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The NFL Combine begins tomorrow with running backs, special teamers, and offensive linemen taking part in drills. This Underpants Olympics and meat market measuring is the first big event of NFL Draft season, when arm lengths, jump heights, and three cone speed are measured.
I am a simple man who doesn’t watch college football. I don’t know any of these guys. I’m excited for free agency. I know those guys. Free agency begins in a month. The draft can be filled in from there, about a month after that. That’s plenty of time.
After free agency, I’ll dive into some of this draft talk. I really want to watch all five of the big offensive tackles. Jawaan Taylor, Greg Little, Cody Ford, Jonah Williams, and Andre Dillard are the big names. Former Houston Texans Pro Bowl left guard Wade Smith had a few guys he liked that I want to check out that are also outside these top five. I still want to see Martinas Rankin get a shot at right tackle, with a veteran added, and I want to see cornerbacks taken early in the draft, but if any of these guys are IT, and they fall to Houston, I want to be ready.
Who are these cornerbacks? I don’t know. I don’t even know if I can find the tape I need to figure it out. I may just have to trust in Brian Gaine. But this Combine, I want to hear about some heart and soul character issues, questions about if this guy really loves football because he sat out a bowl game, nagging elbow injuries, and social media screw-ups to see some of these cornerbacks fall to the 20s in the first round.
I’m also tired of Houston not having a running back who can break tackles and pick up first downs in the passing game. It’s been too much of that for too long. I’m excited to see some 40 yard times for small school guys who are undersized. You know, guys like Tyler Ervin Houston could pick in the middle parts of the draft.
This Combine, I’m looking at offensive tackles, I’m looking for bad cornerback news, I’m looking for fast running backs who can make guys miss. This is a very esoteric list that doesn’t mean much at all.
I’m looking for your help, loyal reader. Who are you watching for this combine? Is there anyone we should pay special attention to?