Originally posted by ninertico:
I can't say thank you enough...and like most, I wait for your posts so that I can become more informed. Honest insight into the draft process is a luxury that we have here on the Zone. This is all because of people such as yourself willing to share such valuable pieces of info.
Correct me if I am wrong please, but it seems like most teama, such as the 49ers, already have their boards drawn out with slight adjustments due to interviews and medical information within the Combine. Is that the case?
Another thing, I want to see how all the potential DE/OLBs handle the drills especially the dropping back for passes one. I remember Anthony Spencer doing well and one other that I can't remember last year and look where he went. If Harvey does well at those drills and he keeps his weight at around 250, will he be considered for a 4-3 team or will he drop as a result to a 3-4 team or will teams just pick him and ask him to bulk up to a larger weight?
The other position I will have my eye on is the WR. I want to see these "Slot" guys work out especially Avery, Douglas, Royal, and Jackson all of whom should be on our radar. I am sure they will become a hotter commodity as a result of Wes Walker's performance this year. Will that possibly increase their chances to move up the boards?
It seems like we don't have many 3-4 DE available as we do NTs. Could Pat Sims be able to play 3-4 DE and NT and if so, would he be worth that #29? Are there others who could play both positions giving us some incredible versatility on our 3-4 line?
Thanks again, MD, you da man!
Go 49ers!
Most teams are looking at the combine to solidify their boards. The forty can impact players if their numbers jump off the page either way, and the same goes for the shuttle and cone drills. However, most teams have a ballpark idea how most guys will run already.
The juniors are the ones who make the biggest movement for scouts and coaches. While the Senior post-season games allow a lot of interaction for scouts and coaches, the combine is the first post-season exposure by juniors. They have the most to gain, or lose.
Spencer did look solid at the combine last year in dropping into coverage in LB drills, and that helped him move into the late first round. If Harvey appears as a 250 pounder, he better show some skills as a LB, since that will be his targeted position. If he comes in at 260 or more, the focus will probably be at DE.
The slot receivers should be fascinating to watch. It is wide open, and the beauty will be in the eye of the beholder. While the juniors dominate the wideout position, the seniors rule the slot.
I'll be taking a long look at Sims this weekend, as will many scouts. He is a guy everyone is curious to examine, and expectations are pretty high.