FROM: Mitch (Muncie, IN)

With the Combine starting soon, who are some players that could drastically improve their draft stock with a great workout? I tried to get tickets, but I think they were all sold out.

Unfortunately, the NFL Combine is closed to the public so you won’t be able to find tickets.

In regards to players to keep an eye on, there are too many prospects to name, but I’ll throw out a few names to watch:

- Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State, CB - The top defensive back entering the Combine needs solid workout numbers to remain atop the list of cornerbacks. There are questions about his overall speed and ability to change directions quickly so good times in the 40 yard dash, short shuttle, and 3 cone drill will keep him among the top 12 picks in the draft. Poor times might push Jenkins to safety in the minds of some teams.

- Jarron Gilbert, DL & Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State - These two Spartans have an excellent chance to increase their draft stock during their workouts as both had decent, but not spectacular collegiate careers. Both are very raw and unpolished, but each have phenomenal physical and athletic talent that will propel their draft projections

- First Day Pass Rushers - There are 6-7 hybrid pass rushes who have a chance at hearing their names in the first or second rounds. There isn’t a clear-cut top pass rusher in this draft so the Combine is an excellent opportunity for prospects to raise their draft stock. Everette Brown, Brian Orakpo, Aaron Maybin, and Larry English will be the players battling for that top spot. Other pass rushers to watch are Clay Matthews Jr, Paul Kruger, and Connor Barwin.

                                                                                                                                                                  

FROM: Nolan (Cincinnati, OH)

Why did the Bengals decide to use their franchise tag on their kicker instead of one of their other free agents like TJ Houshmandzadeh?

For those of you who are not aware of the process of franchising a player, each of the 32 teams are allowed to designate one of their potential free agents as their “franchise” player. Once they do so, that player will not hit the free agent market and a few options can happen after that. The most common option is that the player will remain with that respective team and sign a one contract worth the average of the top five paid players at the position. Other options are that the team can work out an extension for the player or possibly trade his rights to another organization.

Back to the Bengals, they decided to use their lone franchise tag on kicker Shayne Graham this week. This was somewhat of a surprise because of their other potential free agents, but as we examine the situation, it wasn’t as big of a surprise as we once thought.

- WR TJ Houshmandzadeh threatened to sit out if he was franchised so it wasn’t a huge shock that the Bengals decided to let him test the market.

- OL Stacy Andrews tore his ACL this past season and might not be ready for the 2009 season. He was expecting a big pay day this offseason, but because of his injury, the Bengals are hoping they can re-sign him to a discounted, “let’s see what ya got” contract. Expect Andrews to be in a different uniform in 2009.

- RB Cedric Benson was a former top five draft pick and finally looked like it with Cincinnati in flashes this past season. Benson still carries a lot of questions and it shouldn’t be too surprising that the Bengals opted not to sign him to a $10+ million, one year contract.

                                                                                                                                                                  

FROM: Craig (Denver, CO)

Do you really think Clay Matthews Is that good? To me, he just appears to be a classic overachiever with limited athleticism.

While I don’t think there is any doubt that Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing are both better prospects, I do think Clay Matthews Jr. Is a fine prospect in his own right and a legit late-first round option.

You are correct when saying he is a classic overachiever, but this guy is much more than that. He doesn’t have elite athleticism, but his quickness and agility are good enough. What separates Matthews from others is his preparation and effort. There isn’t another player on the field who “wants it more” than Matthews and it shows through his production. He comes from excellent bloodlines and while he might not have the athleticism of some other prospects, his talent between his ears (intelligent & instincts) is unmatched.

For more on Matthews, check out my scouting report.

                                                                                                                                                                   

FROM: James (Midland, TX)

Has the stock of Boston College DT BJ Raji really moved into the top five range? ESPN.com even ranks him as their third top prospect in the draft!

There is no doubt that BJ Raji has separated himself from Peria Jerry and other defensive tackles to be the top player available at that position, but I definitely disagree with projections that he is a top five pick.

As a nose tackle, I view Raji as a top 12 talent and could see him going to the Packers at #9, 49ers at #10, or the Broncos at #12. However as a defensive tackle, I believe Raji doesn’t have as much value and is more of a top 20 prospect. He shows he has elite talent when he wants to, but there is too much inconsistency in his game. The “experts” were singing his praises after his standout week at the Senior Bowl, but where were these praises for him during the season? Raji isn’t stupid, he understood that the Senior Bowl was a chance to show off for scouts and NFL teams so he played to his potential, but as we watch game tape, it is evident that he doesn’t always play that way.

I did see that Scouts Inc. has Raji ranked as their third overall prospect. All I can say to that is, well, I politely disagree.

                                                                                                                                                                  

FROM: Timmy (East Lansing, MI)

When will the mock draft be updated?

Early next week I will update my mock draft and rankings. I want to wait until after the dust from the Combines settles to make all my updates.

Check back next week for all the updates, in the meantime, check out all my updated scouting reports.

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