Sideline Scouting

The 2009 NFL Combine is finally in full swing as several prospects have already seen their value come into question due to size and injury matters.

Former Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno weighed in at 217 pounds. This is exciting news for us and anyone else that has been high on the hog for Moreno. He is built like a typical workhorse back and we think he could be one on the next level.

While his stock is driven by forces including Chris Wells and LeSean McCoy, we at Sideline Scouting think that Moreno has enough upside to warrant consideration as the next Adrian Peterson.

To the contrary, LeSean McCoy, bewildered by the flu, measured in at just 197 pounds. The Pittsburgh media guide had him listed at 210 pounds. We highly doubt that the flu has shedded 13 pounds off of his frame. This is bad news for McCoy and his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Both claim that McCoy should be the first running back taken in the draft.

In big, big news, former Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree measured in two inches shorter than he was listed while playing for the Red Raiders. At 6′1″, 215 pounds, Crabtree is two inches shorter than the man whom he has been drawing comparisons to — Larry Fitzgerald. The former Red Raider intends to pass on working out, especially with the forty yard dash. We could see the red flags mount when he is medically evaluated.

Offensive tackle Andre Smith, a former member of the Alabama Crimson Tide, is unlikely to work out and will wait until his pro day. Still, scouts from a handful of NFL teams were waiting anxiously to speak with the big prospect. The Jets, Saints, and Redskins all showed interest.

One prospect that has a lot to prove, especially in terms of athleticism is Duke Robinson, the offensive guard from Oklahoma. He will participate in all activities except for the bench press because he injured his elbow in the BCS National Championship.

The battle for the number one spot is on between Matt Stafford and Mark Sanchez. Stafford, the former Georgia passer said he will not pass or do the bench press. Mark Sanchez on the other hand has emphatically stated that he is willing to partake in all drills and exercises.

Also, the Seattle Seahawks showed a keen interest in Mark Sanchez.

The St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chicago Bears have all met with former Ball State quarterback Nate Davis. Davis will not wear a glove on his throwing hand during drills like he did in college.

Former Rice tight end/h-back James Casey is continuing his rise up draft boards. He tied former Wisconsin tight end Travis Backum with 28 bench press reps.

Louis Vasquez, an offensive guard formerly of Texas Tech, out-bench pressed everyone today with 39 reps. The next best was Travis Bright (BYU) and Juan Garcia (Washington) with 34.

Former Michigan State running back Javon Ringer will participate in everything after coming off of knee surgery after the season had ended.

Arian Foster will not participate in the combine. He needs to do everything he can to improve his stock after falling short his senior season at Tennessee. Foster had a stellar junior season but it appears to us here at Sideline Scouting that he has reached his ceiling.

Three teams showed a good amount of interest in former Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey — The Eagles, 49ers, and Titans.

The San Francisco 49ers also hinted at adding a “big back” to compliment all-pro running back Frank Gore. There are some big backs that could come at a cheap price for the 49ers, including former North Carolina State pounder Andre Brown.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress said he will open up a quarterback competition. Childress would not comment on where the competition would come from, whether it would be Gus Frerotte or a rookie like Josh Freeman.