NFL Combine Primer: Arizona Cardinals Style

by Hawkwind on Feb 18, 2009 11:44 AM MST in 2009 Draft Comment 3 comments

Unless you're living under a rock or still hungover from the Super Bowl (in which case I'd make an appointment with your doctor immediately), you know that the NFL Combine is right around the corner. Nearly every member of NFL front offices, coaching staffs and even the most casual football fan will have their eyes on Indianapolis the next week. For those who are serious draft nerds, like most of us are, you can follow coverage on the combine on the NFL Network. You can check out their complete schedule by going to their website, but the short version is they'll recap the daily events of the combine starting Thursday and begin live coverage on Saturday. Saturday through Tuesday will be the best viewing time as they'll carry live coverage of drills broken down by position. Set your DVR's and get a sneak peak at most of the names that'll be called in April.

Obviously there are some positions that might not be relevant to us as Cardinals fans but looking back at our needs (you can still get your vote in) there are some positions that we'll have to watch closely. Running back, outside linebackers, cornerbacks and offensive lineman should be at the forefront for Cardinals fans. Here are some things to keep an eye on:

Will LeSean McCoy (RB) run fast enough to move above the Cardinals' 31st selection?
How will some college defensive ends look while running linebacker drills (names such as Larry English, Micheal Johnson, Paul Kruger and Connor Barwin)?
What defensive backs will stand out with great forty and agility times, especially guys like Coye Francies and Domonique Johnson?
Outside of Brandon Pettigrew, which tight ends will perform well and move up draft boards?

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There are countless names that the Cardinals will have their eyes on over the next seven days and don't worry, we'll be bringing you countless scouting reports on possible targets over the next couple of months. For now though, how do you feel about the combine? Is it an overrated track meet or can we actually learn something by watching? Who will you be watching closely?

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Scouting seems to be better than ever these days,

so the combine seems to be more and more irrelevant as the years go by — mostly utilized by lazy and/or cheap FOs. I think these days the physical part of the combine is only really useful in drawing attention to small-school guys who otherwise wouldn’t be noticed. (Troy Williamson immediately comes to mind as a workout wonder)

The interviews and examinations (E.g., the Wonderlic) ARE still important, though — ESPECIALLY interviews.

Just my uneducated opinion.

We are truly in the presense of greatness here…-- unnamedDBacksfan

by DbacksSkins on Feb 18, 2009 2:47 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I don't mean to sound

like I’m unsure of the FO, but the Cards have had so many high picks over the years, I’m wondering how they’ll handle the new-found “wealth” of the late round pick.

by cfaddct on Feb 18, 2009 3:41 PM MST reply actions 0 recs