Offensive linemen the big priority
Posted: Saturday February 20, 1999 08:36 AM
After the first day of the NFL combine Friday, some trends were becoming
apparent. After speaking with a number of GMs and personnel directors,
it's no wonder that the offensive linemen go first in the evaluation
process. Possibly as many as seven offensive tackles are being projected as
first round picks ... and for good reason.
According to three NFL line coaches I spoke with, every team in the league
could find a starting job next season for a player in this group:
1. Aaron Gibson, Wisconsin, 6'6," 380
2. Kris Farris, UCLA, 6'8," 320
3. L.J. Shelton, E. Michigan, 6'5," 320
4. John Tait, BYU, 6'6," 310
5. Matt Stinchcomb, Georgia, 6'6," 290
6. Chris Terry, Georgia, 6'5," 290
7. Solomon Page, West Virginia, 6'7," 300
But these players have to go through their combine workout to stay in the
elite group. Their agents no doubt remember last year's example of Michigan
State's Flozell Adams,
who had a very good college career and an excellent Senior Bowl but a poor
combine. He then fell to the second round, where Dallas was happy to grab
him for a lot less money.
Which leads to my second trend, one that is not new but a growing concern.
As one prominent agent told me: "The NFL can change the date of the
combine all they want, my clients will not run there."
It now appears the top 5 running backs on most draft boards won't run or
lift, either. The NFL is not happy about this, but as long as scouts and
coaches show up at private workouts in March and draft players high, it
won't change. As an Eagles insider told me, if Ricky Williams doesn't work
out and he's available at the No. 2 pick, it won't matter.
Thirdly, pay close attention to the daily free agent signings to
understand who your favorite team will draft. Let's look at the Saints.
They don't re-sign QB Kerry
Collins, and trade for Rams WR Eddie Kennison.
Management watches three teams ahead of its pick at No. 12 sign or trade
for a quarterback. And with rumors around here that Cincinnati at the
third pick may go for CB Champ Bailey out of Georgia, the Saints are now
positioned to draft a QB. One of the elite four -- Tim Couch, Daunte
Culpepper, Donovan McNabb or Akili Smith -- should be there.
One comment from a long time, well-respected scout concerning Florida
outside linebacker Jevon Kearse: He's the closest thing to Lawrence
Taylor in 10 years. If others start to believe that, Kearse will move to
the top 5 in the next few weeks.
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