NFL Combine: Tight Ends and Offensive Linemen

by John Morgan on Feb 23, 2008 3:45 PM PST

Briefly, as I'm not going to fill up a bunch of nothing with words.

Tights Ends

Martellus Bennett was the only top level prospect who excelled. 4.68 40, 34" Vert. He's likely solidified his spot as the number one TE off the board. Unless one of those late teens teams with a need think he's that good, Bennett will still likely fall into the second round. As will Fred Davis and John Carlson. Unfortunately, no one in the second class really established themselves. Brad Kotter ran a 4.55 40, but that doesn't make him any taller. The 6'8", 271 pound Brad Cottam probably helped himself the most, but not likely into the first day. Looks like Seattle will have to use a second round pick, maybe even trade up to grab Carlson. As is, I could see it.

Offensive Linemen

The Sam Baker Express keeps chugging down the boards. It will be interesting to see how far he's fallen when the dust clears. All in all, the combine has not shed much light on offensive linemen. Jake Long was and is the #1 tackle off the boards. As I mentioned earlier, Jeremy Zuttah probably did the most to help himself but his numbers were by no means eye-popping. Robert Felton didn't stand out--or, at least, I didn't see him and he didn't register on any leader boards. After reading about his problems with false starts, I highly doubt he'd get the Holmgren seal of approval. Roy Schuening displayed the good technique you'd expect from an ultra-polished guard, but suffered the always fun injury while running. As is, I don't see any offensive linemen who really stand out to me as Hawks. Maybe Baker.

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Rob Rang's take on Baker from TNT article.

3) Sam Baker, USC. Not as athletic, but he has the versatility to swing back and forth between the right and the left side. "He is what he is," Rob said. "He's good, but he is not going to improve much. I'd say he should be a second-rounder."

by Gray on Feb 23, 2008 4:25 PM PST reply actions

an ESPN opinion

"Baker began the season not too far behind Long, but an injury-riddled senior campaign and a lackluster showing at the Senior Bowl have considerably damaged his stock. " By Todd McShay,NScouts Inc.
Whee!

by paul2 on Feb 23, 2008 5:18 PM PST reply actions

TE

Did you happen to see Dustin Keller? He was pretty impressive.

by Nate Dogg on Feb 23, 2008 8:43 PM PST reply actions

Carlson's 40 time was very surpriseing

He ran close to 5 seconds. That is strange because at ND he showed he can stretch the seam. Bennett is very impressive. I really hope he drops to the Hawks second round pick.

John, in Carlson's case how much does his 40 time matter when he proved in college to be a fast TE?

by joeshow30 on Feb 23, 2008 9:17 PM PST reply actions

Not much at all.

We don't even know Gates' 40 and you can be sure that Gonzo's 40 would be up around 5...Good cuts, clean lines and the ability to separate/fight for the jump ball--that's what makes a tight end a deep threat. Not the ability to run in a straight line down a track. The only way I see this mattering is that Carlson probably has less room for decline. He might be affected worse by a speed sapping injury. Might. The only time the 40 really comes into play is on "Go" routes, otherwise things like cutting, being able to fight off a press and the ability to pick through traffic is far more important to a tight end getting down the field/stretching the proverbial seam. Remember, we're talking about tenths of a second, maneuvering around an outside linebacker obtusely (ie improperly) will more than swallow the tiny speed difference a faster TE might have. Obviously, if you can do all that and are an exceptional athlete, too, then you're Kellen Winslow or some so such Holy playmaker. I would say this would take a chunk off Carlson's stock, but scouts love him and no one really stepped up enough to displace him in the second. I sincerely hope this guy ends up a Hawk. Him, a complete rusher who can make it to the edges, maybe Hacks, and another fine season from Hasselbeck and the Hawks could feature a top 10 offense.

by John Morgan on Feb 23, 2008 9:43 PM PST up reply actions