Christian Ballard

Position: DT School: Iowa Height: 6’3 3/4" Weight: 283 lbs Class: Senior 40 time: 4.75 All-Star Game: Senior Bowl (invite only) Team Captain: No Draft Projection: Late 2nd Round

Summary

A high-upside prospect with impressive physical tools, Christian Ballard appears to have only begun to scratch the surface of his potential. Because he was given the task at Iowa of oscillating between defensive end and tackle, he was never able to master either position. However, he showed plenty of explosiveness lining up at both spots. As a result, the team that drafts Ballard will have to decide how they want to mold the still-developing defensive lineman: he could continue to drop weight and become an effective three down 4-3 base end, bulk up and turn into a super-quick three technique, or improve his strength in order to becomes a solid 3-4 defensive end. Alternatively, Keep Reading…

Aldon Smith

Position: DE School: Missouri Height: 6’4 1/4" Weight: 263 lbs Class: RS-Sophomore 40 time: 4.74 All-Star Game: n/a Team Captain: No Draft Projection: Mid 1st Round

Summary

Aldon Smith opted to declare after a difficult and somewhat disappointing redshirt sophomore season. The long and lean pass rusher suffered a fractured fibula, which kept him out of a few games and forced him to play through pain. That said, the toughness he showed should earn him plaudits from NFL decision-makers, who’ll also appreciate his 35 3/8” vines for arms, strong hands, and good 1st step. While he hasn’t proven that he can consistently bend the edge as a pass rusher, Smith has shown the ability to beat offensive tackles both inside and out, and he does plenty of damage when he kicks inside on passing downs. Add in his unrefined but promising coverage skills, Keep Reading…

Johnny Patrick

Position: CB School: Louisville Height: 5’105/8" Weight: 191 lbs Class: RS-Senior 40 time: 4.59 All-Star Game: Senior Bowl Team Captain: No Draft Projection: Early 4th Round

Summary

Like many other players in the Louisville program, Patrick significantly improved his play last fall. The tough, aggressive corner became more of a ball-hawk while continuing to be strong against the run. Though teams will appreciate his growth as a player, his tight hips and deficiencies in man coverage could limit his effectiveness at the next level. He may appeal primarily to teams that play a lot of zone coverage. Despite a disappointing slow 40 at the Combine, Patrick has the upside to become a starting corner in the league, but he needs to refine his overall game. Additionally, his arrest last summer could prove to be an issue for some teams.

Ball Skills

Patrick significantly Keep Reading…

Torrey Smith

Position: WR School: Maryland Height: 6’0 7/8" Weight: 204 lbs Class: RS-Junior 40 time: 4.41 All-Star Game: n/a Team Captain: 2010 Draft Projection: Early 2nd Round

Summary

A burner with exceptional speed, Torrey Smith tortures defensive backs with his ability to beat them downfield. He actually plays faster than the 4.41 40 time, getting separation on vertical routes and racing past coverage units as a kick returner. As a speedy Maryland product, Smith draws comparisons to disappointing Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, but they aren’t all that similar. With his inconsistent hands and below average route running, Smith does struggle some in the areas that Heyward-Bey is woefully deficient in, but Smith’s weaknesses are far less pronounced. More importantly, he has the drive and work ethic to refine the rougher aspects of his game. If he does, he could be a very good #2 receiver Keep Reading…

The clear riser of Saturday’s Combine festivities was Nevada’s Virgil Green. The 6’3″, 249-pound tight end wowed with his hops, posting a 42.5″ vertical and a 10’10″ broad jump. He didn’t impress quite as much with his 4.64 40 time, but it still was the third fastest among the tight ends working out in Indy.

Green shines most as a receiving threat, showing explosiveness up the seam and hauling in everything with his sure hands. He impressed with his pass-catching skills at the East-West Shrine Games and built upon that momentum today.

Coming into the week, Green was projected as a 3rd or 4th round pick. With his impressive workout, he likely secured a spot in the top 100. And if teams are especially impressed with what they see on tape, he could rise to the early 3rd, perhaps even the late 2nd round.

To get Keep Reading…