers’ scheduled Pro Day, he had a bit of pressure on him, but he came through well. He remains in the hunt to be the second RB selected overall.

DeAngelo Williams (Memphis - 4SR) 5’9” 209 4.53 - Career stats
After getting measured at the Senior Bowl, his height was no surprise (he actually gained a half inch), and he was a solid 214 pounds. While he did no running drills, he performed well in the others, including an outstanding 25 reps on the bench, displaying incredible upper body strength. He did everything else March 24th at the Memphis Pro Day, catching the ball very well and putting up extremely impressive test numbers. He had a wind-aided 4.40 on a rubber track and 4.48 against the wind. He also had showed great quickness and athleticism with a 4.10 short shuttle, 6.57 cone drill, 10’9” broad jump, and 34 ½ inch vertical. The first three numbers would have been best among RBs at the Combine. His size remains a bit of a concern, which wasn’t helped when his weight at the Pro Day showed he actually dropped seven pounds since the Combine, which probably reflects more accurately what his playing weight will be. Already having shown incredible running skills on a mediocre team, he has now proven to be an elite physical specimen, as well.

Joseph Addai (LSU - 5SR) 5’11” 210 4.44 - Career stats
After an outstanding showing at the Combine, it is impossible to allow my personal doubts about what he has proven to bias the mounting evidence that Addai will be one of the top backs selected in the draft. He measured in a bit shorter than advertised, but still very good size for a feature back, and tied for the second fastest 40-yard dash time. He also had the best vertical jump of all running backs (38 ½ inches), which is noteworthy because some Scouts value this as an excellent indicator of overall explosiveness, and put up a respectable (for a RB) 18 reps in the bench press. He looked good running and catching the ball in the drills, as well. Considering none of the players ranked ahead of him worked out, he was arguably the most impressive RB to perform at the Combine. Not surprisingly, he chose to sit on his terrific Combine numbers and only participated in drills at the LSU Pro Day. I still think his scattered resume and injury history could prevent teams from considering him a sure thing. However, he is now locked in as a Day One pick and has to be considered a dark horse to go as high as the first round. It appears the Colts have been significantly interested, which would likely mean they would have to be targeting him in the first round. The amount of publicity surrounding their interest is a bit unusual, teams usually like to hold their cards a little closer to the vest, which could mean it is propaganda to throw people off the true RB they are targeting. On the other hand, his pass catching ability is probably second to only Bush, which is obviously valued by the Colts.


Likely Day One
I already feel the four guys above are a lock to be early picks, with the top three having first round upside. After that, you have White who may have literally grown himself out of the first round and Norwood, who remains an enigma. LenDale White (Southern California - 3JR) 6’2” 235 4.51 - Career stats
The media made much ado about his comments at the Combine that he played in the Rose Bowl at over 245 pounds. What was apparently forgotten is how well he played, outshining Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart in the game. He weighed in exactly at his listed playing weight, but there have been questions in the past about his dedication and effort. In front of a full house of reps from every NFL team, White gave all the wrong answers to those questions when he showed up at 244 pounds at USC on April 2nd and did no other test besides a disappointing 15 reps on the bench. Further reports indicate he does have a partially torn hamstring, but he did not help himself admitting his work ethic is something he needs to improve (his actions pretty much left that without saying). Theories that he purposely sabotaged his workout to fall to a better team in the first round, apparently with the guidance of some of these teams (most notably by NFL Network correspondent/Bronco mouth-piece Adam Schefter) are absurd. White is claiming he will run in individual workouts before the draft, but despite the injury being proven legit, I don’t think his draft value is completed regain. There are still questions he hasn’t answered. I no longer consider him a lock to be first round pick, but it is easy to see a team not wanting to pass on a player with the potential to be the next Jamal Lewis.

Jerious Norwood (Mississippi State - 4SR) 6’0” 204 4.41 - Career stats
Built on his momentum of a fine Senior Bowl with another impressive performance at the Combine. In addition to tying for the second fastest 40 time, he performed well in most of the physical tests and RB drills, particularly in demonstrating good hands. He sat on most of his numbers at his Pro Day, but did put the bar up 18 times (compared to 15 reps at the Combine) and did drills. He was down four pounds at his Pro Day, as well. No RB has helped himself more since the season ended. The steady climb he and Addai have displayed in the post-season are reminiscent of Julius Jones and Tatum Bell two years ago.


Borderline Day One
This group has the potential to be Day One picks, but they have some concerns in one or more areas regarding measurables, durability, or character. Their collegiate achievement and/or measurables are not enough at this point to guarantee an early pick. Round Three is always murky territory. One or two surprises show up by teams that are really in love with a guy and don’t want to end Day One without having secured him. So while I feel these guys have the potential to be chosen by then, only so many RBs get drafted Day One and any of these could be victimized by the numbers. Jerome Harrison (Washington State - 4SR) 5’9” 199 4.50 - Career stats
Another player who continued to build on the momentum of a solid Senior Bowl performance. His vertical was about the only disappointing facet of his physical tests, the rest were very impressive. Any questions about his speed were erased with sub-4.5 times. In an RB class with less depth, I think he’d be a lock for a Day One pick, but some bigger backs have helped themselves, as well, and he still carries the stigma of the perception of being undersized. I’d be equally unsurprised to see him be the sixth back drafted on Day One or fall to Day Two.

Maurice Drew (UCLA - 3JR) 5’8” 205 4.41 - Career stats
My lasting memory of Drew at the Combine will be his massive thighs. They helped propel him to the best 40 time among RBs and offset some concerns about his height, the second shortest among the RB group. He stood on his Combine numbers, but participated in drills at the UCLA Pro Day. He still faces an uphill battle to get a feature back opportunity at the next level, but his elite speed and return skills will prevent teams from waiting too long to pick him.

Brian Calhoun (Wisconsin - 4JR) 5’9” 194 4.41 - Career stats
After a two tremendously disappointing 40 times at the Combine, Calhoun’s stock was dropping fast. However, he did perform well in drills and definitely turned things around at Wisconsin’s Pro Day. He reportedly turned in a fantastic 4.38 time and, depending on how accurate it is, keeps him solidly in the Day One picture. In fact, he improved on all his physical tests at their Pro Day. His weight was at 204, a couple of pounds heavier then his Combine weight, which was already better than expected. Calhoun attributed his slow times at the Combine to a sore Achilles’ tendon and felt he had alleviated scouts concerns after his Pro Day. However, it is noteworthy that he never mentioned the injury in his Combine press conference. He commented about being eager to run and expecting a low 4.4 /high 4.3 time. He ran on AstroTurf at Wisconsin.

Day Two
Questions or weaknesses slightly overshadow the strengths enough that these guys could miss being the early picks they have the skills to be. Upside is limited by one or more of measurables, accomplishments, durability, or character.
Leon Washington (Florida State - 4SR) 5’8” 210 4.50 - Career stats
Talented, but undersized, all-purpose back in a year with an abundance of them hurts his value. A poor regular season hurt him more. However, since the season ended, he has done nothing but impress, from the Senior Bowl to the Combine. He tested out well in all the drills and the physical tests involving running or agility and always ran out the whole drill, regardless of the result. I also believe he did nothing but help himself in interviews. He presents himself well and projects a very positive and motivated image of himself. He stuck with his Combine numbers at FSU’s Pro Day and had added four pounds at the weigh in. I think he has done enough to overcome his disappointing performance in his final season, but also think he is definitely only being viewed as a third down back and special teams player. This will make it a stretch for a team to reach for him on Day One.

Andre Hall (South Florida - 4SR) 5’9” 205 4.52 - Career stats
A true sleeper, he continues to be overlooked by the media, but after his 40 time, scouts took notice. He stood by his 40 and most of his physical tests from the Combine, doing mostly just the drills at USF’s Pro Day. If he came from a top program and was two inches taller, I’d say he’d be a strong Day One candidate, but I still think he slips to the fourth round where he’ll be a steal for someone like the Broncos. He’s neck-and-neck with Leon Washington at the top of the Day Two tier, with a slight advantage to Washington for his versatility, but Hall has the better running game.

Wali Lundy (Virginia - 4SR) 5’10” 214 4.61 - Career stats
After disappearing from the Shrine Game, I viewed Lundy as more likely to go undrafted than have his name called. However, he bounced back from his freefall in a huge way at the Combine, posting some great numbers in the physical tests, led by a shocking 40 time and strong vertical. Not surprisingly, he stood on all his Combine numbers at Virginia’s Pro Day, just doing positional drills. I still think there are some serious questions about his ball security, durability, and motivation that will scare teams off, but his multi-purpose skills and tremendous nose for the end zone, combined with his impressive testing, should mean someone drafts him.


Borderline Day Two
This group has the upside that indicates they should be drafted, but they have concerns in one or more areas regarding measurables, durability, or character, as well as face getting caught in a numbers game – only so many RBs get drafted. Mike Bell (Arizona - 5SR) 6’0” 215 4.56 - Career stats
As expected, he demonstrated lack of both elite quickness and breakaway speed in the running tests. He was a bit slower at Arizona’s Pro Day, but improved on a couple of physical tests, including 21 reps on the bench. He does bring ideal size for a feature back and helped himself with solid performance in the drills. I think his effort and intangibles will find him drafted, but he doesn’t have the upside to hold a workhorse job for long if he ever gets the chance.

Wendell Mathis (Fresno State - 5SR) 6’0” 211 4.58 - Career stats
An all-star game snub, Mathis forced his way in the picture with an excellent Combine. He demonstrated better quickness and speed than expected in the Combine, with very good results in all the running tests. He hasn’t gotten much recognition, but most teams were present at FSU’s Pro Day, where he stood on his 40 time, but was successful again in the other tests, improving most of his Combine results, and looked good in drills. He looks like a late riser.

Quinton Ganther (Utah - 4SR) 5’10” 216 4.57 - Career stats
Previously overlooked, Ganther got noticed at the Combine with a very good 40 and an extremely impressive bench (29 reps), as well as solid performance in other tests. Although shorter than desired, he is an impressive physical specimen and his strength was expected to test well, but his speed was a surprise. His lack of recognition and sparse resume makes him hard to gauge, but his name will be in circulation in the late rounds.

Gerald Riggs Jr. (Tennessee - 4SR) 6’0” 218 4.55 - Career stats
He was unable to do any activities at the Combine as he still recovers from his severe right ankle injury, which required surgery he had on Halloween for a fracture and torn ligament to the ankle. The fact he was not ready for the Combine was alarming, but he alleviated no concerns in his press conference there when he offered the conflicting reports that he was still 3-4 weeks away from being able to run on it, but would do everything at Tennessee’s March 15th Pro Day. Not only did the math not work for him to even be ready on the Pro Day, but it gives him no time to train for it. So the only thing he could do at the Combine was get measured and weighed. Even that didn’t go well. He came in shorter than advertised and well over his playing weight, he didn’t appear in good shape. However, he redeemed himself a bit in that he was, in fact, ready for their Pro Day. He was five pounds lighter and performed in all tests and drills. While not overly impressive, he put up decent numbers in the tests, claiming to be “probably around 85 percent”. His 36.5-inch vertical was impressive, while his 9’7” long jump, 4.25 short shuttle and 7.15 three-cone were middle of the pack. His 17 reps on the bench were disappointing, especially for a player who should have been able to work on his upper body strength while impeded by a leg injury. While his Pro Day salvaged his draft value, in particular I was surprised he ran under 4.6, he still is no lock to be drafted.

Cedric Humes (VaTech - 5SR) 6’1” 231 4.52 - Career stats
Failed to build on the momentum he had from the Gator Bowl through the Senior Bowl. For a player who looks like an ideal physical specimen to play RB, his physicals tests at the Combine left a big gap between perception and reality. It wasn’t just his speed, which was one of the worst among RBs, he disappointed in several of the tests. However, he was three pounds lighter at Tech’s Pro Day and improved on most of numbers. With his size, that may have been enough to keep interest in him in Day Two. Still, after a brief climb, he is back to where he was when he ended the regular season: a guy who passes the eyeball test, but has too many questions about his actual skills and ability to successfully run at the next level.

De’Arrius Howard (Arkansas - 5SR) 6’0” 228 4.54 - Career stats
A Combine snub after a great Shrine Game, Howard is kept his name in circulation with an outstanding Pro Day. His speed reports were 4.55 or less, with the best a sub-4.5, as well as a solid vertical, decent quickness, and 20 reps on the bench. With disappointing testing by some of the big backs in this class, his solid display of quickness and speed makes a Day Two pick very likely.

Chris Barclay (Wake Forest - 4SR) 5’10” 180 4.50 - Career stats
One of the biggest snubs for the Combine, Barclay measured a little smaller than expected, but blew them away with his physical tests at Wake Forest’s Pro Day. In addition to blazing 40’s, he had a 40-inch vertical, a 10-foot long jump, 4.09 short shuttle, 6.65 three-cone drill, and 16 reps – all great numbers, including the reps relative to his size. With his upside as a kick returner, he offers enough value as a change of pace back to get serious consideration and be the rare back to get drafted without a Comb