WRs at the Combine

[HAPPYJAQ]

Gilyard runs a 4.56, which probably solidifies him as a mid-3rd round pick. Possibly good news for the Bengals, or bad, depending on how you look at it. Obviously, he'll need a solid Pro Day. He said yesterday he would run faster than a 4.5, so this must be a disappointing day for him.

Benn ran 4.48, which is about a tenth slower than I thought he'd come in.

I guess we'll have to wait and see on Tate, but I think he'll be a 4.5 guy, too.

No real speed burners so far, other than Jacoby Ford, who ran a 4.27.

[JoePong]

Tate ran a lot faster than you thought. He looks kind of fat to me though. That's a good time for Benn.

I still think D Thomas should be our 1st round pick though if he is available.

[kingwilly]

Tate ran a lot faster than you thought. He looks kind of fat to me though. That's a good time for Benn.

I still think D Thomas should be our 1st round pick though if he is available.

I would shy away from Thomas in r1. No need to draft a guy in the first round who fractures his foot running... again.

Now, watched more of the drills:

I like how Tate worked out. I have not been a big fan but he could be VERY dangerous in the slot.

I like how Mike Williams ran, even though I think he plays slower than his timed speed. Now, is he smart enough to learn the playbook and work for it?

Some of these WR's just don't catch well. Fundamentals are lacking on the in-motion catches. poor hands.

[Whur CHad At?]

Not impressed with any of the recievers so far. Too many drops from all of them. 40 times doesn't really matter to me that much because anyone can run a 4.5 in underwear.

I foresee a lot of prima donna in Tate. He just seems arrogant and a bit overrated. One thing that bothers me and I am glad Mayock brought it up was the fact the he only holds the ball in his left hand. He has done that his whole career, watch the tape.

I think we can all agree that none of the recievers really blew it up this year in the combine, and it could be safe to say we could grab a Benn or Guilyard in Rd.2. and possibly take the best TE or Earl Thomas at 21.

[HAPPYJAQ]

Yep, Tate looked like he wasn't exactly in top shape for the most important day of his pro career, thus far. Not to overblow that fact, but it's more alarming to see it in a WR than it is an OL.

But...

I went back and look at his game-to-game performance from last year, and it's pretty impressive. Granted, it was a relatively soft schedule for the "Golden Domers", but only two teams (Washington State and Purdue) were able to keep him under 100 yards receiving after the second week of the season. He also chipped in two 200-yard games, including a monster 9 for 244 against Washington. That's outstanding production, IMO.

As I still believe he's the second coming of Laveranues Coles, the question is would you spend your 1st round pick on a younger version of a player already on the roster??

[ct_bengal]

Yep, Tate looked like he wasn't exactly in top shape for the most important day of his pro career, thus far. Not to overblow that fact, but it's more alarming to see it in a WR than it is an OL.

But...

I went back and look at his game-to-game performance from last year, and it's pretty impressive. Granted, it was a relatively soft schedule for the "Golden Domers", but only two teams (Washington State and Purdue) were able to keep him under 100 yards receiving after the second week of the season. He also chipped in two 200-yard games, including a monster 9 for 244 against Washington. That's outstanding production, IMO.

As I still believe he's the second coming of Laveranues Coles, the question is would you spend your 1st round pick on a younger version of a player already on the roster??

i was thinking the same exact thing (second coming of lavernues) today as a matter of fact. I also have to say none of the receivers really impressed me at all. If Dez doesnt fall we are not looking at much of a talent dropoff in WO into round 2. I'm starting to think Dline more in round 1 especially if tank doesnt resign..or at least a defensive pickuo i.e. a safety or i wudnt even mind oLine. Im not on the TE boat either I dont want to see them draft Gresham in the 1st....

[Kazkal]

L.Coles v2.0 wouldn't be a bad thing since he'd have youth which is all coles seems to be lacking

[ArmyBengal]

It's odd, but I'm now of the mindset that the WR, TE, and OG positions should NOT be the first round pick. There seems to be a bunhc of talent that should be available where they should be drafted, talent wise, and that's in the 2nd and 3rd round. I really could see them drafting a Safety if someone were to fall to us at #21. You just never know though.

Once free agency kicks off and players start moving, it will change the dynamic of those teams picking ahead of us and we should have a better idea of the players that may or may not fall to our spot.

[Kazkal]

Agreed army even with 4th rank Defense doesn't mean we shouldn't try and find Zimmer another special player...More so since seems like bpa will be defensive guy

Though I've had man crushes on this years Safetys(Mays & Thomas) I could see DT If we let Tank walk or how about Defensive End? Zimmer has commented about lack of a constant passrush...(Though I think just need grab mid round DE Someone who only sees field on 3rd downs)

[walzav29]

We should be able to get him in the 3rd round, but I say they shouldn't risk it. Take him in the 2nd. Gilyard is going to be good. I seen a list of the fastest receivers over the years and they all suck. I want Gilyard in the 2nd!

[ct_bengal]

We should be able to get him in the 3rd round, but I say they shouldn't risk it. Take him in the 2nd. Gilyard is going to be good. I seen a list of the fastest receivers over the years and they all suck. I want Gilyard in the 2nd!

i agree it might be a tad high but he def wont be around in the 3rd, but like army said lets see how free agnecy goes. maybe it frees things up a bit

[ct_bengal]

just for the record jerry rice ran a 4.7 40, so i guess its not all its cracked up to be...

[HAPPYJAQ]

It's odd, but I'm now of the mindset that the WR, TE, and OG positions should NOT be the first round pick. There seems to be a bunhc of talent that should be available where they should be drafted, talent wise, and that's in the 2nd and 3rd round. I really could see them drafting a Safety if someone were to fall to us at #21. You just never know though.

Once free agency kicks off and players start moving, it will change the dynamic of those teams picking ahead of us and we should have a better idea of the players that may or may not fall to our spot.

The key will be what happens with Brandon Marshall and TO. If Brandon stays in Denver and TO goes to Baltimore, Bryant could conceivably drop, especially with the newly revealed "character red flags". In a draft this deep at OT and especially on defense, we could see a number of solid prospects drop, as well.

It Dez isn't there, I believe it'll be the best pash-rusher available, beit a LB or DE.

[cincyhokie]

It's odd, but I'm now of the mindset that the WR, TE, and OG positions should NOT be the first round pick. There seems to be a bunhc of talent that should be available where they should be drafted, talent wise, and that's in the 2nd and 3rd round. I really could see them drafting a Safety if someone were to fall to us at #21. You just never know though.

Once free agency kicks off and players start moving, it will change the dynamic of those teams picking ahead of us and we should have a better idea of the players that may or may not fall to our spot.

The key will be what happens with Brandon Marshall and TO. If Brandon stays in Denver and TO goes to Baltimore, Bryant could conceivably drop, especially with the newly revealed "character red flags". In a draft this deep at OT and especially on defense, we could see a number of solid prospects drop, as well.

It Dez isn't there, I believe it'll be the best pash-rusher available, beit a LB or DE.

If the character issues and lack of motivation is true, why would we want to add a player like that? This team took steps forward in maturity with Housh leaving. Why would we want to take a step backward?

[HAPPYJAQ]

It's odd, but I'm now of the mindset that the WR, TE, and OG positions should NOT be the first round pick. There seems to be a bunhc of talent that should be available where they should be drafted, talent wise, and that's in the 2nd and 3rd round. I really could see them drafting a Safety if someone were to fall to us at #21. You just never know though.

Once free agency kicks off and players start moving, it will change the dynamic of those teams picking ahead of us and we should have a better idea of the players that may or may not fall to our spot.

The key will be what happens with Brandon Marshall and TO. If Brandon stays in Denver and TO goes to Baltimore, Bryant could conceivably drop, especially with the newly revealed "character red flags". In a draft this deep at OT and especially on defense, we could see a number of solid prospects drop, as well.

It Dez isn't there, I believe it'll be the best pash-rusher available, beit a LB or DE.

If the character issues and lack of motivation is true, why would we want to add a player like that? This team took steps forward in maturity with Housh leaving. Why would we want to take a step backward?

Were you upset when we drafted Rey, MJ and Bernard Scott (not to mention one of the biggest pre-draft question marks of all time in Andre Smith) last year?

Each of those players had character/motivation issues, too.

My point is, the Bengals, more than maybe any other team in the NFL, is willing to take chances on players like Dez Bryant if everything checks out OK from their perspective. People say the Bengals always get burned in the end, but where would this Franchise be without another character/motivation question mark at the time he was drafted in Chad Johnson/Ochocinco back in '01? He was the 8th WR selected that year, due mostly to questions about his speed and his motivation to play football. I realize he's the exception, but sometimes a player is worth the gamble, especially considering a guy like Bryant that is a top-10 talent going where the Bengals pick.

[Kazkal]

I wonder whatever happened to all of the Brandon Spikes pimps from last year and before?

It kinda reminds me of the Rey pimps from his Junior season, once he didn't declare for the draft.[/quote[

Hey I never Stopped pimping rey! and Difference I see is fact Rey returned to school well Spikes is actually entering draft this year Plus he still has a few homers supporting him but I think most people Don't wanna burn a 1st on a Position we are Deep at and have Depth at as is.

just for the record jerry rice ran a 4.7 40, so i guess its not all its cracked up to be...

Wearn't Fast Wr's only running a 4.6 back then? I'n not to worried about 4.56 If the guy knows how to get open and run after catch...Athleticism isn't everything ala jerome & Caldwell

[cincyhokie]

It's odd, but I'm now of the mindset that the WR, TE, and OG positions should NOT be the first round pick. There seems to be a bunhc of talent that should be available where they should be drafted, talent wise, and that's in the 2nd and 3rd round. I really could see them drafting a Safety if someone were to fall to us at #21. You just never know though.

Once free agency kicks off and players start moving, it will change the dynamic of those teams picking ahead of us and we should have a better idea of the players that may or may not fall to our spot.

The key will be what happens with Brandon Marshall and TO. If Brandon stays in Denver and TO goes to Baltimore, Bryant could conceivably drop, especially with the newly revealed "character red flags". In a draft this deep at OT and especially on defense, we could see a number of solid prospects drop, as well.

It Dez isn't there, I believe it'll be the best pash-rusher available, beit a LB or DE.

If the character issues and lack of motivation is true, why would we want to add a player like that? This team took steps forward in maturity with Housh leaving. Why would we want to take a step backward?

Were you upset when we drafted Rey, MJ and Bernard Scott (not to mention one of the biggest pre-draft question marks of all time in Andre Smith) last year?

Each of those players had character/motivation issues, too.

My point is, the Bengals, more than maybe any other team in the NFL, is willing to take chances on players like Dez Bryant if everything checks out OK from their perspective. People say the Bengals always get burned in the end, but where would this Franchise be without another character/motivation question mark at the time he was drafted in Chad Johnson/Ochocinco back in '01? He was the 8th WR selected that year, due mostly to questions about his speed and his motivation to play football. I realize he's the exception, but sometimes a player is worth the gamble, especially considering a guy like Bryant that is a top-10 talent going where the Bengals pick.

Andre Smith yes. The rest no because their issues seemed more like bad mistakes than work ethic (from what I can remember). You're right though, there are exceptions. The interviews will be telling.

You do have to admit we have been burnt to an extent with: Chad, Andre Smith, and Rey. Do we need to keep pressing our luck?

[HairOnFire]

I'n not to worried about 4.56 If the guy knows how to get open and run after catch...

Damian Williams.

[ArmyBengal]

That's exactly why I keep bringing up Damian Williams as well. The guy may not be the fastest, although he did take two to the house last year in the return game, but he's been called by almost every analyst as the best route runner and a study of the game like no other. There were obvious issues in the routes last year and if that is how the coaches see it, I still don't see how the Bengals don't consider him.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Williams HAS to be their pick, simply looking at which WR's would be there around the time we pick at #21 and who would make more sense. ME ?? I still say wait, but we will see soon enough.

Didn't / isn't Antonio Bryant get released from Tampa ?? Just throwing that out there...

[BengalPimp]

That's exactly why I keep bringing up Damian Williams as well. The guy may not be the fastest, although he did take two to the house last year in the return game, but he's been called by almost every analyst as the best route runner and a study of the game like no other. There were obvious issues in the routes last year and if that is how the coaches see it, I still don't see how the Bengals don't consider him.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Williams HAS to be their pick, simply looking at which WR's would be there around the time we pick at #21 and who would make more sense. ME ?? I still say wait, but we will see soon enough.

Didn't / isn't Antonio Bryant get released from Tampa ?? Just throwing that out there...

My problem with Damian Williams is, I just don't see him being able to get separation at the NFL level. He's not particularly fast, nor is that aggressive when CB's try to jam him. I've seen him a ton the last couple of years, and I think he is just one of those USC WR's who put up good numbers in college, but not in the pro's. No way would I waste...yes i said waste a 1st Rounder on him.

As for Antonio Bryant...Sure, sign him, because when they do, you'll all start to appreciate Chad a little more....talk about a Douche.....The guy has played on 4 different teams in 8 seasons, and please DON'T FORGET that the Cowboys, after selecting him in the 2nd Rd, traded him to Cleveland after just 2 seasons, after getting into a confrontation with then coach Bill Parcells. After spending 2 season with the Browns, he signed a 4 year deal with the 49ers, but was released after 1 season after again butting heads with the coach (this time Mike Nolan)...Oh yeah he was also suspended for failing a drug test a couple of years ago....

Makes Chad look like a Choir Boy....

[ArmyBengal]

Cool... I have no issues either way.

[Dadraftnick]

Gilyard runs a 4.56, which probably solidifies him as a mid-3rd round pick. Possibly good news for the Bengals, or bad, depending on how you look at it. Obviously, he'll need a solid Pro Day. He said yesterday he would run faster than a 4.5, so this must be a disappointing day for him.

Benn ran 4.48, which is about a tenth slower than I thought he'd come in.

I guess we'll have to wait and see on Tate, but I think he'll be a 4.5 guy, too.

No real speed burners so far, other than Jacoby Ford, who ran a 4.27.

The funny thing is if you saw Gilyrd play WR or return a kick, he looked like he ran a 4.3 and if you saw Jacoby Ford play , he looked like he ran a 4.6 , Ford plays SLOW maybe he does it inorder to make cuts ,maybe he's been coached to play slower , or maybe he doesnt carry his pads well.

I used to be very fast so, I was the gunner on kick-offs and I will never forget the first time I ran down field full speed and made a cut and may pads went one way and I went the other.

I always felt like may speed and my pads were at war with each other, every time I cut they wanted to keep going the same way that I was going before.

[kingwilly]

Gilyard runs a 4.56, which probably solidifies him as a mid-3rd round pick. Possibly good news for the Bengals, or bad, depending on how you look at it. Obviously, he'll need a solid Pro Day. He said yesterday he would run faster than a 4.5, so this must be a disappointing day for him.

Benn ran 4.48, which is about a tenth slower than I thought he'd come in.

I guess we'll have to wait and see on Tate, but I think he'll be a 4.5 guy, too.

No real speed burners so far, other than Jacoby Ford, who ran a 4.27.

The funny thing is if you saw Gilyrd play WR or return a kick, he looked like he ran a 4.3 and if you saw Jacoby Ford play , he looked like he ran a 4.6 , Ford plays SLOW maybe he does it inorder to make cuts ,maybe he's been coached to play slower , or maybe he doesnt carry his pads well.

I used to be very fast so, I was the gunner on kick-offs and I will never forget the first time I ran down field full speed and made a cut and may pads went one way and I went the other.

I always felt like may speed and my pads were at war with each other, every time I cut they wanted to keep going the same way that I was going before.

running a 40 in a straight line once (or twice) and playing football with pads on are quite different, as you acutely point out.

how they run with pads on, is further complicated by running a route and catching a pass. the measured speed is about 1/20th of what you need to evaluate.

[cincyhokie]

Gilyard runs a 4.56, which probably solidifies him as a mid-3rd round pick. Possibly good news for the Bengals, or bad, depending on how you look at it. Obviously, he'll need a solid Pro Day. He said yesterday he would run faster than a 4.5, so this must be a disappointing day for him.

Benn ran 4.48, which is about a tenth slower than I thought he'd come in.

I guess we'll have to wait and see on Tate, but I think he'll be a 4.5 guy, too.

No real speed burners so far, other than Jacoby Ford, who ran a 4.27.

The funny thing is if you saw Gilyrd play WR or return a kick, he looked like he ran a 4.3 and if you saw Jacoby Ford play , he looked like he ran a 4.6 , Ford plays SLOW maybe he does it inorder to make cuts ,maybe he's been coached to play slower , or maybe he doesnt carry his pads well.

I used to be very fast so, I was the gunner on kick-offs and I will never forget the first time I ran down field full speed and made a cut and may pads went one way and I went the other.

I always felt like may speed and my pads were at war with each other, every time I cut they wanted to keep going the same way that I was going before.

running a 40 in a straight line once (or twice) and playing football with pads on are quite different, as you acutely point out.

how they run with pads on, is further complicated by running a route and catching a pass. the measured speed is about 1/20th of what you need to evaluate.

Great points and big reasons why Marvin doens't put a whole lot of stock in the combine numbers.

[HoosierCat]

I'n not to worried about 4.56 If the guy knows how to get open and run after catch...

Damian Williams.

*pour scotch, hands to bandwagon driver*

Carry on.