Seems like Justin Houston and Christian Ballard both failed drug tests at the combine. Very interesting, does this mean Houston might fall to us in rd #1 and maybe Ballard in rd 3? Any takers? Also Janoris Jenkins (CB, Florida) has been kicked off the team becuase of his 3rd arrest related to marjuana. It's very likely he'll enter the supplemental draft... What's your opinion on guys who fail combine drug tests? I know there are some pretty strong opinions in the NFL world (like Casserly who said he removed them from his team board). http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/...stian-ballard-failed-Combine-drug-test-042611 Two highly regarded college defensive prospects will enter this week's NFL draft with red flags. Multiple sources told FOXSports.com that Georgia outside linebacker/defensive end Justin Houston and Iowa defensive lineman Christian Ballard failed drug tests at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Both players tested positive for marijuana, the sources said. Houston, an early entry junior, is projected in some mock drafts as a late first-round draft choice. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Houston had 67 tackles and 10 sacks last season for the Bulldogs as a rush linebacker. Houston's athleticism and pass-rush skills make him especially appealing as an outside linebacker for NFL teams that use a 3-4 defensive scheme. The 6-foot-4, 283-pound Ballard was projected by some draft analysts to get selected as early as the second round. Ballard played at both end and tackle in 13 starts for the Hawkeyes last season, tallying 43 tackles and three sacks. Ballard notched at least 40 tackles in each of his past three seasons at Iowa. Ballard's wing span and athleticism have made him an intriguing draft prospect. Houston and Ballard have clean police records and no known history of marijuana use. The agents for Houston and Ballard didn't return telephone calls or emails seeking comment. The NFL draft will take place Thursday through Saturday in New York City.
i have two words for this particular scenario. Warren Sapp. Don't pass on a guy just because he uses/ has used. If he clearly has a problem with it, then it is one thing, but just because the guy was an idiot once doesn't mean he won't learn a lesson and never get caught doing it again. If the guy is extremely talented, and is far and away the best player on your board, don't let one failed test stop you from drafting him. If there are two players who have identical grades, and one has a failed drug test on his record, then you can go the other way. But if at 30 tomorrow night, Justin Houston is sitting there and he is the best player on our board, I want tanny to pull the trigger and not be worried about a single drug test.
Agreed for the most part, but I wouldn't leave it at that. If he's sitting there at #30 and I'm Tanny, I call him and ask him point blank if he learned from this and it won't be a problem in the future. If he immediately assures me it won't be a problem, I'm probably content. If he hedges or hesitates at all, I ask him if he'd be willing to sign a contact with a drug clause in it protecting the club. If so, I still probably take a chance on him, but let him know that we will not tolerate failed drug tests and it interfering with his play. We want players 100% committed to playing football and to the Jets, and not guys who will let their social lives interfere with their commitment to the team. If not, I take a pass. I wouldn't want another Ricky Williams who quits the game in his prime so he can smoke dope for a year or two.
Well yeah, obviously I assume the Jets asked him questions at the combine (correct me if I am wrong, but I believe we interviewed him...) Even if the drug test results weren't known at the time, which I believe they were to the teams, they really ask all of the guys if they ever have used drugs, if its going to be a problem and what not. But I really like the drug test clause in their contracts... if you pop a positive test for illegal recreational drugs, they lose a portion of their next bonus. It's a good idea for future contracts for guys like Holmes and what not...
Houston won't "fall" to us because of the drug test. He'll be there at 30 regardless in all likelihood.
Single ALLEGED drug test. This time of year, "multiple sources" could be scouts and GMs hoping to land him in the 2nd round.
