1. Nick Fairley is shorter than advertised » The Auburn defensive tackle has been mentioned as a potential first overall choice. In college, he was listed at 6-foot-5, 300 pounds. But at the combine he was two inches shorter and nine pounds lighter. This could matter on draft day.
2. Cam Newton could be a decathlete » But don’t get too worked up about his broad jump (which was impressive) or his 40-yard dash time. Nobody doubts his athleticism. The same is true of Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett. He threw well at the combine, but nobody has questioned his arm strength.
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3. QB speed is overrated » Quarterbacks must have mobility and quickness to elude pass-rushers. But speed? Jake Locker ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, a terrific time. However, entering this combine, here are the five fastest quarterbacks entering the draft between 2000 and 2009, according to the NFL Network: Reggie McNeal (4.40), Marcus Vick (4.47), Josh Johnson (4.53), Jarrett Brown (4.54) and Pat White (4.55). None starts in the NFL; two are out of the league.
4. WR speed is not overrated » Julio Jones, all 6-4 of him, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds. Better yet, reports say he moved quickly in and out of his breaks. And A.J. Green ran it in 4.48 seconds. Both solidified their standing. Any team needing a big, fast receiver gladly will take them.
5. Interviews matter » But does it matter whom a team did or didn’t interview at the combine? In 2006, Mike Shanahan never interviewed Jay Cutler before the draft. The Broncos picked him 11th overall.
