Pro-Day Workouts

[BernietheKid]

Cleveland Browns prepping for a busy week of pro day workouts nationwide

Published: Monday, March 07, 2011, 11:53 PM Updated: Tuesday, March 08, 2011, 12:03 AM

By Tony Grossi, The Plain Dealer


Michael Conroy / Associated Press
California defensive end Cameron Jordan raised eyebrows at the recent NFL combine, and could be a target of Browns talent evaluators this week at the Bears' pro day on Wednesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As NFL free agency remains frozen in the league's labor imbroglio, team personnel departments are locked in on the pre-draft scouting season.
Good thing, too, because the pro day workouts are coming fast and furious.

About two dozen major college programs have pro day workouts this week – often at different locations at the same time. These schools have about 20 players projected for the first round of the draft working out for close inspection by NFL teams.

The Browns will be making the rounds, dividing their team executives, scouts and coaches to get multiple looks at players.

Browns President Mike Holmgren said he still enjoys scouting and visiting with quarterbacks and intends to attend some of the pro days. With Colt McCoy anointed the team's starter and Seneca Wallace re-signed to a three-year contract, it's likely that Holmgren will be looking for a developmental quarterback possibly to displace Jake Delhomme.

The Browns' primary needs, of course, are at defensive line, wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, offensive tackle and backup running back. Here's a list of this week's pro day workouts and possible players of interest to the Browns.

Tuesday

Arkansas: Quarterback Ryan Mallett has a first-round arm. Offensive tackle DeMarcus Love is a mid-round developmental player.

Auburn: This one should draw all the NFL scouts with defensive tackle Nick Fairley and quarterback Cam Newton on display. There's also long and lanky receiver Darvin Adams and offensive tackle Daniel Ziemba, projected for rounds 2 or 3.

Oklahoma: Defensive end Jeremy Beal is an undersized pass rusher who might remind Browns GM Tom Heckert of Philadelphia's Trent Cole.

Wednesday

Alabama: Browns figure to be front and center at the Crimson Tide workout. Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus; receiver Julio Jones, fresh off his torrid combine clockings; and late-round, gym-rat quarterback Greg McElroy should be of interest. Mark Ingram also should garner a crowd for those looking for running back in the first round.

California: Somebody from the Browns has to attend to get a close look at rising defensive end Cameron Jordan. Other prospects include pass-catching running back Shane Vereen, middle linebacker Mike Mohamed and free safety Chris Conte.

Colorado: This is Cornerback U. this year with two potential NFL starters in Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith. Both will go before the third round. First-round offensive tackle Nate Solder is also on hand.

Oklahoma State: Persons of interest to the Browns include scatback Kendall Hunter, middle linebacker Orie Lemon and defensive end Ugo Chinasa.

Texas A&M: Outside linebacker Von Miller is considered one of the best pass rushers in the draft and a perfect fit for Arizona's new 3-4 look at No. 5. If he's available at No. 6, he's got to be considered by the Browns, too.

Wisconsin: Defensive end J.J. Watt was the player chosen for the Browns in Mel Kiper Jr.'s last mock draft. Quarterback Scott Tolzien needs to find some zip on the ball to avoid undrafted status.

Thursday

Clemson: Top-rated defensive end DaQuan Bowers won't work out until April 1 to give his injured knee time to heal. Other prospects who could intrigue the Browns are defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins, mid-round cornerback Marcus Gilchrist and late-round corner Byron Maxwell.

Miami: Two cornerbacks of note are Brandon Harris -- perhaps the draft's third-best -- and DeMarcus Van Dyke, whose 4.25 40 time at the combine was the fourth-best all time. Also, defensive end Allen Bailey is considered a potential first-round pick.

Mississippi State: Two mid-to-late-round linebackers to look at, Chris White and K.J. Wright.

Nebraska: Prince Amukamara, cornerback, requests the honor of your presence at his royal workout.

Friday

Ohio State: Defensive end Cameron Heyward will be the first Buckeye taken in the draft, but he won't work out until March 30 to give his surgically repaired left elbow more time. The Browns may want to look, anyway, at weakside linebacker Ross Homan, undersized linebacker and safety prospect Brian Rolle, running back Brandon Saine, receiver Dane Sanzenbacher and speedy cornerback Chimdi Chekwa.

Purdue: Defensive end Ryan Kerrigan is in the group of eight or nine defensive ends expected to go in the first round.

Texas Christian: Quarterback Andy Dalton would be a good fit in the Browns' West Coast offense. He's projected anywhere from the third to the fifth round.

Cleveland Browns prepping for a busy week of pro day workouts nationwide | cleveland.com

[YtownBacker]

ESPN was showing Fairley's workout and I saw Heckert in the background. Todd MCShay said his workout was awesome. He weighed in at 296 and lost no explosiveness with the extra 5 pounds. Said he could easily put on another 5+ pounds and be just as explosive.

[BernietheKid]

NFL | Ryan Mallett's stock rising
Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:04 -0800
Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett's stock may be rising after an impressive pro day Tuesday, March 8, in which he showed he can make all of the necessary throws, according to NFL.com's Bucky Brooks. Mallett struggled a bit with putting the ball on the right shoulder, but his arm strength was displayed on his deep throws. Mallett's footwork was also solid in the pocket, but his slow 40 time shows he won't be much of a scrambler at the next level.
Source: NFL.com - Bucky Brooks


NFL | Ryan Mallett has slow 40 time
Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:29:42 -0800
Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett turned in a 40-yard dash time of 5.37 seconds during his school's pro day Tuesday, March 8, but improved his vertical jump by two inches to 26 inches, according to NFL.com. He weighed in at 247 pounds after measuring 6-foot-6 at the NFL Combine. His broad jump was 8 feet, 7 1/4 inches.
Source: NFL.com

Read more: NFL News and Rumors - Hot off the Wire Fantasy Football News

[Brown Warrior]

Georgia's pro day is March 22nd, BTW.

[BernietheKid]

An early rundown of Auburn’s pro day numbers
By Gil Brandt |


Published: March 8th, 2011 | Tags: Auburn pro day, Cam Newton, Nick Fairley

AUBURN, Ala. — I’ll have more later on when we wrap up the busy day of workouts, but here are some initial numbers regarding the 22 players being showcased at Auburn’s pro day, which is being held outdoors on grass:

– QB Cam Newton, the main attraction at this pro day, weighed in at 244 pounds and, as expected, stood on his numbers from the NFL Scouting Combine.
– DT Nick Fairley, the co-main attraction, weighed in at 297. He stood on his combine numbers and was unable to do the bench press because of a right shoulder injury.
– WR Darvin Adams (6-foot-1 7/8, 194) stood on his times at the combine.
– DL Mike Blanc (6-2 ½, 281) ran a 5.0-second 40-yard dash. He was not at the combine.
– WR Kodi Burns (6-0 1/8, 206) ran a 4.7 40. He was not at the combine.
– LB Josh Bynes (6-1 5/8, 240) ran a 4.80 40. He was not at the combine.
– DE Antoine Carter (6-3 3/8, 259) ran 4.79 in the 40.
– S Zac Etheridge (5-11 1/4, 201) ran a 4.63 40.
– RB Mario Fannin weighed in at 229 and stood on his combine times.
– DB Demond Washington (5-8, 180) ran a 4.43 40.
– WR Terrell Zachery (5-11 ¼, 205) rab a 4.44 40.
– OL Lee Ziemba ran a 5.50 40.

NFL.com Blogs » Blog Archive An early rundown of Auburn’s pro day numbers «

[BernietheKid]

Mallett a first-rounder after pro day workout?

By Bucky Brooks |

Published: March 8th, 2011 | Tags: Ryan Mallett,

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Ryan Mallett’s workout Tuesday at Arkansas’ pro day could propel him back into the first round.

The junior was absolutely sensational during the workout, and his natural talent is unrivaled in this year’s draft. As a strong-armed passer, Mallett easily makes all of the requisite throws in the pro game. He had little trouble putting the ball on the proper shoulder with velocity and zip. His arm strength, touch and accuracy also stood out on deep throws. His high-arcing throws consistently hit receivers in stride 40-45 yards down field, but he also showed the ability to adjust the arc and trajectory of his throws to match the speed of his intended receiver.

Mallett’s footwork and fundamentals were sound in the pocket, as he quickly sets up and comes to balance following three-, five- or seven-step drops. His natural rhythm comes from his extensive experience running a pro-style attack, and he shouldn’t have any problem transitioning to the next level from a physical standpoint.

When looking for a flaw in Mallett’s workout, I would have to point to his disappointing athleticism. He ran a slow 5.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash and only registered a 26-inch vertical. Those numbers indicate that he will struggle escaping the pocket and that he isn’t a threat to run.

However, everyone who watched the game tape understood that fact going into the workout, and only wanted to see how well Mallett could reset his feet and throw on time. He didn’t really get a chance to showcase those skills in this controlled workout, but he will need to show those skills in private workouts.

If he can address that flaw and the looming character concerns, Mallett could hear his name called at the end of the first round.

NFL.com Blogs » Blog Archive Mallett a first-rounder after pro day workout? «

[Brown Warrior]

Mixed reviews for Cam. Tough to really nail down a #1 overall... but if Gabbert tears up his Pro Day, I bet it's him.


Cam Newton goes 50-for-60 at Tuesday Pro Day

Posted by Evan Silva on March 8, 2011, 6:35 PM EST

At 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Cam Newton finally took the field for passing drills at Auburn’s Pro Day.

The results were mixed.

Newton connected on 50-of-60 passes, which is a substandard “completion percentage” for an elite quarterback prospect at an on-campus workout. For comparison, Matt Ryan was 48-of-52 at Boston College’s Pro Day in 2008, and Sam Bradford went 49-for-50 last March.

Watching the entire workout, PFT counted three blatant drops. Two or three more of Newton’s incompletions hit his receiver in the hands, but would’ve been difficult to secure.

There were four bad overthrows on which Newton either simply threw the football way too far downfield for his target to have a chance, or his pass sailed much too high.

It’s worth noting that immediately after Newton’s 60 throws, Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt personally put the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner through more under-center drills and was spotted shaking Newton’s hand.

By no measure was this Pro Day outstanding. CBS Sports draft analyst Rob Rang gave Newton a “B,” conceding that he “would’ve given Newton a ‘D’” for his Combine workout. SI.com draft analyst Tony Pauline rated Newton’s workout “solid, not spectacular.”

Still, the general consensus is that Newton has made major strides since the Combine. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock had the most glowing review of Tuesday’s Pro Day.

“This kid can drive the football,” said Mayock. “He can drive it on the deep, outbreaking comeback, he can drive it on the inbreaking Bang-8 or dig route.

“He can make every throw.”

[Solon16]

Brian Rolle a safety prospect? hmmmmm did he run a 4.55 or something?

[Sez.EJ]

Dan Marino ran a SEVEN second 40 at the combine.. He moved just fine in the pocket.. I'm not worried about a 40 time for a qb..really.. is he accurate throwing and a quick release... that's my guy.

[BernietheKid]

Newton’s pro day shows why he should go No. 1


By Gil Brandt |

Published: March 8th, 2011 | Tags: Cam Newton, Auburn pro day, Carolina Panthers, Nick Fairley, Ron Rivera, Zach Clayton

AUBURN, Ala. — Cam Newton had told me earlier Tuesday that he let me down at the
NFL Scouting Combine and that he’d make up for it during his personal workout.

Consider Newton a man of his word. And if I’m the Panthers, I would take this quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick.

The main attraction of Auburn’s pro day put on quite the show before representatives from all 32 teams (approximately 125 personnel folks), including five head coaches — Ron Rivera (Panthers), John Fox (Broncos), Marvin Lewis (Bengals), Ken Whisenhunt (Cardinals), and Pat Shurmur (Browns).

Newton threw 60 scripted passes — all from under center — and missed on just six of them. Two of his throws were too high, and in four cases he led the receiver too far. Still, Newton was so much more accurate than he was at the combine. He has a tendency to throw high, but the fact that he was throwing to his own receivers was an asset.


I’ve got to give Newton even more credit for his performance, considering he dealt with windy conditions inside the stadium. The improvement in Newton’s accuracy was impressive on that basis alone.

Look, we could criticize players to the point that we’ll find holes in almost anybody’s game. And since Newton is such a polarizing figure, that seems to be the case. So expect the evaluations of his workout to be all across the board.

But, like I said, he was so much better today than he was in Indianapolis. And if I was Carolina, I’d pull the trigger and draft this kid No. 1.

An interesting side note: Newton and his agents, Tony Paige and Bus Cook, had dinner with the Buffalo Bills the night before. So clearly, there is an interest there.
What else stood out to me at Auburn’s pro day:

– The co-main attraction, DT Nick Fairley, worked out just like you’d expect him to. He was fluid, he was quick, and he was impressive. I think he’s one of the two best defensive tackles in the draft, along with Alabama’s Marcell Dareus, who will work out tomorrow.

– DL Zach Clayton (6-foot-2, 299 pounds) worked out really well and went from not being drafted to drafted with his workout. He’s an overachiever, and I was impressed with his athletic ability. He ran a 4.87-second 40-yard dash, had a 33 1/2-inch vertical, 10-foot broad jump, 4.46 short shuttle, and a 7.35 3-cone drill. I thought he was the biggest surprise here.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2011/03/08/newtons-pro-day-shows-why-he-should-go-no-1/

[BernietheKid]

Mayock: Newton ‘raw,’ still has work to do

By Frank Tadych |

Published: March 8th, 2011

The eagerly awaited Auburn pro day is over, and we’ve got plenty of analysts weighing on Cam Newton‘s workout and what it could mean for his draft status.

Newton drew mixed reviews for his combine workout, where he threw inaccurate passes and displayed inconsistent footwork. (Though, he did impress from the podium.) Tuesday’s workout was highly anticipated for talent evaluators to see Newton take snaps strictly from under center and show improved footwork and depth on his drops.

NFL Network’s Mike Mayock was in attendance and said that Newton was more impressive on Tuesday than he was at his workout at the combine. Adding, “it wasn’t even close.” Though there is a way to go.

“What (we saw today) is exactly what I expected to see,” Mayock said. “The most important was the five-step and seven-step (drops), the intermediate routes. This kid can drive the football. He can drive it on the deep, out-breaking comeback. He can drive it on the in-breaking dig route. He can make every throw.

“The bottom line, in my opinion, is that he’s a spread quarterback, he’s very raw with his footwork. There’s a lot of work to be done. You either buy into the kid and his work ethic, or you don’t.”

What Mayock calls “the bottom line” with Newton is what many analysts have pointed to as his biggest concern: Will he be willing to work hard enough at the next level and take NFL-caliber coaching to do whatever it takes to become an elite quarterback?

“The operative word here is ‘raw,’” said Michael Lombardi. “That’s what Cam Newton is. But the upside is so great. If you’re able to get this guy to buy into your program, if he’s willing to meet you just halfway, that talent on the field is unique and NFL-ready.”

Before we anoint Newton as the top overall pick, though, there are contrarian voices. Fellow analyst Charley Casserly wouldn’t take Newton in the first round.

“I think he’s a project,” Casserly said. “The vision issues are there, the instinct issues are there. I don’t care if it’s a spread offense, there’s no comparison between Blaine Gabbert and (Newton) and they’re both in spread offenses in terms of being able to read defenses.”

NFL.com Blogs » Blog Archive Mayock: Newton ‘raw,’ still has work to do «

[Sez.EJ]

I think there will be teams droolingn over Cam's potential to be running their football team for the next decade. IMO Mike Brown is likely thinking long and hard that Cam Newton will fill the stadium better than Carson Palmer. He's not just a player..he's someone who can sell seats...even if he has some work to do.