Not long after Santonio Holmes’ toes touched down in the end zone, the attention of NFL fans turned to the 2009 season. And the gathering of 300-some top prospects in Indianapolis for the Scouting Combine is the kickoff to each team’s dream-building for the upcoming year.
The interview process began Wednesday night when the first group—offensive linemen, specialists, and tight ends—arrived in Indianapolis, and festivities will carry through next Tuesday when the defensive backs finish their workouts. In between hopes will be dashed (on a scale ranging from Maurice Clarett’s glacial 40 in 2005 to De’Cody Fagg’s career-ending knee injury last year) and legends will be created, like when Calvin Johnson borrowed a pair of shoes and blistered a 4.35 40 in 2007.
Here’s a rundown of what’s happening when, and what fantasy folks might want to pay attention to as they look for a jump on their own 2009 campaign.
Thursday, February 19
The first three groups were poked and prodded by every doctor from Pepper to Rosenrosen on Wednesday night, so Thursday they’ll parade around in their underwear for official height and weight measurements. The next three groups (quarterbacks, wideouts, and running backs) arrive and will undergo their medical exams, while the early arrivals will sharpen their pencils for the dreaded Wonderlic.
What to watch: Coverage of the player press conferences begin at 2:30 Eastern on NFL Network, and you can expect cutaways to the weigh-in and measurement festivities. LSU guard Herman Johnson should draw plenty of oohs and ahhs at the weigh-in; he lists at 6-7 and 380. Alabama tackle Andre Smith’s weigh-in will also be closely scrutinized; he lists at 340 but reportedly ballooned as high as 385 in 2007 and is facing questions about whether or not he’s quick enough to play left tackle in the NFL. Another key measurement for the linemen is arm length, the rationale being a longer arm allows them to get their hands on the defender before the defender gets to them.
What you won’t see: Any on-field activity or defensive players; they don’t start arriving until Friday.
 You must be a Huddle Member to continue reading this article or feature.
|
|
