NFL COMBINE REPORT- DAY 4

DBs
On the last day of workouts we saw the Defensive backs workout and although history would show this is the fastest group, according to 40 times, this year’s class wasn’t as fast as advertised. We did have some guys vault themselves into draft talks however. I was surprised at a couple guys as they went from no-namers to very high on my list.

S
The safeties consisted of a short list of guys but some that may make an impact right away. The top guy on my board is Rashad Johnson from Alabama. He has good ball skills and decent speed and was a walk-on that had to overcome a lot. A couple guys that really caught my eye were Patrick Chung from Oregon and Emanual Cook from South Carolina. They are both safeties with aggressive styles and can put the hammer down when they hit. Oklahoma’s Lendy Holmes was the guy that helped his stock the most by showing his athleticism and speed. Chris Clemons from Clemson also opened some eyes by having a great combine.

Donovan’s Elite 5- S
#1 Rashad Johnson- Alabama
#2 Patrick Chung- Oregon
#3 Emanuel Cook- South Carolina
#4 William Moore- Missouri
#5 Darcel McBath- Texas Tech

Donovan’s Morning-Wood Early Risers
#1 Lendy Holmes- Oklahoma
#2 Chris Clemons- Clemson
#3 David Bruton- Notre Dame
#4 Stephen Hodge- TCU
#5 Michael Hamlin- Clemson

CB
The corner position is very deep this year and we may see 4 or 5 corners in the first round. The top 2 guys on my list may move to the safety position when it is all said and done. These guys are “tweeners” almost like Arizona Cardinal Antrel Rolle who has been used at both positions. Malcolm Jenkins from Ohio State and Delmas Louis are both big and physical DBs who will most likely be place at the safety position. In fact, in my preview I had Louis as my top safety and I continue to think he is best suited for the S position. I really like Delmas and think this guy will be a stud which ever position he plays. Vontae Davis from Illinois has serious skills and is a physical freak and should go in the first round as well. Some guys that impressed me today were Joe Burnett from Central Florida and Keenan Lewis from Oregon State. Burnett had a great day and he is a burner that can also help in the kick and punt return game, which raises his stock after a great 40 time as well. Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest is in my Elite 5 but has dropped to 5 because I just don’t think his size helps matters any. He does have serious skills and he did have a phenomenal day. Donald Washington from Ohio State really dominated the combine with his speed and vertical but shows signs of inconsistencies.

Donovan’s Elite 5- CB
#1- Malcolm Jenkins- Ohio State
#2- Louis Delmas- Western Michigan
#3- Vontae Davis- Illinois
#4- Darius Butler- Uconn
#5- Alphonso Smith- Wake Forest

Donovan’s Morning-Wood Early Risers
#1- Joe Burnett- Central Florida
#2- Keenan Lewis- Oregon State
#3- DJ Moore- Vanderbilt
#4- Bradley Fletcher- Iowa
#5- Donald Washington- Ohio State