Obviously, we’ve had some mitigating circumstances impacting our coverage from the National Scouting Combine today. We’ve been continuing to gather video of linebackers and defensive backs that you will be able to watch on DenverBroncos.com as we tackle one position per week between the end of this week and draft weekend on April 28 and 29, but I haven’t been able to sit in on too many interviews.
On the field, the story du jour was Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who blasted through the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds. Two in his group logged better times — Kansas State’s Yamon Figurs (4.30 seconds) and Washington State’s Jason Hill (4.32 seconds). However, when you consider Johnson’s massive, tight end-like dimensions — 239 pounds on a 6-foot-5 frame — it’s easy to see why the former Georgia Tech standout left some jaws slacked.
Another notable performance came from Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson, who was unofficially timed at 4.38 seconds for his 40-yard dash.
Below are some other superlatives that were announced this afternoon. All are official times and measurements; the ones used during the NFL Network’s broadcast as the drills progress are unofficial.
WIDE RECEIVERS: 40-YARD DASH
Group 4
1. Yamon Figurs, Kansas State: 4.30 seconds
2. Jason Hill, Washington State: 4.32 seconds
3. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech: 4.35 seconds
4. David Clowney, Virginia Tech: 4.36 seconds
5. Aundrae Allison, East Carolina: 4.39 seconds
6. Steve Breaston, Michigan: 4.41 seconds
7. Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State: 4.44 seconds
8. Jonathan Holland, Louisiana Tech: 4.45 seconds
9. Craig Davis, LSU: 4.46 seconds
10. Johnnie Lee Higgins, UTEP: 4.48 seconds
Group 5
1. Mike Walker, Central Florida: 4.35 seconds
2. Laurent Robinson, Illinois State: 4.38 seconds
3. Robert Meachem, Tennessee: 4.39 seconds
4. Mike Mason, Tennessee State: 4.40 seconds
5. Legedu Naanee, Boise State: 4.41 seconds
6. Chandler Williams, Florida International: 4.42 seconds
7. Steve Smith, USC: 4.44 seconds
8. Paul Williams, Fresno State: 4.45 seconds
9. Ryne Robinson, Miami University: 4.47 seconds
10. Courtney Taylor, Auburn: 4.50 seconds
QUARTERBACKS: BALL SPEED
Group 4
1. Toby Korrodi, Central Missouri State: 63 miles per hour
2. John Beck, Brigham Young: 61.1 mph
3t. Kevin Kolb, Houston: 55.2 mph
3t. Trent Edwards, Stanford: 55.2 mph
5. James Pinkney, East Carolina: 53.9 mph
Group 5
1. Troy Smith, Ohio State: 58.5 mph
2. Jeff Rowe, Nevada: 57.0 mph
3. Drew Stanton, Michigan State: 55.7 mph
4. Jared Zabransky, Boise State: 55.2 mph
5. Paul Thompson, Oklahoma: 54.8 mph
More results: Saturday | Sunday
Tags: 2007 Draft, 2007 Scouting Combine
At the Combine: Day 4 Numbers…
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how about this? Calvin Johnson, wide reciever from Georgia Tech as the Bronco kick off returner. WOW, 4.35 40 yard dash! What if he has a running start with the ball in his hands. Great field position, what a concept. Could he also become an outside linebacker that intercepts the pass and can drop back in coverage quicker than any backer we now have. With Coach Bates power inside and outside on the line a linebacker with this kind of speed could bring real trouble to the opposing offenses. He looks like one of those great athletes that has great versatility and could fill a lot of situations. He might even be a great John Lynch replacement in years to come. What do you think?
any word on Keyonvis Bouie, the FIU sunbelt champ? We thought he’d be going to the Broncos.