Combine

[Globetrotter]

I think 40 is completely meaningless for a D lineman. Did he do the shuttle?

I don't think any drill at the combine is completely meaningless.

Like I said, if you are looking at 40 time as an indicator of how fast the man can run straight for 40 yards, sure it's meaningless for a DL. But instead you have to look at it as one piece of a bigger puzzle to gauge the overall athleticism of a prospect.

40 time is far from the be all end all, but if I'm an NFL scout I see a guy that is an average sized DL from the MAC. I see that he is strong as an ox from his bench number. When I watch film I see a guy that is a hard worker and produced on the football field. But with only being average size I need to see some overall athleticism to really pique my interest. That 40 time is a definite red flag. You have to realize Chris is way too small to be a run stuffing plug the middle guy in the NFL. At his size he must show the innate athleticism to beat blocks with quickness. Obviously the shuttles and jump numbers will do more to show quick burst athleticism, but if they fall in line with his 40 time, it's quite likely he goes undrafted.

And I'm not just dogging on Jones. I have REAL questions about supposed all world guard prospect Chance Warmack as well after seeing him clock in at 5.55 in the 40. Obviously guards don't need to be able to get out and run 40 yards either, but that sort of time makes me think he's going to be such a slug you can't even count on him to pull and get in front of a play.

I would never let a 40 time over rule what I saw on the field, but it is definitely something that you have to put in your head when trying to determine whether or not a player can translate his production in college to the NFL.

It's meaningless. His shuttle time is all that matters. Maybe his first 10yard time as well.

[Flipper]

It's not meaningless...it's an indicator of athleticism in general. Is it as meaningful as drills that measure strength, dexterity or explosiveness in general? No...probbaly not. You also have to consider that mobile QB's are becoming more prevalent in the NFL. DT's have to be able to work to the sidelines and pursue. A slow 40 time raises concerns about a guy's ability to do that effectively.

[tiznow]

Maybe G Martin can find out the status of his ankle?

[hammb]

It's not meaningless...it's an indicator of athleticism in general. Is it as meaningful as drills that measure strength, dexterity or explosiveness in general? No...probbaly not. You also have to consider that mobile QB's are becoming more prevalent in the NFL. DT's have to be able to work to the sidelines and pursue. A slow 40 time raises concerns about a guy's ability to do that effectively.

Agreed.

And in Chris's case the overall athleticism is going to be VERY important to his draft grade. At about 300 pounds he's on the average to below average range of size for an NFL DT. Teams are going to want to see athleticism to make up for his lack of size. His strength is great, but his size alone is going to hamper his ability to use that as his greatest asset as a player in the NFL.

I'm starting to wonder if his best NFL fit is as a 3-4 DE. He's strong as an ox and not terribly undersized for that scheme. It doesn't typically ask the DEs to be super athletic, but I think his tenacity/work ethic will allow him to make plays in that scheme.

[sum1udontknow]

Obviously unfortunate for the fact that he injured himself. But alot of guys only do a pro day so he's still got time to show up. And for what its worth, the stuff he did at the combine was impressive. I'm not so worried about his 40 time as I am his lateral movement and explosive power off the snap. Not to mention when watching the DT workouts on Monday, Chris was at the front of the group listening and learning to everyone that was running the drills or whoever just had something to teach the guys. Not surprising of Chris knowing his work ethic.

The stat that did jump out is the 30 reps at Bench Press. That's impressive. Putting him 5th amongst all DT's who participated. Strength is a number that doesn't lie.

[gmartin]

Tried to get information today but no luck. Injuries are pretty quiet but I'm sure I will have some news late tomorrow. Fwiw, the CMU lineman in the draft is now projected as a top 5 pick. Good for the MAC