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March 2009
Buckeyes’ Marcus Freeman is King for a day
Ohio State outside linebacker Marcus Freeman’s popularity continues to grow throughout the NFL draft process. He first grabbed the attention of NFL scouts with his performance at the Senior Bowl, Scouting Combine and Pro Day.
Freeman’s latest showing is said to be a sure crowd pleaser, but has nothing to do with his football prowess.
The good people at ESPN The Magazine, my favorite magazine for recognizing talent, selected five NFL prospects to come to New York City and give them the royal treatment. Marcus Freeman, Boise State running back Ian Johnson, Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell, Rice wide receiver Jarett Dillard and Iowa defensive tackle Mitch King were all made kings for a day.
Each year the NFL invites multiple prospects to New York City to take part in draft festivities. The players usually brought in are considered potential Top 10 picks. But we all know how heartfelt an invite can turn out to be. Just ask Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn, who sank like the Titanic on national television on draft day.
The magazine wanted to do the same and make a fuss over five players ESPN draft experts believe are the most underrated prospects, and let them share the experience of being a top round pick minus the drama of course.
“I’m in the middle of Manhattan living a dream,” Freeman said during a phone conversation March 31. “We had a photo shoot yesterday and it was indeed an experience. When they tell you to come to New York for a photo shoot you think you’re going to take a couple pictures, but it was absolutely crazy. We had a stylist, we had make-up on, we wore different outfits and got to see New York like you’ve never seen it before. It was really nice.”
Freeman said he had never been to New York before so this was definitely a memorable experience for him.
According to one staff member of the magazine, Monday was a long day for the prospects. They were picked up at 7:30 a.m. and weren’t done until 6:00 p.m. that evening. They were hauled around the city making stops at different locations for the photo shoot. Their first stop was The River Café a restaurant in Brooklyn. After that they took some shots on the Brooklyn Bridge where I understand it was extremely cold. The day went on with shoots at the barber shop to the J. Crew store and of all places in a Pedicab. Now picture that.
I was told that the prospects were very corporative and pleasant throughout the day. However, I learned that food catered for 20 people may have contributed to the pleasantry.
Freeman said they all had a great time and the whole thing was a humbling experience.
If there is one player that deserves to have their name in bright lights it is Freeman, even though he’s not the type to seek the limelight.
Freeman has represented the Huber Heights community and Ohio State extremely well. He and his family are a class act. They have been more than willing to give their time to me and the Dayton Daily News during this busy time.
Rather than give you more of the story, look for the magazine issue on newsstands April 9.
24 days until the draft…
TweetUC cornerback Mike Mickens movin’ on up
University of Cincinnati and former Wayne High School defensive back Mike Mickens was considered by NFL scouts as a Top 5 cornerback prospect entering this year’s draft. However, a lingering knee injury sustained midway through the 2008 season caused the player’s stock to dip. But after an impressive pro day on March 19, Mickens’ stock is on the rise once again.
The 5-foot-ll, 186-pound Mickens ran a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash and was even clocked in the high 4.4’s by some teams. He was cleared to run three weeks ago which makes his time pretty amazing. Mickens posted a 35.5-inch vertical; 9-foot, 11-inch broad jump and a 4.18 in the pro agility drill.
NFL teams in attendance apparently like what they saw from the defensive back.
Mickens worked out recently for the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. He is scheduled to visit the Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams and New York Jets next week.
True competitor…
TweetHow would hot prospect Connor Barwin fit in with Bengals?
University of Cincinnati DE/TE/OLB Connor Barwin has been the most talked about prospect leading up to April’s draft. Why? Everyone is talking about his freakish versatility. Barwin’s astonishing performance at the Scouting Combine in February took NFL teams by complete surprise. The converted tight end posted the best marks in four categories — the vertical jump (40.5 inches), broad jump (10 feet, 8 inches), 3-cone drill (6.87 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (4.18 seconds) — among the defensive linemen, and also had the second-best 40-time at 4.66 seconds in Indianapolis.
What coaches and scouts learned during testing in Indy, I witnessed first hand days prior to the event.
It was at Ignition Athletics Performance Group in Mason, Ohio where I learned the real talent and athleticism that Barwin possessed. He was like a machine, running non-stop going from one drill to another. Barwin seemed to enjoy the rigorous workout he was being put through and showed no signs of ever wanting to quit. His hard work has been paying off because several NFL teams including the hometown Cincinnati Bengals are showing interest.
Barwin is racking up frequent flyer miles with scheduled visits to Buffalo, Kansas City, Tennessee, Jacksonville and St. Louis.
During a recent phone interview Barwin talked about how Clif Marshall, Performance Director at Ignition, prepared him for his date with NFL scouts.
“Cliff really critiqued me and made sure that I was efficient in every aspect of my training,” Barwin said. “I probably wouldn’t have put up the numbers that I did at the Combine and pro day if not for him. That was one of the biggest decisions I made and probably the best decision I made in my career thus far; to train with Cliff. He made sure he got everything out of me.”
Ignition is gaining popularity with draft hopefuls by spitting out potential pro prospects like Octomom spits out babies.
NFL teams are viewing Barwin much differently then their initial thoughts. Barwin’s stunning workout forced teams to go back and watch more film.
Where does Barwin fit in?
The majority of 3-4 teams see him as an outside linebacker while 4-3 teams view him as a defensive end, and there are a couple of teams who see him as a tight end.
Although Barwin has the skill set to be a productive tight end, his passion is for playing defense. Outside linebacker could potentially be his best position because that’s where he could utilize his athletic ability.
The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Barwin continued to improve his stock at the school’s pro day March 19. He ran in the high 4.4’s in the 40-yard dash and did 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Barwin stood on all his other numbers from the combine. I’m told that teams were impressed with his ability to play at the same speed at all three positions during position drills. He was consistent and showed a great motor throughout the workout.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and former UC assistant Rex Ryan (New York Jets) were on hand for the school’s workout.
It is my understanding that on his pro day, Barwin asked team representatives in attendance after the workout if there was anything else they would like to see him do such as punt, kick or whatever.
Knowing what I know about Barwin, I’m sure it didn’t take teams long to recognize during the interview session that this guy exudes charisma. Not only is he smart, but refreshing to be around. I’m told he has great locker room presence.
Barwin is expected to come off the board no later than the second round. Scouts are saying that Barwin is not just some hyped up player, but is a legitimate pro prospect that has a promising future in the league. Barwin has incredible upside due to his ability to play a number of positions.
Marshall said in his nine years as a strength coach, including three years in the NFL, Barwin may be the most gifted athlete he has ever seen.
As for playing for the Bengals, Barwin welcomes the idea.
“I would love to play for the Bengals because I love the city of Cincinnati,” Barwin said.
There’s no place like home!
Athletes in action at Ignition…
Tweet2009 NFL Draft Reminder
TweetBengals enamored with BYU fullback
The Cincinnati Bengals signed Minnesota Vikings restricted free-agent fullback Naufahu Tahi to a one year offer sheet on Friday, but could have a backup plan should the Vikings decide to match their offer.
BYU running back/fullback Fui Vakapuna is scheduled to visit the Bengals a week before the draft. Get this, Vakapuna is the cousin of Tahi and both could end up wearing tiger stripes if the stars align right.
The 5-foot-11, 244-pound Vakapuna opened some eyes at the school’s pro day March 11. He ran a 4.68 in the 40-yard dash; posted a 34-inch vertical and knocked out 29 reps on the bench press. Scouts were very impressed with his workout.
Bengals running backs coach Jim Anderson was in attendance at the pro day and worked with Vakapuna exclusively on some individual drills afterwards. The way I hear it, Coach Anderson was blown away by the fullback’s performance.
Vakapuna rushed 263 yards and three touchdowns this past season. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry while toting the rock for the BYU Cougars. He’s a bruising runner with good explosion and power - ideal for short-yard situations. He has all the physical attributes to contribute as a running back, fullback and special teamer.
Vakapuna will need to continue to improve on his blocking skills at the next level. He spent a lot of time in his career flip flopping from running back to fullback in BYU’s offense. However, Vakapuna did spend his entire senior campaign playing fullback and excelled. He is now appearing on a number of team’s radar.
Vakapuna said that he is excited about his trip to Cincinnati and would love to play with his cousin Tahi and learn more about the game from him.
TweetNFL teams looking to trade up for OSU’s Jenkins
Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins is being described by many as the top cornerback prospect entering this year’s draft. NFL evaluators I have talked to agree that Jenkins is indeed ahead of the class. In fact, there is even talk of teams possibly trading up into the Top 10 to secure a shot at the All-American defensive back.
There are at lease two teams, Denver (No. 12) and New Orleans (No. 14), who could be looking to move up the draft board should Jenkins slide by Cleveland with the No. 5 selection. Jenkins is not expected to make it past Buffalo at No. 11. On that note, a few other teams may be banking on the player to fall. Don’t count on it.
The way I hear it, Jenkins’ performance at the school’s pro day March 13 may have sealed the deal for him as a Top 10 selection. It was stated that he was exceptional during position drills and improved on his 40-time from the Combine last month.
According to a source with knowledge of the pro day, there are conflicting results being posted in regard to Jenkins’ 40-times at the workout. There have been reports that Jenkins turned in times of 4.58 and 4.55 in Columbus. However, I’m told that he was clocked as low as 4.47 and as high as 4.52 in the 40-yard dash by teams in attendance. The inaccurate times being posted are actually slower than the times Jenkins ran in Indy.
Not sweating it
“The one thing that the combine and pro day doesn’t prove is if you’re a player on the field,” Jenkins said in a recent phone interview. “I think my film shows that. That’s pretty much all I want to get across to teams. I’m not going to tell everybody that I’m a 4.3 guy who can jump high and do this and that, because that’s not who I am. I’m a football player and I think it shows on the football field.”
Jenkins is the recipient of this year’s Jim Thorpe Award which is awarded to the top defensive back in college football. He finished the 2008 season with 57 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass break-ups.
After a stellar workout with the Broncos on Tuesday, there is no question Jenkins is being looked at as a corner and not a safety by NFL teams. Either or, it doesn’t matter to him.
“At this point, whatever they need me to be,” Jenkins said. “I would like to be drafted as a corner, but can play either or. I definitely think that I have the size and ability to play corner in the league.”
One NFL scout agrees.
“Jenkins is a superb athletic talent who should make a nice transition into the pros as a corner,” the scout said. “He is technically sound in every aspect of the game and would be a hard player to pass up.”
Jenkins has unique size, versatility, quickness, range and toughness. He is highly intelligent and has a knack for making big plays. His play making ability and willingness to tackle may be the things that separate him from the rest of the field. Jenkins is probably the most physical corner entering the draft.
Although Jenkins doesn’t possess long speed in coverage, there are a lot of defensive schemes that he would fit well into. I see him playing a lot of bump-and-run and underneath coverage early in his career, but see him as a starter sooner than later. Bottom line he’s a gamer!
TweetBengals sign Tahi to offer sheet
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed Minnesota Vikings restricted free agent fullback Naufahu Tahi to a 1-year, $1.4 millon offer sheet.
The deal includes a $500,000 signing bonus and $900,000 in base salary. Tahi’s agent David Lee of Players Rep Sports Management confirmed the signing today.
Tahi received the low-level tender of $1.01 million from Minnesota and because he was an undrafted free agent, the Bengals will not have to give up any draft picks as compensation if the team fails to match their offer.
The Vikings, who have expressed interest in fullback Leonard Weaver of the Seattle Seahawks, will have seven days to match the Bengals’ offer.
TweetBrowns target Orakpo
The Cleveland Browns have the fifth overall selection in this year’s NFL draft and will likely use that pick to upgrade the team’s pass-rush. The Browns defense finished the 2008 season tied next to last in the sack category with 17.
Nearly every mock draft on the internet have the Browns taking Texas stud defensive end Brian Orakpo with the team’s first round pick. Well, they may be onto something.
Members of the Browns organization will be in Texas Wednesday March 18, for a private workout session with Orakpo.
Orakpo is the draft’s premiere pass-rusher and comes with a lot of hardware winning the Nagurski Trophy (nation’s top defensive player), Lombardi Award (nation’s top lineman) and Hendricks Award (nation’s top defensive end) in 2008.
Orakpo’s Pro Day workout is scheduled for March 25, but the Browns want a close-up look at the fierce pass-rusher.
TweetPrediction: Bengals will have successful 2009 draft
The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t messing around when it comes to the team’s approach to April’s NFL draft. The club is expected to take in visits from a few potential Top 10 draft picks in the coming weeks.
Top ranked Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith, Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno and Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin are all scheduled to meet with the Bengals organization in Cincinnati.
The Bengals would be off to a great start to the draft if they could land any one of these three prospects with the sixth overall pick.
Smith would no doubt help shore up a worrisome offensive line. Moreno would provide the team with an electrifying runner and game-breaker. Maclin is a dual threat as a wideout and dangerous return-man.
Moreno’s slow 40-times at the Combine could have been the result of him adding 10-pounds of muscle to his frame since Georgia’s last game. However, the running back will be looking to improve on his performance at the school’s Pro Day March 19.
TweetDraft sleeper WR Julius Pruitt grabbing attention
Every year during draft time you always seem to hear about a sleeper prospect that suddenly appears on NFL team’s radar. Last year it was Costa Carolina wide receiver Jerome Simpson who the Cincinnati Bengals selected in the second round of the 2008 draft. This year it appears to be Ouachita Baptist wide receiver Julius Pruitt who is gaining momentum as we approach draft day.
Pruitt worked out for the St. Louis Rams and Green Bay Packers on March 3 where he ran a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash, posted a 31 1/2-inch vertical and a 9-foot, 4-inch broad jump. The scouts where impressed with the performance so much that the Rams where back in the area on Wednesday for a second look.
Pruitt caught every pass thrown his way and made several acrobatic catches during receiving drills.
The 6-foot-2, 209-pound Pruitt dominated at the Div II level finishing the 2008 season with 77 catches for 1,116 yards and 11 touchdowns. Pruitt’s biggest game of the season came against cross-street rival Henderson State in the 82nd “Battle of the Ravine” where he caught 10 passes for 250 yards and four touchdowns. He set school records for receiving yards and TD catches in a game.
The receiver’s performance helped the Tigers to a fourth quarter, come from behind road victory 43-36 over the Reddies. Maybe more impressive was that Pruitt accomplished the feat matched up against the Conference’s top ranked cornerback Devon Hughes, who earned All-American honors three straight seasons and was named first-team All-Region and All-GSC in 2008.
When watching the receiver on film, he absolutely jumped off the screen. Pruitt has good size, speed, explosion and subtle quickness. He’s very strong, squats over 600 pounds, and shows great leaping ability, body control and athleticism.
Pruitt is a pretty good route runner with solid hands and is a willing blocker. He’s a physical possession-receiver who loves to catch the ball over the middle and shows a strong desire to play the game. Pruitt is a high character guy and is great in the locker room. He was voted most valuable player by his teammates.
On film, Pruitt appears to be the total package, but will need to work on refining his skills at the next level.
According to Ouachita Baptist head coach Todd Knight, Pruitt is a better NFL prospect than receiver Reggie Barrett was when the Detroit Lions selected him in the third-round of the ’91 draft. Knight coached Barrett as an Assistant Coach at the University of Texas at El Paso from 1990-1992.
Coach Knight added that if teams look at the Pruitt’s ability on the field and not the level of competition in which he played, he stacks up well to this year’s draft class of receivers.
It will be interesting to see if this draft sleeper opened enough eyes come draft day.
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