2006 NFL Scouting Combine - Day 4
By: Staff

It was an extremely busy Sunday at the combine.

Wide receivers ran their 40 yard dashes and the times were very good news for a few prospects looking to improve their draft status. Florida's Chad Jackson put up the fastest time at 4.29. Will Blackmon, also working at defensive back, ran a 4.45 which may help get him a little bit higher than the late third early 4th round he is projected at right now. Derrick Hagan ran a 4.47 which he certainly has to be happy with as he had been slipping on draft boards as of late. Greg Jennings who came in with the tag of a big physical receiver but had some issues about his speed put those concerns to rest with a 4.41. Central Florida’s Brandon Marshall who has earned the nickname “Baby T.O.” checked in at a T.O. like 6’4 ½” and 229 pounds. Marshall also helped himself with a 4.50 time in the 40. San Diego State’s Jeff Webb, who caught 92 passes this past season along with 10 touchdowns, impressed the scouts with a 4.37. The other fast times belonged to Sinorice Moss who ran a 4.34 and Ben Obomano, Todd Watkins and Willie Reid who each ran a 4.41.

Marurice Stovall is getting a lot of buzz. The Notre Dame product measured in at 6’4 and 217 pounds and has apparently benefited from the advice of his college coach Charlie Weis who told Stovall to drop his weight and to work on being a more sudden receiver. Stovall ran a 4.58 in the 40 which is a very respectable time for a receiver his size.

The quarterbacks took the field today and Jay Cutler did nothing to dispel the notion that he will be at least a top fifteen pick in this draft. Charlie Whitehurst measured in at 6’4 ½” and 223 pounds and threw the ball well enough to stake a claim as the number four quarterback prospect. Marcus Vick is 6’ and 200 pounds and although he impressed with a 4.49 time in the 40, he is still generally considered a late second day pick. Vick seems to have good touch on his passes but lacks the hard throw his older brother possesses.

Speaking of hard throws, quarterbacks had their passes measured for speed and Furman’s Ingle Martin, who is opening some eyes this weekend, led all passers with a 65 mph throw. Jay Cutler checked in at 60 mph, Brodie Croyle threw it 58 mph, Alabama State’s Tarvaris Jackson manages 57 mph and Bruce Eugene threw the ball 55 mph.

Signal callers also ran the 40 and Reggie McNeal blazed an eye popping 4.37. Brad Smith, who is also working at receiver this week, ran a very nice 4.54. Popular sleeper Bruce Gradkowski ran a 4.59 and Ingle Martin’s 4.65 certainly helped further his stock.

There has been talk about the unconventional throwing motion of Omar Jacobs, but so far he has made the throws that count and will more than likely be the type of player some see as an intriguing prospect and others will see as an undraftable player.

The rest of the running backs went through field drills today including the 40 and a few players impressed like Leon Washington with a 4.40, Jerious Norwood ran a 4.40, Wendell Mathis posted a 4.50 and Derrick Ross of Tarleton State at 4.50.

The weekend may be over but there is still plenty more to come at the 2006 NFL Combine and Football’s Future is the place for up to date combine news.