BRB, Off To Indianapolis For The Combine -- Do You Have Any Requests?
by riversmccown on Feb 19, 2010 7:00 AM CST
in Events
93 comments
It's hard to believe I've only been writing here for a little over a month, but that (plus offering to pay my own way and a little luck) was enough to convince the higher-ups to give me one of the ultimate opportunities: I will be attending the NFL Combine on behalf of BRB and SB Nation, fully credentialed and everything.
I could turn this announcement into a big thank you note to everyone, but I think the bigger thank you would be to serve the community as a whole. Obviously, I have my own ideas about who I am going to go after and what questions I'll be asking. However, I also wanted to open up the floor for requests about particular players you'd like to hear from, questions you'd like answered, and so forth.
I can't really promise much of anything, as I have almost no idea what I'm walking into right now. I've interviewed people, and I've attended events on behalf of publications, but I've never stepped into a media spectacle like this before. I haven't been completely briefed by SB Nation yet, I haven't the foggiest just how much freedom I'll be allowed, and I don't even know if lunch will be served to the media, let alone what it might be.
As of now, I plan to write something every night I'm there and keep throwing things tidbits up on Twitter along the way (@riversmccown). Beyond that, I can promise you that I'll take every suggestion in this thread seriously and try to juggle them as much as I can with my own plans and ability to figure out what the hell I'm doing.
One thing I can say for certain: I will be asking Little Dickie Justice (Age 12) where his Vince Young jersey is, should he show up.
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wow thats pretty awesome. I’d be interested in how the RBs below Spiller look. Also even though the Texans will have no interest in him, I’d like to know how Colt McCoy looked throwing the ball. Other than that, if you happen to run into Dickie or Pancakes, some form of derogatory comment caught on camera is absolutely required.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
This could be an interesting poll
If I get one UT guy, should it be Colt or Shipley?
Cause personally, I think we have a better chance of getting Shipley.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 19, 2010 3:57 PM CST up reply actions
OK. Fine.
But Rivers, just make sure you ask Shipley if he and Colt’s dads have ever met. Because everyone is dying to know.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
by Shake on Feb 19, 2010 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
dude both ships dad and colts dad coach football teams
which happened to play each other recently in a younger colt vs younger ship battle
jaxons team won, just in case you were wondering
I'll take just a pinch of credit for planting seeds on this...
But, dang! This is exciting Rivers! I can not wait! Awesome! No! This is “Brett Favre Awesome!”
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
You will probably have a handheld recorder that you can talk into...
That way you can record your thoughts as the day goes on and of course interviews.
No prior expectations going into it…this should be good! I am really looking forward to your reports. My only request is that you don’t hold anything back from us here at BRB. Give it your all and deliver it back to us! The more you can give us, the more it will feel like we have a connection to what is going on. You are our connection like we have never been connected before….
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
As far as I know
We will be BBSless.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 19, 2010 3:58 PM CST up reply actions
You can find him
Just look for the guy wandering aimlessly around Lucas Oil Field with tears streaming down his face screaming at random passer-byers “BANNED!”
My guess is he’ll be wearing overalls and a ring-pop he’s convinced was given to him by his “precious PeyPey.”
by DisplacedTexan on Feb 19, 2010 5:26 PM CST up reply actions 8 recs
SBN Couldn't Have Picked A Better Representative
This is well deserved, Rivers. Very much looking forward to seeing what you find.
In terms of focus, I’d just like to see what you observe and/or hear about the following prospects:
1. Earl Thomas
2. Terrence Cody
3. Dan Williams
4. Taylor Mays
5. Kyle Wilson
6. C.J. Spiller
7. Mike Iupati
8. Anyone else you think is a realistic target for the Texans.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
Parrish Cox...
J.D. Walton (or all centers in general since we hope to improve upon Ragdoll)….
Kickers and Punters (if they’re invited….we kinda have an interest in those)…..
Cam Thomas….
I know 1st rounders are getting the attention there, but expand it to positions of need: RB, G/C, DT, CB, S, K/P
Congrats Rivers
This should be fun for BRB and quite an experience for you. Looking forward to reading the funny, the serious, and your observations on how Pancakes and BBS are getting “close.”
All CBs
Let’s just cover everything.
by theaxeeffect4311 on Feb 19, 2010 10:46 AM CST up reply actions
We could compete with Deadspin...
…and you could take a bunch of pics of penises. Though MDC seems far, far better qualified for that job.
Seriously, though, major congrats. Don’t let the fierce, but fragile egos of the assorted sportswriters intimidate you. That was my biggest takeaway from the credentialed days.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
Actually
That’s Jordan’s job. I don’t call him cabana boy for nothing.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 19, 2010 3:59 PM CST up reply actions
well they arnt supposed to
but if you slip the photo tech a 20 they might just do it
Congrats Rivers!
Just one burning question: Do you have to cuddle with Big Bad Brad while you are there, or do you get your own hotel room?
Seriously though, I agree with Tim. You are much deserved and will represent BRB and SB Nation well. Good luck and I look forward to reading what you have to say.
Miss-placed Houstonian living and going to school in the wilderness of Wyoming. Fresno St. 28 - Wyoming 35 (2 OT)!!! Hands down best game I have ever been to.
Okay, yes, have fun and do it your way
But, now I have a request.
Over on a Defensive Backs discussion thread we were talking about CBs. While the Texans have quantity at that position, they don’t necessarily have quality. At least, most of us can agree that they don’t have a top rung #1 CB. So, the mission for you, if you agree to take it, is to look at the field of Combine CBs and see what the Texans can get, accepting the fact that Joe Haden will not be one of them; then analyze them from the perspective that a current Texan CB will have to leave the team to make room for the rookie player and who that Texan that is lost will be, either through free agency or being cut, or whatever.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
and...
If you can analyze the Combine CB and assign a potential value to him such as, CB#1, CB#2, CB#1/#2, and so on…by NFL standards (with consideration of what the Texans standards are…LOL!)
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Grats man!! Have fun!!
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
To help me out with my bet with MDC
please post the 40 times of Eric Berry and Taylor Mays on one page for easy linkage.
Thanks.
Mount Cody in round 1
Agreed
I always assumed "You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma" would be some sort of country music diss track. Live and learn, I guess.
tried to find a link
but an unconfirmed report from a reputable online web board puts Berry running a 4.31 in pre-combine workouts.
Mount Cody in round 1
Side by side comparison of Cody's topless 40 with Smith's from last year.
I kid. But seriously…
I’m particularly intrigued by Kyle Wilson. He’s seemingly leaped up the charts since the all-star-type festivities occurred last month. I want to know, does he deserve the hype?
Wilson
I’ve gotten to the point that, if he does well at the combine, and we wind up taking him, I’ll be good with it.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
by bigfatdrunk on Feb 19, 2010 10:41 AM CST up reply actions
Wilson
Reminds me a lot of Dominique Rogers-Cromartie.
Which isn’t to say he’s not good, but I think he’ll have some growing pains.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 19, 2010 4:01 PM CST up reply actions
Here's my request
How about who you think would be able to start for us at our positions of need.
DT – one technique
OG
WLB
CB
If the CBs who would start for us are deeper than OGs that would start, it would change our draft strategy, for instance.
So I guess I’m looking for starting caliber names at these positions. But I guess since we’re talking combine, I may be channelling my inner Al Davis.
Mount Cody in round 1
My request:
Bribe combine officials to inflate all of Tebow’s numbers so that Jacksonville blows a first-round pick on him.
by Nashmeister on Feb 19, 2010 11:03 AM CST reply actions 3 recs
I could see Rivers
sitting next to the Jags’ scouts and talk about how every throw Tebow makes at the Combine looks like Jesus himself is throwing the ball. Make it happen Rivers.
by theaxeeffect4311 on Feb 19, 2010 11:26 AM CST up reply actions
"Tebow is great and can make you a contender"
“…but you know what would really help? Dumping that crappy Maurice Jones-Drew and picking up LaDanian Tomlinson.”
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 19, 2010 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Don't forget Fred Taylor!
“Fred Taylor and LT would make a destructive combo. Jags have not won much since Taylor left. That’s why they need to bring him back.”
“Just think. You can have the ball hiked to Fred Taylor who laterals to LT who then throws to Tebow for a 50 yard TD!!!”
by theaxeeffect4311 on Feb 19, 2010 4:27 PM CST up reply actions
If they want to do that,
They’d have to lateral to Chris Brown for the down field pass.
by distant_texans_fan on Feb 19, 2010 10:58 PM CST up reply actions
well obviously we need a TE
so probably that should be the number one thing to look at.
and anyone named chris brown…
"Its like a silk bag filled with puppy ears"
Awesome!
This is beyond exciting, just started following on twitter.
1. Earl Thomas
2. Dan Williams
3. Brian Price
4. Mike Iupati
5. Any of the DB’s.
6. Taylor Mays
7. Kam Chancellor, not sure if he is invited.
8. Anthony Dixon
9. Joqui Bell
10. Toby Gerhardt
11. Montario Hardesy
My case against Toby
1. He racked up a lot of yards and ran over people, but who? The vaunted Pac-10 and Notre Dame defenses.
2. He really doesn’t have top-end speed. Or any speed at all. He’s a slightly faster Mike Alstott.
3. He’s a one-note runner. He’s essentially a power runner. That worked in college, but can he run over people like Ray Lewis?
4. The ZBS calls for a one-cut and go back. Terrell Davis, Clinton Portis, Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary….you want quick guys. One cut and go.
5. The Texans, supposedly, are wanting more of a feature back in the backfield. Gerhart’s not a feature back. I say that because he doesn’t have the versatility of a CJ Spiller – runner, catcher, blocker, returner.
I understand the mancrushes. He can run for the tough yards…namely, that 1 yard we needed last season. However, he’s not the fit for our backfield.
If Slaton and Foster were healthy and we knew they could do it…and we didn’t have a lot of holes then I’d give him a call in round 3. However, we’re uncertain about Slaton’s health, we don’t know what we have from Foster, and we have holes on both interior lines and the secondaries. I don’t think we can afford to spend a 3rd round pick on a short-yard specialist. If it came down to taking Gerhart or picking up (Alabama G) Mike Johnson or (Baylor C) JD Walton then I’m taking the linemen because they feel bigger holes than a specialty back.
Gerhart will probably be effective in the right situation, but he’s not the answer to our issues. Last year, he would’ve been, but it’s a new year and those situations are gone.
by TexansDC on Feb 19, 2010 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
The problem is
Spiller is the best RB in this class and he’s not going to be a featured back either. I would be interested in Dwyer because of his measurables alone, but then I watched video of him and left totally unimpressed.
Really I agree that this is a bad year to go looking for a featured back in the draft, and O-Line should be a bigger priority on the offensive side. Really though besides O-line and maybe another RB, we don’t have any glaring needs offensively, so i’d expect our defense to get alot of loving again this year in the draft.
Oh yeah
You can make an argument that the feature back is going away. I mean how many guys out there take the ball 20-30 times a game?
You have to have 2 or 3 good backs nowadays, but Spiller is a Swiss Army knife. He’s a playmaker. He’ll hit home runs. You can say the same for Dexter McCluster.
I do agree, I’d be surprised if we saw any offensive picks outside of RB/OL (barring someone dropping like crazy). The defense could use some depth in a bad way.
Awesome write-up TDC
Rec for you
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
Congrats!!
Definitely CJ Spiller. Ask how not playing in the Senior bowl and resting has helped the turf toe.
I’m a Texans fan and love the Clemson Tigers. I wish the Texans could get him.
I play real sports...Not try to be the best at exercising.
I agree with spiller
I wouldn’t touch gerhart or Kyle Wilson. I think both will go way to early and think Wilson will flat out be a bust. I’ve seen some Boise st games and when he was up against Better competition than the likes of rice or Hawaii he sure didn’t look like a first rounder to me
third round is where we need to get our corner
Franks, Warren, or even cox in the second
Wilson and Toby will be overdrafted and busts
by AllenOU on Feb 19, 2010 12:37 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
CJ Spiller won't make it past pick 15
Gerhart’s definitely can be effective in the right situation (established team who could use the occassional power back), but he’s not a feature back.
Wilson is a point where I disagree with you on. I think in the 2nd round…he’d be a great pick. I’m not sold on him as a 1st rounder (yet), but I’m hoping he’s there at 2/20. He or Cox would be fine.
I agree
There is no way Spiller makes it that far. I think he’s going to go nuts in the combine and soar to within the top ten picks.
I play real sports...Not try to be the best at exercising.
Which is fine for us
I have a feeling Spiller is going to be a poor man’s Reggie Bush in the NFL, definitely not worth a high draft pick.
what
game have you seen where he didn’t look like a first rounder. In virtually every game this year his opponents simply didn’t throw at him, in the three or four that they did he got three picks, two for touchdowns?
Yeah
All those great QBs and Wide recievers in the WAC. He sure didn’t look good in the osu game. I’ll give you the bowl game, but tcu isn’t great on O either. I bet he runs slow too…
by AllenOU on Feb 19, 2010 6:32 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I heard he can run about a
4.4
Guy’s a playmaker who played for one of the better programs out there – WAC or not.
well
Given that you thought he played Rice (he didn’t in his four years of starting – BSU hasn’t played Rice since 2002), I doubt you’ve really seen him all that much. In fact, I bet the last time you saw him play was when BSU beat OU in the Fiesta Bowl. So, maybe you’re still just sore over that. Unfortunately, BSU (with Kyle Wilson) has (two) more BCS victories than does OU over the same time period, so, yeah.
Which OSU game are you talking about? The one in 2006 where BSU beat them 42-14? Ya, he looked horrible in that good. Seriously, STFU.
First of all
Bsu beat OU but mr Wilson got burned a couple of times. And yes they didn’t play rice. It’s called sarcasm…
And they played oregon not Oregon state my bad this year, the one REAL team they played. And the game against LA tech he was picked on a bit. They guy is a decent kick returner
I just think he didn’t look like a first rounder in the three games I saw. I only know about those three games, so it is just my personal opinion.
I don’t know anymore than you guys I just think we can get better value in the second or third at CB. I just don’t think he is worth a first like alot of people think
by AllenOU on Feb 21, 2010 11:26 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
And we are talking about pro prospects
Not if his team has more bcs wins than my team over a certain time period. That doesn’t. Matter. What matters is the competition they face.
And besides Ryan clady, there isn’t one successful bronco in the NFL. Just saying I would be weary when the 2-4 round CB crop looks so deep and promising
by AllenOU on Feb 21, 2010 11:32 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
He's not a 1st rounder...
but he is a 2nd rounder and he’s a lot better than Dominque Franks and most of the CB class.
Regardless of the school, Kyle Wilson can play football and make plays as a corner and returner. Not every player comes from a big school and not every big school player turns into a good pro.
I hate to say it
But you’re never going to find a CB that you can’t see get burned a couple times. This is an offense driven game anymore, and with all the newer rules in the secondary you’re just not going to see many shutdown corners anymore.
There’s not a CB we can bring in that won’t occasionally get beat and give up the 1st down/TD, the important thing is does he give you more good plays than bad and is he better than what you currently have at the position?
As for Wilson, I think he’s a late 1st/2nd rounder. I could see him going in the first round if he does well at the combine/workouts, especially if there’s a run on corners as there usually is at some point in the first.
Congrats dude - First and foremost have fun
because this is the chance of a lifetime to see NFL (to be) players up close and personal. Remember that you are the eyes and ears of BRB and we would enjoy readin any inside info you can dig up.
I am hoping the Texans go OL in the first so please check out:
1) Mike Iupati
2) Anthony Davis
3) Charles Brown
4) Bruce Campbell
5) Trent Williams
I am also curious about:
6) CJ Spiller
7) Colt McKoy
Congrats again and have a great freakin time!!!
It took the Astros 44 years to get to the Series, the Oilers-Texans are due to get to the big dance...Go Texans!!!!!
by oiler-texan diehard on Feb 19, 2010 12:38 PM CST reply actions
Look forward to reading your reporting Rivers
As an FO guy, perhaps you could do some kind of cross analysis on what FO thinks makes a good football player at a given position versus what conventional scouting wisdom is.
I would love to read about your conversation with Mike Mayock. Which means you must have a conversation with him.
Also, if you could manage to stick a lit sparkler in Mel Kiper Jr’s hair, that would be nice.
I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.
by tehGrindCrusher on Feb 19, 2010 1:18 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Lit sparkler, road flare, molotov cocktail.....whatever is available
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
More about Jermaine Gresham please
You know, the TE.
Because TE is our primary need.
by Jordann on Feb 19, 2010 2:04 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
Gotta go deeper
than one.
We need a preview on our 4th and 5th round TE sleepers, too.
Mount Cody in round 1
If you're looking for late-round TE sleepers
you’re gonna want to check at PSU TE Andrew Quarless. Exceptionally talented, but it took him until this year to get his head right and lose his attitude.
"Every time you go to that cook-off you get drunk as a poet on payday!"
Congratulations man!!
Have a good time and just absorb all things football. Just stick around John McClain at mealtimes and you should be fine.
The one question I would ask is this. “Why don’t the Combine organisers get electronic timing for the 40 times?” It boggles my mind that they don’t.
by distant_texans_fan on Feb 19, 2010 2:58 PM CST reply actions
Glenn Dorsey
What do yall think of Mr. Dorsey? The Chiefs may part ways with him because he doesn’t fit a 3-4 Defense. Could he be positioned next to Amobi or are they too similar?
They both suck equally
But have loads of talent. I wouldn’t mind adding him to the mix…
by AllenOU on Feb 19, 2010 6:35 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Make sure you take a look at
Lupati, Dan Williams, Earl Thomas, C.J. Spiller, Kyle Wilson
Also, if you’re able to, try to look at the different DTs and OTs out there that can make a difference.
On a different note, make sure you ask all the players that you’re able to meet if they can play as a TE. You know how much Kubiak and Smith LOVE TEs and VERSATILITY.
by typhoon.infamous on Feb 19, 2010 7:46 PM CST reply actions
after the TE question
ask if they have ever passed through DEN on a layover.
Mount Cody in round 1
RBs
I would like to read your evaluation of the RBs pass catching and blocking skills at the combine (do they even do blocking drills?) – To see who would fit our offence the best.
Especially Jonathan Dwyer, if he’s got stone hands like everyone says..
Die hard Texan fan from the heart of Denmark!
Stone hands or not, I just don't think he'll be any good
He ran against the woeful ACC in a gimmicky offense (triple option) that was made for running. You already don’t know about his pass blocking or catching ability due to an offense that ran like 90-95% of the time. Can he work as a traditional runner or is he inflated by the offensive system (as they say about Texas Tech QBs and Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes).
When he played against a real defense (Iowa), Dwyer just looked unspectacular. I don’t get why people are putting him in rounds 1 or 2 because I don’t see it at all.
What's you schedule?
When do you get there…anything! We need a report!
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
So far I've got...
Leave early Wednesday morning, come back Monday afternoon.
I’d like to have watched the whole thing but interviews are done after Sunday and I’m not exactly making this trip with unlimited resources.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 20, 2010 12:58 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Find another Bonecrusher , Ryans , and Cushing for the Texans !
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
I agree with WarWolf on this =D
Rock on Rivers !
=)
by BattleRedFan on Feb 21, 2010 2:48 PM CST up reply actions
We don't need more of what we already have
Find another Revis, Joe Thomas, and Adrian Peterson, an Ed Reed wouldn’t be bad either.
people I'd love for you to talk to
Colt McCoy
Jordan Shipley
Earl Thomas
=D this is AWESOME news! I hope you have a blast . Congratulations on getting the nod to do this =)
If by "talk to" you mean "stab" I'm all for this plan.
Fuck those guys.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
Those Longhorns and their Championships...
We got them in basketball this year though.
Congrats
I think your usual obsessive attention to detail should do just fine.
Interested in hearing more about
Cam Thomas. There is buzz about him and I’m wondering if he is worth the hype. Although the senior bowl is a better measure for actual football talent than the combine I’m still interested to see your thoughts on how he performs at the combine and what other people there are saying about him. I also want to know what you think about Dan Williams and Brian Price. I would like to know more about Price becasue I’ve seen some scenario’s where the Texans take him in the first round and I’m just not sure what I think about that.
Also, like others have said, a good breakdown on the talent at corner (minus Hayden) – maybe some sort of ranking system or rank system depending on if they look any good or not.
Have fun man and live the dream!
Confucius says "man who stands on toilet, high on pot".
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