Well we're almost half way through the week at the NFL Scouting Combine here in Indianapolis, and today was literally a media frenzy. Not only did most of the top quarterback, running back and wide receiver prospects speak, but so did Buffalo Bills C.O.O. Russ Brandon as well as offensive coordinator Turk Schonert.
But by now you've all heard what the Bills' affiliates have had to say, so now let's turn our focus to the players. Unfortunately Drew Willy did not make his way to the media room today, but I expect him first thing tomorrow.
You know the drill, e-mail me at JoeB@wgr550.com with any prospect questions.
Here's the facts you need to know about the prospects of the 2009 NFL Draft:
Quarterback: Curtis Painter, Purdue (6th-7th)
- Had a complete drop-off season. Coming in to the year was a potential 2nd or 3rd rounder, but was extremely inconsistent and lost the confidence of his coach in his senior season.
- He says he never lost the confidence in himself and his abilities, however.
Jason Boltus, Hartwick (6th-7th)
- Trying to make the jump to the NFL from a Division III school.
- Measured in at 6'2", 225 lbs.
- The Arizona Cardinals have talked to him.
Josh Freeman, Kansas State (2nd-3rd)
- A very, very big quarterback. Measured in at 6'6", 248 lbs.
- Says he's just being himself in this process and when talking to the teams, he's "shootin' 'em straight."
- During his junior year, became comfortable with audibles at the line of scrimmage.
- Josh says that even though he's a bigger quarterback, he's going to prove the scouts that he can provide a mobility to the quarterback position
Mark Sanchez, USC (1st)
- Played in a pro-style offense in college, most times lining up directly under center.
- He will be throwing at the combine, because he's a competitor. "It would kill me not to throw."
- During his trip to the podium, instead of trying to go by memory, Sanchez pulled out the card of the teams he would be meeting with in the next couple days and rattled them off. The list includes Cleveland, Miami, New York Jets, Seattle, Detroit, San Francisco, Kansas City, Minnesota, Washington, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville.
- Compared the team interview process to speed dating, where every two seconds they would sound a horn and you go to a different table.
- Had lunch with St. Louis head coach Scott Linehan.
- A self-proclaimed gym rat and hard worker.
Matthew Stafford, Georgia (1st)
- 6'2", 225 lbs.
- Will not throw or bench press at the combine, but will participate in all other workouts. He will throw at his pro day.
- Wants to make it as hard as possible on the coach to keep him out of the game during his rookie season. Stafford said he wouldn't be opposed to learning under a veteran however if that's what the team wanted.
- He told reporters that he will be signed and ready for training camp for whatever team drafts him. Says it's important to get in as soon as possible.
- "I don't expect anything. Just working out for all 32 teams, and whatever happens happens."
Nate Davis, Ball State (2nd-3rd)
- 6'1", 226 lbs.
- Thinks he's right up there with the best that the quarterback position has to offer.
- Has met with Kansas City head coach Todd Haley, and is scheduled to meet with the Bears.
- His favorite play at Ball State was called "Bunch Right 72 Double Post," and also said they scored a lot of touchdowns on that play.
- He said his biggest obstacle will be learning the playbook in such a short period of time.
Tight End: Dan Gronkowski, Maryland (4th-5th)
- Williamsville native
- Initially went to Maryland as a quarterback and then switched to tight end during his freshman season. "That was the first time I put my hand in the ground."
- Had 29 catches this past season.
- The Bills have contacted Gronkowski and he says they are "definitely interested." He spoke with the tight end coach.
- 6'5", 255 lbs.
- He's been told he ranges anywhere from the 3rd round to the undrafted route.
- Feels he specializes in blocking, but is comfortable with catching the football as well.
Running Back: Chris Wells, Ohio State (1st-2nd)
- The biggest thing the media focused on was his durability concerns. He says his foot injury from this past season "feels great" and that it's 100%.
- Plans to work out in all the drills this week.
- Feels he's the best running back in the draft.
- Measured in at 6'1", 235 lbs.
- Describes himself as a hybrid back that can take it the distance and also be the short-yardage tough-it-out type running back.
Gartrell Johnson, Colorado State (5th-6th)
- Called the combine experience "amazing." He's astounded by all the different athletes in the whole experience.
- Graduated in December
- 5'10", 219 lbs.
Ian Johnson, Boise State (5th-6th)
- Called the physicals and medical testing a "gauntlet" of sorts. He passed all the tests.
- Said that he's not just a good running back, but a football player. "I'm a guy that's going to figure it out no matter what the position, no matter what the team needs. So if it's special teams, I've played special teams. I'm good at special teams, I love special teams. I'll make a place for myself on any team I get to."
- Working on every aspect of his game, but especially focusing on pass protetction. "In the NFL the biggest thing is being able to protect that million dollar baby behind you."
- Hoping to run a 4.42 40-yard dash.
- 5'11", 212 lbs.
James Davis, Clemson (3rd-4th)
- 5'11", 218 lbs.
- Feels his strongest asset is that he can catch the ball out of the backfield.
- Plans to work out fully this week. Best 40-yard dash time he's ever had was a 4.4
Javon Ringer, Michigan State (2nd-3rd)
- 5'9", 205 lbs.
- Injured himself at the Senior Bowl. A small lateral meniscus tear, but is healthy enough to participate in all the drills this week.
- Isn't concerned with the wear and tear from this past season when he carried the ball a great number of times.
Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon (2nd-3rd)
- Played in a pro-style offense in high school, but in a spread offense in college.
- Suffered a torn ACL in his junior season. Feels totally healthy now, however.
- 5'8", 209 lbs. Thinks they cheated on his height, thought he was at least 5'9".
Knowshon Moreno, Georgia (1st)
- Measured in at 5'10", 217 lbs.
- Entered the draft because of financial reasons involved with his family.
- Plans to work out fully this week, and hopes to run a 4.4.
- Has been training with former Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson.
- His favorite running back is Walter Payton.
- Believes his route running and pass catching abilities is what separates him from the rest of the running backs.
LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh (1st-2nd)
- Battling the flu, was literally sniffling at the podium. LeSean even needed a break from talking to blow his nose. Lost ten pounds because of the virus. He weighed in at 198 pounds. Vomited on the plane to Indianapolis. "I didn't want to back off and not show up though. I thought that would be a cowardly move."
- Still hopes to participate in the workouts, but isn't sure he'll be able to.
Marlon Lucky, Nebraska (3rd-4th)
- Compared being medically examined at the combine to being a doll, pulled in every which way.
- Offers versatility as a pass-catching threat. Caught 75 passes in his junior season, but all his statistics dramatically diminished his senior year.
- Wants to work on picking up his legs during powerful runs.
- They've got him pegged as a 4.6, but he said he's never run that in his life. Hopes to run a 4.4.
- 5'11", 216 lbs.
P.J. Hill, Wisconsin (4th-5th)
- Thinks he has an advantage after going up against such stout defenses in the Big Ten.
- Is considerably smaller than most the running backs out of Wisconsin.
Shonn Greene, Iowa (2nd-3rd)
- 5'10", 227 lbs.
- Only started one year at Iowa, but rushed for 1,850 yards.
- A bit older of a prospect, turning 24 in August. He said that factored in to his decision to enter as a junior.
- Will partake in all the workouts.
- Considers himself as one of the best backs running between the tackles.
- Spent one year as a furniture salesman, completely away from football.
Wide Receivers: Austin Collie, BYU (2nd-3rd)
- 6'0", 200 lbs.
- Prides himself on consistency and reliability. Someone who can make a play on 3rd down to extend the drive.
- The Buffalo Bills have talked with Austin.
- Served his mission in Buenos Aires, Argentina for two years.
- Experienced in all facets of special teams. Willing to do whatever it takes to get on the field.
- 23 years old.
Brandon Gibson, Washington State (4th-5th)
- Won't be working out during the combine because of a hamstring injury, but hopes to in his private workout in April.
- Says that he's going to "turn some heads" at his workouts.
- A crisp route runner that was victimized by an extremely poor team ravaged by injuries at the quarterback position.
- 6'0", 210 lbs.
Brian Hartline, Ohio State (4th-5th)
- Felt he'd be more challenged by taking the step to the next level and entering as a junior.
- Says the two national championship losses will always sting.
- 6'1", 195 lbs.
- "It's always fun trying to prove people wrong or go against people that doubt you. But that's kind of the idea about sports, everyone gets doubted from day one." His response to whether or not his decision to enter early was the right one or not.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland (1st-2nd)
- Believes he is a "game-breaker."
- Both he and Maryland's coach Ralph Friedgen decided it was the right time to enter because he said "there wasn't anything more I could give to the program."
- Wants to run a comfortable 40 time, but not strain himself. His "comfortable" times are 4.3 or 4.4.
- The knock is on his hands.
- 6'2", 210 lbs.
- Aspires to be a film director.
Derrick Williams, Penn State (1st-2nd)
- 5'11", 194 lbs.
- Played quarterback in high school. Talking of his high school days "Every time I touched the ball I thought I felt I was a threat."
- Has premiere run-after-catch ability.
Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina (1st-2nd)
- Has spoken with 49ers, Titans, Broncos and the Vikings.
- Went to high school with fellow WR prospect Mohammed Massaquoi (Georgia).
- Compares his game to that of Cardinals' receiver Anquan Boldin.
- Coming off a huge bowl game performance, 8 receptions for 217 yards and 3 touchdowns. He believes it weighed heavily on his decision to enter early because it was nationally televised.
- 6'0", 212 lbs.
- Hopes to run in the low 4.4 range
Jeremy Maclin, Missouri (1st)
- Best 40-yard dash time is 4.31, but his goal is to run 4.29.
- He believes he brings speed, kick return skills, and high character to whatever team drafts him.
- Every time he touches the ball, he says "I look to the end zone," and later added "I'm a game-changer."
Kenny Britt, Rutgers (2nd-3rd)
- 6'2", 218 lbs.
- Left Rutgers early because he feels that he reached his peak at the college level.
- Feels he's improved every facet of his game since the season by training.
- Refuses to know what he runs in the 40-yard dash during training, only wants to know his result on Sunday.
- Kenny said the weirdest question he's been asked is, "Would you rather be a cat or a dog?" He doesn't like either animal.
Louis Murphy, Florida (3rd-4th)
- Andre Caldwell has helped brief Louis on what the combine would be like.
- Feels not being featured in the Florida offense helped in other assets, like his blocking ability.
- Wants to run the 40-yard dash, "fast."
Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (Top 10)
- 6'1", 215 lbs.
- Decided to enter early along with his family. Said everyone had a say in the decision.
- Won't workout at all in Indianapolis. He reserves that for his pro day on March 26th.
- Says he's only 90% right now because of an ankle injury, which led to the decision to skip the workouts.
- Working out with former Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson.
- Doesn't think his blocking will be a problem.
- Intended to play both football and basketball in college, saying after getting out of football practice he couldn't even think about going to the court because he was so tired.
- Played quarterback in high school.
- Doesn't have any concerns with transitioning in to the NFL.
Mike Thomas, Arizona (5th-6th)
- 5'7", 195 lbs., so he'll need to workout extremely well in order not to drop.
- Despite his height, he's confident in his abilities.
- Made this plea, "I'm a nice, good-looking man. Easy to please. I like to have fun. I love the game and I just want everybody to realize that."
Ramses Barden, Cal Poly (2nd-3rd)
- Coming from a small school, the Senior Bowl was a big step for him because it showed him that he deserved to be there with all the Division I football players.
- Recruited by Stanford, but wasn't offered a scholarship. Also recruited by some other Ivy League schools and the University of San Diego.
- Recruited in high school for basketball as well.
- Wouldn't change anything about where he attended school.
- Just wants an opportunity to play anywhere, no matter if it's in two feet of snow.
- By far, the tallest wide receiver at the combine at 6'6".
That's it from Indianapolis for today, check out my live blog during tomorrow's activities right here at WGR550.com.
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