The 2011 NFL Combine is underway, like cookies baking in the oven, nothing makes me hungry for football like the Combine! But this year it seems tainted as we have the elephant in the corner everyone is trying so hard to ignore. Look man the NFL players union told player to save their last three months checks in order to prepare for a lockout in 2011... but I digress... sorry for raining on the Combine parade. To many positives so far..
Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Paea dropped a bomb when he broke the NFL Combine bench press record with 49 repetitions @ 225 pounds. Paea says this shows his ability to make it into the fourth quarter and finish football games strong.
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
The 6'8", 319-pound tackle displayed great speed and athletic skills when he led all linemen with a 10-yard split time of 1.63. This is insane burst for such a large beast and may help calm concerns about his lead blocking ability in the run game.
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
This guy is a thug, pay him and he will get worse until he grows up. His work at the combine was good but his combine press conference was horrible, check out this road rash.. most toward the end.
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Newton struggled with anything related to throwing the football, but his 40 was great (wow big surprise). Guys wake up, he looked horrible at the combine, sorry Newton fans. Newton is another Jamarcu Russell waiting to happen. Rushing QB's bail out and run because they can't make the passes necessary, this works in the SEC but not in the NFL. Good luck Cam.
Julio Jones WR, Alabama:
Jones ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash and landed the best broad jump among WR at 11'3". He was good catching the ball, dropped a deep out route, but other than that he looked good in the gantlet and looks like the second WR off the board behind A.J. Green, Georgia.