As hundreds of executives, scouts and players converge on Indianapolis this week, there are several players I can’t wait to see.
Before I get to the players, there is one non-invitee I want to mention…Rich Eisen! I don’t know whose idea it was to get Rich to first run the 40 yard dash in his suit but it was a brilliant story idea. Can’t miss TV! My favorite TV moment ever. #RunRichRun
Tyrann Mathieu, DB, LSU
This will be the first time Mathieu will be on TV since his interview with Joe Schad. The bad news, that interview revolved around his marijuana arrest. Not good. I can’t wait to see if he is in shape. A wise man once told me you can tell how hard someone is working in the weight room by the bench press. The former Heisman Trophy finalist has had nothing but time on his hands and needs to show up in the weight room. He will show off his ball skills in the workouts by attacking the ball it at the highest point, a small detail many defenders don’t possess. I predict Mathieu’s stock will be up after this week. He will show up in shape and ball out!
Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
One of the quickest players I have seen on film in a long time. His ability to make a defender miss and gain his speed back is unmatched. The three- cone drill and shuttle drills are made for this guy, those records will get shattered . I also think he is going to run a faster 40 time than expected. Austin’s draft stock will be high after this week.
Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas
The award for pre-combine buzz goes to…Marquise Goodwin. I will be tuned in to see his broad jump. I don’t think I ever said that about a prospect. The Olympian will also shine in the vertical leap, Goodwin may out jump the markers. OK, maybe not but all eyes will be on him. He will also have one of the fastest 40 times in Indy.
D.J. Fluker, OL, Alabama
This guy was a defensive tackle in high school and was a beast. Nick Saban moved him to tackle and his mentality never changed. Watching him play in the SEC, I have seen him man handle some of the top defensive ends on Saturdays. That starts in the weight room. My prediction is he will do at least 30 reps on the bench.
B.W. Webb, CB, William & Mary
This guy has one of the coolest names at the draft and after this week everyone will know it. Webb showcased his skills at the Senior Bowl and he will carry that momentum into the combine. He has great ball skills and will come up and make a tackle on the ball carrier. Not to mentiom he has great return skills. In 2009, Webb had 3 interceptions against Virginia to spark that upset. His 40 may not be blazing, or he my not have other jaw dropping numbers but he is a football player on game film so don’t get caught up in the numbers with this kid. Remember the name!
Many people think the NFL season is over…it’s only the beginning.
