2006 NFL Scouting Combine - Day 2
By: Staff

Day two at the combine and there’s plenty of news to report.

We mentioned how this was like a job interview and D’Brickashaw Ferguson took that literally. He showed up to his one on one interviews wearing a shirt and tie. Ferguson said he wanted to do whatever he could to impress the people who were interviewing him.

Quartebacks were measured today and Matt Leinart, generally listed at 6’5” was measured just a sliver under that at 6’4 7/8”. Leinart shared the honor of tallest quarterback with Fresno State’s Paul Pinegar.

While Leinart and Vince Young have understandably chosen not to work out in Indianapolis, Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst has also decided to pass on workouts this weekend. That’s a curious decision considering this will be Whitehurst’s biggest opportunity to impress a large group of scouts and personnel people. Jay Cutler will take part in all the QB workouts this weekend.

A rumor making the rounds is that Oregon receiver Demetrius Williams will not run the 40-yard dash. That could be a mistake on his part considering speed is his game and could help determine a higher draft position.

After yesterday’s talk about Reggie Bush appearing a bit underweight (although taller than expected) and Maurice Drew coming in shorter than expected (although thicker and more chisled than many had thought), size would appear to be an issue for some teams and not an issue for some others. Today’s measurements saw Jeremy Bloom, who made the trip from the Olympics in Italy, weigh in as the lightest receiver at 173 pounds. Meanwhile quarterback Bruce Eugene arrived at a fullback ready 260 pounds.

USC running back LenDale White weighed in at 238 pounds, up a few pounds from his playing weight. That’s not much to worry about at this point because weights typically fluctuate at this point and it will be more important what he weighs a the USC pro day on April 2nd.

Penn State's Michael Robinson, Texas A&M's Reggie McNeal, Georgia's D.J. Shockley, Virginia Tech's Marcus Vick, Missouri's Brad Smith and Texas State's Barrick Nealy are all quarterbacks that will also work out at another position and versatility could mean the difference between being a first or second day pick.

More bench press today and group two of the offensive lineman showed what they have. Fred Matua helped his cause with 28 reps. Max Jean-Gilles was right behind that with 27 reps. Mike Degory and Nick Mangold each completed 24 reps but the top lifter of the day was Charles Spencer with 30. The running backs also showed their strength and while guys like Brian Calhoun, Joseph Addai and Maurice Drew each managed 18 reps., Utah back Quinton Ganther bench pressed 225 pounds an impressive 29 times.

Saturday is the biggest day at the combine when the 40 yard dash will begin. This always provides plenty of story lines so stay tuned to Football’s Future for more continuing coverage.