Much was made Monday over the recent withdrawals of Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm and Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan from this week’s activities, with Brohm removing himself from the game because of a lower leg injury. They joined Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long, LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and Virginia defensive end Chris Long as seniors who bypassed this year’s Senior Bowl work.
But they are the exception. The vast majority of players don’t decline the chance for what amounts to a week-long job interview. Texas wide receiver Limas Sweed is one; he missed over half his senior season with ligament damage in his hand and said Monday that doctors advised him not to play. But he’s here anyhow.
For others, health isn’t a concern. Some can’t say ‘Yes’ to the Senior Bowl and its audience of team scouts and coaches fast enough.
“I accepted right away, because I didn’t know if maybe they would take it away from me,” said West Virginia fullback Owen Schmitt.
Yet the risk of injury looms over the entire week. While scouts, coaches and personnel executives would almost universally counsel a player to take part in this week’s work, their presence isn’t without some risk, which is linked arm-in-arm with the full-contact, full-speed work that makes these practices such a vital component of pre-draft evaluation.
Injuries are inevitable, as Schmitt’s roommate this week, UNLV linebacker Beau Bell found out first-hand Tuesday morning.
“I’m praying for (Bell) right now because he got rolled up on today in practice,” Schmitt said. “That’s one reason why guys don’t come.”
As for those that were here Tuesday morning for the North squad, a few notes …
… Michigan quarterback Chad Henne was first up among the passers, followed by Delaware’s Joe Flacco and USC’s John David Booty. Flacco seemed a little flustered on occasion, while Booty, displaying a classic drop-back style, was composed …
… The running backs got uncorked throughout the morning, with East Carolina’s Chris Johnson and Oklahoma State’s Dantrell Savage each turning in some solid gains …
… Schmitt lost his helmet in a collision while blocking …
… Several players took their turns on kickoff returns, including Johnson, Virginia Tech wide receiver Eddie Royal, Cal running back Justin Forsett, Colorado’s Terrence Wheatley and Indiana’s Tracy Porter.
Back with more in the blog, photos, a notebook and Broncos TV following the South team practice this afternoon … until then, vaya con Dios.
Tags: Senior Bowl
Owen Schmitt would look real good in Orange and Blue.
With our LT position in question, we are gonna need a stud fullback to compensate.
Someone mentioned drafting Bryant out of A&M before, that’s looking like a solid idea. Adibi may be the 2nd rounder or that may be where the next true full time running back gets selected.
Hold on Im confused here, whats the Senior Bowl??
http://www.seniorbowl.com/2008/
This should explain.
I thought the same thing about Owen Schmitt, but unless he happened to be available at the end of the draft he is not really worth drafting because of so many other needs.
I’ve watched both days of practice and I’m impressed with a couple of players. I thought that Dizon, the LB from Colorado, looked really good. He’s got a non stop motor and is really physical. The LSU LB Highsmith was the best in coverage. That man can cover some ground. Mike Singletary sounded like he really liked Highsmith. Wheeler, a Georgia Tech product had Singletary riding him all day. I find it interesting that last year Singletary rode Buster Davis the same way during the week of preparation and was obviously nonplussed. Davis was cut during training camp before the 2007 season even began. I think that Denver needs to get back to it’s true running philosophy and that means getting a premium Fullback to shield our smaller running backs. Razorback FB Payton Hillis catches the ball well out of the backfield, is a very good runner in his own right, and was a punishing blocker who stood out amongst an offensive unit that had a fantastic running game in ’07. I’m sorry that we won’t be spending a high draft pick on a CB this year because Troy’s Leodis McKelvin has some of the most amazing skills that I have seen in a long time. I know he needs to work on his hands but his ability to jump a route and his quickness are amazing. He looks like a smaller version of Bailey.
Shanahan said that he wants to stay away from free agency and build through the draft. Did anyone see him at the practices? I saw Reid, Edwards, Mangini, and even Gruden there but no Shanahan. Now I admit that I have never seen him at these functions, even the Combine, but I think if he’s going to have the last say in these matters he should get down there and take a look at these guy’s for himself.
Mike in San Diego
Why does Owen Schmitt even wear a helmet? Throughout his West Virginia career, he went through like five different face masks and he was still tougher than anyone else on the field at any given time. He’d be a great Bronco, as would Bryant from A&M, as would Talib from Kansas. He could be a punt returner and a wideout/corner, perhaps the latest version of Champ Bailey!
Why is no one talking more about Dizon or Wheatley from CU. Dizon would be a great addition to our Linebacker core since Gold is probably gone. Webster is all right but is not the answer. Wheatley would be a great addition to our cb’s just from learning from two of the best. Also, he would be a great kick and punt returner.
We need shuan rodgers from the lions…he is going to get traded or released remember his 66 yard interception return and 2 1/2 sacks against us this season…him or hanynesworth we need to really make a push for…altho rodgers is facing a suspension after that he would be just awsome!
Owen Schmitt would be an excellent early fourth round pick for us. I’m tired of us running a scheme without a true fullback. We put in fillers that don’t belong in that position. This move would tremendously help us in short downs, in the red zone, for our run blocking. Plus the man can play different positions and can catch. This move would be a serious physical upgrade to our offense….Please, oh please Mr. Shannahan change your ways and bring us in some true beastly talent at fullback so we can start being more physical. WE NEED OWEN IN 08′…..