TCU Pro Day

TCU Pro Day was today and the Frogs had 14 players participating. Over 25 NFL Scouts were on hand to see the likes of Paul Dawson, Kevin White, Chris Hackett, and BJ Catalon work out. There were many questions going into today for Dawson, Hackett, and White, who all had sub-par 40 yard dash times at the NFL Combine last month in Indianapolis. BJ Catalon looked to show had better hands and quickness than he had shown in Indy. While each of these players had been invited to Indianapolis last month the other players working out today may have been the most inpressive. Here are the winners from today’s TCU Pro Day.

Chucky Hunter – Defensive Tackle  

Few expected him to run a sub 5-second 40-yard dash, but he did. Chucky drew some smiles with his 4.90 40-yard dash time. He drew a crowd of scouts from the Ravens, Lions, Cowboys, Eagles, Texans, Broncos, and Steelers during his position drills. He was impressive and scouts took a definite notice to his physicality as you could hear the thud of his hands driving the dummies out of his way.

David Porter III – Wide Receiver 

David played mostly in the slot for the Frogs in 2014 and had always shown good hands since arriving in 2011, but what nobody expected today was for him to run a blazing 4.35 unofficial 40-yard dash. If there is one thing scouts love it’s speed and David showed that he has better speed then most expected. He then went out to catch every pass thrown in his direction during receiving drills while running crisp routes.  He definitely showed that he is worthy of a late round draft pick next month.

Jonathan Anderson – Linebacker 

Jonathan started his career at TCU as a 200 pound safety and leaves as a chiseled 230 pound linebacker.  He showed that he was a physical freak by having the Pro Days highest reps on the 225 pound bench press with 26 and a 10’2” Broad Jump. To cap it off he ran an unofficial 4.55 40-yard dash. He very much looked the part of a NFL linebacker today in drills. His special teams play had teams looking but after today, he will be on an NFL roster this Fall.

Now, this doesn’t mean that the bigger names weren’t good. All of the players involved today only improved their draft stock.  Here are some notes from others involved today.

BJ Catalon III – Running Back 

The Paul Hornung Award finalist showed good speed by running a 4.53 unofficial 40-yard dash. He improved on his 4.57 from the NFL Combine. He displayed quick feet in his position drills and good hands running routes out of the backfield and the slot. He can really help a team as a kick returner and receiver. His NFL comparison is Darren Sproles.

Chris Hackett – Safety 

Chris improved on his NFL combine time of 4.81 by running a 4.71 at Pro Day today. The tape shows his tackling ability and willingness to do so. Today he showed good, fluid hips and great ball skills during drills.  The 49ers seemed VERY interested in Chris after workouts ended. Looks to be a solid mid round pick.

Kevin White – Cornerback 

Kevin had a lot of things he wanted to improve on after a hamstring limited his participation in Indianapolis last month. He ended up running a 4.63 40-yard dash and was limited in on-field drills. Today he was healthy and showed what most of the Senior Bowl scouts had seen on tape. He ran a 4.55 unofficial 40-yard dash and good acceleration on deep throws during passing drills. According to Charean Williams, White has a private workout with the Buccaneers on April 10^th.

Paul Dawson – Linebacker 

The player with the most to prove today was without a doubt Paul Dawson. After running a slow 4.91 40-yard dash and performing poorly in position drills at the Combine last month, Paul ran a 4.78 unofficial 40-yard dash, a 9’8” Broad Jump, and 30” vertical today. Dawson bounced back and solidified his status as the top linebacker in the draft after solid performances in his position drills. Scouts from the Vikings, Cowboys, Saints, and Rams were keeping an eye on Dawson. Both the rams and Saints had private meetings with Dawson after the events wrapped up.

Todays TCU Pro Day looked to be a success for all of those involved. Out of the fourteen players participating, there could be as many as ten drafted in the upcoming draft. A few others may have earned themselves a chance in the CFL.

Also on hand today were a handful of current NFL former Frogs, notably Andy Dalton, David Hawthorne, Jerry Hughes, and Marcus Cannon.

Let’s see where these guys go in the NFL Draft on April 30 - May 2.

Geoff Craig

@geoffrey_craig

Possible Draft Day Trades for the Dallas Cowboys

The NFL Draft isn’t until April 30 but it’s never too early to start looking ahead at the possible movers and shakers on Draft Day. I have put together four possible trade partners for the Dallas Cowboys and why they would want to make these deals.

Mia gets picks 27, 124, 208

Dal gets picks 47, 78, 111, 175

Miami has pick #14 in the 1^st round and need s help at OT, LB, and CB. I wouldn’t be surprised if they went after a WR also as it seems Mike Wallace’s days are numbered. Amari Cooper or Kevin White could slide to #14 and they can add an OT such as Cedric Ogbuehi from Texas A&M at #27.

Min gets picks 27, 124, 208

Dal gets picks 45, 76, 129, 141

Minnesota needs help at CB, RB, and OT. They hold pick #11 in the 1^st round. They will most certainly need to replace Adrian Peterson and Coach Mike Zimmer would like to get help on the defensive side. With this trade the Vikings could end up with CB Trae Waynes with pick #11 and Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon at #27.

SF gets picks 27, 208

Dal gets picks 46, 79, 123

With the recent retirings of Justin Smith at DE and Patrick Willis at LB added to the free agent departures of RB Frank Gore and WR Michael Crabtree the 49ers need help at DE, LB, WR and RB. The 49ers currently hold pick #15 which could be used on a WR and with pick #27 they could find Willis’ replacement in the form of Benardrick McKinney or Paul Dawson.

Jax gets picks 27, 91

Dal gets picks 36, 67, 164

Jacksonville needs help at OT, RB, and CB. They currently hold pick #3, which most Mock Drafts have them taking the best pass rusher, Dante Fowler from Florida. By adding pick #27, they could add Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon or Tevin Coleman to put in the backfield with Blake Bortles. They can then add a solid CB or OT with pick #91.

Free Agency changes how teams think and what they value come draft time so a ton can change until then. I’ll make updates to this and prior draft posts as we get closer to the draft. Leave your comments below or voice them on twitter.

@geoffrey_craig

Dallas Cowboys Post NFL Combine Draft Preview – Cornerbacks

The Dallas Cowboys are in a bit of a sticky situation when it comes to the cornerback position. They are currently in talks with Brandon Carr about restructuring his deal to help free up space. Morris Claiborne is again injured and will not be ready for Training Camp. After trading up in the 2012 draft to take Claiborne, it will be interesting to see how high they value a corner in the draft. The NFL Scouting Combine is now over and I have updated my list and rank of possible picks for the Boys in Round 1 or 2. You kind read the initial list here.

1. Eric Rowe, Utah 6-1 205

Rowe was a 4-year starter at Utah, three years at Free Safety and one at Corner. Eric is a big, physical corner that was very impressive at the Combine. He was a top performer in EVERY category. Ran a 4.45 40 with a 39” vertical. In on-field drills he impressed, showing good, fluid hips and showing he can be a corner at the next level. Worth the risk at pick #27.

2. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest 6-0 188

Ran well (4.52) and showed impressive vertical (41.5”). Was a Top 5 performer in vertical leap, broad jump, 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle at the combine. Was a 3-year starter at Wake Forest.

3. Alex Carter, Stanford 6-0 196

Alex ran a 4.51 40 and had a 40” vertical leap. Looked natural in on-field drills. Has physicality to play outside at the next level. His dad, Tom played nine seasons at corner in the NFL.

4. Jalen Collins, LSU 6-1 203

Showed off his athleticism at the Combine. 4.48 40 with 36” vertical. Was a top performer in 3-cone drill with time of 6.77 seconds. NFL personnel love his upside, but has boom or bust written all over him.

5. Marcus Peters, Washington 6-0 197

Marcus was a little underwhelming at the Combine. Teams thought he would run faster (4.53), but still solid in all other tests, 17 reps of 225 lbs, and 37.5” vertical. His character is still the biggest concern of all.  With a good Pro Day, he could be a 1^st or 2^nd round pick, but if he doesn’t perform well, he could slide to 4^th-5^th range.

Marcus Peters was my number one Cornerback prior to the Combine, but Eric Rowe was that impressive. Rowe is listed as a Free Safety because of playing three years at the position, but wants to play Corner in the NFL. Kevin Johnson moved up to two because he performed well and has been starting at corner for three years. Carter is a solid player, while Collins is a risk because of lack of tape to review and Peters may not be worth the headache. Kevin White from TCU was on the previous list as a 3^rd or 4^th round pick so he’s not listed on this list.

@geoffrey_craig

Dallas Cowboys Post NFL Combine Draft Preview – Running Back’s

Now that the NFL Combine has come and gone it’s time to update the list of potential Running Backs that may have the attention of the Dallas Cowboys. If you haven’t read the initial Running Back preview you can view it here. There are rumors swirling of Adrian Peterson wanting to come to play for the Cowboys, but he has yet to be re-instated and he still may face a suspension when he returns.

So, the original list had eight players, but my top five have changed and a new three at the bottom. Here’s the list:

1. Todd Gurley, Georgia

2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

3. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

4. Tevin Coleman, Indiana

5. Jay Ajayi, Boise State

6. David Johnson, Northern Iowa

7. Zach Zenner, South Dakota State

8. John Crockett, North Dakota State

The three newbies on the list are all small school guys with big production. The NFL Scouting Combine showed that athletically they are on par with the other top backs available.

Here is a scouting report on the newcomers:

David Johnson, Northern Iowa, 6-1 224

Big, strong kid who showed excellent speed and explosiveness at the NFL Combine. Ran 4.5 40, had a 41.5” vertical and broad jumped 127” while throwing up 25 reps at 225 on bench. Performed well at the Senior Bowl as well, showing he’s not just a small school kid. Has great hands as shown with his 203 yards RECEIVING against Iowa.

John Crockett, North Dakota State, 6-0 217

A patient runner with an explosive lower body. Had a 40” vertical and broad jumped 125” at the NFL Combine. Possesses big, strong hands and can be a threat out of the backfield. An absolute workhorse, had 398 touches in 2014.

Zach Zenner, South Dakota State, 5-11 223

Big, fast, and tough. One of the most complete backs in the draft. Good hands and great blocker who will stick it to a blitzing linebacker. Performed well against better competition as well, running for 202 yards against Nebraska in 2013.  Surprised many at the NFL Combine with 4.6 40, 25 reps on bench, 40” vertical and 121” broad jump.

More updates from the NFL Scouting Combine to come.

@geoffrey_craig