Combine Talk: Linebackers

[Box_O_Rocks]

Rulon Davis vertical...30"

 

[mayoclinic]

:nono: You didn't follow Shane's instructions, did you, Connor? /

[binkymode]I say this now, and I pray to God I'm not wrong: Connor Barwin belongs in a Patriots uniform, and if they have to take him at #23, so be it.[/binkymode]

NOOOO!!!! 6'5, 256#, 4.56 40, 40" verticle, excellent long jump, intelligent, versatile. He's killing me.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Larry English vertical...36"

 

[VJCPatriot]

NOOOO!!!! 6'5, 256#, 4.56 40, 40" verticle, excellent long jump, intelligent, versatile. He's killing me.

I thought those were good things. *shrugs* Carry on with the combine watch!

 

[patchick]

Connor Barwin looked like he was close to 11' in the broad jump.

Connor Barwin u4.56

Connor Barwin vertical...40.5"

Holy %#$&.

6'3" 253, 33" arms. That's a 3-4 OLB all right.

 

[bakes781]

Connor Barwin smells more and more like the next Vernon Gholston to me. He's a converted TE. Not touching that with a 1st sorry. A 2nd no problem.

 

[mayoclinic]

Connor Barwin smells more and more like the next Vernon Gholston to me. He's a converted TE. Not touching that with a 1st sorry. A 2nd no problem.

Barwin's my binky, but I don't see spending a 1st on him. #47 or #58, but not #23. Too raw.

 

[jays52]

Barwin's my binky, but I don't see spending a 1st on him. #47 or #58, but not #23. Too raw.

No doubt Barwin has been impressive in the measurables. That said, I think we still need to see the way he runs in the drills. He could have all of these tremendous measurables, but lack the hips to be effective. Don't get me wrong, the kid looks incredible, just reserving annointment until I see the guy move around like a linebacker.

 

[jays52]

Does anyone remember Orakpo being so cut up?

 

[patchick]

Does anyone remember Orakpo being so cut up?

Yep. He's a weight-room legend in Texas, very proud of his muscles.

EDIT: here's an old SportsCenter piece celebrating his physique:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGUc3UL64f0

 

[patchick]

Connor Barwin smells more and more like the next Vernon Gholston to me. He's a converted TE. Not touching that with a 1st sorry. A 2nd no problem.

Barwin's risky, but I don't see the Gholston comparison at all. Gholston was an experienced player from a top-tier program who looked amazing in shorts but disappeared a lot on the field. Barwin's an inexperienced player from a smaller program who absolutely lit it up on the field in his one year on defense, and now is surprising a lot of people with his measurables.

 

[mayoclinic]

10' broad jump for Aaron Curry.

 

[bakes781]

Barwin's risky, but I don't see the Gholston comparison at all. Gholston was an experienced player from a top-tier program who looked amazing in shorts but disappeared a lot on the field. Barwin's an inexperienced player from a smaller program who absolutely lit it up on the field in his one year on defense, and now is surprising a lot of people with his measurables.

I just see him rising up the boards with this combine when realistically he shouldn't be sniffing the 1st round.

 

[BradyManny]

Connor Barwin u4.56

That's pretty damn good.


As for comparisons to Gholston - hells no, Barwin is way more fluid and athletic. There's a highlight reel for Barwin on the nfldraftparty channel on youtube. I know highlight reels have to be taken w a grain of salt, but just watch it, and you can tell why this guy was a basketball stud too. He's all over the place, and he's quick and agile.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Maualuga broad jump 8'11"

Tyrone McKenzie broad jump 9'3"

Scott McKillop broad jump 9'3"

 

[patchick]

I just see him rising up the boards with this combine when realistically he shouldn't be sniffing the 1st round.

It's a tough one. If Barwin had put up two seasons like his one (15½ TFL, 11 sacks, 7 PBU) he'd be a legitimate blue-chip talent. In other words, he's done everything you could ask with the opportunities given -- both on the field and at the combine -- but he's so new to the position that he has question marks.

The guy who is looking seriously overrated to me right now is Maybin. I just think the kid made a big mistake leaving school. He's very young, his body just doesn't seem ready, and he was counting on jaw-dropping athleticism to make some team jump at his "potential." So far, that's just not coming through.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Curry ran a 4.59

 

[patchick]

Maualuga broad jump 8'11"

Well, at least he beat Bear Pascoe! By a whisker.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Clint Sintim broad jump 9'10"

 

[mayoclinic]

Barwin looked very smooth in his 3-cone. Didn't see a time posted, but he looked good.