The Cincinnati Bengals, hoping to gain an edge up on the competition, have successfully infiltrated the NFL Scouting Combine. A few updates so far: --Confirmed that John Clayton does NOT have a pony tail. --The Bucs are not afraid on Jameis Winston's off-field issues. He's still in play for No.1 pick. Sources tell us that's where he's leaning. --Also told that Logan Mankins is part of Tampa Bay's plans going forward.
Ruston Webster, Tennessee Titans Executive Vice President and General Manager, said he would not commit to zach mettenberger as being the team's starting QB. You coy, coy bastard.
I wish I had more time to scout and watch the combine this year, the new job has me lacking in that department. Won't be surprised if my GML draft class this year looks really bad.
Gary Kubiak on if Peyton Manning can roll out: "I think he can do anything he wants to do." Read into that how you will...
Florida LT D.J. Humphries weighed in at 307 today. Played at about 290 in college, so he's happy about that. Most execs are telling him that bigger is better (don't they all). Also, he was advised by draft advisory board to stay at UF for another year, to which he responded "F-U".
Dennis Hickey was a bit of a snoozer. Only caught the back half of his presser. Said that Branden Albert's rehab was on schedule and that he was working with "fervor" to get back to full strength. Spoke about getting more balanced on offense going forward and becoming better in the red zone. Not sure what that means specifically, lots of generalities. I like the GML's Dolphins GM better.
Easily the most uncomfortable GM I saw up there. Not sure he stuttered, but certainly didn't like being at the podium.
A few quick takeaways from the combine as the Bengals' brass leaves early (cause we don't give an Efff about defense): --At QB, it's clearly Jameis Winston, then Marcus Mariota not too far behind, then everyone else. Winston is easily the most polished and finished product at QB in this class. Mariota could become special, exhibiting really nice footwork and mechanics. The question with him becomes how does he develop in the areas of pocket awareness and reading defenses? Winston is adept at this, Mariota is untested. Obviously couldn't test that this week. For Winston, it becomes a question of whether or not you trust him to be the face of your franchise. the physical tools and even the mental ones are all there from a football standpoint, but will he stay out of trouble? History says no, but perhaps a franchise could provide proper structure around him. --Melvin Godron did what he had to to solidify himself as the top RB in the class. Langford was a sleeper some others mentioned heading into the combine, but I don't think he's gonna sneak up on anyone now after running a 4.42. Karlos Williams and Buck Allen each helped themselves with good times given that they both way 200+ pounds. David Johnson tested through the roof too. So his numbers match his production. --Cam Erving, moobs and all, really helped himself. If he stays at center, he's easily the most athletic and gifted player at that position in the draft. hard to imagine him slipping out of the first round now. D.J. Humphries came in weighing 307 and didn't seem to lose any of his athleticism. That's big. --Kevin White won the day. Amari Cooper didn't hurt his stock, imo, White just elevated his. White has higher ceiling, but man I'd still have a hard time passing up on Cooper if I needed a WR. Jaelen Strong is probably gonna sneak into the 1st. I like him. Tyler Lockette could be an impact player as a slot WR. DeVante Parker plays slow and that was evident Saturday. Curious on how he'll do against more physical corners (P.j. Williams shut him down this year...FSU didn't, but P.J. Williams did when they were matched up.) Disappointed that Perriman didn't work out. --I was really impressed with a few DL types at the combine during interviews. Dante Fowler was really polished and likable. The same for Leonard Williams and Eddie Goldman. Williams is the best player in this draft, IMO, and is as sure to a can't-miss prospect as you can get.