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By Dane Brugler
NFLDraftScout.com Analyst
While March Madness is commanding the headlines of the sports world, NFL scouts and evaluators remain on the hunt to find the future stars of pro football. Although the Combine has come and gone, numerous on-campus pro days are taking place every day throughout the month of March and into early April. These workouts give players the chance to improve their numbers from Indianapolis and the opportunity for Combine snubs to show their skills in front of NFL teams.
But there are more than a few important workouts taking place leading up to the draft, including Alabama RB Trent Richardson and SS Mark Barron, scheduled to work out on March 29 with much to prove.
Here are this week's Risers and Fallers:
Risers and Fallers - Dane Brugler -- (Updated 3/20/2012)
Risers
1.
Jeremy Ebert
WR
Northwestern
For a player with 173 career receptions in college, Ebert is far from a household name and hasn't received much attention in the pre-draft process. But after an impressive on-campus workout during Northwestern's pro day, perhaps that will change. Ebert, who didn't receive an invitation to the NFL Combine, ran his 40-yard dashes in the high 4.3's and low 4.4's, showing better-than-expected speed for the 20 teams in attendance. He also impressed with his numbers in the other drills, including the vertical jump (33 inches), broad jump (9'4) and short shuttle (4.15). Also, Ebert's time of 6.70 in the 3-cone drill would have ranked him third among all receivers at the Combine. He is a reliable possession receiver with soft hands and very good focus to make challenging catches. Ebert tracks the ball well and shows savvy and toughness on the field that shows up on tape. He is still widely viewed as a late round player or priority free agent, but he is moving up draft boards for most teams.
2.
Aaron Corp
QB
Richmond
A USC transfer, Corp had a very up-and-down career at FCS-level Richmond with only average production, including a career TD-to-INT ratio of 20-to-17. However between the Combine and his pro day last Friday, his draft stock is on the rise. Corp, who measured in at 6-3?? and 215 pounds, posted positive numbers in drills with a 4.65 40-yard dash, 31.5" vertical leap, 4.30 short shuttle and 7.03 3-cone drill. But it was his performance throwing the ball that created some buzz. With nine NFL teams in attendance at Richmond's pro day, Corp's arm strength looked better than advertised with the footwork and quickness to maneuver well in the pocket and throw on the run. He also assured those in attendance that his 2010 season-ending knee injury was fully healed. Corp is still graded as a priority free agent by most teams, but it wouldn't be a huge shock to hear his name late on draft weekend because of his performance since the season ended. He projects as a developmental, third-string quarterback at the next level.
3.
Vinny Curry
DE
Marshall
In today's NFL, teams cannot have enough pass rushers on the roster, pushing defensive ends up boards on draft weekend. Curry might benefit from this notion, but his performance at his pro day is the biggest reason for his draft stock boost. After very average numbers at the Combine last month, including a 4.92 time in the 40-yard dash, Curry improved on almost all of his numbers at Marshall's pro day. He ran a 4.64 and 4.69 in the 40-yard dash, telling those in attendance that he knew he was faster than the 4.9 time he ran in Indianapolis. Curry also produced very good results in the vertical jump (35") and bench press (28) after not lifting in Indianapolis because of a wrist injury. With a strong resume, including 22.0 tackles-for-loss and 11.0 sacks last year, and his strong workouts, it wouldn't be a shock to see Curry sneak into the initial 32 picks of the draft.
4.
Frank Alexander
DE
Oklahoma
A few weeks ago, football was the last thing on Alexander's mind as doctors at the Combine found a previously undiagnosed heart condition that kept the defensive end from working out in Indianapolis. But after furthers tests, those reports have proven to be false and he was able to participate in Oklahoma's pro day last Wednesday. He performed well in every drill, including a 4.76 40-yard dash time. Alexander also looked fluid in the 20-yard short shuttle (4.57), 3-cone drill (7.55), vertical jump (34.5") and broad jump (9'9"). He posted 24 reps on the bench press and measured well with 35 1/4-inch arm length and 83 1/2-inch wingspan. Alexander, who posted a career-best 8.5 sacks last year, will be a very good value on the third day of the draft.
5.
Jared Crick
DE
Nebraska
Entering the 2011 season, Crick was thought to be a first-round caliber player, but a torn pectoral muscle in October put those projections in doubt. He missed the remainder of his final season in Lincoln and was unable to participate in the Senior Bowl. But Crick looked healthy at the Combine with decent times in the 40-yard dash (4.95), vertical (31.0"), broad jump (8'8), short shuttle (4.40) and 3-cone drill (7.47). He also lifted 26 reps of 225-pounds on the bench press at Nebraska's pro day last week, putting to rest any concerns about his pectoral muscle. Crick might not return to his round one standing he had entering the year, but he has worked his way back from his season-ending injury to show NFL scouts he's at near-full health. He isn't expected to escape the second round because of his natural size and foot quickness.
Fallers
1.
Chase Minnifield
CB
Virginia
Entering the season, Minnifield was considered a first-round defensive back, but after an average senior season, his stock has steadily declined. And his performance thus far in the pre-draft process hasn't helped. At his pro day last week, Minnifield was timed in the mid-4.6s in the 40-yard dash and didn't participate in other workouts because of tightness in his hamstring. He sat out the Chick-fil-A Bowl because of injury and underwent arthroscopic surgery to evacuate floating cartilage particles that bothered him most of the 2011 season. The injury kept him out of the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine and now his durability issues might keep him from working out at 100% before the draft. Minnifield, who is the son of Cleveland Browns' great Frank Minnifield, flashed a lot of ability at Virginia (13 career INTs), but there are some concerns he might be a CB/S tweener and his health issues are a red flag.
2.
Vontaze Burfict
ILB
Arizona State
This isn't the first time Burfict has made the "fallers" list, but his draft stock continues to tumble with every test. He produced extremely disappointing numbers and poor reviews from the interview process at the Combine, turning off NFL decision makers and coaches. And at Arizona State's pro day, he didn't do much to change the minds of his doubters. He ran a 4.65, which would be great in the 40-yard dash, but unfortunately it was his short shuttle number. At the Combine, Burfict's 40-yard dash numbers were north of 5.00 and as NFLDraftScout's Rob Rang pointed out "that's not only the slowest among all Combine linebackers, it was also slower than 36 of the 48 defensive linemen tested in Indianapolis this year." Burfict did work out on the bench press, something he didn't do at the Combine, but produced only 16 reps. With Sun Devils quarterback Brock Osweiler not working out until March 30, Burfict is expected to get one more try to salvage his draft stock.
3.
Kevin Koger
TE
Michigan
The Wolverines tight end, who was a surprise snub from the Combine last month, could be an excellent mid-round value in a weak tight end class. However, he didn't help himself last Thursday at Michigan's Pro Day as was forced to watch his teammates from the sidelines because he tweaked his hamstring. Koger performed well in front of scouts at the East-West Shrine Game in Tampa and is considered one of the better all-around players at his position in the draft. He did post 21 reps of 225-pounds on the bench press, but was unable to do anything else and there are some concerns he might not be fully healed in time to run for scouts before the draft. For a player who caught only 23 passes as a senior, NFL teams want to know if Koger has the athleticism and speed to be effective as a pro.
NFLDraftScout.com Analyst
While March Madness is commanding the headlines of the sports world, NFL scouts and evaluators remain on the hunt to find the future stars of pro football. Although the Combine has come and gone, numerous on-campus pro days are taking place every day throughout the month of March and into early April. These workouts give players the chance to improve their numbers from Indianapolis and the opportunity for Combine snubs to show their skills in front of NFL teams.
But there are more than a few important workouts taking place leading up to the draft, including Alabama RB Trent Richardson and SS Mark Barron, scheduled to work out on March 29 with much to prove.
Here are this week's Risers and Fallers:
Risers and Fallers - Dane Brugler -- (Updated 3/20/2012)
Risers
1.
Jeremy Ebert
WR
Northwestern
For a player with 173 career receptions in college, Ebert is far from a household name and hasn't received much attention in the pre-draft process. But after an impressive on-campus workout during Northwestern's pro day, perhaps that will change. Ebert, who didn't receive an invitation to the NFL Combine, ran his 40-yard dashes in the high 4.3's and low 4.4's, showing better-than-expected speed for the 20 teams in attendance. He also impressed with his numbers in the other drills, including the vertical jump (33 inches), broad jump (9'4) and short shuttle (4.15). Also, Ebert's time of 6.70 in the 3-cone drill would have ranked him third among all receivers at the Combine. He is a reliable possession receiver with soft hands and very good focus to make challenging catches. Ebert tracks the ball well and shows savvy and toughness on the field that shows up on tape. He is still widely viewed as a late round player or priority free agent, but he is moving up draft boards for most teams.
2.
Aaron Corp
QB
Richmond
A USC transfer, Corp had a very up-and-down career at FCS-level Richmond with only average production, including a career TD-to-INT ratio of 20-to-17. However between the Combine and his pro day last Friday, his draft stock is on the rise. Corp, who measured in at 6-3?? and 215 pounds, posted positive numbers in drills with a 4.65 40-yard dash, 31.5" vertical leap, 4.30 short shuttle and 7.03 3-cone drill. But it was his performance throwing the ball that created some buzz. With nine NFL teams in attendance at Richmond's pro day, Corp's arm strength looked better than advertised with the footwork and quickness to maneuver well in the pocket and throw on the run. He also assured those in attendance that his 2010 season-ending knee injury was fully healed. Corp is still graded as a priority free agent by most teams, but it wouldn't be a huge shock to hear his name late on draft weekend because of his performance since the season ended. He projects as a developmental, third-string quarterback at the next level.
3.
Vinny Curry
DE
Marshall
In today's NFL, teams cannot have enough pass rushers on the roster, pushing defensive ends up boards on draft weekend. Curry might benefit from this notion, but his performance at his pro day is the biggest reason for his draft stock boost. After very average numbers at the Combine last month, including a 4.92 time in the 40-yard dash, Curry improved on almost all of his numbers at Marshall's pro day. He ran a 4.64 and 4.69 in the 40-yard dash, telling those in attendance that he knew he was faster than the 4.9 time he ran in Indianapolis. Curry also produced very good results in the vertical jump (35") and bench press (28) after not lifting in Indianapolis because of a wrist injury. With a strong resume, including 22.0 tackles-for-loss and 11.0 sacks last year, and his strong workouts, it wouldn't be a shock to see Curry sneak into the initial 32 picks of the draft.
4.
Frank Alexander
DE
Oklahoma
A few weeks ago, football was the last thing on Alexander's mind as doctors at the Combine found a previously undiagnosed heart condition that kept the defensive end from working out in Indianapolis. But after furthers tests, those reports have proven to be false and he was able to participate in Oklahoma's pro day last Wednesday. He performed well in every drill, including a 4.76 40-yard dash time. Alexander also looked fluid in the 20-yard short shuttle (4.57), 3-cone drill (7.55), vertical jump (34.5") and broad jump (9'9"). He posted 24 reps on the bench press and measured well with 35 1/4-inch arm length and 83 1/2-inch wingspan. Alexander, who posted a career-best 8.5 sacks last year, will be a very good value on the third day of the draft.
5.
Jared Crick
DE
Nebraska
Entering the 2011 season, Crick was thought to be a first-round caliber player, but a torn pectoral muscle in October put those projections in doubt. He missed the remainder of his final season in Lincoln and was unable to participate in the Senior Bowl. But Crick looked healthy at the Combine with decent times in the 40-yard dash (4.95), vertical (31.0"), broad jump (8'8), short shuttle (4.40) and 3-cone drill (7.47). He also lifted 26 reps of 225-pounds on the bench press at Nebraska's pro day last week, putting to rest any concerns about his pectoral muscle. Crick might not return to his round one standing he had entering the year, but he has worked his way back from his season-ending injury to show NFL scouts he's at near-full health. He isn't expected to escape the second round because of his natural size and foot quickness.
Fallers
1.
Chase Minnifield
CB
Virginia
Entering the season, Minnifield was considered a first-round defensive back, but after an average senior season, his stock has steadily declined. And his performance thus far in the pre-draft process hasn't helped. At his pro day last week, Minnifield was timed in the mid-4.6s in the 40-yard dash and didn't participate in other workouts because of tightness in his hamstring. He sat out the Chick-fil-A Bowl because of injury and underwent arthroscopic surgery to evacuate floating cartilage particles that bothered him most of the 2011 season. The injury kept him out of the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine and now his durability issues might keep him from working out at 100% before the draft. Minnifield, who is the son of Cleveland Browns' great Frank Minnifield, flashed a lot of ability at Virginia (13 career INTs), but there are some concerns he might be a CB/S tweener and his health issues are a red flag.
2.
Vontaze Burfict
ILB
Arizona State
This isn't the first time Burfict has made the "fallers" list, but his draft stock continues to tumble with every test. He produced extremely disappointing numbers and poor reviews from the interview process at the Combine, turning off NFL decision makers and coaches. And at Arizona State's pro day, he didn't do much to change the minds of his doubters. He ran a 4.65, which would be great in the 40-yard dash, but unfortunately it was his short shuttle number. At the Combine, Burfict's 40-yard dash numbers were north of 5.00 and as NFLDraftScout's Rob Rang pointed out "that's not only the slowest among all Combine linebackers, it was also slower than 36 of the 48 defensive linemen tested in Indianapolis this year." Burfict did work out on the bench press, something he didn't do at the Combine, but produced only 16 reps. With Sun Devils quarterback Brock Osweiler not working out until March 30, Burfict is expected to get one more try to salvage his draft stock.
3.
Kevin Koger
TE
Michigan
The Wolverines tight end, who was a surprise snub from the Combine last month, could be an excellent mid-round value in a weak tight end class. However, he didn't help himself last Thursday at Michigan's Pro Day as was forced to watch his teammates from the sidelines because he tweaked his hamstring. Koger performed well in front of scouts at the East-West Shrine Game in Tampa and is considered one of the better all-around players at his position in the draft. He did post 21 reps of 225-pounds on the bench press, but was unable to do anything else and there are some concerns he might not be fully healed in time to run for scouts before the draft. For a player who caught only 23 passes as a senior, NFL teams want to know if Koger has the athleticism and speed to be effective as a pro.
