The road ahead for Martin, Molk, and Hemingway
Now that Molk and Martin are done with the NFL Combine, it's time for them to look ahead to what's next. Before that though, here's a summary of how they did at the combine (numbers are from the NFL's site):
| 40-yd dash | Bench press reps | Vertical jump | Broad jump | 3 cone | 20-yd shuttle | 60-yd shuttle | |
| Martin | 4.88 (16th) | 36 (t-3rd) | 33.5" (14th) | 113" (16th) | 7.19 (t-15th) | 4.25 (t-6th) | ? |
| Molk | N/A | 41 (1st) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hemingway | 4.53 (19th) | 21 (t-2nd) | 35.5" (22nd) | 124" (t-8th) | 6.59 (1st) | 3.98 (t-1st) | 11.16 (t-2nd) |
(Martin's ranks are for all defensive linemen; he ranked in the top 5 among DTs for every category; Hemingway's ranks are for all WRs). Here's an awesome picture of Martin (via ESPN/Brian Spurlock):
For some reason, they only have Molk's bench press reps listed. Did he not participate in the speed/agility drills? (EDIT: I forgot about his injured foot. As noted below, he did not participate in any of the running/jumping drills. I edited the table above accordingly).
Michael Rothstein did a nice recap of Martin's performance over at WN, including his specific ranks among DTs for each event (LINK). In that article, Rothstein mentions that UM will hold a Pro Day in March. What typically takes place at that? Are Martin and Molk the only ones who will be able to attend, since they were the only ones invited to the combine, or will other guys be able to participate in that (RVB, Koger, etc.)?
February 29th, 2012 at 1:41 PM ^
February 29th, 2012 at 1:47 PM ^
Duly noted, thanks. Any idea if MM participated in the 60-yard shuttle? There isn't a time listed for him there.
February 29th, 2012 at 1:42 PM ^
molk's hurt foot would preclude him for agility drills. damn poster above beat me to it
February 29th, 2012 at 1:43 PM ^
Everyone who thinks they have a shot at playing in the NFL (and has left early/graduated/run out of eligibility) will be at Pro Day. It's an event to showcase the potential NFL players at Michigan. I don't know if Molk will do anything there, but he should be there.
Molk didn't do the agility drills; his foot is still a little fucked, IIRC.
February 29th, 2012 at 1:49 PM ^
he's going to try to run at least the 40 at Pro Day.
He also said he may have his own training session post-Pro Day (I'm assuming if he isn't 100% at the Michigan event).
Per the annarbor.com article in the Molk thread below.
February 29th, 2012 at 7:08 PM ^
Serious football-techno-geek question coming ...
I understand that quickness and speed is a good thing. On the whole I'd rather a player have it than not.
But a question -- for the position of center in the NFL -- how important is a metric like the 40 time? My understanding of the center position is they (a) act as a kind of supervisor of the offensive line -- thus requiring good understanding of defensive sets, and (b) keep the nose tackle off the QB at all costs.
So I'm left to wonder ... for a center it seems other measurements are more important for a center than the 40 yard -- (a) smarts for sure, (b) technique -- ability to stay low, ability to maintain leverage, etc., and (c) squat and upper body strength.
Correct me if I'm wrong (when it comes to football technicals I'm still in Freshman 101, but learning thanks to Seth and others) ... but do center do much pulling and downfield blocking? I didn't think so, but maybe I'm wrong.
I seek enlightenment. Help?
Another key thing for a lineman to be able to do is gain leverage FIRST. That takes in any kind of 'explosive' measurement available: jumping drills, sprints, etc.
The 40 would also help indicate how fast the center could potentially get to the second level to engage linebackers and the secondary if plays call for that.
February 29th, 2012 at 1:43 PM ^
Molk's foot is still healing, so he didn't participate in any of the running/jumping events.
February 29th, 2012 at 1:44 PM ^
I wouldn't want to be on those tracks. He looks like a freaking monster.
February 29th, 2012 at 1:45 PM ^
MM isn't that big/strong.
/nervouslylooksovershoulder
/goodhesnotbehindme
February 29th, 2012 at 1:48 PM ^
February 29th, 2012 at 4:00 PM ^
I used to be a running back, then I took a Martin to the knee.
February 29th, 2012 at 1:50 PM ^
So I'll post this oldie but goody since I laugh like a hyena every time I read this blog title
http://mgoblog.com/content/unverified-vor-jesus-christ-get-car-its-mike…
February 29th, 2012 at 2:02 PM ^
Flashbacks can be dangerous.
February 29th, 2012 at 2:08 PM ^
He could be the Rock2.0. Become a wwe superstar and then segway that into an action film career that turns into kiddie flicks. Martin could star in an incredible hulk film as the Hulk himself, no CGI needed.
Or he could just become an nfl all pro player.
February 29th, 2012 at 2:14 PM ^
Any reason you didn't include Hemingway?
February 29th, 2012 at 2:21 PM ^
I don't know what you're talking about.
/thanks
February 29th, 2012 at 2:19 PM ^
It seems to me that pro day is going to be key for Mike Martin. He'll have.another chance to beast the bench press, and he'll be able to do all the drills.
February 29th, 2012 at 2:31 PM ^
I just read this from Mel Kiper's chat over at ESPN.com:
John (Indy): Do you like Mike Martin? Seems like a very under the radar player who could be an instant impact on a team like the niners or steelers who would have good ends and linebackers around him.
Mel Kiper: He's a good, solid college defensive tackle. Former high school wrestler. Uses his hands very well. Very intense. Focused. He played a lot of football at Michigan. He battled Moak every day in practice. Moak is a 4-5 round guy. Martin can help you. He's a third round pick.
Moak? Really?
February 29th, 2012 at 2:42 PM ^
I highly doubt Kiper is the one typing. It's probably an intern or other low-level guy/gal transcribing.
February 29th, 2012 at 3:28 PM ^
Any particular reason why you doubt it? Not challenging you, just curious. I wouldn't see why he wouldn't be the one typing, or be considered "too executive" to waste time on live chats that were arranged by ESPN when his talents would be better used elsewhere. I would think that I would want to be the one typing if my name was going on "analysis" and my employer proclaims me to be an NFL Draft Expert or whatever title he has...
Who knows...
February 29th, 2012 at 3:57 PM ^
I think Andrew meant that Kiper was giving analysis out loud and someone else was typing it up.
February 29th, 2012 at 4:15 PM ^
Ah, well that's certainly plausible. Seems a little redundant, perhaps, but definitely plausible. In that case, really, lowly intern? Moak? Really?
February 29th, 2012 at 5:08 PM ^
February 29th, 2012 at 2:30 PM ^
I was most impressed with the performance of Junior Hemingway in the combine. He was at the top in the shuttles and cone drill, top 3 in bench press, and was very solid in 40-time and vertical jump. Draftniks in attendence were tweeting some great feedback about his performance in the catching drills also. I bet he boosted himself a few rounds with his performance at the NFL Combine
February 29th, 2012 at 7:15 PM ^
I like this analysis.
My sense -- again, I'm still learning the technical specifics of the game -- but my sense is receivers in the NFL need to (a) get past getting jammed at the line of scrimmage, and (b) run routes with precision, and (c) react and cut quickly. It would seem to me the cone drill would suggest Hemingway has some abilities in the cut/reaction area, and his general size would allow him to work through/past the jams.
Plus, he seems a guy who makes things happen -- he comes back for balls, he's got decent hands and a decent vertical. Maybe not Justin Blackmon qualities, but qualities good enough to warrant more than luke-warm interest.
Just my two-cents.
February 29th, 2012 at 2:47 PM ^
This is OT - I didn't want to create a thread for this...I apologize for hijacking this thread. If you do it to me, I'll probably go off on a rant so feel free to rant on me for doing it.
But I wanted to share this...never seen it and I think it's pretty f-ing good. Hope you all enjoy.
February 29th, 2012 at 3:06 PM ^
is a really good movie. That's actually Will Smith's son, playing his son in the movie.
February 29th, 2012 at 2:52 PM ^
Even though Hemingway's combine performance was solid, I don't see him on anyone's "risers" board. Does this mean he is still destined to go in the later rounds, if at all?
February 29th, 2012 at 3:04 PM ^
He will be a good late round get for someone. I know ill get negged for this but Denard doesnt do much to help his receivers. With an accurate QB I think you will see Hemingway excel.
February 29th, 2012 at 3:29 PM ^
How about the Pats? What better QB to come in under than Tom Brady? Not to mention the fact that they could use a solid, big-bodied WR (who's not a tight end) on their team.
That would be both horrible and wonderful. I already have to apologize to all my friends for liking the Patriots the little that I do (and that's all due to the former UM players on the roster). Add anyone else and I might lean toward LOVING the Patriots and then I'm really in the soup.
February 29th, 2012 at 3:18 PM ^
I think with how popular it has become for NFL QB's to throw back shoulder throws, and Junior's ability to go up and get passes, he will be a serviceable NFL WR. I never saw a ton of seperation in college from him, so these numbers he is putting up are quite remarkable. Does he just run poor routes? I don't know enough about technique/route running to know if this is true or not. But I would think this is something that can be taught and learned by Junior making him much more productive.
February 29th, 2012 at 3:48 PM ^
our QBs have strugged with consistently throwing accurate balls that a WR can get Yac yards after...this hurt Junior's overall stats...but he still averaged over 18yds per catch in his career....which is quite excellent.
February 29th, 2012 at 3:58 PM ^
he has had to continously come back for poorly thrown balls. Rarely did he get an opportunity to catch one in stride. I think this is why his speed has seemed lacking.
February 29th, 2012 at 3:18 PM ^
at his performance, I suspect the heads that turned don't do risers boards. Fortunately for Junior, they're probably people who actually draft players.
February 29th, 2012 at 3:25 PM ^
I feel like if Mel Kiper turned his head fast enough, his hair would seperate from his scalp, thus he avoids performances that would turn his head too fast, thus Junior has not been listed as a riser on his boards.
It all makes total sense.
February 29th, 2012 at 4:13 PM ^
He went from 6th round to Undrafted Free Agent to 4th-6th round...
February 29th, 2012 at 3:25 PM ^
February 29th, 2012 at 3:44 PM ^
Whats going on with Kevin Koger ... anyone know? didnt see him mentioned at the combine.
February 29th, 2012 at 3:52 PM ^
Wasn't invited to the combine
February 29th, 2012 at 4:05 PM ^
But he'll kill it at our pro day and end up being drafted higher than anyone projected him. He impressed with versatility as a FB/TE at the Senior Bowl and it's a weak year for tight ends in general.
I could see the Patriots taking him (which is what I say and hope for every Michigan player) because they love the versatility. He could play on special teams, while being a solid FB/TE hybrid to back up their duo. Three roster spots in one guy.
February 29th, 2012 at 5:42 PM ^
The number that really jumped out to me at first glance, was the fact that our 306 pound Nose Tackle, Mike Martin, had a 33.5 inch vert! That's only 2 inches less than our jump-ball catching WR, Hemingway. All three of them did a great job at the combine, but I was impressed with Martin's vert and overall athleticism. I always knew he played like a great athlete, I just wasn't sure how it would translate into combine drills. Glad to see Hemingway run a pretty good 40, too! Molk killed it on the bench! Go Blue!
this may be a dumb question....but what has happened to Kevin Koger?
See above.
I see people predicting/hoping our guys go to certain teams but when would our guys be drafted? Molk seems like he could be a late first round pick if a team has a need for him, but I hve no idea about Hemingway or Mike Martin. Does anybody have a feel for that?
Graded Molk a 45, Hemingway a 39 and Martin a 67. According to their site, that puts Molk somewhere around the sixth round, Hemingway later than that and Martin solidly in the third round.
These ratings might not have been updated since the combine, though, and Molk and Hemingway seemingly impressed in Indianapolis.