The annual NFL Scouting Combine is now history, and as usual we have plenty of movement as a result of performances, both good and bad in this month's chart. Despite the volatility the top of our board looks awfully similar to last month however.
We do however find ourselves saying goodbye to a few guys who have been on the board for some time. Earl Thomas has fallen off with a tough showing in Indy and he falls to just off the chart. Jermaine Greshem, Brian Price, and Navarro Bowman have also slid outside of the top 25 this month.
Lets take a look at how things shake out now...
1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska (Even)
Suh dominated during his workouts in Indy. He is still the top player on my board because of his combination of physical talent, and his potential to become a game changing linemen at the next level.
2. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee (Even)
Berry showed great speed and athleticism at the combine. His natural instincts will serve him well as he patrols the secondary of some very lucky team next fall.
3. Gerald McCoy, DT, USC (Even)
McCoy continues to show teams in need of a line penetrating tackle why he is the tops in this class. His workout was strong and he continues to challenge Suh for rights to be the first tackle off the board in April.
4. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma (+7)
The big boost that Bradford experienced this month was a result of good medical reports. Considering he did not even work out in Indy, it was the report from Dr James Andrews, that Bradford should be ready for the start of mini camp that has allowed him to separate from Jimmy Clausen.
5. Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State (-1)
Okung is maintaining his status as the best o-linemen on my board, primarily thanks to his consistency. In a risky, volatile marketplace, having an asset in the portfolio like Okung lends security and stability.
6. Jason Pierre Paul, DE, South Florida (+3)
JPP is using his freakish athletic ability to continue to climb up boards. This raw talent continued to impress with great workouts in Indy, and of course a you tube video of him "flipping out".
7. Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa (+7)
Bulaga took a page out of Okung's book to continue to climb up boards this month. He showed great consistency in Indy, working out hard, meeting expectations physically, mentally, and emotionally, and thus has captured the number two spot amongst o-linemen.
8. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State (-2)
Bryant continues to reinforce why he is the top receiver of this year's crop. His showing in Indy was strong, and his slide this month is more a result of other players rise, than anything he has done.
9. Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech (-1)
Despit a slight dip in his ranking, Morgan actually utilized the combine to really help himself. He was able to showcase himself as the more polished, NFL ready of the two top DE's in this year's class, and even though he rates out a tad lower on this board, I am actually expecting him to be drafted slightly higher come April.
10. Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma (+3)
Thanks to a solid combine effort, Williams has re-entered the top ten on this list. His reverse of fortune comes on the heels of a real good physical performance, showcasing the skills needed to be sucessful playing on Sundays.
11. Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers (-4)
After catapulting up the board in previous months, Davis starts to fall as a result of a real sloppy turn out at the combine. Where as other o-line prospects showed up looking strong and ready to impress, Davis simply didn't, bring up questions about his desire, and long term ROI.
12. Joe Haden, CB, Florida (-7)
His very slow 40 times was just one of the reasons that this one time top 5 rated player has fallen out of the top ten. On top of slow speed, Haden looked stiff in the hips, and showed limited change of direction ability, all of which lead to this big fall.
13. Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee (+4)
Dan Williams continues to rise up board as he has established himself as the top D-Tackle not named Suh or McCoy. His workouts in Indy confired he is a legit first round talent and should not be viewed as a consolation prize at all.
14. Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho (+5)
it is rare to see interior linemen rated this high on the big board, but Iupati is deserving. He has the skills to play all three interior positions, and he is the kind of guy who will cornerstone a line for a team for years.
15. CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson (+6)
Spiller was exceptionally impressive working out at the combine. This with the success he had on the field at Clemson has propelled Spiller up this board. Teams love talent skill position players and Spiller is one of them.
16. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama (-6)
Choosing not to work out really hurt McClain in the eyes of some folks. The mysterious, previously unreported, hamstring injury has some thinking McClain may not be as fearless as previously thought. In fact some were thinking this "injury" was more a ploy to avoid running poor times that anything else.
17. Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas (-1)
Kindle has awesome athleticism but questions about his mental makeup have created some doubt. His physical tools have some teams with him in their top ten. His lack of mental acuity has others with him as a fringe round 1 selection in the draft.
18. Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan (Even)
Graham holds his position this month after a good performance at the combine. This college end will likely transition to linebacker in the pros, and he showed he has the skills to facilitate the switch as needed.
19. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame (-7)
Clause is the classic example of a guy who will be over-drafted based on position and hype. Although he is a low round one talent in my book, Clause will benefit from playing QB, and someone will take a flier early in round 1.
20. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida (+2)
Dunlap used Indy to remind folks why he was once a top five talent on this board. His strong workout reminded team he has all the tools to hold up on the end of a line in either a 4-3 or 3-4 at the next level.
21. Taylor Mays, S, USC (+3)
His workout was what legends are made of, and this alone has halted his fall down the board. If only he had played better during this past year however, he would still be a top 3 on this board.
22. Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois (+3)
Benn's excellent performance at the combine wondering what type of production he could have had if only he had a QB that could have gotten him the ball. He was fast, fluid, and showed great hands at the combine. These skills should translate to success on Sundays.
23. Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland (+4)
It can be argued that no player helped their draft stock more than Campbell in Indy. He showed up cut and ready to play. His measurables were awesome, and this has him moving up this board, and the mock drafts too.
24. Javhid Best, RB, California (+5)
Although there were, and still are questions concerning his durability, Best showed excellent skill and determination when he had the spotlight on him. Obviously investors will have to consider his long term viability before making a decision on draft day though.
25. Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State (+5)
After a strong Senior Bowl, Wilson grabbed some attention. After a strong combine, he has emerged as the clear number two at the cornerback position. Good speed, excellent change of direction ability, and a nose for the ball have made teams take notice of the Boise State product.
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