COMBINE

Is there a better way to spend the weekend than watching the NFL Combine? Probably, but it is still pretty good. It is football, football is always good. It is combining college and the pros, which is great for someone like me who loves both. It gives you a chance to watch your favorite players from your school compete against others at their position. Just today, I have gotten to see Syracuse running back Delone Carter lift, run and catch in front of NFL Scouts. He has done pretty well, and should be picked in the 3rd or 4th round.

We also get to see the linemen shine for once. Syracuse center Ryan Bartholomew did so well a the combine that they are saying he could be taken in the 2nd round (possibly to the team that needs a center and loves workout warriors- The Oakland Raiders). Monster offensive tackle Nate Solder (6'8, 319) of Colorado also helped out his stock, possibly moving into the Top 10. He had the fastest 40-yard time for tackles, and more importantly had the fasted 10-yard split and longest broad jump, demonstrating the explosiveness needed to get off the line and block a guy like Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers or Justin Tuck.

There are, of course, the QBs and WRs to talk about as well. Julio Jones of Alabama wowed every scout with his impressive catching, speed and jumping today. Everyone still has AJ Green as their #1 wideout and possibly a top 5 pick, but Julio Jones might get into the top 10 himself. If not, you can bet he won't get beyond #14 and the St. Louis Rams, who would love to pair him with their rookie of the year Sam Bradford.

Cam Newton put up great measurable numbers in Indianapolis, but some say his throwing was a bit questionable. He overthrew a bunch, and only completed 11 or 21 throws. We will be able to tell more about him at his pro day in March. More experienced QBs, such as Jake Locker and Ryan Mallet, dazzled scouts with thier accuracy and completion percentages. Nevada's Colin Kaepernick put up an impressive 40 time, and has probably solidified his stock as a top 50 pick.

One final note- Stephen Paea, a defensive tackle from Oregon State, beat the bench press record. By 4. It was amazing. In under a minute, he lifted 225 pounds 49 times. For those that did the math, that is just over 5 tons in a minute. Absurd. He is also a solid player as well. I wouldn't mind seeing him line up at the nose tackle for the Burgundy and Gold.