COMBINE REPORTS: #9

As the excitment amps up for Saturdays performances more & more cancelations & proclemations keep pouring in. We here at "COLD DRAFT 2007" will do our best to keep you updated!

Russell will sit, Peterson and Lynch will perform

The bad news, JaMarcus Russell announced he won't perform any drills this weekend at the combine.The good news, Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch will perform all combine drills including the 40-yard dash. Both players said they expect to run in the 4.3-4.4 range.

http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/2007/02/russell-will-sit-peterson-and-lynch.html

COMBINE REPORTS: #8

"COLD DRAFT 2007" continues its ongoing coverage of the 2007 Indianapolis based NFL COMBINE! Here is another report on who I believe is the top prospect, overall, for this Aprils NFL DRAFT! Thanks again to the people over at http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/2007/02/calvin-johnson-weighs-in-at-239-pounds.html

HOW MUCH??

Calvin Johnson weighed in at 239 pounds this morning. He was the heaviest receiver at the combine. It will be interesting to see if someone his size can actually run a 4.33 40, as he was reported to do during workouts last week. Last year Vernon Davis wowed everyone at the combine with a 4.38 40 after weighing in at 250 pounds.

COMBINE REPORTS: #7

Scott Wright's "NFL DRAFT COUNTDOWN' reports on some of the "goings-on's" of the NFL COMBINE. Keep it tuned here to get the latest from this event on "COLD DRAFT 2007".

"The Coin Flip"• Everyone knew that the much-anticipated coin flip between Cleveland and Tampa Bay for the #3 pick would take place during the Combine but nobody knew exactly when. Well wonder no longer because we officially have a date and time! The flip will actually take place Friday morning (Feb. 23rd) at 6:45am CT / 7:45am ET. I will post the result here as soon as I get them.

BROWNS WIN COIN TOSS! They will now pick 3rd over all.

Central Michigan OT Joe Staley, who many felt might be the star of the Combine from an offensive line standpoint, will not workout in Indy because he tweaked his hamstring and isn't 100%. Staley will instead wait for the Chippewas Pro Day on March 15.

Adrian Peterson to Run, Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson may indeed run in Indy and may really impress.

Dwayne Jarrett Won't?• Southern Cal WR Dwayne Jarrett will wait for his Pro Day.

COMBINE REPORTS: #6

DAY #1 COMBINE NOTES

The first day of the NFL Combine isn't usually characterized as exciting. I think a better description would be "clinical. The action will definitely heat up this weekend when the actual physical portion of the process kicks into gear. For now we will have to be happy with notes on interviews & measurements of some the prospects physical attributes.

Thursday marked the arrival of the linemen, tight ends, and special teams to Indianapolis's NFL Combine & here are some of the stats & notes on those players.

Joe Thomas, Wisconsin: Definitely a top 5 prospect, if not a top 2, was present & measured in at 6’6”5/8ths and weight at 311 pounds. Thomas stated during team interviews, that himself and his style of play could be described as, “I think I’m a technician.” When the prospect was asked how he would feel about being drafted by the Lions, he replied, “I’d love to play for Detroit.”

Levi Brown, Penn State, was present & measured in at 6’5”1/2 and 323 pounds. There is no doubt that Brown will be the next tackle off the board after Thomas. Scouts realized that Levi had weighed in a little lighter than his team has listed . Many speculated that Brown may be trying to show teams of his commitment to his career and show up in the shape and ready to work. Not a bad idea!

Ryan Kalil, Center, has been questioned that he may not be able to be as successful at the next level, like he was at the College Level. He measured 6’2”3/4 and weighed in at 299. Kalil put on an impressive ten pounds. Improving his weight from the Senior Bowl. All & all it was thought that Kalil was considered very impressive in his Combine debut. He just very well be the top center selected in the April draft.

Greg Olsen, Miami, Many regard him as the best player at the Tight End position in the 2007 Draft Class. Scouts also compare his style of play to that of Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey. Olsen measured in at 6’5”7/8 and 254 pounds. NICE!

Ben Patrick, Delaware, Fellow Tight End Greg Olsen may very well want to look back over his shoulder at young Mr. Patrick. Many scouts have called him the next Vernon Davis style Tight End. He measured in 6’3”1/8 and 252, the same as "Vernon Davis’ measurements! Patricks athletic ability is said to be the equivalent also.

The most stand out measurement of the Combine so far? Chase Johnson, O-lineman, Wyoming, HEIGHT:6’8”1/2!!! WHERE DO THEY FIND THESE GUYS????

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #11

Raiders cut ties with Brooks after one season

ESPN.COM is reporting that the Oakland Raiders have parted ways with enigmatic Quarter Back "Aaron Brooks". It was hoped that the grouping of Brooks, Moss & Porter would warrant another trip to the Super Bowl for the Raider Nation. But, injuries, horrible performances & a total franchise meltdown prevented this from ever occurring. Brooks virtually had no positive impact for the Raiders & showed only a continuing trend of on field miscues & unpredictable performances that baffled & frustrated the coaching staff, much the same way he did to Jim Haslette & the New Orleans Saints franchise.

Why is this important to the NFL Draft you ask? Well, if you happen to be an Oakland Raiders fan than it pretty much determines that "Old Man Al" & new head coach "Lance Kiffen" have made up their minds & decided to go with a QB for the #1 over all pick in April. Odds say that it is LSU QB, JaMarcus Russell! Of course, nothing is set in stone...but this one is almost a sure lock for #1.

Here is the article from ESPN.COM
ESPN.com news serviceshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2775325

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #10

Here is another hot & juicy rumor being reported by http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/2007/02/falcons-to-shop-schaub.html. Again, it may very well determine how my beloved Vikes approach this Aprils NFL Draft.

As always feel free to post your opinions here.

Falcons to shop Schaub

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the Falcons will look to trade QB Matt Schaub. Schaub, a restricted free agent, is expected to receive a one-year tender of $2 million and compensation attachment of a first and third pick to prevent teams from signing him as a free agent. Since Schaub will become an unrestricted free agent in 2008, the Falcons will shop the talented back up quarterback around the league this off-season. They could net a second or third rounder. The Vikings, Raiders, and Texans are all possible trade partners for Schaub

COMBINE REPORTS: #5

WHAT'S A WONDERLIC???

Ok True Believers! I’m sure we are all excited to hear about the Combine Reports from all of the invitees. We all know they are put through a barrage of physical tests to give us a clue about their “measurables”. But, what many people don’t know is that these players mental abilities are tested, too. How you ask? They are all administered a test referred to as “The Wonderlic” test.

If you followed last years draft, NFL hopeful “Vince Young”, now the starting QB of the Tennessee Titans, scored a whopping “6” out of 50!!! Yeah that set off quite a furor for us Draft Buffs. Was he capable of running an NFL offense? Does he even have the ability to walk & talk at the same time? The bashing continued until he was “retested” due to a “mistake” in grading the first test. Mr. Young “retested” & scored an “11”!!! WOW!! This, of course, did nothing to quite the roar that soon became laughter. But, it appears that the last laugh is Vince Young’s. Who’d a thunk?

I couldn’t resist posting a sample for you guys when I read it over at http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6487846. Thanks Peter Schrager!

If you guys are interested and want to throw your hat in the ring, then set your watch for “2 minutes and forty seconds”, and have a pencil & paper ready! Answer all 12 questions (I only answered 9!) & then take the number you have correct, times “4.16” to find your score.
If you want to take the real/full test then go to “Wonderlic.com”.
Ready?
GO!!!!
1. Assume the first 2 statements are true. Is the final one:
1. True
2. False
3. Not certain
The boy plays baseball. All baseball players wear hats. The boy wears a hat.

2. Paper sells for 21 cents per pad. What will 4 pads cost?

3. How many of the five pairs of items listed below are exact duplicates?
Nieman, K.M. Neiman,
K.M.Thomas, G.K. Thomas,
C.K.Hoff, J.P. Hoff,
J.P.Pino, L.R. Pina,
L.R.Warner, T.S. Wanner, T.S.

4. PRESENT, RESENT — Do these words:
1. Have similar meanings
2. Have contradictory meanings
3. Mean neither the same nor opposite

5. A train travels 20 feet in 1/5 second. At this same speed, how many feet will it travel in three seconds?

6. When rope is selling at $.10 a foot, how many feet can you buy for sixty cents?

7. The ninth month of the year is:
1. October
2. January
3. June
4. September
5. May

8. Which number in the following group of numbers represents the smallest amount?
7
.8
31
.33
2

9. In printing an article of 48,000 words, a printer decides to use two sizes of type. Using the larger type, a printed page contains 1,800 words. Using smaller type, a page contains 2,400 words. The article is allotted 21 full pages in a magazine. How many pages must be in smaller type?

10. Three individuals form a partnership and agree to divide the profits equally. X invests $9,000, Y invests $7,000, Z invests $4,000. If the profits are $4,800, how much less does X receive than if the profits were divided in proportion to the amount invested?

11. Assume the first two statements are true. Is the final one: 1. True2. False3. Not certain
Tom greeted Beth. Beth greeted Dawn. Tom did not greet Dawn.

12. A boy is 17 years old and his sister is twice as old. When the boy is 23 years old, what will be the age of his sister?

Time's up.
How'd you do? Check the answers below, and multiply the amount you got right by 4.16.

1. True 2. 84 cents 3. 1 4. 3 5. 300 feet 6. 6 feet 7. September 8. .33 9. 17 10. $560 11. not certain 12. 40 years old

For the curious…I scored 7 out of 12. So, 7x4.16=29.12. Hey! 29 out of 50 is above average!!! If you are brave enough, post your score for us all to see.

COMBINE REPORTS: #4

COLD DRAFT 2007 brings you some Good news from the boys over at http://www.gbnreport.com/!

Sooners back to run in Indy

One of the big issues every year at the combine is whether the top stars will actually workout as many prefer to wait until their respective on-campus pro days. One player who reportedly isn’t going to pass on the opportunity to impress pro scouts this weekend is Oklahoma junior RB Adrian Peterson who says he will be running this weekend. Indeed, Peterson, who has a chance to be a top 5 pick this coming April, was quoted as saying that he wants to run under 4.3 in the 40-yard dash this week. Peterson will get his chance on Sunday morning when the RBs take to the field with the QBs and WRs for their on-field workout

COMBINE REPORTS: #3

Ever wonder how the NFL Combine is set up schedule wise? Me too. Thanks to the folks over at http://www.gbnreport.com/scoutsnotebook.htm we can now pear behind the curtain & see the actual mechanations of this event.

THE SCHEDULE

Players are divided into four groups of players with each grouping scheduled to go through four days of testing. The first day players go-through orientation and have x-rays taken; the second day involves height and weight measurements as well as full medicals; the third day includes strength testing; while the fourth day is devoted to on-field activities including athletic tests such as the 40-yard dash as well as individual positional drills. The first group to start includes the offensive linemen as well as TEs and specialists who start their four-day rotation on Wednesday; that puts this group on the field on Saturday; the second group which starts Thursday includes QBs, RBs and WRs; the third group which starts Friday includes defensive linemen and LBs, while the final group which starts on Saturday and runs through Tuesday, include the corners and safeties.
On-field tests at the combine include the 40-yard dash; vertical jump; broad jump; 3-cone drill; 20-yard shuttle; and 60-yard shuttle. Other off-field testing includes the bench press as well as Cybex and Wonderlic tests. The Cybex test measures players joint flexibility and strength and is a key test for players who have had knee, ankle or shoulder injuries in the past. Meanwhile, the Wonderlic test is a 50-question intelligence test.
Of course, not all players will choose to participate in all activities, especially the on-field speed and agility tests and positional drills, opting instead to wait until their particular team’s pro date where they can workout in more comfortable surroundings. In particular, many top prospects, opt not to run the 40, in part because of concerns that the track in Indianapolis is slow. Yahoo Sports Murphy, though, reports that the numbers do not agree with that as a total of 29 players ran sub-4.4 times in the 40-yard dash on the old combine in 2004 and 2005. And last year's newly installed FieldTurf surface produced similar results as at least 18-20 players were timed at or below 4.4 range a year ago according to official times.

COMBINE REPORTS: #2

In an effort to keep the faithful readers of "COLD DRAFT 2007" up to date & educated on the goings on inside the NFL prior to draft we bring you an article by http://www.nfl.com/combine/story/9999801" GIL BRANDT. This is a piece that brings us up to speed on the origins of the NFL COMBINE. Remember the Combine is tomorrow, 02/21/2007!!!!

Birth of the Combine

Do you remember Nolan Cromwell, the defensive back/special teams ace who played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1977-87? As we prepare to cover the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine, we can all thank Cromwell for getting the process started in the first place. Let's explain…
Before 1977, there was no organized "combine" -- each NFL team would bring in college prospects for interviews and medical evaluations. There were no workouts -- the medical evaluation was really the key component.
Well, Cromwell was a hot prospect out of Kansas -- problem is, he tore up his knee midway through his senior year. So when it came time for evaluations, Cromwell made the rounds like all the other prospects. He came to the Dallas Cowboys' complex following an overnight flight from Seattle. Dallas was probably the 11th team he was meeting with, so when he ran into Cowboys general manager Tex Schramm in the elevator, he had 10 different sets of X-rays tucked under his arm.
Cromwell ended up being drafted in the second round by the Rams and making it to four Pro Bowls, but his pre-draft endeavor had another impact on NFL history.
After he saw Cromwell in that elevator with those X-rays, Schramm just shook his head and said, "There's got to be a better way."
And since Schramm was on the NFL's Competition Committee, he worked to find that better way. A year later, there were actually three plans in place to have combined evaluations. BLESTO and United (now known as National) were two groups that had a roster of teams coming together. A third group consisted of the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders.
Our group had a two-day event in which players were brought in on a Friday and put through the physical evaluation process -- of course, it wasn't nearly as comprehensive as it is today. After finishing up the physicals on Saturday morning, they spent about two hours putting players through workouts. By workouts, we're talking about the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, long jump, hop-step-and-jump. It was very limited compared to what it's grown into.
Eventually, the league was able to further "combine" its efforts in the evaluation process. In 1982, the National Invitational Camp -- better known as the NFL Scouting Combine -- was held in Tampa, Fla., and attended by 163 players. After stints in New Orleans and Phoenix, the Scouting Combine moved to Indianapolis in 1987 and has been there ever since. And the number of prospects in attendance has risen to well over 300.
How has the process changed since the early days? If Nolan Cromwell were a prospect this year, all of his workouts and evaluations would be on one disk, for any of the 32 NFL clubs to study. He would have X-rays taken at the Combine -- along with MRIs and countless other physical tests -- and that information would be available to all the teams. One-stop shopping. Of course, NFL teams these days can never be too thorough, so after the Combine there will be college pro days and club visits. But the Combine remains an invaluable resource leading up to the draft.

DRAFT RUMOR: ISSUE #9

COLD DRAFT 2007 is reporting yet another rumor that has surfaced involving some major players in the NFL. Again, I don't know how much stock I would put in this move. But, it is said there is some truth in every lie. Let's take a look to see what the folks at http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/ are saying!

Broncos' Bell, Plummer for Houston's first?

The Denver Post is floating a rumor which has the Broncos sending Jake Plummer, Tatum Bell, and draft picks to the Texans in exchange for Houston's first round pick (8th overall). This sounds like pure speculation from the writer, but we felt we'd pass it along in case it has more substance. It also suggests that Bell is on the block and Plummer has certainly played his last down as a Broncos QB. The Broncos are rumored to want Adrian Peterson and they'll need a trade like this to have any shot at him. Although, if Peterson is available at the 8th spot, the Texans would jump at the chance to grab him, which makes this trade scenario even less likely

COMBINE REBPORTS: #1

As you are all aware, 02/21/07 is the “NFL COMBINE”! Traditionally The Combine is a great way for College Prospects to strut their stuff for NFL scouts & possibly improve their rankings in the NFL Draft. However, every so often we see a player opt not to perform in certain drills at the Combine and some decide to opt out completely. This can be due to injury or a myriad of other reasons. Either way we here at “COLD DRAFT 2007” will do our best to keep you abreast of all the action! Here is the latest!

Ginn to skip drills at combine (http://www.footballsfuture.com/news/)

Ted Ginn Jr announced he will not workout at the combine since his sprained left foot is not fully healed.
"Right now, I'm just going to weigh in, get my height measured, and take care of things like that," Ginn said over the phone on Friday. "I tried to get ready for Indy, but it wasn't a good time for me. I just have to wait for the next time."
Ginn hopes his ankle will allow him to work out during Ohio State's Pro Day on March 10th.