Q&A: Mike Riley, HC, Oregon St.

Coach Riley is 56-42 at Oregon St., including 48-28 since his return from the NFL in 2003, including a 5-0 Bowl record with a stint in between coaching the San Diego Chargers. As a player, Coach Riley won four SEC titles with Alabama Crimson Tide.

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Hi coach, how are you doing today?

Coach Riley: I’m doing very well, thanks for having me.

You are halfway through spring football at Oregon St., with seven practices under your belt and seven remaining before the Spring Game. How have things gone so far?

Coach Riley: Well it feels good. The work is good. The work-ethic is good. We are getting, I think, a lot of good preparation for the season. You know, spring ball is such a great time for teaching skills and spending time with individual players without a ‘game-prep’, right-on-top-of-you. So it’s a great time of year and I think our team is working hard. We have a lot of holes to fill, but it’s all good work.

Would you say teaching is your main objective in spring ball?

Coach Riley: It’s all about skill development really, you know, we run a bunch of plays and we’ll even tweak some stuff, but if we can get a guy to run a better out-route during spring ball then we’ve made some progress. We really try to focus on the little things because they’ll all fit into packages that go into game plans later. But you just don’t get a lot of time to do this kind of thing later on, so you have to take advantage of skill development.

Is that a constant or does it vary from team-to-team depending on who is coming back?

Coach Riley: Well that is well said, because I think you have to balance that out between seniors and freshmen. We've got a senior quarterback that we can hit the ground running with, but we’ve got some freshmen receivers that don’t know where the ground is (laughs). You have to try and balance that out and bring those guys up to speed so they can make an impact in the fall.

You mentioned working on those specific skills. I read that you were working with the stellar running back Jacquizz Rogers on his route running in yesterday’s practice, so is that a point of emphasis with him? Should we expect to see his role as a pass catcher expand come this fall?

Coach Riley: You know Dan, that is something that he can do very well. I mean, he’s got very good hands and of course he’s got great quickness coming out of the backfield. I think he caught 30-something balls last year--he probably can catch 50 with the screen passes we’ll throw him and some of the stuff we can do with him coming out of the backfield. I’d like to expand that a little bit, but it also--right now for him--is one of those areas that can keep him out of contact and let him get healed-up for fall camp. There are also some things that we can work on that don’t put any burden on his shoulder, so he can get some running in and catch the ball. Then we do some ball-handling with him besides that, running tracks of our running plays, but if we can get some of that accomplished in spring ball then we’ll be ahead of the game.

What’s the status on his shoulder and the rehab there--is he getting any contact, and will he get any contact at all this spring?

Coach Riley: Probably not. I don’t think I’m being overly cautious, but I am being cautious with it. He’s basically had a big time positive report from his last appointment with the doctors, so we feel really, really good about him being 100 percent for fall camp.

What’s the status of quarterback Lyle Moevao? When do you expect him to be able to start throwing the football again?

Coach Riley: Well, it will probably be another six weeks. He spent the first six weeks in a sling. Yesterday was his first day out of that sling, so that was good news, and I know, much more comfortable for him. He feels very good. I think the big deal with Lyle, that will keep him paying attention to the protocol, is that he has to go through and not try to do too much too early. But I expect him to be throwing the ball this summer and being ready for fall camp.

Now coach, is there a way you can spin this in a positive way. You know what you have with those two guys...now this gives more opportunities to unproven players to show what they can do and to get some experience?

Coach Riley: That’s absolutely what we’re doing. We have to try and make lemonade out of lemons sometimes. I’d much rather have Lyle practicing with us, but the silver lining is that Sean (Canfield) is having a great spring and is basically ready to take command of this thing. He's playing the role of a ‘good senior quarterback’ and then we have a red-shirt freshman, Ryan Katz, that is really benefiting from all the extra work that he has been getting. So there is a silver lining; we are able to get him some turns that are very visible for his development, so I hope in the long run it all balances out. Lyle’s healthy, Sean’s healthy, and we can start the season with two senior quarterbacks and a younger guy who’s really got good preparation through spring ball.

Offensive lineman Michael Philip was your top recruit according to scouting services. Do you expect him, or any of the true freshmen, to make an impact from day one?

Coach Riley: You know Dan, we really like to red-shirt guys if we can. We red-shirted 25 kids last year, including some of our walk-ons, so in my mind being in a program going on seven years, it’s really about development and having that extra year to work with guys. However, we have had freshmen play--usually there are a couple every year that find their way in--and physically a guy like Michael Philip can do it. You know, whether or not we do it with him, we’ll go into fall camp and find out for sure. We got a receiver, Markus Wheaten, coming in here that ability-wise can play right away. But we’ll play that out, probably two weeks into fall camp before we make any decisions like that.

From a coach's perspective, when spring ball comes you must be pretty excited and pumped up after doing recruiting and all that stuff. You actually get to go back on the football field and do a little football?

Coach Riley: It’s really fun to get back on the field and work with these kids. They’ve been through what I think is one of their hardest, most tedious times of the year--and that’s the off-season program--with a lot of running and lifting, so there’s a new spirit. It’s a new phase of the year, you get to start spring ball and put on the pads. You get to go out there and do what you like to do, so it is always fun. Footballs are in the air…summer is starting to come around a little bit, so it all feels good right now.

So with all this stuff going on...you have the bowl games finishing up at the end of the year, you have a lot of recruiting, spring practice. Do you get any time off, do you do any traveling, or do you have to wait until the summertime?

Coach Riley: That pretty much waits for us. You know, one thing about being in Corvallis, you might be able to appreciate, is it’s a small town and so we’re close to home. We have a fairly balanced life which I will never forget. I’m very thankful for that.

Let’s switch a little bit to guys that are leaving the program and moving on to the NFL. Let’s start with your cornerbacks--what can you tell us about Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes, a of couple guys who I think are getting a little underrated in this evaluation process…

Coach Riley: You know, I think they might be but I’ve gotten quite a few phone calls on those guys, which might mean something. You probably realize that more than most. I think they are very, very good players and they are really solid guys. They played a ton of football for us; Brandon started three and a half years, Keenan four years. They played that position for a long time and got great experience against a lot of great receivers. They have good size for playing that position. I think that they will get good opportunities and it will be up to them to make the most of it.

What would you say is the strength of their game? Lewis to me seems like a physical kid who is not afraid to mix-it-up, and I think Brandon Hughes surprised some people with his speed at the Combine…

Coach Riley: You know, I think you said it right. Keenan is lanky and has long arms, which everybody likes at that position. He gets his hands on people. I thought he had a great year, he had his best year…very, very solid, also ran very well. Brandon ran very well also. When people start testing after their season is over, those are the kinds of things they’re looking for. Then you put that together with their film and I think they’re both pretty good prospects.

Another guy who could be a day-one selection is Ande Levitre, your offensive lineman who played some offensive tackle for you. I think he’s more projected as a guard at the next level. What does he bring to the table? If an NFL team called you to ask about him, what would you tell them?

Coach Riley: Well, you know, Ande is really a good football player, one of the best linemen we’ve ever had. He has played everywhere from guard to tight end. He settled in the last two years at tackle, but you’re right on, I think he’s more of an NFL guard, but I think he’ll play for 10 years. He’s very, very smart, very tough, very competitive and athletic. He’ll be able to go in and technically be very sound, then you add that in with who he is as a person and what he brings in that regard, and I think he’ll be a real-solid pick for somebody.

Coach let me ask you about guys that you faced--I know that it’s a tough question just to pluck one or two guys out--you guys faced a lot of good teams, obviously, with a tough Pac-10 schedule. You played Penn State, Hawaii, and Utah out of conference. Can you throw maybe one or two guys at me that kind of stood out to you, guys that you faced?

Coach Riley: Well I could start off naming USC’s team (laughter) that would be pretty easy. I’m really a big fan of Mark Sanchez, you know, I think that he brings it all there. He’s a very smart guy, can throw all the balls, and I think has been well-schooled at USC in the types of things that they’ll ask him to do in the NFL. He’s great. Then the linebacking corps: (Clay) Matthews and (Brian) Cushing and Rey Maualuga. All those guys are going to be really good players and will be great additions to whatever teams they end up with.

We like to close things out here with a segment we call ‘Three-and-out’, with three quick questions so…First down: What do you miss most about being in the NFL?

Coach Riley: I think it’s…the day-to-day football was outstanding and being around those guys. People like Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison, Jim Harbaugh when he was quarterbacking…I could go on-and-on…John Parilla. I just watched those guys that played at such a high level for such a long time and I appreciated that a ton.

Second down: What do you miss least about coaching in the NFL?

Coach Riley: Well, you know I really...there’s nothing really. I don’t miss losing (laughter). We lost a lot of games and it was hard. And that part of it, if I looked back at it with any regrets--which I try not to--it was just that we didn’t do well enough.

Third down: If you had the first pick in the Draft what would you do?

Coach Riley: Oh boy…I would probably…you know, I don’t know Stafford very well, but I would look hard at Sanchez. I think he will be a good quarterback for a long time.

You would lean toward that quarterback position though?

Coach Riley: Yeah, you know, it depends on my team. But if we needed a guy, I’d look at one of those guys for sure.

Alright coach, thanks a lot for joining us and giving us some time. We wish you luck with the rest of this spring and we’ll be looking forward to that game. I believe the spring game is May 2, is that right?

Coach Riley: That is right. We’ll be heading off into our spring game, and then it won’t be long before (laughter) we’ll be headed into our fall camp. The older we get, the faster these years go by.

I hear that. I’m starting to learn that myself as I head into my mid-30’s. Coach, try and find some time over the summer where you can kick back and relax a little as well…

Coach Riley: Thank you for saying that, I will do that for sure. Thanks for having me on.

Photo Credit: Oregon St.

Draft Spotlight: Quarterback

How Many First Round Picks?

Three, and this one is pretty close to a slam-dunk. Matthew Stafford (Georgia) is the number one guy, which is why he is the only signal caller in the conversation for the number one overall pick. If you ever watched a full Stafford game as a Bulldog, you thought at least once or twice, “No one in else in college football could have made that throw”. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee anything at the next level. He didn’t always make the best decisions, but always seemed to be dealing with slippery-handed pass catchers and an inexperienced offensive line. Georgia football coach Mark Richt compares Stafford to NFL legends John Elway and Dan Marino.

“He is very strong and durable, he is very agile,” Richt adds. “His arm is unquestioned in its strength, but he can also make any throw you would want a guy to make. He is highly intelligent. He loves the game. He’s a humble guy who wants to put the team first; he’s exactly what everyone is looking for. I think he will be a very high pick, if not the first pick.”

As for number two, it’s a toss up. Before you put Mark Sanchez (USC) in the top ten, could you find one person who called him a first round pick before his Rose Bowl performance? Didn’t think so. Sanchez has potential, but is a borderline first-round talent who will get over-drafted.

Finally, we come to the brick-house named Josh Freeman out of Kansas St. Yes, he is raw, but he has more potential than Sanchez and maybe as much as Stafford. I like Freeman more than I liked JaMarcus Russell coming out…the difference? Freeman didn’t have Dwayne Bowe, Buster Davis and Early Doucet to throw to or a defense stocked with future NFL talent constantly giving him the ball back.

Who Are the Top Senior QBs?

No senior quarterback will approach the first round and they all may have to wait until day two to hear their name called. The candidates include Pat White (West Virginia), Curtis Painter (Purdue), Thomas Brandstater (Fresno St.), Stephen McGee (Texas A&M) and Brian Hoyer (Michigan St.).

White is the most likely to go in the second round, but that has more to do with his “slash” potential than his ability to go under center in 2009. Hoyer appears to be a rising player on some people’s draft boards despite the fact he struggled to complete 50 percent of his passes as a senior.

The upside that Painter, Brandstater and McGee bring shouldn’t be underestimated. Don’t be surprised if one or more of this trio outperforms one or two of the big three as pros. It happens all the time. Quarterback coach Bob Johnson, who worked with Sanchez, Painter, Brandstater, White and Nathan Brown had especially high praise for the former Boilermaker.

“Curtis Painter is going to surprise people and end up starting in this league,” Johnson told the NFL Draft Bible in a radio interview. Brandstater and McGee may not have the arm strength of Painter, but provide a little more in terms of mobility.

What Happened to So-and-So?

“Sometimes your senior year doesn’t go quite the way it’s supposed to and maybe his didn’t, but there are a lot of things to be said about that whether it was protections or receivers or a new coordinator, whatever it was.”

That was Coach Johnson on Curtis Painter, but he easily could have been talking about Hunter Cantwell (Louisville), Cullen Harper (Clemson), Rudy Carpenter (Arizona St.) or Todd Boeckman (Ohio St.). Of this quartet Cantwell and Boeckman have the best arms. Cantwell is inexperienced and spotty, but if a team can be patient and coach him up, he possesses the raw tools. Boeckman was a victim of circumstance at OSU—after their National Championship hopes vanished, it was time for the Terrelle Pryor era to begin. Boeckman is a statue in the pocket, but he has a pro arm and could be a Free Agent bargain.

Coming out of the Big XII, Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) and Chase Daniel (Missouri) were as productive as anyone in this class of quarterbacks, but they simply don’t stack up physically. Yes, people have questioned the fact they are coming out of spread offenses, but scouts wouldn’t be as worried about the “system” label if Daniel was three or four inches taller and Harrell had a stronger arm.

John Parker Wilson (Alabama) is a solid game manager who led the Crimson Tide to an 11-win season, but he doesn’t offer much potential.

Who Could Be This Year’s Joe Flacco?

If you’re looking for someone who is going to step in as the starter and win a playoff game, the answer is “nobody”. The top small school candidate is Rhett Bomar (Sam Houston St.), who has the size, arm and athleticism to start under center in the League. Like Flacco who began his college career as a Pitt Panther (before transferring to Delaware), Bomar started at the Bowl Subdivision level, leading the Oklahoma Sooners to their last bowl victory before moving on to Sam Houston St. Accuracy is the biggest question make with this small school stud.

Not far behind is D-III standout Jason Boltus (Hartwick), who throws an impressive fastball. He's an intriguing prospect and it’s amazing that someone with his kind of arm slipped through so many cracks. Two other names to keep an eye on are Michael Reilly (Central Washington) and Nathan Brown (Central Arkansas).

Who Are Some Sleepers?

His stock may have dropped more than any other quarterback's throughout the evaluation process, but there is still a lot to like about Nate Davis (Ball St.), namely his rocket arm. His did not put his best foot forward on his way out the door, playing his worst two games of 2008 in his final two games as a collegian, but if you can snag him anytime after the third round, he could end up being a steal. Another strong-armed mid-major quarterback who could surprise is David Johnson (Tulsa). A one-year starter, Johnson did the most with his opportunity and proved himself to be capable threat. Unlike most spread offenses, the Golden Hurricane stretched the football field and not many throw a prettier deep ball than Johnson. Willie Tuitama (Arizona), like Davis, is short, stocky and athletic with a good arm, while Chase Patton (Missouri) hopes to be the next Matt Cassell and overcome zero college starts before embarking on an NFL career.

Who Are the Stars of Tomorrow?

If you heard enough of Pat White and what position he should play on Sundays…wait till next year! Everyone and their mother will have an opinion on Mr. Tim Tebow (Florida). Is he a quarterback? Tight end? H-Back? Fullback? Maybe even a linebacker? If he does stay “under center”, he will be asked to do very different things on Sundays than he does as the Gators' star. Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan), Zac Robinson (Oklahoma St.) and Juice Williams (Illinois) are three more dual threats, with Colt McCoy (Texas) coming out of the Texas spread. And keep an eye on 6’ 5 mid-major quarterbacks Tim Hiller (Western Michigan) and Rusty Smith (Florida Atlantic).

Red-shirt junior Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) will be the favorite to go number one overall heading into the season, but don’t sleep on former Longhorn Jevan Snead (Ole Miss), with Jake Locker (Washington), Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame), Colin Kaepernick (Nevada) and Pat Devlin (Delaware) all talented juniors.

No one looks the part of the old school prototypical pocket passer more than the 6’5/255 pound sophomore Ryan Mallett (Arkansas), while fellow second-year studs Terrelle Pryor (Ohio St.) and Robert Griffin (Baylor) are 100 percent new school.

Part I of an VIII Part Series - Tomorrow: Running Backs

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, College Press Box (Louisville), Sam Houston State Athletics, Walt Beazley, University of Tulsa, Purdue University Sports Information

Pro Day Rewind: That's A Wrap

We wrap up the Pro Day season with a week that, while it had fewer workouts, also contained one of the biggest of the year—USC’s Pro Day.

I was fortunate enough to attend two last week—USC’s outstanding workout as well as the sometimes overlooked, but no less important, Hawaii Pro Day, which was held in Carson, California.

But before we talk about the big dogs and my Los Angeles trip, let’s talk about some of the other schools and workouts.

TUESDAY

UCLA: Head Coach Rick Neuheisel is a long way from stealing any luster from the Bruins’ crosstown rivals. There aren’t too many players who will go in the NFL Draft and even then, they're not likely to go early.

Running back Kahlil Bell is one player who hopes to crack the second day. Bell stood on most of his Combine numbers, though he ran the 40 and jumped both the vertical and broad jumps. He ran a 4.75 and a 4.76, jumped a 32 inch vertical and a 9’5” broad. He looked solid in position drills, and that may get him onto a team. From there, he’s going to have to put his nose down and earn his spot. I think he could stick as a backup, but that may also be his ceiling.

Defensive tackle Bringham Hartwell didn’t get any all-star invites or an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, but he didn’t let that stop him from putting his best foot forward. Hartwell benched 225 pounds 36 times, one short of the top amount benched by a lineman at the Combine. He also ran the 40 in 5.14 seconds. Like Bell, Hartwell has a long way to go to get picked up in the Draft.

Unfortunately, Bruin quarterback Ben Olson was unable to workout due to a foot injury. Their other quarterback, Patrick Cowan, is still recovering from ACL surgery and only did position drills where he threw passes.

WEDNESDAY

USC: On Wednesday, I was happy to be one of the credentialed media attending USC’s Pro Day. It was the second year in a row I have been at USC for this event and as always, it was a well-run and exciting day. As you can imagine, it was heavily attended by NFL personnel, including Saints coach Sean Payton who, with his defensive staff, took a hard look at ‘The Triplets’ – Rey Maualuga, Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing. Also present was 49ers head coach Mike Singletary, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz (who was fresh off a trip to Georgia where he watched Matthew Stafford on Tuesday), Vikings coach Brad Childress and multiple members of teams like Arizona, Carolina and Seattle. Very few teams were absent though some, like Denver, did not make the trip.

The workouts we all witnessed were impressive across the board. Not only for the potential four first round picks – quarterback Mark Sanchez joined the aforementioned Triplets – but also folks like Safety Kevin Ellison, wide receiver Patrick Turner and oft-forgotten, but still solid linebacker Kaluka Maiava.

Still, any discussion about USC starts with Sanchez. After the excellent performances Matthew Stafford put on at Georgia’s Pro Day and for the Lions on March 31st, Sanchez had to have a fantastic day to remain in the conversation for top quarterback in the 2009 Draft.

He did not disappoint. Sanchez threw upwards of 80 passes over about 45 minutes, the majority of which were scripted. However, at the end of his workout he took requests from the Detroit Lions to throw a few different ways. The former Trojan responded beautifully and without hesitation. Sanchez threw long passes, short passes, passes on the run, passes with a three-step drop, a five-step drop, against the wind, with the wind, and across the wind. He threw with perfect accuracy, tremendous velocity, and with a sense of purpose that was palpable as you watched his workout.

Of course, you cannot put to rest the one big question mark about Sanchez at a Pro Day, and that’s experience. Still, after having seen him in person and watching tons of tape, I have become less and less worried that the experience (or lack thereof) is a huge problem. Sanchez has all the tools and the intangibles (leadership, personality and work ethic) to be a success in the NFL. Is he better than Stafford? It's debatable. But I think he could develop into a fantastic quarterback and given that he had dinner with Jacksonville quarterback coach Mike Shula and was closely watched by everyone during his workout, I’m not the only one. In the right system, or with a team who can bring him along slowly (for instance, if he sat behind David Garrard for a year), the sky is the limit for him.

The other story on Wednesday was the outstanding workouts by the linebacking trio of Cushing, Matthews and Maualuga. Of the three, perhaps the biggest impression was made by Matthews.

Matthews has had to fight his way through his college career. Starting as a walk-on, he eventually became an important part of the USC team, especially on special teams. But as of the Pro Day, we can stop focusing on the walk-on story and start discussing his NFL prospects, which looks to be bright.

Matthews looked great in drills, showing good smoothness and fluidity as well as solid ball skills. He caught the ball nicely in drills and overall had a great workout. He added a 4.57 in the 40 to his day and that's not too shabby. In an interview with Matthews, he told me he was on his way to a workout with Atlanta on Saturday, then flying to meet with Denver, Cleveland and Tennessee.

Cushing also had an outstanding day. Cushing, to me, is a safe pick...a guy whose versatility and consistency could make him a contributor from day one on any defense. Cushing looked explosive and quick in his position drills, though he was a tad stiff in the hips at times. He made some great catches as well, including an eye-popping effort during which he had to fully extend his body to make a great catch, then landed and ran out the rest of the drill without missing a beat.

The New Jersey native also ran a 4.70 in the 40, though I saw some times from scouts at 4.68 and a 4.75. In speaking with Cushing, I was also impressed with his decision to head back home and his reasoning that he wanted to go back to work with his high school coach whom he said, “…really made me the player I am today”.

While I think Maualuga might have more playmaking upside and Matthews more untapped potential, Cushing will enter the NFL as an impact player immediately, an outstanding linebacker I would not be shocked to see in Pro Bowls shortly.

The final linebacker of the trio was Maualuga. Maualuga pulled a muscle at the Combine during his first 40 and was unable to do any position drills in Indianapolis. That was very much on his mind Wednesday as he ran his 40 yard dash after he did all the other drills. He told me that he wanted to make sure scouts and coaches saw everything he couldn’t show them in Indianapolis.

Maualuga may not have had the dynamic day Matthews and Cush did, but that doesn’t mean he performed badly. While he looked a little stiff at times, I thought he had a very solid workout.

By the way, that 40 clocked in at a 4.69 according to my stopwatch and looked very respectable next to his 4.43 shuttle and 7.22 three-cone. There were some concerns that while rehabbing Maualuga might gain some weight, which is really all about questions people (mostly media) have about his attitude and work ethic.

I say just because the guy moves to the beat of his own drummer doesn't mean he can't march. Maualuga can flat out play. In my opinion, he's a guy who will need to adjust in the Pros—go less for the big play and more for the basics during his initial year in the league. It will be a few years before teams turn him loose, which is similar to another standout USC defensive player from back in the day by the name of Junior Seau.

Seau used to make huge plays at USC...and whiffed on them at times as well. I'm not saying El Rey is Seau, but he could be and if Seau could adjust, so could Maualuga. In the right system (perhaps one involving Mike Singletary?) I think he could develop into a monster. Maualuga mentioned visiting with Atlanta and having several other teams on tap for visits and workouts.

All three of the linebackers should go in the first round and with Sanchez, April 25th could be a huge day for USC.

Other players of note: Safety Kevin Ellison has been battling the perception he isn’t quick enough to be a safety at the next level and that he might have to convert to linebacker. That may still be some teams’ perception, but several scouts I heard talking about him felt his 4.70 in the 40 along with a 4.15 short shuttle, 7.32 cone, and solid position workout will keep him at the safety spot. With the Triplets at linebacker getting all the glory, it’s easy to forget Kaluka Maiava, but teams shouldn’t. Maiava had a solid positional workout, showing his athleticism and range, as well as running a 4.68. Finally, wide receiver Patrick Turner had an outstanding workout, shagging balls for Sanchez and improving his draft stock considerably. Turner, who started off by running a 4.63 in the 40, made some very nice catches, including a great one at the sideline where he tiptoed along the line to make sure he completed the catch in bounds. He ran good routes and while he may not be a high draft pick, he will find a home and get a chance to catch on in camp. I think Turner could become a very solid receiver going forward.

Overall, it was yet another in a long line of well-attended, well-executed, and successful Pro Days for USC.

Thursday

Hawaii: The second stop in this week’s Pro Day tour was down in Carson, California for the University of Hawaii’s workout. While not the size of USC's, the day was still a well-attended, well-run event with several players whom scouts were keenly interested in.

Held at the Home Depot Center, Hawaii’s Pro Day was attended by about 30 scouts from teams such as Carolina, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Seattle and both New York teams.

It was held at two different locations on the Home Depot Center property. The timing and workout portion was held on a small, side field covered in Field Turf with a small tent set up for lifting weights. The positional drills were held a short distance away on a field also used, so the signs said, for David Beckham’s soccer camp.

We started out in a small meeting room where UH head coach Greg McMackin and associate head coach Rich Miano showed the scouts some highlight videos featuring the various players who would soon be working out. After that, the players’ heights and weights were recorded and we adjourned outside for the vertical, broad jump, and timing drills.

Defensive lineman David Veikune was certainly one of the main attractions for scouts on Thursday. While he stood on most of the results of his Combine performance, he did re-run the 40-yard dash. He ran a 4.80/4.81 in the 40, with 10-yard and 20-yard splits of 1.64/1.71 and 2.82/2.78 respectively.

Veikune also did positional drills and since there is some question as to just where he will fit in at the pro level, he drilled as an outside linebacker and worked some coverage as well. The scouts wanted to take a hard look at his footwork which was another reason he worked out as a linebacker.

Veikune may have to make the switch to a linebacker, especially if he ends up in a 3-4 scheme. What he showed on Thursday had scouts saying he could indeed make the switch.
Scouts and teams are just going to try to find a way to get this playmaker on the field because on tape, all Veikune does is make plays. He’ll need to learn how to work out of a two-point stance, work in coverage and other things, but he’s smart enough and a hard enough worker to get the job done and still cause havoc in the backfield when they need him to.

Another player scouts were itching to see was cornerback Ryan Mouton. Mouton had pulled a hamstring at the Combine and was hoping to make an impression this time out.

He began his day on a very high note with an outstanding 11-foot broad jump. He chose to stand on his bench and vertical from the Combine and got set to run the 40.

Unfortunately, he pulled up lame again in the 40 on Pro Day. Mouton said later he felt it at about the 20-yard mark and was clearly in pain when he crossed the finish line. Still, he ran an impressive 40 time (especially considering). Various scouts had him at anywhere from 4.42 to 4.48. I had him timed at 4.46.

And he did that while clearly pulling up in the last leg. Imagine how he might have timed had it not happened.

The injury looked worse than it turned out to be, as he sat in the corner of the practice area for some time. Still, he was out for the day and there were more than a few disappointed scouts and that tells me he was—and likely still is—very much on the radars of several teams. In fact, he already has a meeting with Jacksonville according to the Honolulu Advertiser.

Several other players are worth talking about as well. Defensive lineman Josh Leonard benched a fantastic 41 times, ran a 4.97 in the 40, had a 31 1/2 vertical and looked solid in drills. Another Leonard, linebacker Adam Leonard, had a so-so 40, but that was due, in part, to some bad starts.

As I saw in San Jose State with corner Coye Francies, once you stumble a few times, it can get in your head. It certainly affected Leonard and probably contributed to his slower than expected 40 time. But his film and other drills will keep him hopping and he will have the chance to show his stuff at team visits and private workouts. He looked good in position drills, so while the 40 time might drop him, how far is a subject for debate.

Finally, I want to talk about long snapper Jake Ingram. That’s right, I’m writing about a long snapper, and I loved what I saw in Ingram.

Ingram was a guy the staff talked about during the film session as a perfectionist and a hard worker—the first guy at practice and the last one to leave. The tenacity and hard work paid off as Ingram did every drill he could, ran a 4.90/4.86 in the 40, showed a 30 1/2 vertical, a 9'9" broad jump, benched 18 times and ran a 4.59 short shuttle.

I wasn't the only one impressed. I saw Bengals special teams coach Darrin Simmons talking at length, and a lot of it was shop talk. Of course, a snapper has to do more than snap the ball so teams will take a long look at a guy like Ingram to make sure he can cover and block. Ingram looked good whenever he was asked to do something and came off as personable and as a nose-to-the-grindstone type of guy.

It's not often I spend much time talking about long snappers, but Ingram had a very solid day.

And so ended another road trip and the final Pro Day. Now the hard part comes for analysts and scouts— to take every scrap of info from Pro Days, the Combine, and tons of game film then rank where each and every player goes on their big boards.

Photo Credit: Long Photography, College Press Box (USC)

On The Clock: Minnesota Vikings

Record: 10-6, 1st In the NFC North
General Manager: Rick Spielman (VP of Player Personnel), Head Coach: Brad Childress (4th Year), Offensive Coordinator: Darrell Bevell (4th Year), Defensive Coordinator: Leslie Frazier (3rd Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 17 Overall, No. 12 Scoring, No. 25 Passing, No. 5 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 6 Overall, No. 13 Scoring, No. 18 Passing, No. 1 Rushing

Last Five Years: 41-39; Last Playoff Appearance: 2008; Last Playoff Victory: 2004 (31-17 Over the Green Bay Packers)

2008 Draft: (2-43) S Tyrell Johnson, (5-137) QB John David Booty, (5-152) DT Letroy Guion, (6-187) C John Sullivan, (6-193) WR Jaymar Johnson

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (2-43) S Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas St.
2007 – (1-7) RB Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
2006 – (1-17) LB Chad Greenway, Iowa
2005 – (1-7) WR Troy Williamson, South Carolina & (1-18) DE Erasmus James, Wisconsin
2004 – (1-20) DE Kenechi Udeze, USC

Booms: RB Mewelde Moore (4th Round 2004), DE Ray Edwards (4th Round 2006), LB Chad Greenway (1st Round 2006), RB Adrian Peterson (1st Round 2007), DE Brian Robison (4th Round 2007)

Busts: LB Dontarrius Thomas (2nd Round 2004), DE Darrion Scott (3rd Round 2004), WR Troy Williamson (1st Round 2005), DE Erasmus James (1st Round 2005), OG Marcus Johnson (2nd Round 2005), DB Dustin Fox (3rd Round 2005), RB Ciatrick Fason (4th Round 2005), QB Tarvaris Jackson (2nd Round 2006)

Additions:
WR Glenn Holt (Free Agent)
QB Sage Rosenfels (Trade)
CB Karl Paymah (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
C Matt Birk (FA-Baltimore)
LB Vincenzo Ciurciu (Released)
QB Gus Frerotte (Released)
RB Maurice Hicks (Released)

Keepers:
LB Heath Farwell
DB Charles Gordon
DE Otis Grigsby
DT Jimmy Kennedy
TE Jim Kleinsasser
DE Jayme Mitchell
DB Benny Sapp
FB Naufahu Tahi (Matched Offer Sheet)

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 22
Round 2, Selection 22
Round 3, Selection 22
Round 5, Selection 22
Round 7, Selection 12 (From Washington)
Round 7, Selection 22

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Quarterback: Mark Sanchez, USC; Josh Freeman, Kansas St.
2. Offensive Tackle: Andre Smith, Alabama; Eben Britton, Arizona; William Beatty, UConn; Jamon Meredith, South Carolina
3. Wide Receiver: Percy Harvin, Florida; Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland; Kenny Britt, Rutgers; Hakeem Nicks, UNC; Brian Robiskie, OSU; Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma; Mike Thomas, Arizona
4. Middle Linebacker: Rey Maualuga, USC; James Laurinaitis, Ohio St.; Darry Beckwith, LSU
5. Center: Alex Mack, California; Max Unger, Oregon; Eric Wood, Louisville
6. Fullback: None.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, UNC Athletic Communications

SANCHEZ SHOWS OFF SKILLS IN FRONT OF 30 TEAMS

The consensus at USC on Wednesday was that Sanchez had an excellent performance in front of a full house that included NFL scouts and coaches, family and friends, and even a few fans in the stands. He showed balance, solid footwork and most importantly, accuracy on all of his throws. He estimated that he threw about 80 passes — a strong number for a pro day workout. “I think he showed better arm strength than people generally give him,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. “He’s not Stafford, he’s not [Kansas State's Josh] Freeman; but his arm is every bit as good as Matt Ryan’s. And as Matt Ryan showed this year, when you’re accurate and you show good anticipation, a good arm is good enough. That’s what Matt is, and that’s what Mark Sanchez is. What he showed is consistency.” The caveat, of course, is that quarterbacks better look good at their pro day. “I’ve never seen a guy not complete 99.9 percent of his passes against air,” one general manager commented.

Mandel's Take: That last comment is a perfect summation of how the Pro Day should be viewed. Not that I don't believe Sanchez can be a successful NFL quarterback; I do. The point is, with everything set up perfectly for him, how could he NOT look good? Sadly for these players, the NFL doesn't allow you to set things up when it comes time to...you know, actual games. The former Trojan, as mentioned above, doesn't have a canon arm like some of the other signal-callers in the Draft. However, he DOES possess something Stafford doesn't, and that's gumption. Sanchez isn't going to be a world beater, but he can certainly be a solid pro for several seasons. And that's the thing about this Draft; just because he and Stafford are the top-two quarterbacks doesn't mean they're Franchise guys. The class just happens to be a bit weaker than it has been and some teams are being fooled into believing these two guys are Franchise guys. They aren't. Not in my mind, anyway. Rev, you may disagree with me on this--testify.

Mancini's Take: Amen to that, Brother Ross. This quarterback class is pretty weak. Sanchez has most of the physical qualities that you're looking for in a quarterback, but I don't view him as being a surefire franchise player. He didn't show me enough consistency in college. I think both Sanchez and Freeman are developmental types. Stafford, in my mind, is the one passer who offers me the most assurances in terms of his arm strength, accuracy and his ability to scan the field. The former Georgia Bulldog is the only one I would invest heavily in with a top-15 pick.There's a reason why USC head coach Pete Carroll advised Sanchez to stick around for another year. I don't think he's ready to start from day one despite his mobility and fine mechanics. He looked great at times beating the blitz in college, but to me he didn't do it often enough. He's a work in progress.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee (USC)

All Access: More USC Pro Day Results

Based on unofficial times, here are the 40 numbers for the rest of the group: Cushing (4.68), Matthews (4.57), Maiava (4.68), S Kevin Ellison (4.70), CB Cary Harris (4.89), WR Patrick Turner (4.63) and DE Kyle Moore (4.76). QB Mark Sanchez chose not to run the 40, standing on his 4.88 time at the combine. Harris suffered a hamstring injury during the workouts. Saints coach Sean Payton, Vikings coach Brad Childress, 49ers coach Mike Singletary, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and Lions coach Jim Schwartz were on the USC campus today. Several GMs are also getting a first-hand look, including the Lions’ Martin Mayhew, the Saints’ Mickey Loomis, the Vikings’ Rick Spielman, the Cardinals’ Rod Graves and Ted Thompson of the Packers. A number of coordinators are getting a look, including Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan of the Lions and Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill is here, and I’m told he brought the Cardinals’ contingent on his private jet. The Lions and Saints have the biggest contingents, followed by the Seahawks, Raiders and Vikings.

Mandel's Take: Cushing, like the aforementioned Maualuga, hits hard and seems to enjoy knocking the crap out of people. Cushing played all over the field in college and I'd say he was a better prospect than Maualuga if it weren't for two things: 1) Cushing isn't as durable and 2) there are rampant rumors surrounding Cushing using illegal supplements. I know he's stated he doesn't do anything steroid-related, but would he really admit it? I'm not saying he's done anything, but teams are very wary of the physical transformation he's gone through and it could hurt him on Draft day. Matthews, the third of the Trojan linebacking trio, is perhaps the most intriguing. He's gone from a walk-on to a first round pick. That improvement must be respected, and he's only getting better. With some more experience and a bit of bulk added to his dedication and athleticism, it could be this kid that ends up being the brightest star of this talented trio. Turner's size and experience could allow him to be a solid possession guy in the NFL, but his lack of speed will be a hindrance. Rev, do Maiava's inexperience and lack of size scare you, or would you use a mid-round pick on him? Discuss!

Mancini's Take: Maiava's a project with great agility to elude blockers and make plays in space. He's not as big as most outside linebackers. His lack of size becomes a concern when he can't run by blockers and must take them head-on. I don't know if he can disengage from much bigger tight ends, offensive linemen or fullbacks even. Maiava would be best served by playing in a Cover-2 scheme. I'm also worried about the steroid allegations concerning Cushing, aka the Bergen Bulldog, and would want to know more about his past before drafting him. My favorite guy here is Clay Matthews Jr. With his work ethic and already rapid progress, he'll be a terror off the edge. Matthews is also a secure tackler and is athletic enough to contribute in pass coverage.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (USC)

On The Clock: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Roster: 9-7, 2nd In the NFC South
General Manager: Mark Dominik, Head Coach: Raheem Morris (1st Year/7th Year With the Buccaneers), Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Jagodzinski (1st Year), Defensive Coordinator: Jim Bates (1st Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 14 Overall, No. 19 Scoring, No. 11 Passing, No. 15 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 9 Overall, No. 10 Scoring, No. 4 Passing, No. 19 Rushing

Last Five Years: 38-42; Last Playoff Appearance: 2007; Last Playoff Victory: 2002 (48-21 Over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl)

2008 Draft: (1-20) CB Aqib Talib, (2-58) WR Dexter Jackson, (3-83) OG Jeremy Zuttah, (4-115) DT Dre Moore, (5-160) QB Josh Johnson, (6-175) LB Geno Hayes, (7-238) RB Corey Boyd

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (1-20) CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
2007 – (1-4) DE Gaines Adams, Clemson
2006 – (1-23) OG Davin Joseph, Oklahoma
2005 – (1-5) RB Cadillac Williams, Auburn
2004 – (1-15) WR Michael Clayton, LSU

Booms: LB Barrett Ruud (2nd Round 2005), OG Davin Joseph (1st Round 2006), OT Jeremy Trueblood (2nd Round 2006), OG Arron Sears (2nd Round 2007), DB Tanard Jackson (4th Round 2007), LB Geno Hayes (6th Round 2008)

Busts: WR Michael Clayton (1st Round 2004), RB Carnell "Cadillac" Williams (1st Round 2005), TE Alex Smith (3rd Round 2005), WR Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame (3rd Round 2006), CB Alan Zemaitis (4th Round 2006)

Additions:
WR Kelly Campbell (Free Agent)
LB Angelo Crowell (Free Agent)
LB Niko Koutouvides (Free Agent)
TE Anthony Mix (Free Agent)
K Mike Nugent (Free Agent)
RB Derrick Ward (Free Agent)
TE Kellen Winslow (Trade)

Subtractions:
K Shane Andrus (Released)
LB Derrick Brooks (Released)
CB Phillip Buchanon (FA-Detroit)
RB Warrick Dunn (Released)
WR Joey Galloway (Released)
DT Jovan Haye (FA-Tennessee)
RB Noah Herron (FA-Cleveland)
WR Ike Hilliard (Released)
OLB Cato June (Released)

Keepers:
S Will Allen
WR Antonio Bryan (Franchised)
WR Michael Clayton
WR Cortez Hankton
QB Luke McCown
SS Jermaine Phillips
DT Ryan Sims
TE Jerramy Stevens
WR Paris Warren

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 19
Round 3, Selection 17
Round 4, Selection 20
Round 5, Selection 19
Round 6, Selection 18
Round 7, Selection 8 (From Jacksonville)
Round 7, Selection 24 (From Baltimore)

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Quarterback: Mark Sanchez, USC; Josh Freeman, Kansas St.
2. Defensive Tackle: Peria Jerry, Ole Miss
3. Wide Receiver: Percy Harvin, Florida; Darrius Hayward-Bey, Maryland; Kenny Britt, Rutgers; Hakeem Nicks, UNC
4. Outside Linebacker: Brian Cushing, USC; Clay Matthews Jr., USC
5. Fullback: None.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Kansas, Kansas St.)

Top Questions Heading Into The Draft

Written by Justin Van Fulpen

There are many questions that still need to be answered heading into the 2009 NFL Draft here are just a few.

1. What will the Detroit Lions do at number one?

Many people believe that the Lions will draft quarterback Matthew Stafford from Georgia and other think that offensive tackle Jason Smith of Baylor. The interesting thing that no one has brought up is that both Stafford and Smith are represented by the same agency CAA. So when the rumor came up that the Lions where talking to Smith's agent, no one ever said that this was also Stafford's agency as well, so it is not like the Lions can play Stafford against Smith. The Lions have a personal workout with Stafford on March 31st, they have also schedule to spend more time with quarterback Mark Sanchez of USC at his Pro Day on April 1st. The Lions are not sold on one guy, so nothing has changed since the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. The Lions like five guys, Stafford, Sanchez, Smith, offensive tackle Eugene Monroe of Virginia, and linebacker Aaron Curry of Wake Forest. So what will the Lions do at number one, still no one knows.

2. Where does Michael Crabtree go?

Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree was everyone's number one overall prospect going into the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and then it was discovered that he had a stress fracture in his foot. The biggest question on Crabtree was his straight line speed, so he then came out and said he would run the 40 before he had surgery on his foot. When it was all said and done he decided to have the surgery and not run the 40. The question is now where does he end up going in the upcoming NFL Draft. Many thought that he would go number four overall to Seattle, but the Seahawks signed TJ Houshmanzada as a free-agent. He should go between number six and number 10 overall. My guess would be the Oakland Raiders at number seven to pair him up with third year quarterback Jamarcus Russell.

3. Who is the number one overall running back in this year’s class?

Talking with different scouts from different teams you get a lot of different opinions on who teams believe is this year’s number one overall running back. Some teams have Ohio State’s Chris Well number one while other have Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno number one and a few teams have UConn’s Donald Brown as their number one overall running back. It looks as if all three will be first round picks and Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy will be a high second round pick. I think you will see Chris Well as the running back that gets drafted first out of all the running backs.

4. How many wide receivers will be drafted in the first round?

After last year where there wasn’t any first round wide receivers. This year I think you can see at most seven, but it looks like their will be four that will be drafted in the first round for sure. Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech, Jeremy Maclin of Missouri, Percy Harvin of Florida, and Darrius Heyward-Bey of Maryland will all go in the first round. You could also see Hakeem Nicks of North Carolina, Kenny Britt of Rutgers and Brian Robiskie of Ohio State all get drafted in the first round as well.

As we get closer to the NFL Draft we will be looking at more of the questions for this years draft.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, OSU Athletics

On The Clock: Chicago Bears

Record: 9-7, 2nd In the NFC North
General Manager: Jerry Angelo, Head Coach: Lovie Smith (6th Year), Offensive Coordinator: Ron Turner (5th Year), Defensive Coordinator: Bob Babich (3rd Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 26 Overall, No. 16 Scoring, No. 21 Passing, No. 24 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 21 Overall, No. 15 Scoring, No. 30 Passing, No. 5 Rushing

Last Five Years: 45-35; Last Playoff Appearance: 2006; Last Playoff Victory: 2006 (39-14 Over the New Orleans Saints in NFC Championship Game)

2008 Draft: (1-14) OT Chris Williams, (2-44) RB Matt Forte, (3-70) WR Earl Bennett, (3-90) DT Marcus Harrison, (4-120) S Craig Steltz, (5-142) CB Zachary Bowman, (5-158) TE Kellen Davis, (7-208) DE Ervin Baldwin, (7-222) OG Chester Adams, (7-243) LB Joey LaRocque, (7-247) OT Kirk Barton, (7-248) WR Marcus Monk

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (1-14) OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
2007 – (1-31) TE Greg Olson, Miami
2006 – (2-42) DB Danieal Manning, Abilene Christian
2005 – (1-4) RB Cedric Benson, Texas
2004 – (1-14) DT Tommy Harris

Booms: DT Tommie Harris (1st Round 2004), DT Tank Johnson (2nd Round 2004), WR Bernard Berrian (3rd Round 2004), CB Nathan Vasher (4th Round 2004), QB Kyle Orton (4th Round 2005), KR Devin Hester (2nd Round 2006), DE Mark Anderson (5th Round 2006), C Josh Beekman (4th Round 2007), S Kevin Payne (5th Round 2007), DB Corey Graham (5th Round 2007), RB Matt Forte (2nd Round 2008)

Busts: LB Leon Joe (4th Round 2004), DE Claude Harriott (5th Round 2004), RB Cedric Benson (1st Round 2005), WR Mark Bradley (2nd Round 2005), LB Jamar Williams (4th Round 2006), DE Dan Bazuin (2nd Round 2007), RB Garrett Wolfe (3rd Round 2007), LB Michael Okwo (3rd Round 2007)

Additions:
QB Brett Basanez (Free Agent)
FS Josh Bullocks (Free Agent)
S Glenn Earl (Free Agent)
OT Frank Omlyale (Free Agent)
OT Kevin Shaffer (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
WR Marty Booker (Released)
FS Mike Brown (Released)
OG Terrance Metcalf (Released)
OT John St. Clair (FA-Cleveland)
OT John Tait (Retired)

Keepers:
RB Kevin Jones
LB Nick Roach

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 18
Round 2, Selection 17
Round 3, Selection 20
Round 3, Selection 35 (Compensatory)
Round 4, Selection 19
Round 5, Selection 18
Round 6, Selection 17
Round 7, Selection 20
Round 7, Selection 37 (Compensatory)
Round 7, Selection 42 (Compensatory)

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Wide Receiver: Percy Harvin, Florida; Darrius Hayward-Bey, Maryland; Kenny Britt, Rutgers; Brian Robiskie, Ohio St.; Hakeem Nicks, UNC, Brian Robiskie, Ohio St.; Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma
2. Defensive End: Tyson Jackson, LSU, Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech; Aaron Maybin, PSU; Robert Ayers, Tennessee; Paul Kruger, Utah; Lawrence Sidbury Jr., Richmond
3. Quarterback: Mark Sanchez, USC; Josh Freeman, Kansas St.; Pat White, West Virginia
4. Offensive Tackle: Michael Oher, Ole Miss; Andre Smith, Alabama; Eben Britton, Arizona; Jamon Meredith, South Carolina; William Beatty, UConn
5. Guard: Duke Robinson, Oklahoma, Herman Johnson, LSU, Andy Levitre, Oregon St.
6. Safety: Louis Delmas, Western Michigan

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, OU Athletics Department

On The Clock: New York Jets

Record: 9-7, 3rd In the AFC East
General Manager: Mike Tannenbaum, Head Coach: Rex Ryan (1st Year), Offensive Coordinator: Brian Schottenheimer (4th Year), Defensive Coordinator: Mike Pettine (1st Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 16 Overall, No. 9 Scoring, No.16 Passing, No. 9 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 16 Overall, No. 18 Scoring, No. 29 Passing, No. 7 Rushing

Last Five Years: 37-43; Last Playoff Appearance: 2006; Last Playoff Victory: 2004 (20-17 Over the San Diego Chargers)

2008 Draft: (1-6) DE Vernon Gholston, (1-30) TE Dustin Keller, (4-113) CB Dwight Lowery, (5-162) QB Erik Ainge, (6-171) WR Marcus Henry, (7-211) OT Nate Garner

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (1-6) DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio St. & (1-30) TE Dustin Keller, Purdue
2007 – (1-14) CB Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh
2006 – (1-19) OT D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia & (1-29) C Nick Mangold, Ohio St.
2005 – (2-47) K Mike Nugent, Ohio St.
2004 – (1-12) Jonathan Vilma, Miami

Booms: WR Jerricho Cotchery (4th Round 2004), S Erik Coleman (5th Round 2004), S Kerry Rhodes (4th Round 2005), C Nick Mangold (1st Round 2006), RB Leon Washington (4th Round 2006), CB Darrelle Revis (1st Round 2007), LB David Harris (2nd Round 2007)

Busts: CB Derrick Strait (3rd Round 2004), OT Adrian Jones (4th Round 2004), K Mike Nugent (2nd Round 2005), CB Justin Miller (2nd Round 2005), S Andre Maddox (5th Round 2005), QB Kellen Clemens (2nd Round 2006), LB Anthony Schlegel (3rd Round 2006)

Additions:
CB Tyron Brackenridge (Free Agent)
DE Marques Douglas (Free Agent)
NT Howard Green (Free Agent)
LB Larry Izzo (Free Agent)
SS Jim Leonard (Free Agent)
LB Bart Scott (Free Agent)
CB Lito Sheppard (Trade)
CB Donald Strickland (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
TE Chris Baker (Released)
CB David Barrett (Released)
ILB Eric Barton (FA-Cleveland)
ILB David Bowens (FA-Cleveland)
WR Laveranues Coles (FA-Cincinnati)
LB Brad Kassell (Released)
TE Bradley Listorti (FA-New England)
DE C.J. Mosley (FA-Cleveland)
CB Hank Poteat (FA-Cleveland)
LB Cody Spencer (FA-Detroit)

Keepers:
CB Ahmad Carroll
SS Abram Elam
K Jay Feely
OG Brandon Moore
FB Tony Rickardson

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 17
Round 2, Selection 20
Round 3, Selection 12 (From New Orleans)
Round 4, Selection 15 (From Washington)
Round 6, Selection 20
Round 7, Selection 19

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Wide Receiver: Jeremy Maclin, Missouri; Percy Harvin, Florida; Darrius Hayward-Bey, Maryland; Kenny Britt, Rutgers; Brian Robiskie, Ohio St.; Hakeem Nicks, UNC
2. Defensive End: Tyson Jackson, LSU, Jarron Gilbert, San Jose St., Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn, Ziggy Hood, Missouri
3. Quarterback: Mark Sanchez, USC; Josh Freeman, Kansas St.
4. Tight End: Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St.
5. Running Back: Knowshon Moreno, Georgia; Donald Brown, UConn; Chris Wells, Ohio St., LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh, Shonn Greene, Iowa; Glen Coffee, Alabama; Andre Brown, NC State
6. Offensive Tackle: Michael Oher, Ole Miss; Andre Smith, Alabama; Eben Britton, Arizona; Jamon Meredith, South Carolina; William Beatty, UConn

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, Purdue University Sports Information

Q&A: Ramses Barden, WR, Cal-Poly

Interview with Cal-Poly wide receiver Ramses Barden on All Access Football Radio's Monday Night Lights Show with host Rick Serritella.

How are you, Ramses?

Barden: I’m pretty good, I’m pretty good. Glad to be on. Thanks for having me.

You are a player that we have been talking about, believe it or not, for the last two years. Our small school insider Josh Buchanan has been keeping tabs on you for quite some time. He had you projected as his number one player on his overall big board coming into the start of the season, and you have done nothing but prove him right thus far. We appreciate you taking some time out of your busy schedule leading up to the Draft. Part of that schedule seems like it will include you joining Mark Sanchez at USC's Pro Day. Tell us a little bit about that.

Barden: Oh yeah, Mark is down here in Orange County working out with some teammates of mine. I guess they got to talking and there is not too many Draft-eligible receivers in California, let alone Southern California. So they spoke and he knew who I was and his family and his agent all knew who I was. They got to talking and since I’m so close, it would make sense for me to workout at their Pro Day and give him an extra set of hands to catch the ball. It will also be a good opportunity for me as well. So we spoke a couple times on the phone and it worked out so that I could come down here to Orange County and stay with him a couple of weeks. We work on our chemistry. He’ll be my honorary quarterback and I’ll be his honorary receiver. Then just go and build from there.

Well, USC is the Pro Day of all Pro Days. I know all 32 teams were in attendance today at Wake Forest's Pro Day. So I would have to imagine all 32 teams will be in attendance for the USC Pro Day on April 1st. Tell us what it’s like to be on the big stage coming from a small school? What does working out on that kind of platform do for your exposure?

Barden: It’s an outstanding experience, first of all. I’m extremely grateful for it. Coming from the small school and being like the underdog in this whole process and being able to gain the opportunity and exposure of such a great platform...One thing I will say is that the Senior Bowl, Combine and State Farm ESPN Skills Challenge were all events that have helped prime me for this transition to the NFL. Getting used to the media spotlight, getting used to the eyes on you and just the heightened, intense atmosphere that comes along with professional football...So I like to think I got a little bit of ammunition and momentum going into my USC Pro Day. Also, the private workouts won’t be so nerve-racking as it would have been if I didn’t have the opportunity to work out in those events.

You mentioned the Senior Bowl. Let’s touch base on that for a moment. Because, let’s be honest, the guys you were facing during the regular season couldn’t match up with you. At the Senior Bowl you really got that opportunity, that chance to match your skill set with other top players from the nation. Talk a little bit about that experience and how your skills matched up during the week of Senior Bowl practices.

Barden: As far as my skill set, I think I fared extremely well. There are certain things that you see when you watch tape of me or see me in person and you say, “Wow, this guy does those things well”. With the right coaching and the right attention at the right time you could say the opportunities are limitless. Something you always say about a player like me is “He's got the upside”. Those are some of the things that I have continued to hear during this whole process because of the physical tools I bring to the table. With the height, weight, speed combination the athletic ability...the willingness and desire to learn and be coachable—all of that kind of comes into play to where I can only go up and only move forward. The Senior Bowl was definitely a learning experience. Playing the best of the best each snap. At Cal Poly we might get a guy that’s worthy of an All Star game once every ten to fifteen games. So you're not even guaranteed to get a great corner every year. We have seen some talented people and the difference is that every snap, every play is that you're going against one of the best. So it’s definitely a little bit of a wake up call. I don’t know if I played as well I would of liked that week, but I definitely showed them that I have the abilities to be that number one receiver in the draft.

We're talking with Ramses Barden, the big receiver out of Cal Poly, standing around 6’5 and 225. Tell us what you looked to project at your Pro Day?

Barden: Officially, I'm 6’6 and 229. We had the San Jose Pro Day this past week and I had some scouts clock me in the 4.4’s. The official time they came out with was a 4.51, so I’m not upset about it but I always feel that I could do better. So I am definitely happy that I’m continuing to surpass expectations. Like I said with the height, weight, speed thing. I don’t think there are that many people who can have those same type of numbers on the board. I like to think I’m unique in that way and that I have limitless opportunities in that same fashion.

We actually had one of our representatives on location at the San Jose Pro Day, Andrew Garda. He went on to say that when you blazed your 40 time, he looked over at some of the NFL personal in attendance. He said there were some raised eyebrows over there on the sideline. So I must ask, was there any particular scout that showed interest in you, or do you have any individual workouts scheduled with any teams?

Barden: Throughout this whole process there have been a number of teams that have shown a fair amount of interest. I’m definitely excited. At the Pro Day it was all work and all business just trying to get through the drills, get through the workout. It wasn’t just me but it was my teammates as well, as well as guys from other schools. As far as strong interest, I really wasn’t paying attention to it. I was letting my agent handle that. Through the process we have talked a lot with the Cowboys, the Giants, with Tampa with Miami, the Ravens...There’s definitely a number of teams, I guess, that are looking for wide receivers that have shown a strong interest in me. So I’m really excited about that. And I’m excited to continue to show them that I’m the kind of player and person that they want on their team. The next couple of weeks me and Mark (Sanchez) are doing a private workout with the Jets, I think tomorrow. Then the following day the Redskins.

In addition to the USC Pro Day you're going to be working out with Mark in some of the individual team workouts as well?

Barden: Yes, sir. I’ll be on the field. I’ll be running my routes. I’ll be trying to show the progression and continue the learning that translates into me being the first round guy that teams would want to take.

Well that’s phenomenal. I would have to admit I have my questions with Mark as an NFL quarterback. But to hear of him going out of his way almost to include you in workouts at his USC Pro Day shows me the type of character and leadership skills that Mark Sanchez is displaying. Can you maybe spend a moment and tell us about Mark Sanchez?

Barden: Oh sure, I could spend more then a moment. He reached out and has shown he’s an outstanding person, he’s a quality guy. He’s introduced me to his family, his dad, his brother, and you can see what type of background this guy comes from. There’s no wonder that Pete Carroll wanted to keep him around another year. He’s a hard guy to let go of and I see why so many teams right now are chomping at the bit to get a opportunity to get their hands on him. Because he brings so much to the table—his leadership, his football intelligence, his street smarts...I have to give him kudos for coming and finding the best wide receiver in California (laughs) to come workout with him.

I like the attitude and I like the approach. You kind of remind me, in more ways than one, of another wide receiver from out there in California named Keyshawn Johnson.

Barden: Uh-oh. (laughs)

How many times have players busted your chops on the head shots you've got going on there, with you looking like Keyshawn’s twin brother?

Barden: I hear that every day. I saw a article out the other day comparing us and everything. I think it even had a couple of sound bites in there. I don’t know if I’m on his radar yet. I don’t want to make him too mad. I know he’s got a strong personality and he’s a great person from what I’ve heard. Like I said, any positive comparisons I can get with Hall of Fame-type guys, I’ll take them. Back to Mark—he’s great person and he’s a great guy. He let me into his home and he’s just a class act.

The NFL Draft Bible has 6’6 and 229 pound Ramses Barden, wide receiver from Cal Poly on the line. Now we're going to have a little bit of fun, Ramses. We're going to welcome in our small school insider, Josh Buchanan. Josh, welcome to the show.

Buchanan: (Laughs) I don’t like the response I got from Ramses.

Barden: It’s like a reunion. Sometimes when I talk with Josh, I don’t know what time I'm going to be hanging up the phone. (Laughs)

(Laughs)

Barden: No, Josh is a good guy.

Buchanan: I think his stock is falling. (Laughs)

Barden: Josh is my man. I always tell him everything.

Tell us about your training program.

Barden: Like you said, we have been working on the 40 stuff and the agility stuff. When it comes to the field, Elite Athletics was able to pair me up with a guy named Chris Thomas who is a Cal-Poly alum. He was in the league for several years and although he wasn’t a household name, he was able to stay in the league as a back up and change of pace guy because of how precise his routes were and how much time and effort he put into breaking guys down one on one. He’s not the type of guy who's going to jump all over you or beat you or run a 4.2 like my guy Nick Miller. But he’s somebody who has the best pair of feet. If you ever get a chance to watch and see him, he runs great routes and he’s a great teacher. He’s a guy I’ve been able to get together with and he’s showed me some of those tricks. Things to add to my game to help me get out of my routes quicker and those are some of those things I’ve been trying to add to my game.

Who on your team is not getting the press that should be getting looks?

Barden: First guy is my roommate, Tredale Tover, who has been my roommate for the last four years. He’s the other receiver on the other side. He’s the reason why it’s so hard to line up against us on defense because the guy can pretty much run a 4.3 or 4.2 when he’s in the zone. He showed that a couple days ago at the San Diego State Pro Day. A couple of people had him at 4.29 and that didn’t really surprise me. I was surprised he didn’t run that at San Jose State, to be honest with you, because that’s what he is—he's a speed guy, a track guy. He’s been doing this longer than I have and he had more offers coming out of school. He’s really a big talent that hasn’t been tapped yet. I got a lot of attention in the offense but as more people start to learn his name, they are going to be surprised.

Yeah I remember you mentioning his name. Talk a little about your game vs. Wisconsin?

Barden: Our coach, Rich Ellison, scheduled the Wisconsin game and that just shows his competitiveness. We have a competitive team. We all kind of rose to the challenge and accepted it. We didn’t come out with the victory though, but there were a number of opportunities to change the outcome of the game. I’ll be the first person to say I could of done more and maybe made a play here or there that could have made a difference. As a team I thought we played with outstanding effort, myself included. It’s was a great primer for the Senior Bowl, but playing against the high level, we wanted to pull a major upset.

Good luck, and thanks for joining us.

Barden: Josh needs an anchor position on the show. (laughs)

Photo Credit: Matt Brown Photography, Great West Office

Q&A: Bob Johnson, Quarterback Coach

Interview with Bob Johnson co- founder owner/operator of Camp Quarterback with sons Rob and Brent Johnson, conducted on the All Access Football Radio by Ralph Mancini, Daniel Mogollon, and Rodney Towe.

You coached Mark Sanchez at Mission Viejo High School, can you tell us what his assets were then and what his assets are now and how he compares to Matthew Stafford?

Johnson: I did coach Mark in high school, so did my son Bret and later years Rob. It was a lot of fun. He is a great quarterback. He had a great 2 years for us–we won the CIF Championship, and we lost two games in two years. He is an extremely good leader; he still has that quality, very accurate. I think that is one of the best qualities that you can ask for in a quarterback, plenty of arm strength and pretty much the whole package. He is very athletic, very strong, he can escape the rush real well, keeps his eyes down the field all the time. He had a lot of those qualities in high school and just worked on them and other little things subtly. Here he is, one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft with Matt Stafford being the other one and a couple of other guys right around him. It’s an exciting time for him, he’s been working hard the last three months and he’ll have a great Pro day at USC on April 1st and then wait for the draft.

What do you say to the people who say, I am a little concerned because he's not that experienced, he only has 16 starts?

Johnson: I don’t see that at all. He had 16 starts and he is playing everyday against one of the best defenses in the country and they get after it at USC and compete together one’s versus one’s. No one ever seems to mention that, but if they ever come by a USC practice, every day of his year starting and the three to four games he started as a sophomore he’s going against the best defense in the country, arguably. He’s getting pressured playing behind a young offensive line; he knows how to handle pressure. I don’t see that 16 starts as being too much of an issue. Matt Cassel did alright without any starts. I'm sure people can give you stats on everything. I just throw it out the window. He’s a 22 year old, he’s had plenty of football and he’s going to go through the same growing pains as everyone else, but he’s ready to go.

Years ago, Bill Walsh would say when he was evaluating quarterbacks he would always search for the guy that throws a very catchable ball and that is one of the things Sanchez does. Could you tell us how important that is for a quarterback transitioning from college into the pros? How important is it to throw a catchable pass?

Johnson: Mark really has a nice touch on the ball and when he has to he can really bring it in there big time. He showed his arm strength several times this year with some tight balls into tight coverage down the field on some seam posts and some wheel routes against cover 2, getting it in there at just the right time. When he has to take it off he really does. He’s an athlete. He played basketball as well in high school and like a lot of these guys played baseball for a long time, but stopped it after a while. I think it is a great quality, one of the top ones, there is no doubt. He doesn’t just come to the ballpark waiting to throw a fastball. He has all the throws there are. He can take it off on certain balls, which he really has to. It’s a great quality, when you’re ranked that high most of the guys have all of those qualities, some of them more than others.

Speaking of great athletes at quarterback, you’re also working with Pat White and he’s probably been the most debated player in terms of “is he or isn’t he a quarterback”. You know better than us–is he a quarterback and should he allow anyone to move him to wide receiver, if he believes he’s a quarterback?

Johnson: I think you do allow them (NFL teams) to, they’re calling the shots, if that’s what they choose to do. Is he a quarterback? Absolutely. He played four years in college and it’s what he wants to do. He proved it in the Senior Bowl. He had very good practices. He had a very good game, had a great combine. He’s been out here with us for three months and it’s been my pleasure, because he is a great young man. He can certainly play the quarterback position, but I wouldn’t go so far that he should tell somebody what to do. It’s pro football, so if he gets to a camp and has to do some things to help the team out I think he’s willing to do that too, but he certainly wants to play quarterback first and he’s told me that, he’s told everybody that. He’s not saying no to something else. I don’t think you should do that. I think that would be a bad decision. He’s very talented. He can do a lot of things and with a lot of this gun stuff they are doing now and the different stuff they put in the game or certain plays for him, he can do a lot of things with the football in his hands. So I wouldn’t limit it to saying I’m the guy, all I am going to do is play quarterback. I don’t think anybody would want to hear him say that in pro football.

A lot of the focus with Pat is on his athletic ability, can you talk a little about his intangibles and leadership skills. I think because he is a quiet young man and he’s not very demonstrative, that gets overlooked with him.

Johnson: I am so impressed with the guy. He’s got a good ball. He needs to put on some weight probably and get a little bit more durable for that next level, but he knows that, all the kids do. He’s very athletic and you’ve seen what he can do in college and he’ll do a lot of those same things in the pros with the ball in his hands. He can make people miss. He can throw on the run. He can do a lot of things. He can drop back and throw as well. I think his leadership skills are very strong. He’s got a great personality even though he’s quiet, he’s quick to smile. He’s not extremely hard on himself. He’s just hard enough on himself to keep improving. He’s very competitive and I just see him doing very well at the next level, I really do, at quarterback. He’s got a chance there just as much as he does at being a multi-talented guy and helping out at receiver and with any kind of plays they want. He’s a good take. He’s really gone through this process and come out smelling like a rose, so to speak.

I really want to ask about Nathan Brown. Here’s a player that, when you see him for the first time, doesn’t have the physical attributes to really wow you but if you watch him in the flow of the game, he’s a guy that I think can get it done. He operates well within the flow of the offense. Can you describe some of the challenges that Nate Brown is facing coming from a smaller school versus some of the higher profile quarterbacks?

Johnson: He’s got to get over some things. He’s always going to be thought of as coming from a Division-IAA school, a smaller type of school, not playing against quite the competition, and that is all true, so it is a bigger adjustment for him when he comes in. I think he’s very capable of making that adjustment. He’s a very competitive kid. He holds things inside a lot and has a chip on his shoulder, so to speak, just to show everybody. That has worked quite well for a guy like Ben Roethlisberger. I had the pleasure of working with him for just a week one time. He always wanted to show people that he’s going to make it on his own just because some of the big schools wouldn’t take him to begin with, he really wanted to do that and I see a little bit of that in Nate. He’s certainly a totally different kid than Ben as far as size and all that, but he's got the same kind of attitude. He’s got a little bit of a good chip on his shoulder, not a chip on his shoulder in any bad way whatsoever. You really wouldn’t notice it, but I know it’s there. I know he wants to down deep show everybody. He’s tired of getting in line second to last or something when it comes to some of these quarterbacks. He’s got plenty of arm strength. He’s got plenty of skill. I just hope he has a great career. He’s certainly going to get with a team and have his chance, that’s for sure. Hopefully the chips fall good for him and he’s going to need a break here or there early on in his career to get a chance to show people and I hope he gets that.

As a man with 35 years coaching experience and a former quarterback at Fresno State, this is a question you can answer–with all your experience, what qualities make an elite quarterback on any level? What qualities do they need?

Johnson: The biggest quality that I like in a quarterback, if I was to just name one, it is pretty hard to just name one and stop, but accuracy would be that one. Without accuracy you can’t be a great quarterback. You can have all the protection in the world, you can be the toughest guy in the world, which is a very big quality, but if you can’t complete the pass, you’re gone. You can’t play. Accuracy is huge. The windows of opportunity as you get to the higher levels, especially the pro level, get smaller and smaller, they're ready to break on your ball. It’s easy when you have all the protection and no one is in front of you and coming at you when you’re playing high school football, especially for the good ones. It becomes so easy. Then college is a little different from the pros where you have extremely tight windows. Accuracy has to be the number one thing. The next one is toughness, if you don’t have it, you’re not playing because it is going to break down, there is going to be a battle, there’s going to be a war and you’re going to have to rally the troops. If you’re not a tough guy, you don’t play quarterback in pro football, so you have to be tough. The leadership qualities are huge. There have been a lot of great arms and guys who can do those two things I just said but they can’t lead and they think a whole lot of themselves and not much of the team. There have been some guys like that and that doesn’t work so the leadership and sharing the wealth by taking those linemen out to dinner because you can’t play without them. Peyton Manning’s one of the best of all time and he can’t play without an offensive line, that was shown when all of that was done. Tom Brady last year (in the Super Bowl) when they got pressure up the middle and the Giants found a way to get to him was very average in that game. Tom Brady was average, Peyton Manning was average in a couple of games when the Patriots were getting to him. You just can’t do it without a line and those guys are top of the line. You have to have a lot of character to withstand that. There’s a lot pressure on you and a lot of those things, but accuracy and toughness are without a doubt, to me, the top two qualities.

Let's not forget Tom Brandstater from Fresno State and Curtis Painter, who spoke about playing for you...

Johnson: I can’t have an interview without mentioning them because they work just as hard and they’re just as skilled in a lot of ways. Tom Brandstater, who played in the East-West Shrine game from Fresno State, he’s a Bulldog, and so you got to mention a Bulldog and he’s very good and had a very good combine, maybe one of the best combines of anybody back there from what I understand. He’s a 6’4 1/2 kid who can really sling it and I think he has a chance to have a real good pro career and you’ll see that. Another kid who I think is going to be a starter, I think someday he is going to start in the league, I think people are missing a real sleeper if they don’t take him early, earlier than they thought and that’s Curtis Painter from Purdue. He was picked as the top senior coming into his senior year and now they have a couple of seniors ahead of him. I don’t know who is putting that together but they didn’t play quarterback and they haven’t coached a lot of quarterbacks. Curtis Painter is going to surprise people and end up starting in this league. Curtis is a great kid, they all are. Those guys...I’m the lucky one to be coaching those guys the last 2 1/2 months. They’re great kids. It’s awesome.

I’d like to point out that we do have Pat White and Curtis Painter as our top 2 senior quarterbacks. I guess you agree with our rankings.

Johnson: I sure do. I really do and I don’t know them all, but I know a few of them. I am partial, there’s no doubt, to those two guys because I’ve been with them and I’ve been with Curtis a little bit longer this time. Last summer at the Elite 11 he was a counselor for us. Sometimes your senior year doesn’t go quite the way it’s supposed to and maybe his didn’t, but there are a lot of things to be said about that whether it was protections or receivers or new coordinator, whatever it was. Curtis was the same guy that earned all of those stripes before his senior year and for people to think too much less of him based on the senior year, they will be sorry.

Do you think people are making too much of the spread offense or is it a bigger adjustment than before going from college to the pros if you are coming out of the spread?

Johnson: Being in the gun doesn’t help a guy a whole lot. It’s a big deal. They can certainly learn it, they’re all athletes, but the gun guys sometimes have a little tougher time, there’s no doubt , taking that drop, especially the guys that played in high school. There’s so many high schools in the spread and in the gun and that doesn’t prepare them as well for the pros. They can certainly learn it and they will learn it, but the guy who has been under center is better at taking his drops than the other guys, at least initially.

You have Camp Quarterback and you run that with your sons Rob and Bret Johnson. Would you like to tell us anything about the camp?

Johnson: It is on CampQuarterback.com. Bret’s done a great job. I have never been on a website in my life. The website’s nice and all that stuff is real good, but I'm just an old school guy who shows up when he tells me to. He and Rob have done a great job of taking it to the next level. I am at every camp. All three of us are and that’s a fun deal. We get Mark Sanchez back. We get all of our ex guys back, and several of them are pro guys. It’s just so much fun for this old guy to be around that and stuff and we really are hands-on guys. It’s not like giving out a tee shirt, having a pro guy talk to them and saying thanks a lot guys. We get down and dirty with them and the camp has really been special for the guys and we have been told that by many. That’s a nice deal, I am glad you asked about it. There’s four weekends, they can check all the dates at CampQuarterback.com.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (West Virginia), Kathe Osborne (USC), Purdue University Sports Information, Southland Conference