Corn Combine: Huskers Workout for the NFL
6 comments so far
February 25, 2008 by
In another post, I've pined at length about talent evaluation in the college game. Well, for the NFL, it is much different. In the professional ranks, much more emphasis is placed on a players physical attributes. Nowhere is this so plainly evident than the NFL combine. This year, five former Huskers got an invitation to the NFL's four day testing extravaganza, with hopes that their physical talent could help them merit a spot in the League.
Ridiculous...But Important.
Let me just say that the NFL combine borders on ridiculous. And, I'm a little bit ashamed to say I have watched it at times. Only in such a meat market could there be so much excitement about a young man in gym shorts running around cones. Though, silly as it may seem, the results from the NFL's gauntlet of physical and mental tests can make millions of dollars worth of difference. Just ask former Husker Fabian Washington about what a 4.3 40-yard dash time means. Cha-ching, Fab.
But seriously, there is real merit in this. Just getting invited to the combine greatly improves a player's chance of being selected. They become part of the obvious economy for NFL talent. This year, five Huskers appear likely to be drafted at some point, as they hit the combine - Carl Nicks, Mo Purify, Steve Octavien, Zack Bowman, and Sam Keller.
Results and Wild Draft Speculation
Here's a rundown of how former Huskers faired at this year run, poke, text and interview festival. I've also included my own thumbnail analysis of how they might be drafted. I'm no Mel Kiper, and not just because of the hair. I used to play in a "Draft pool" with a friend of mine, and I quit after 3 years because I sucked at it and was tired of getting fleeced. So...take this for what it is worth.
Sam Keller
Congratulations to Keller on his 40-yard dash time. By just breaking the 5.00 second barrier (4.9), he proves that he is officially faster than Matt Davidson. Oooooh, cheap shot on "five flat Matt". Oh, Matt, we kid because we care. Nice catch. And, Keller showed nice athleticism by finishing in the top 10 in the 20 yard shuttle. But, how many shuttle runs do Tom Brady or Peyton Manning do each year? Oh well, I digress.
Regarding Keller's prospects, I can't imagine he'll be drafted too high, especially following the injury he suffered. But, it is not an especially deep draft for quarterbacks. Keller is currently ranked by ESPN Todd McShay as 15th at the position, for what that is worth. Keller's physical skills and his ability to learn two different types of pro-style offense may make him a nice pickup for a QB starved team on day 2 of the draft.
Carl Nicks
Nicks showed well at the combine, running a 5.21 40-yard dash (not bad for a guy that is 6'5'' and 340 pounds!) and doing 31 reps on the 225 pound bench press test, good for a tie for 5th among offensive linemen. He also had a top-ten finish in the broad jump.
His combination of size and athleticism has to puts Nicks as the Husker most likely to be drafted in the first day. Mel Kiper had him on his "Big Board" for a bit, and McShay ranks him as the eighth best offensive linemen in the class. I can't imagine he'll slide too far on the first day, considering the importance placed on right tackles in the NFL, and Nick's proven ability in a pro-style system.
Mo Purify
Purify showed good speed for a receiver his size, running a 4.5 second 40, despite being 6'4'' and 220 pounds. But, forget the measureables for a second, if you don't mind. The biggest problem facing Purify is an intangible. His off the field problems at Nebraska really, really hurt his draft status.
While NFL teams have been willing to take players with character flaws in the past, no doubt the NFL's new crack down on behavior issues is making teams less likely to risk valuable draft picks on guys with bad character. And, based on the merits of his own behavior, Purify falls in to that group. Sorry young man. Welcome to the fickle professional world. Even if Purify ran a quality 40 time and is a physical beast, the in-person interview process will determine if he gets selected in the Draft. He must address those character issues and demonstrate the capacity to change.
Steve Octavien
Octavien's combine results spell out what Husker fans have known for quite some time. The guy is a physiological beast. He produced top-10 finishes for his position in both the 40 yard dash (4.67) and the bench press (26 reps). But, as we all know too well. The knock on Octavien is that he can't stay healthy. So, there is some serious risk/reward analysis coming up for Octavien's possible employers.
Octavien speed and strength combination gives him the versitility to play on the strong side or weak side in the NFL, which is a plus. And Stew Bradley's recent NFL success may increase the perception of NU's recent crop of linebackers. And, to his credit, Octavien often played his best games against NU's best competition, like Texas in 2006. So, for all of those reasons, I'm hoping he gets drafted. Though, it could very easily be in the second day.
Zack Bowman
No Husker presents a more curious draft case than Zack Bowman. Two years ago, this guy had "1st Round" written all over him. At 6'2'' and 205 pounds with 4.4 speed, he is the prototype that NFL teams want. But, two serious leg injuries later, and folks are left with little but questions.
The obvious comparison is former FSU Seminole turned Charger Antonio Cromartie, who was drafted highly and paid off big, despite having missed significant time due to injury. In any case, I think his character and situation make Bowman the Husker I'll be pulling for most on draft day. I hope this kid can cash an NFL paycheck.
** UPDATE - Bowman showed very well in the combine, running in the 40 yard dash in 4.4 seconds, and showing good movement and skills during the drills he performed. This is a very good sign for his chances to get picked up somewhere in the second day of the draft.**
» Enjoy this article?
Send it to your friend or get Husker news by email!
Related Stories: Huskers in the NFL
Post a comment
doombob Feb 26 08
The internet and media is buzzing because of Darren McFadden's 4.33 40 and 10'8" long jump. But you cannot put very much stock into these stats. Other than Adrian Petersen last year, rarely does the biggest, fastest, strongest performance in these drills translate to on field performance. One of these Husker players is going to be a steal for a team in the late rounds. The only type of player you get in the first two rounds that always pans out? Left Guard. You can't put a price on a quarterback's blind side protection.
Jason Feb 26 08
FYI, the Journal is reporting that Nicks and Purify have tested well but Keller has not.
Greg Morrow Feb 26 08
5 players- 4 JC's and Sam, all transfers and all obviously more talented than possibly the next best "home grown" graduating player. Bo Ruud?
As much as the team's record these last 4 season's, this tells me how hollow the team has gotten, physically. Two of these guys, Octavien and Bowman, wouldn't have even been on the roster this year without injuries, the previous two seasons. "Stars aligning" caused Keller to transfer to Lincoln.
With Octavien, at least it's not his legs, that got hurt.
Hopefully Bowman is on schedule to get his sheepskin. He reminds me of Bobby Newcombe, as a top athlete slowed by injuries. But like the rest of this years defense, maybe he just seemed a step slow.
doombob Feb 27 08
Bowman's 4.38 40 yard dash probably just earned him a cool couple million over time. He's going to make an NFL team on the field, on the bench, or practice squad. I'd gladly take league minimum in the NFL, but he has the chance to earn more than that now.
Carlinthemarlin Feb 27 08
I don't think it was ever a question of Bowman getting drafted so much as when. He might have even snuck into the first day with his combine, but we'll see. If he has a bonkers pro-day, he could definitely be a third round pick.
darren Feb 27 08
Carlinthefish,
Thanks for the comment. Like I said in the post, I'm no draft guru. Though, I think you might be underestimating how fickle the NFL is or overestimating how talented Bowman is, or both.
The NFL doesn't take chances on broken parts. Poor character? Sure. Bad knees? Never. So, Bowman going in the draft requires a lot of medical A-OK. Also, this is one of the very deepest classes for cornerbacks in a long time. Bowman has plenty of competition.
Do I think he can or should get drafted? Sure. Though, I would be *shocked* if it is in the third round, as you suggest. Of course, I only lost money in my "Draft pool" when I played. So, what do I know?