The 2010 NFL Combine is now in the history books as scouts, coaches and general managers from around the league shift their focus to pro-day workouts. The winners and losers from Indianapolis have been broadcast throughout the media and on the Internet ad nauseam. Here are some of the underrated performances from the Combine which people failed to mention, specifically running backs, defensive ends and safeties, positions the Eagles may address in April's draft. Here's what he said.
Running Back
Lonya Miller, Fresno State: The Fresno State senior was given a solid middle-round grade before the season. His production numbers in 2009 were marginal, then again Miller had to share the ball with Ryan Mathews, who will be the first or second back drafted next month. Miller's workout numbers were terrific after weighing in at 221 pounds he completed 26 reps on the bench press, ran 40 times in the mid 4.5-second range and posted a vertical jump of 36-inches. During drills Miller did not run like a 220-pound back, displaying surprisingly quick feet and a nice change of direction besides catching the ball well. He'll end up a steal outside of the draft's initial 75 selections.
Ben Tate, Auburn: From a testing standpoint, Tate's marks were gaudy. The 220-pound back posted 40 times in the mid 4.4-second area, pushed up 26 reps on the bench and touched 40.5-inches in the vertical jump. He slowed down a bit in drills looking more like a straight line runner and struggled to keep his momentum when trying to cut back against the grain. Still, if a team is looking for a ball carrier to grind it out on the inside they may look to Tate starting in round three.
Defensive End
Hall Davis, Louisiana-Lafayette: Measuring just a fraction under 6-4 and weighing 271 pounds, Davis ran his 40s in times that stopped some watches under 4.8 seconds. His mark of 28 reps on the bench press was solid for someone whose arm length was over 34 inches. Davis looked relatively athletic and fluid on the field during drills. He proved his athleticism at the Combine and was a solid pass rusher last season. Davis could be a gem in the later rounds this April.
Brandon Graham, Michigan: Is Graham a defensive end or outside linebacker? That question remains to be answered. We do know this; the pass rushing terror from Michigan is one hell of a football player and proved at the Combine he is also a good athlete. His 40 time was under 4.7 seconds and his bench press total was 31. In many ways Graham reminds us of Derrick Burgess, a player the Eagles had a lot of success with. Graham is likely to be drafted in the second half of round one.
Safety
Kurt Coleman, Ohio State: Coleman did not run at the Combine, citing a right groin strain, but did participate in drills with the rest of the defensive backs. He showed a lot of skill in coverage and looked natural making plays on the ball, something he did well at Ohio State the prior two seasons. Coleman reminds us of a poor man's Ed Reed; not the biggest or fastest but smart and savvy.
Darian Stewart, South Carolina: Stewart's testing numbers and Combine session was better than expected. At 212 pounds, he ran in the low 4.50-second area. His mechanics and ball skills were also pleasant surprise. Stewart was branded a straight-line run defender at the safety position but he displayed the ability to backpedal, change direction and move in all areas of the field efficiently and with relative ease. He'll be a good pick on what is now the third day of the draft.
Check out my Pro Day preview over at Sports Illustrated and get even more Combine insights at DraftInsider.net.
-- Posted by Tony Pauline, 2:36 p.m., March 6
