2008 NFL Scouting Combine Preview - Players

Events | Schedule | Players to watch

The headline of the Combine will be Arkansas Razorback Darren McFadden who is deciding whether or not to run. He’s said that he doesn’t intend upon running, which is common for the upper echelon picks. Recent reports contradict the initial leak and say he’s undecided. For anyone who questions his work ethic, both he and Felix Jones are training 10 hours a day, 6 days a week to prepare for the draft season. Let’s just hope whatever McFadden decides, he brings his own pair of shoes, so a last minute change of heart doesn’t have him scrambling to borrow a pair, like Calvin Johnson a year ago.

Prospects Desperately Seeking Good Combines:

1. Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma. After a bad outing at the Senior Bowl with a bad case of the dropsies, he’ll need a stellar Combine to improve himself back to a first round guy. He’s not expected to come out and shine so anything in the 4.4’s will be good for him in the 40. If he can go out and participate in the bench press and put up some wowing numbers, it could be yet another way to impress scouts.

2. James Hardy, WR, Indiana. He’s probably the most intriguing prospect in the draft. He has outstanding height and supposedly has the speed to stretch the field. Most question his ability to separate at the next level, so if he runs in the 4.4’s, it’ll be a tremendous stock booster to a 6’7 receiver.

3. Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona. Some have him slated as a sure-fire first rounder while others think he can drop to the 3rd or even 4th round. If he can prove he can run with the big boys, he’ll almost definitely be a first rounder. While some believe he is strictly a Cover Two prospect, I like his versatility to play man and zone and have him slated as a borderline first rounder.

4. Kevin Smith, HB, UCF. A back that ran for nearly 2500 yards and is still a projected 3rd rounder. Teams are afraid he won’t be able to take runs the distance and feel he won’t be able to get through the holes before they close. A solid 40 time or added weight will give his running style an identity which will move him back into the second round where he belongs.

5. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. Sweed is a big receiver who suffered a wrist injury. He went for the first few days of practice with an injury far from 100% but played fairly well until he reinjured it. I’m projecting a very bad Combine time, something in the area of Dwayne Jarrett. If he can prove me wrong, he’ll bounce up into the second, maybe even first round.

6. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State. Like Paul Posluszny last year, teams are questioning Connor’s athleticism. They will question his straight line speed as well as his ability to move laterally. A great combine will solidify him as a top 15 selection because there are very few top end linebackers.

7. Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (FL). Phillips had an average junior season and will need an outstanding Combine to guarantee moving back into the top ten of this draft. Many are even projecting a player of with his physical tools as a second rounder.

5 Prospects Who Should Impress at the Combine:

1. Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State. He’s a freak and will surely impress at the upcoming Combine. He can bench over 450 pounds and by looking at his monstrous arms, you’ll hardly be surprised. On top of that, he’ll supposedly run a great Combine. It’ll bump him into the range where the Jets are selecting.

2. DeSean Jackson, WR, California. Will threaten to run the fastest 40 time in the draft in the upcoming Combine. Also consider he’s a lethal weapon on special teams and he’ll likely go in the early portion of the first round after the Combine.

3. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. He’s built very thick and muscular and is expected to run a great 40. Imagine a 230 pound back running low 4.4’s. Think Chris Henry with more power and more production.

4. Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. Playing under the shadow of Darren McFadden, he’ll finally have the opportunity to shine. He’s a back that can hit top speed soon and he’s been working out all day every day. He’ll get his time to shine through a variety of events that suit his speed, explosiveness, and body control.

5. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. His explosiveness and suddenness showed at the Senior Bowl. His change of direction is also something special. Should he participate in the full slate of events, he’ll move up into the top fifteen for sure and likely even the top ten.