NFL Combine Notes

Published on March 2, 2008
Published by JayA
Posted in Articles, Featured, NFL news
Tags: Dustin Keller, NFL Combine

I’ll wait until the combine concludes before writing up a full assessment, but the early leader for the player that gained the most is Purdue Tight End Dustin Keller. Keller impressed with a 4.53 in the forty, at least .2 seconds faster than he was expected to run. Its an impressive time for anyone, but especially a tight end. Since 2000, the only true tight ends to post more impressive times were Greg Olsen and Vernon Davis. Both Davis and Olsen went on to be first rounders. This years tight end class goes at least 6 deep with guys that could be taken in first two rounds but lacks a clear choice at the top. On top of his 40 time, Keller looked smooth and athletic in receiving drills. He’s a little undersized, but has the frame to bulk up and certainly has a future in the NFL. His performance firmly plants him at the top of the tight ends list with guys like John Carlson and Fred Davis.

Also making news at the combine as Jake Long, who impressed in workouts. He looked like the cream of the crop in terms of athleticism, but some still doubt his ability as a true left tackle, and I’m one of them. He led all tackles with 37 reps on the bench press and was fairly impressive in the forty. However, he seems to lack that elite athleticism that today’s top left tackles have. By the time everyone has worked out, I think Ryan Clady (who is a true left tackle) will be neck in neck with Long as the top two tackles available and could easily be the first tackle off the board.

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