More ESPN Brandon Graham Combine/Draft Coverage
ESPN's AFC North Blog has a nice mention of Brandon Graham's combine interview performance.
While Len Pasquarelli notes that "...undersized edge defenders are garnering considerably more respect in today's game." in an article that features BG as an example of a college DE who's garnering interest as a 3-4 scheme rush linebacker.
Huge motor, as evidenced at Senior Bowl, in which he won MVP honors with five tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble. Short frame, short arms and not particularly stout versus the run. Plays with excellent leverage. Had 29 sacks his last three college seasons.But we knew that...
February 28th, 2010 at 10:50 PM ^
Is it possible that he is starting to turn into an "OMG shirtless" prospect?
Kinda reminds me of how David Harris started to rise up the draft boards with workouts and senior bowl stats and then all the draft experts said "wait a second ... maybe he can play a little,he was sure productive in college"
February 28th, 2010 at 10:52 PM ^
...UM D players have shown what they are capable of doing. BG should be the next one to prove he is worthy to be in the NFL.
February 28th, 2010 at 10:56 PM ^
Nice article. I'm concerned Graham hurts his stock at the combine, or that others push themselves past him. I just think he can't do better for himself than he has and that we haven't found this year's Vernon Gholston yet. The South Florida guy is already above Graham, and I really think one or two other D-Ends will pass him in Indianapolis.
It just sucks for him, because football can be a game that results in very short careers, so I'd like to see him get a huge payday up front.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:08 PM ^
BG will be the first DE/OLB hybrid taken. If he runs the 4.5 40 that is rumored, he'll cement himself in the top 20 of the draft. He should do pretty well in the broad,vert,cone,bench and 1 on 1s. I really think he'll shine when GMs and coaches get a chance to talk to him. Plus his performance at the Senior Bowl should really help him.
Maybe Pierre-Paul gets taken in front of him because he's a physical specimen for a 4-3 rush end team. Kindle might sneak in because he'll project better to true Will.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:11 PM ^
I guess I'm just thinking that it can't get any better than the Senior Bowl for Graham in terms of draft stock. A sub-4.6 would allay those fears for the most part.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:55 PM ^
If there was such a postition in the early 90's, Dwayne Johnson from Miami might not have had to go to Canada, might not have gotten cut, and might not have ever found fame as "The Rock."
It obviously ended up OK for him, but would be willing to bet that when he sees what is going on now, he is kicking himself in the ass for being born about twenty years too early.
uhhhh... Dwayne Johnson was definitely more of a dtackle than he was any type of edge rusher.
Also, I feel like the DE/OLB was around in the earlier 90s, Greg Lloyd and Derrick Thomas are 2 guys that come to mind that played it back then.
"Rock" was 6' 5" and jacked to the gills even while at the OTHER UM. If he had the skill set and ability, they could of put any additional pounds they wanted on that frame to make him a top flight DT.
Plus, his career has worked about better than just about every NFL player money-wise, $10-20mil per picture is pretty solid.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:23 PM ^
With so many NFL teams switching to the 3-4 I dont think BG falls out of the first round. His skill set and build remind me of a slightly bigger Joey Porter.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:10 PM ^
Just imagine how much easier it'll be for him to tackle NFL QB's when he's already tackled the football messiah. I've got to believe that worth at least a 2 spot bump in his draft stock
February 28th, 2010 at 11:22 PM ^
No, I think that exaggerated delivery is what's hurting his draft stock.
Wait, someone posted a Tebow picture, and it was hard not to focus on him. Yes, Brandon Graham will use his QB pwnage to his advantage.
Graham looks like he busted out his Go-Go-Gadget arm for this play. So much for scouts saying he's got stubs!
Brandon Graham was 10th place for Dlinemen and put up 31 on the bench.
Some other DL numbers:
19 Jason Pierre-Paul
23 Gerald McCoy
26 Jared Odrick
32 Ndamukong Suh
32 Thaddeus Gibson
44 Jeff Owens
That's really impressive considering that includes defensive tackles.
Where did these numbers come from?
My asshole.
NAH they didn't come from my asshole
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d816a8321/LB-DL-hit-the-be…
I hadn't seen these. Thanks.
wow, thats not a great number, especially for someone as touted as McCoy.
Great stuff, that 31 isn't that surprising given his short arms
combine day is today, Monday.
9am est is the 40, and BG is wearing DL17.
"Not particularly stout vs. the run"? Huh?
That's fine with me. It means dumb organizations like the Lions or the Raiders are less likely to take him, which means that smart organizations like NE or Miami that can tell how well a guy plays in the freaking game can take him.
B. Graham just posted a 4.69 on his first run.
Clocked in at 4.69 as well.
...with an icepack on his left hamstring.
Good reporting, Scoop!
Ice pack on left hamstring...
Oh man...BG hurt on the sideline, icepack on his left hamstring.
is done for the day!
...the scoop. Now back to work.
...for the day due to the hammie. Will be next seen at the Michigan Pro Day.
...hydration issue with BG. Hope it's not serious.