NFL combine preview: Virginia Tech

As the nfl combine swings into full gear this weekend - something that I think deserves a lot more attention is just how many hokies are participating in the combine this year – here are the top ncaa schools (ranked by # of participants):

USC 12
Virginia Tech 11
Arkansas 8
LSU 8
Cal 7
Oklahoma 7
Texas 7
Michigan 7

So you ask – exactly who are those 11 fine hokies heading to the nfl combine?

Adibi, Xavier - LB 6'2" 220lbs
Booker, Barry - DT 6'4" 284lbs
Brown, Duane - OL 6'5" 300lbs
Ellis, Chris - DE 6'4" 260lbs
Flowers, Brandon - CB 5'10" 190lbs
Hall, Vince - ILB 6'0" 238lbs
Harper, Justin - WR 6'4" 198lbs
Morgan, Josh - WR 6'1" 215lbs
Parker, D.J. - CB 6'0" 195lbs
Powell, Carlton - DT 6'3" 300lbs
Royal, Eddie - WR 5'10" 182lbs

I’m actually surprised to see 11 hokies on the list and it’s a testament to the quality of players VT has been bringing in lately and good job beamer and his staff do developing those players. So who isn’t on this list?

Jared Develli
Jud Dunlevy
Matt Finnegan
Corey Gordon
Billy Gorham
Josh Hyman
Scott King
Bart McMillin
Grant Throckmorton
Carlton Weatherford

The only “real” snub on this list (looking thru my orange and maroon glasses) is Mr. Hyman but I suppose the nfl can only invite so many guys. However you rank them - let’s agree that Eddie and Harper are our two best wide receivers (in terms of nfl criteria):

Eddie Royal has good speed and a big play threat. His only negatives are his height and weight which could result in problems with press coverage at the next level and possibly his injury history. Either way eddie just has too many clutch and highlight reel performances not to be given a chance at the next level.
Justin Harper – one of my favorite players and really stepped it up in 2007 and made some huge plays his senior year. Has Ernest Wilford type nfl speed, height and talent. The key with Harper (like one draft preview stated) - scouts will have to determine who is the real Justin Harper - the mercurial wideout who struggled to make an impact throughout his early career despite obvious physical tools, or the one who stepped up his play as a senior

So how do you choose between Hyman (5' 11" 190lbs 4.45) and Morgan (6' 1" 220lbs 4.55)? I think what it came down are a few things Morgan has going in his favor:

Prototypical nfl size – has the height, big hands and a solid build
Is 2.5 years younger than Hyman
Has experience returning punts
Almost no injury history
Slightly more consistent stats (due in part to the lack of injuries)

I suppose the nfl’s decision came down to some combination of these factors – I really wish Hyman would have been invited but he’s shown resilience thru his career and hopefully that helps him find a way onto an nfl squad in the future.

Best of luck to all the hokies at the combine this weekend!

shaneykakes
22 Feb 08
Posted in shaneykakes's blog

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