Some Interesting Combine Results

Recent discussions have been focused around possible replacements for Shawn Alexander, if he leaves, and possible improvements to the wide receiver corps due to their perennial habit of using the ground to catch the ball. Combine these needs with the recent scouting combine, and several interesting players that could be available in the draft stand out.

Maurice Clarret has apparently reinvented himself and is committed to being a consumat professional and team player. He arrived at the combine a ripped 234 lbs, and was an imposing physical specimen by all accounts. He then proceeded to be outrun in the 40 yard dash by four people that weighed over 300 lbs. His posting of 4.72 and 4.82 seconds in the 40 may well have added vaseline onto what was already a tenuous grip on a pro career.

The Dr. Jekyl to Clarretts Mr. Hyde, however, was Ronnie Brown (whom I've been touting for some time) who, with decent size, nearly shattered the sound barrier with times of 4.32 and 4.40 seconds in the 40. Browns performance may very well have vaulted him into the #1 back slot, where he will no longer be available for the 'Hawks to take.

Additionally, JJ Arrington, who could likely be available in the second round posted times of 4.41 and 4.49 seconds, and while he is undersized (5' 9" 204 lbs) may be able to make an impact somewhere with his ability to run outside, and his decent pass catching skills. Darren Sproles, another smallish back in the Arrington mold was reportedly so quick of the start line that the scouts couldn't click their stop watches fast enough. Sproles will likely be another 2nd or 3rd round pick who could fit well in a west coast offense.

Also eager to impress after significant time off was one Mike Williams, but Williams, like Clarret, posted rather mediocre times in the forty of 4.59 and 4.61 seconds. This was after claiming he would run sub 4.5, or even 4.45. This is actually very good news for 'Hawks fans, since Williams talent is no doubt good enough to keep him in the first round, but his workout may drop him toward the bottom of the round, where the 'Hawks could make a move for him.

The last player that I admittedly had not ever heard of to boggle some peoples minds was Arkansas QB Matt Jones, who will likely switch to WR in the NFL. Jones would likely be around a 3rd round pick, Len Pasquarelli reports. But get this: Jones is 6'6" tall weighs 242 lbs and ran 40's in 4.40 and 4.37 seconds respectivel. This is a very intriguing player for a team looking to boost their WR corp, but I wonder how solid his hands are and whether or not he will be more of a project than an impact player early on.