2013 NFL Scouting Combine Day 4:
9:33 a.m. EST: Day four of the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis. DenverBroncos.com is back live from the press room to bring you coverage of the defensive backs that are scheduled to meet with the media today.
Stay tuned throughout the day for updates.
9:51 a.m. EST: While we wait for the players to come through the press room, here are links to the content we published from yesterday’s sessions:
ARTICLES
Playing Catch-up in a New Country
Lattimore Coming Back to Inspire
VIDEOS
BTV On SIte: Day 3 of the Combine
Te’o: ‘I’m Just Going to Be Me’
Podium Session: Marcus Lattimore
10:03 a.m. EST:
West Virginia wideout Tavon Austin talked about hoping to post a fast 40-yard dash time on Friday.
On Sunday, he took the field with the rest of the receivers and did just that, clocking a 4.25 on his first attempt. That time marks the second fastest in combine history – just .01 seconds behind Chris Johnson’s 4.24 in 2008.
Austin said his goal was to come in faster than 4.4, and targeted the 4.2-4.3 range. His 4.25 beat the fastest time that he reported posting in pre-combine training — 4.29 seconds.
Later in the morning, Texas wide receiver Marquise Goodwin matched Austin’s 4.25. The two players are now tied for the second-fastest time in combine history, edging out the 4.28 that Jacoby Ford ran in 2010 and DeMarcus Van Dyke posted in 2011.
UPDATE: Official times are in and Austin’s time has been pushed to a 4.34, while Goodwin’s is 4.27, giving Goodwin the top spot on the 40-yard dash leaderboard.
11:14 a.m. EST:
Miami defensive back Brandon McGee is the first player to meet the media today.
McGee, who said he has not met with the Broncos yet, was told by the coaches at the East-West Shrine Game to be more assertive and trust his skills.
11:34 a.m. EST:
USC All-American safety T.J. McDonald totaled 163 tackles with six interceptions during his career for the Trojans.
Here at the combine, he isn’t worry about draft projections or any outside distractions.
“You hear all kinds of stuff, but I really don’t pay attention to what I hear,” McDonald said. “I just control what I can control and just go out there and putout the best performance that I can. Show these teams what I’m made of and then give the best interviews I can and show them my knowledge for the game. I’m just coming out here and putting my best foot forward.”
McDonald’s father was also an All-American at USC.
“My dad was my head coach in high school — He has been preparing me for this time for a long time,” McDonald said. “He wasn’t preparing me to be a high school player or a college player. He was trying to teach me to be a pro from a young age. The relationship I have with him has pushed me to the point that I’m at now. I know I have a responsibility to him, myself and to my family to be able to go for it all. Not just to step my foot in this league but to go for a career.”
11:48 a.m. EST:
Michigan’s Denard Robinson became the NCAA’s all-time leader in rushing yards for a quarterback.
But, when his career with the Wolverines ended, so did his time as a passer. He is here in Indianapolis working out as a wide receiver, a position that he has only been practicing for a few months.
Robinson said the biggest adjustment during the position switch was learning to run routes.
“You’ve got to know how to run routes, get out the breaks fast and attack the ball when the ball gets in the air,” Robinson said. Those are things you’ve got to work on as a receiver.”
Today, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds to mark the third-fastest of all the participants thus far. That time represents the fastest 40-time of any participants that played quarterback in college since at least 2006 when the results were first archived.
“I’m trying to run pretty fast,” he said yesterday. “So I can quiet down everybody that questions me about racing Usain Bolt.”
UPDATE: Robinson’s official time is 4.43.
12:34 p.m. EST:
Cornerback Tyrann Mathieu talked about changing his approach to life off the field after being kicked off the LSU football team and arrested. He went to rehab for substance abuse problems and said that now, honesty is his best friend as he goes through interviews with teams.
Mathieu says that he is trying to impress on teams that they can trust him to be a leader on and off the field and said he hopes to run a 4.4 40-yard dash. Mathieu said that time away from the game has not hurt his skills and he plans to show that during his on-field testing.
Check back for more on what Mathieu, who said he no longer wants to go by the “Honey Badger” nickname, had to say, including the full video of his press conference.
12:59 p.m. EST:
Florida safety Matt Elam met the press earlier today and said the safety he most looks up to is Baltimore’s Ed Reed.
Watch his entire press conference here.
1:24 p.m. EST:
When he is drafted in April, Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant will become the third in the line of Trufant brothers to reach the NFL.
His brothers Marcus and Isaiah both spent time in the NFL and Desmond has leaned on them for advice as he goes through the pre-draft evaluations.
“They just told me to be myself and do what I’ve been doing,” he said. “Just take it to another level. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
Expanding the line of Trufants in the NFL is something that Desmond is excited about.
“It’s cool,” he said. “I don’t know when the last time there was three different brothers in the NFL. It’s definitely a milestone. It’s big for our family and our city.”
1:56 p.m. EST:
Texas safety Kenny Vacarro talked about a former Texas safety that is currently mentoring him as he prepares to make the leap to the NFL.
“Earl (Thomas) has to be one of my biggest mentors,” he said. “Me and Earl talk all the time. He reminds me all the time to just do my thing and that a football player is going to be a football player.”
Vacarro said he is trying to emulate the passion that Thomas displayed both during games and practices.
“My freshman year, I used to watch him run around the field at full speed and full intensity,” Vacarro said of Thomas. “I try to model my game after his.”
2:33 p.m. EST: Auburn running back Onterio McCalebb has clocked an unofficial 4.21 40-yard dash. That would be the fastest mark since results began to be archived if it stands. We’ll update the time once the official number is posted.
UPDATE: McCalebb’s official time is 4.34 seconds, which ties him for second fastest this year.
3:16 p.m. EST:
Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner left school after a junior season in which he was named a unanimous All-American. He posted 51 tackles with two interceptions and 18 pass breakups in his final season for the Crimson Tide.
He played through a torn labrum this season, and said that he will have surgery to repair it on March 12. Milliner said that he expects the rehab to be two months, but that he will be the same player as he was before the injury when he returns to full health.
Milliner named Champ Bailey as a NFL cornerback that he looks up to and tries to emulate.
3:29 p.m. EST:
SMU’s Margus Hunt comes to Indianapolis by way of Estonia. For those who aren’t familiar with that Estonia, the 6-foot, eight-inch defensive lineman talked about his native country.
“It’s a great country,” he said. “If you want to visit, go in July. We do have houses, we do have roads. We’re not a third-world country. We do have electricity and internet. It’s a tiny country. It’s a beautiful country. It has suffered through so much. Today is actually our Independence Day.”
3:54 p.m. EST:
Texas A&M defensive end Damontre Moore talked about his relationship with Broncos linebacker Von Miller.
He described their relationship as “big brother, little brother” and said that Miller helped keep him humble throughout their careers with the Aggies.
Moore also said that he’s gotten plenty of advice about all the pre-draft evaluations from Miller, who went through the same process just two years ago.
4:18 p.m. EST:
NFL Network Analyst Mike Mayock is at the podium now, which will wrap up our final live blog from the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine.
Mayock said this year’s safety class is the best in years. He said that it is deep, just like the offensive and defensive line groupings. Mayock thinks that there is a lot of talent available in 3rd rd range.
When asked about the type of player that might be available when the Broncos are on the clock with the 28th selection in the first round, Mayock said that picking between 20-30 this year is not much different than picks 5-10 since the draft was such a deep one.
The full video from his press conference will be posted on the site tomorrow.
Be sure to check back to DenverBroncos.com later, as well as throughout the weeks leading up to the draft in April for more combine content.
-Stuart, Gray and Andrew
Tags: NFL Scouting Combine
Arthur Brown came in at 241 .. thats about 10 pounds heavier than expected. I suppose since he lacked ideal height (6’0) he decided he needed some more size. Hope that didn’t hurt his speed cuz I can’t wait to see him in the 40. He has the make up of a DB LB.
TRB
TRB, about a month ago I was listening tp sports talk radio 104.3 The Fan, and a commentator was raving about the type a person Lattimore is off the field, and that he is a young man of Faith and would give anyone the shirt off of his back. It was refreshing to hear about Marcus. If we draft him, we won’t have to worry about issues with this guy. Plus he’s a great RB and thats what we need. I’m rooting for him to succeed!
Eagles cut Cullin Jenkins DT.
TRB:
Thanks for the insight. I do know that Elway said that we aren’t shopping for MLBs, but he is also notorious for blowing smoke. Also, with the “win now” mode that this team is in I cannot bring myself to believe that he will allow an undrafted rookie with next to no game experience and a player that has been talked about as a bust by some with, again, very little game experience to compete for the job. If not Te’o, then I do believe they would add another veteran or another prospect to also compete. I almost put Jontahan Banks the CB from Miss. St. at that pick.
As for Lattimore, i hear all this stuff about the injury, and while it is very severe I just cannot shake this really good feeling that I have about him. If not him though, I do love the idea of LeVeon Bell also in the third round.
Cullin would be great if he wasn’t 32
I hear arthur brown wont work out because of shoulder injury … thats a bummer. Hopefully he works out at pro day. Or he might be another guy that could fall to us in the second round.
I like Manti and JE is known for blowing smoke, but the way he spoke about that fact that we play Nickle mostly, with 2 LBs usually (Woodyard/DJ and Von), I can understand why he doesn’t think too much about MLB that he could give Irving ago. But both Irving and Johnson just seem so weak. As far as we know. Those two competing for a starting job is a shame. They need to get another MLB we draft this year in the mix. Im sure Brooking might be held over. I once thought DJ might be made MLB as he has played ever LB position for us in the past but if the competition is between those two and woodyard emerged the way he did … I can see DJ getting cut or traded … which is a shame but understandable.
Love Le’Veon Bell. And look up kniles Davis. 6ft 227, 4.3 speed. Apparently his freshman or sophmore year he was a beast. Got injured next year (ankle) and missed whole year. Came back this year and barely did anything on a team that struggled. So he may have just fallen off the radar. His strong combine tho put him back in sights. He was expected to go late to undrafted but now he might actually be drafted.
TRB
What would be some ideas about drafting a corner early for the future? Champ probably only has a couple years left, and there are some good ones in this class. I really like Desmond Trufant. Jonathan Banks is another I feel has a lot of promise. Both would be able to take on that shutdown corner role after champ hangs em up. Probably even play opposite him sooner rather than later
In the Denver Post this morning it says that the Broncos are to interview Trufant.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000145159/article/tom-brady-patriots-agree-to-threeyear-extension
Its been great having manning and all but this is where Brady has him beat everytime and what some of us especially BT and a few were referencing. About the same age, same 3 year deal …except we are paying Manning how much? and Brady is getting 27mil over 3 yrs. Dont get me wrong, i get it. He has been with the team his whole career and Manning was just meeting us but manning never did with the colts either.
TRB
I have said my peace about Te’o so I wont state it again.
I have been looking up Knile Davis TRB. With every prospect things to like and not like. Bell was faster than I thought and Ball was slower.
My favorite corners are David Amerson and Jordan Poyer. Both are considered to be a DB. Capable of being CB and S.
Strand some good prospects we interviewed. I dont think thats everyone s every team tries to interview nearly every player.
What did you think of Hunt strand?
Hunt blew up the Combine, very, very explosive! He’s as of now a 1st round pick!
Strand I think his inconsistency might keep him in the 2nd but I really wouldnt be surprised if he went in the 1st.
I don’t like Knile Davis. He’s injury prone and had 7 fumbles in two games. No way Jose!
Yup Strand those two things are defiantly on the bad side lol
He is raw as many are saying. I can see that.
Tavon Austin will be a top 15 pick!
So the NFL added a new test alongside the wonderlic and while wonderlic is kind of a basic intelligence test the new one is more to see their football smarts. Has to do with teams and what conference and division and different types of offenses and defenses there are. Also teams are starting to bring their own psychologist to the interviews and are creating their own test.
That he is strand which is a bring reason for the inconsistency.
I wouldnt be surprised to see Austin top 10. But he wont fall past 20 at the least. And Swope will be a 2nd round. The biggest question was how fast he can be and he showed just that.
I saw that yesterday on NFLN. Interesting, but a good necessity.
I say snag Swope in the 2nd.
Some are speculating that 4 or 5 QBs go in the first because teams seem to reach a bit on QBs even in weak classes if its a big need. Well 6 teams have that big need. If the Bills reach on a QB who thinks it will be Nassib? The former Syracuse coach is now the Bills coach.
Strand I love Swope and he is deserving of a 2nd but we have need more than WR that we can get in the 2nd.
Not only will Alex Smith be traded but Ryan Mallet will be also. IMO
Damontre Moore will fall out of the 1st round, he stunk.
http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/8988720/tom-brady-new-england-patriots-agree-3-year-27-million-extension-according-source
Hmmmmm…. think PDog will follow suit?
I agree Strand. But not for the high first that Patriot fans think.
Mallet should bring a 3rd… Hunt showed he’s really a beast !
Trade Mallett to the Browns, that would be a nice fit for him.
I agree BT. Straight up he can bring a 3rd at most. If the Pats make a package then they can get the high first that Pat fans want/think they can get for Mallet straight up.
Lol John Elway told Rich Eisen that if he does his 40 under 5 seconds that Elway will put him on the Broncos draft board under special category of Athlete and he would be the only one under that category lol
How would you like to be a fly on the wall in the Broncos interview room with these players? And especially with Manti Te’o. That would be cool!
Teams tend to jump all over QBs regardless … like the year Locker came out … QBS were flying off the board and people were shocked. QBs slated for the second round. Just the way it is. But the true winner went to the bengals who waited to the second round and get a great value pick in the red rifle.
TRB
Manti will be fine as long as he kills his interviews and IQ portion, and i hear he is a smart kid and MLB is very cerebral position. Might have fallen out of the first round but he will be fine. Harbaugh looked unimpressed with 40 but if he is there at 32 i think harbaugh will definitely take him. Kid still has potential. Its about as good value as u can get from a 32 pick i think. I still wouldn’t mind him at 28. Nothing sexy about that first round pick to end up with Teo would be just fine. All i know is Irving and Johnson cannot be the only 2 competing for starter, we need to find a third … somewhere … anywhere.
TRB
Perhaps most important is making ‘everything fit’ with the salary cap, and you have to consider how much money it would cost to sign a skill position player (QB, elite WR, shut down CB, Pass rusher), vs the various non-skill position players in Free Agency. Looking forward to seeing how the defensive outfield does tomorrow.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow. Theres some really good Corners and Safetys in this years draft.
Breaking News OJ Simpson to give Oscar Pistorius lessons on how to get away with it.
Wow, Hunt is a freak!! 6’8 280lbs and 4.6 40yd?!!! People are comparing him to Watt..Well for his size i compare him to Julius Peppers..tsk,,
here’s to Minter and Hunt in the first two rounds….
Dang,,Minter posted a 4.8 40.. wow,,kinda dissapointing..I might change my mind on him and vote for Brown.
Ok, maybe I was too quick to change minds,, Speed isnt always key, but it does help.. Instinct and leadership and character always wins out.
Tyrann Mathieu can still run at least. I think he will be a great nickel CB and returner for the team that takes a chance on him around round 4.
TRB
I think Mathieu looked great someone will get a great corner hopefully his off field stuff will be sorted out
I think Mathieu will be this year’s Janoris Jenkins. If he is for sure about getting his drug problems in order. Not much can destroy a life like that can. Me personally, I would put him at free safety and just have him ball hawk the middle of the field
Tyrann def has good hands. A true hawk, And i can see the Jan Jen reference.
My Boy Vaccaro aint run as fast as i expected but Elam from florida sure blazed it. He plays like he will be fined alot in the NFL lol but he reminds me of an agressive polomalu type SS. Probably available in the second, maybe not for us tho. Deep at safety tho
TRB
Manti Teo proved he was SLOW. No way Denver takes him. Some linemen ran faster 40s.
Denver is looking for fast LBs, not slow down hill thumpers.
I like Minter but he was on the slow side too
I really like Minter for MLB
Teo Ran a 4.81 Minter a 4.82. His acceleration was pretty good but his top speed seemed limited. He said he ran faster 40′s in practice … which i doubt but then hand clocking is highly inaccurate. Point being they are relatively the same size and what they ran was what i expected. Straight line speed isn’t everything. We all know that. Its highly overexagerated, what matters is game speed because your instincts, play recognition and reaction time comes into play more. Both LBs I think will be solid at the next level. Maybe not Patrick Willis stellar but pretty solid guys none the less. We have the number 28th pick in the 1st round … we ain’t running off with no Von Millers.
TRB
Actually the more I think of JEs statement the more i imagine us getting the like of Teo of Minter.
JE said he wasn’t really looking at MLB because last year we played in the nickel alot with 2 OLBs. Which kinda undervalued the MLB in our defense, with that said, if the speed scares them into thinking MINTER and TEO are not 3 down LBs thats fine because on passing downs we will probably be in the nickel with just Woodyard/DJ and Von. So MLB is still possible, and if TEO keeps falling the way it appears and Minter does because of his slow 40 as well, they MAY be around in the second round. Even a lighter alec ogletree ran a 4.73 … It happens.
TRB
Uh, Karl Mecklenburg was as slow as Molasses and he had a superb career. Speed can be deceiving for the MLB position. Just yake a gander at Vontaze Burfict. Manti Teo is going to be a star MLB and a ball hawk at that. I like the kid.
Thats right, i forgot about Vontaze. Ran a 4.9 and 5.1 .. but was still a tackling machine in the league like he was in college, and he doesn’t have the IQ teo does. TEOs tackling needs work. Alot of time he was at the right place to get lacy, even one time getting him behind the line of scrimmage, but he couldn’t secure the tackle but that can the worked on. If the game was only about running fast, it would be called track lol
TRB
Teo had that just one really bad game and everyone’s questioning his ability at the next level. If he fell to us I wouldnt mind picking him up..I call that BCS game a fluke… In his freshmen year, I recall him playing against Stanford where he racked up 22 or 23 tackles…