Pro Day Results

[manxman2601]

39.5" vertical at 262 is also pretty amazing.

EDIT: Watched a few of his games (only played 8 in 2013). He was mostly used as a 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE. High effort guy that is stout in the run game but he doesn't really flash the athletisism that his pro day numbers indicate (maybe a glimmer here and there). Looks like doesn't really have any pass-rush moves, all he really does is run into the body of the blocker and try to fight his way past him.

Some interesting context on those Gardner numbers.

That 39.5 vert would put him in the top 20 at the combine since 2000 for DEs. Other names in that top 20? Brian Robison, Brian Orakpo, Mario Williams and Michael Johnson. But four other names in that list grabbed my attention. Perhaps you can spot the theme: Mark Anderson, Andre Carter, Derrick Burgess and Adalius Thomas.

On his 6.78 3-cone, no DE at the combine since 2000 has run a faster one. Only one has matched it; Interestingly it's Trent Murphy. As far as I can see, only two combine participants over 260lb have run a better 3-cone; Sam Acho and a TE I've never heard of From 2004.

One final note, BB has never drafted a prospect out of Stanford.

 

[mayoclinic]

Some interesting context on those Gardner numbers.

That 39.5 vert would put him in the top 20 at the combine since 2000 for DEs. Other names in that top 20? Brian Robison, Brian Orakpo, Mario Williams and Michael Johnson. But four other names in that list grabbed my attention. Perhaps you can spot the theme: Mark Anderson, Andre Carter, Derrick Burgess and Adalius Thomas.

On his 6.78 3-cone, no DE at the combine since 2000 has run a faster one. Only one has matched it; Interestingly it's Trent Murphy. As far as I can see, only two combine participants over 260lb have run a better 3-cone; Sam Acho and a TE I've never heard of From 2004.

One final note, BB has never drafted a prospect out of Stanford.

I don't think it's entirely coincidental that 2 Stanford DEs have that amazing 3-cone time. I've mentioned elsewhere Stanford's unusual S&C program under Shannon Turley, which emphasizes flexibility, functional strength and movement skills:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/31/s...raining-regimen-redefines-strength.html?_r=0

How to Build a Bully: Inside the Stanford Football Strength Program | Bleacher Report

I wouldn't mind getting Jake Bequette on that program.

 

[manxman2601]

I don't think it's entirely coincidental that 2 Stanford DEs have that amazing 3-cone time. I've mentioned elsewhere Stanford's unusual S&C program under Shannon Turley, which emphasizes flexibility, functional strength and movement skills:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/31/s...raining-regimen-redefines-strength.html?_r=0

How to Build a Bully: Inside the Stanford Football Strength Program | Bleacher Report

I wouldn't mind getting Jake Bequette on that program.

Problem is, they don't really play like it. I don't see that great athleticism on tape from them or Tyler Gaffney for that matter. Does this mean there's untapped athleticism still waiting to be unearthed or does the limitations , and perhaps conservatism, of their coaching limit their NFL upside? I'm prepared to jump aboard the Gardner bandwagon, for his size, his numbers are probably superior to Andre Carter (who was pretty wow btw) and I'd take an 80 sack career out of anyone taken in a draft class, my worry is, am I getting a lightweight 5-tech or a 4-3 DE with untapped potential? I wonder if they can bulk him up and use him as a more successful Justin Francis, both at LDE and as an inside rusher ( he looks effective in that role for Stanford).

More research on Gardner comps. It's hard to find a true comparison for Gardner's performance because of that exceptional 3-cone. Andre Carter comes close although he didn't run the 3-cone. However, his short shuttle suggests he might have got just under or around 7.00. JJ Watt is actually a good comparison except that Watt is 290lbs. How far can Gardner be bulked up I wonder? Kyle Vanden Bosch is probably the best comparison with a 4.75+ forty, 36.5 vert, 119 broad and a 6.82 cone at 270lbs.

 

[mayoclinic]

Problem is, they don't really play like it. I don't see that great athleticism on tape from them or Tyler Gaffney for that matter. Does this mean there's untapped athleticism still waiting to be unearthed or does the limitations , and perhaps conservatism, of their coaching limit their NFL upside? I'm prepared to jump aboard the Gardner bandwagon, for his size, his numbers are probably superior to Andre Carter (who was pretty wow btw) and I'd take an 80 sack career out of anyone taken in a draft class, my worry is, am I getting a lightweight 5-tech or a 4-3 DE with untapped potential? I wonder if they can bulk him up and use him as a more successful Justin Francis, both at LDE and as an inside rusher ( he looks effective in that role for Stanford).

More research on Gardner comps. It's hard to find a true comparison for Gardner's performance because of that exceptional 3-cone. Andre Carter comes close although he didn't run the 3-cone. However, his short shuttle suggests he might have got just under or around 7.00. JJ Watt is actually a good comparison except that Watt is 290lbs. How far can Gardner be bulked up I wonder? Kyle Vanden Bosch is probably the best comparison with a 4.75+ forty, 36.5 vert, 119 broad and a 6.82 cone at 270lbs.

It's funny that BB hasn't drafted anyone from Stanford, because in a lot of ways their defense fits his model. A disciplined 3-4 with a lot of team play. Gardner played 3-4 DE, and he was listed as playing at 277# this season. Like Trent Murphy, his recorded weight was well below his listed playing weight. I don't know if Stanford exaggerated, or if these kids lost weight to try and improve their workout times. It's hard to imagine an effectivee 3-4 DE at 262#. At 277#, with those numbers, Gardner could make a very nice rotational base DE/LDE.

 

[mayoclinic]

I'm prepared to jump aboard the Gardner bandwagon, for his size, his numbers are probably superior to Andre Carter (who was pretty wow btw) and I'd take an 80 sack career out of anyone taken in a draft class, my worry is, am I getting a lightweight 5-tech or a 4-3 DE with untapped potential? I wonder if they can bulk him up and use him as a more successful Justin Francis, both at LDE and as an inside rusher ( he looks effective in that role for Stanford).

More research on Gardner comps. It's hard to find a true comparison for Gardner's performance because of that exceptional 3-cone. Andre Carter comes close although he didn't run the 3-cone. However, his short shuttle suggests he might have got just under or around 7.00. JJ Watt is actually a good comparison except that Watt is 290lbs. How far can Gardner be bulked up I wonder? Kyle Vanden Bosch is probably the best comparison with a 4.75+ forty, 36.5 vert, 119 broad and a 6.82 cone at 270lbs.

My personal comparison to Gardner is a poor man's Justin Smith, who was originally drafted as a 4-3 pass rushing DE and moved to the 5 tech/DT role. Like Smith, Gardner is a physically tough and nasty guy with good upper body strength, combat skills, and intelligence, who can play multiple positions in multiple schemes.

 

[mayoclinic]

Brandt on Phillip Gaines' Pro Day:

Phillip Gaines, CB (6-foot-0 1/8, 191 pounds) — Gaines, who has 31 1/8-inch arms, ran really good at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis (he had the second-fastest 40-yard dash time among cornerbacks at 4.38 seconds). On a windy day in Houston for Rice’s pro day and on a new turf surface, Gaines only ran the 60-yard long shuttle (11.24 seconds). Gaines surprised everybody with his speed and quality of his overall pro-day workout; performing beyond expectations, due to his speed, ability to cover and backpedaling ability. Gaines is everything teams look for in a defensive back, and he will likely be a mid-second- to mid-third-round draft choice.

Pro Days - NFL.com

Not a surprise. I've already heard Gaines referred to as "this year's DJ Hayden".

 

[everlong]

Not a surprise. I've already heard Gaines referred to as "this year's DJ Hayden".

.....................................

 

[Get it shawtaay]

39.5" vertical at 262 is also pretty amazing.

EDIT: Watched a few of his games (only played 8 in 2013). He was mostly used as a 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE. High effort guy that is stout in the run game but he doesn't really flash the athletisism that his pro day numbers indicate (maybe a glimmer here and there). Looks like doesn't really have any pass-rush moves, all he really does is run into the body of the blocker and try to fight his way past him.

I think he has to play one-gap in the pros based on watching his videos on Draft Breakdown.

Definitely not a 5-technique in the Ty Warren sense. He needs to get his pads low and drive his legs to generate his good game power - I can't see him playing well with his head up in the NFL. He moves offensive linemen when he's going upfield because he can drive his legs and get low, but when he works down the line he has to play upright and it shows.

I dunno. The explosion is obviously appealing, but he just doesn't have much of an upper half. When offensive lineman get into his body he has to overpower them to get off. He can't keep them at arm's length, and developing "pass rushing moves" when you don't have the combo of functional strength and length to do that is tough.

I'm a huge "athleticism guy" but I don't see his traits translating well at that weight... Most teams don't use base ends who are neither real edge rushers nor 5-techniques anymore. I'd think his best bet is 3-tech where he can pin his ears back and the players he deals with have less length. But even then, does he need to get stronger still and is that feasible?

Someone mentioned Justin Francis. They have different strengths and weaknesses but in terms of overall tweener-ness I'd think they have a similar challenge to make it in the NFL.

 

[sircole]

One final note, BB has never drafted a prospect out of Stanford.

Maybe Gardner will be BB's first Stanford draft pick for the pats.

He did draft Tommy 'Touchdown' Vardell from Stanford when he was the Browns' head coach.

 

[Brady6]

How do you rank the centers in the draft?

 

[West Philly Patriot]

Also from Gil Brandt's Pro Day Blog, re Florida State's Pro Day:







Pro Days - NFL.com

Exum sounds very intriguing for SS. What's his most recent projection? Sounds like he could be had late

 

[mayoclinic]

Exum sounds very intriguing for SS. What's his most recent projection? Sounds like he could be had late

Probably an early day 3 pick. He could sneak into late day 2. I doubt he'll last past the 4th round.

 

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

Chase Goodbread ‏@ChaseGoodbread 2h
I think he makes a team. MT "@jefflockridge: Ex-Vandy WR Chris Boyd runs 4.63 & 4.62 at personal workout, per scouts. Was 4.73 at combine"

More interested in his other numbers

 

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

Lions coach, Steelers coach and GM at Notre Dame?s pro day - NFL.com

Zack Martin, OT (6-4 1/4, 309) — Due to a left hamstring issue, Martin did not run. He has 32 1/4-inch arms. Started in all 52 games played at Notre Dame, the most in school history. Martin is going to be a first-round draft pick, and the team that selects him might play him at guard.

Troy Niklas, TE (6-6 1/2, 268) — Niklas did not run or workout in the positional drills after having double hernia surgery on March 11. He had his arms measured (33 5/8 inches). Niklas was a linebacker who for the past two seasons played tight end.

Louis Nix, NT (6-2 1/4, 331) — Nix ran the 40 in 5.36 and 5.34 seconds, and did the three-cone drill in 8.01 seconds. Nix, who has 32 1/4-inch arms, did 24 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Nix did position drills, where he was alright but not great. Nix is probably a second-round pick, after not playing nearly as well this season as he did the previous season.

Prince Shembo, LB (6-1 1/4, 255) — Shembo — who has 32 3/4-inch arms — stood on his numbers from the NFL Scouting Combine and just went through position drills at ND’s pro day, in which he looked explosive. Shembo is a likely third-day draft pick.

Stephon Tuitt, DE — Tuitt had surgery on his right foot on March 1. He did, however, work out in front of representatives from 29 NFL teams on the day before going in for surgery, running the 40 in 5.00 and 5.03 seconds.

 

[Wilfork#75]

Lions coach, Steelers coach and GM at Notre Dame?s pro day - NFL.com

Some reports have Nix's workout as a little more positive

2014 Pro Days: Notre Dame's Nix, Martin take care of business - CBSSports.com

Working out shirtless to show off his decreased body weight, Nix, who said he was “down” to 331 pounds, performed positional drills for scouts, even lining up nose-to-nose with Tomlin on some drills. He showed why some around the league feel he belongs in the top-15 discussion of the first round, appearing quick, controlled and strong with whatever the coaches asked him to do. Nix's charismatic personality also stood out as it usually does.

“I hope they liked my thighs and my footwork and my hips,” Nix said when asked what he wanted to show scouts. “Because I've been working on them and trying to get them flexible and be able to move around.”

Nix measured in at 6-2 and 331 (same as his NFL Combine numbers) and ran a 5.36 40-yard dash in South Bend, besting his 5.42 and 5.43 results from Indianapolis.

I love me some Hageman but I'm all in on Irish Chocolate.

 

[manxman2601]

Some reports have Nix's workout as a little more positive

2014 Pro Days: Notre Dame's Nix, Martin take care of business - CBSSports.com



I love me some Hageman but I'm all in on Irish Chocolate.

I' ll give it to Nix, he might be the funniest man in the draft.

 

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

Some reports have Nix's workout as a little more positive

2014 Pro Days: Notre Dame's Nix, Martin take care of business - CBSSports.com



I love me some Hageman but I'm all in on Irish Chocolate.

I don't care much about his charisma but it does strengthen any Wilfork comparison.

 

[Merril Hoge's Tie Knot]

More interested in his other numbers

Like this

Jeff Lockridge ‏@jefflockridge Mar 21
Former @VandyFootball WR Chris Boyd goes 9'7" and 9'8" in broad jump. Gets 33.5" in the vertical

and this

Chris Boyd Pro Day, Ex Vanderbilt WR - YouTube

I have his 3C at 6.90. What do you brothers have?


Chris Boyd
Height: 6040
Weight: 206
Hands: 9 5/8
40: 4.60
Vertical: 33.5
Broad: 9'8"
3C: 6.90

Good height, hand size, and 3C.

 

[Brady6]

Some reports have Nix's workout as a little more positive



2014 Pro Days: Notre Dame's Nix, Martin take care of business - CBSSports.com







I love me some Hageman but I'm all in on Irish Chocolate.

Do you think Louis Nix is that much better than DaQuan Jones or Justin Ellis to justify being selected 2-4 rounds earlier? I am not sure, he has the size and skill set to be a very good base defense zero or one technique. In sub packages I question his value and with the NFL becoming more pass oriented I'm not sure if I would select a player who doesn't factor in that part of the game in the first round.

If he had the athletic ability of Wilfork, Ngata, and Poe I would be all in as well, right now I'm not sure.

 

[Brady6]

Like this







and this



Chris Boyd Pro Day, Ex Vanderbilt WR - YouTube



I have his 3C at 6.90. What do you brothers have?





Chris Boyd

Height: 6040

Weight: 206

Hands: 9 5/8

40: 4.60

Vertical: 33.5

Broad: 9'8"

3C: 6.90



Good height, hand size, and 3C.

Boyd would be a great UDFA signing. I have him on all of my mocks. He plead guilty to helping to attempt covering up a sexual assault and was kicked off the football team. That seemed to be a wrong place, wrong decision situation.

I was hoping for a faster 40 time but he still reminds me of Riley Cooper in terms of size and athleticism.