2006 NFL Scouting Combine - Day 1
By: Staff

The job interview has begun!

The first crop of future NFL players converged on Indianapolis today kicking off the 2006 NFL Combine. Offensive linemen, running backs, place kickers and long snappers were the first group to go through the NFL’s version of a boot camp. Players were measured and weighed, had their hands measured as well as being tested for flexibility. Add that to the countless X-rays taken of each player and you have the makings of a very long day.

Two players expected to be taken in the top five were officially measured and weighed today. Reggie Bush was measured at 5’10 7/8” and 201 pounds. There was talk that Bush gained weight and would come in around 210-215. This wasn't the case, but shouldn't hurt his stock. He should still be the first player off the board on draft day. Top tackle prospect D’Brickashaw Ferguson came in at 6’6” and 312 pounds, fifteen pounds heavier than he was at the Senior Bowl. Ferguson continues to cement himself as a top five pick and is unlikely to get past the Jets at the fifth pick.

Other lineman who displayed good size; Jonathan Scott at 6'6 3/4" and 315 pounds and Marcus McNeill at 6'7 1/2" and 336 pounds.

A few players weighed in a little smaller then expected. Daryn Colledge, OT, Boise State came in at only 6'4" 299 pounds. Maurice Drew measured up at only 5'6-3/4" and won't have a chance to be a featured back at the next level.

The offensive linemen showed how many times they could lift 225 pounds and the top name on the list was a lineman from Virginia. No not D’Brickashaw Ferguson, it was none other than Will Montgomery of Virginia Tech who did 35 reps. Washington’s Robin Meadow did 29 reps. Minnesota’s Greg Eslinger did 28 reps as did New Mexico’s Terrence Pennington. Ohio State’s Rob Sims managed 27 reps and so did Oklahoma’s Chris Chester. Kansas State’s Jeromey Clary finished with 24 reps and Boise State’s Daryn Colledge managed just 21 reps.

More updates to come as news happens…look for it all here at Football’s Future.