Based on historical combine results compiled with success at the NFL level I believe the best measurement to predict success is the 3-cone drill. Its not the only measure of success (Stanford Keglar) as other factors like size and instincts come to play before it. But all else being equal I propose that the 3-cone drill will give an indication of potential success in the NFL. Historical 3-Cone #s for OLBs: D.Ware 6.85 C.Mathews 6.9 B.Cushing 6.84 M.Lawson 6.9 M.Anderson 6.96 R.Ninkovich 6.96 (4.91 40) V.Miller 6.7 J.Houston 6.95 S.Acho 6.69 V.Gholston 7.12 2012 Prospects: Ingram 6.83 Upshaw N/A Mercilus 7.17 Irvin 6.7 Bequette 6.9 Curry 6.9 (4.98 40....DE only) McClellin 7.07 So based on that the best chance of success at OLB appears to be Ingram. Mercilus and Curry seem better suited to DE than OLB. The wildcards are Irvin and Bequette, both who can be had in later rounds (3rd and later). Flame on.
Nick Perry has to be included on this list. He's cracked the top 20 of the draft. I wouldnt mind drafting him at 16.
Nick Perry ran a 7.25 3-cone drill. He is a freak of nature but probably best suited for DE in a 4-3. He screams "Gholston!" to me. imo.
Why would Curry not be able to play OLB dude? 3 cone is so much more important than the 40 (agility drill) and he was 7th out of all LBs and DL.
Where are the numbers for guys like Woodley, Suggs, Ect. Why are you hand picking through these guys? Where is the ten yard split number? Why are you only loking at three cone results? In fact, why are we lookign at numbers at all? Try reading a bit about suggs and his disapointing times. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/6326661 There are much better ways to judge talent than combine results.
Bruce Irvin and Von Miller had almost identical combine’s with similar 40 yard dashes, the same 3 cone drill time, similar broad jumps, similar bench press numbers, identical measurements- both 6’3, 245, 33 and 1/2 inch arms...
Yea, but there is a difference between two time all american and 2nd team big east. Irvin spent a lot of time on the bench at WVU last season becasue he was not a 3 down defensive end for them. He could be the next Arron Maybin as easily as the next Von Miller. He's a project to transform him into a 34 OLB whcih is why he carries a secound round grade on most sites.
And you could say they have the same athletic skills... the difference is how they translate those athletic skills to the field! That's why the combine shouldn't fool you. Having athletic skills isn't enough.
Sporting News' Russ Lande and NFL Network's Charley Casserly both noted that Alabama DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw exhibited disappointing edge-rushing ability during field drills at the Scouting Combine. "I just didn't see the explosion that you want to see from a pass rusher off the edge," wrote Casserly. Added Lande, "(Upshaw) was upright and stiff in drops, could not flip his hips to change direction quickly and lacked the explosiveness and burst that NFL teams wanted to see." Upshaw was a 3-4 outside linebacker at Alabama, but he may be ticketed for 4-3 left defensive end in the pros. Just sayin'...
I know, I was just pointing out since the OP stated they had the same 3 cone drill time so I felt like seeing what else was similar and it turned out a lot was. Bruce Irvin actually reminds me a lot of Aaron Maybin, which is why Im not that high on Irvin (not really a 3 down player, may turn into one, but not in the near future)... I know Irvin will most likely never will never turn into the player Von Miller was even in his rookie year, I just thought it was notable how similar they are. I think they have very similar athletic skills, which is why I pointed it out, but many times it doesnt translate onto the field. Irvin was dominant in 2010, but hand a mediocre 2011 and wasnt a 3 down player...
Everybody remember Brooks Reed? Remember how Rex was pushing hard for him last year? Well guess what, Shae McClelin from Boise is bigger, and posted better combine numbers than Reed did a year ago, and his stats are pretty even. Reed 47 Tackles, 10 TFLs, 6.5 Sacks, 1 Fumble Forced McClelin 50 Tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 7 Sacks, 1 Fumble Forced, 2 Int's Nobody seems to be talking about him, but you better believe that Rex Ryan has to like the guy. I would bet he is a steal in the 3rd, and if he is getting the talk in NFL circles he deserves, he could easily be a mid-second round pick.
To be honest I would be happy with an almost all Boise St draft to a certain degree, Martin, the safety, and this kid in the right rounds sound good to me.
Not cherry picking...I can't find #'s for Suggs other than 40 and no 3-cone results for Woodley. Brooks Reed had a 7.11 3-cone time. Aldon Smith came in at 7.19, which really bucks the system. In fact Aldon Smith had very pedestrian #'s across the board but was very successful last year.
Ok then that makes a bit more sense. 3 cone and ten yard split times are nice indicators, but not the whole story as you admit when talking about guys like Reed and Aldon. Upshaw looks horrible on drills and good on tape. I'll take that over a guy who looks the part in drills but does not show up on tape. Its like saying QB's need to be 6'3 or taller. Drew Brees says F'u to that talk. The combine brings out the very worst in us sometimes when looking at prospects.
I like Tyrone Crawford as well, he's got great strength and the frame to get to 290-295. His power shows in his game, but he's raw in technique.
