Sunday, March 11, 2007

NFL COMBINE

With Ted Ginn still sidelined by a foot injury, the focus at Ohio State’s on-campus workout Saturday shifted to QB Troy Smith. And the Heisman Trophy winning QB had what is being reported as a solid workout although how much it will help his overall draft grade remains to be seen. Working out in front of an estimated 70-75 pro personnel people, Smith ran two 40s in 4.65 and 4.71 seconds; the Ohio State track is very fast, however, and NFL teams likely added a tenth to those times. Smith also posted a 36½-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot, 2-inch broad jump both of which would have been the best among QBs at the combine. Smith also went through a full passing program and drew generally favorable reviews for his arm strength and accuracy. There were also several comments that Smith had improved his mechanics. Meanwhile, WR Roy Hall also had a strong outing. The 6-3, 238-pound Hall, who totaled just 52 catches in his college career, ran in the low 4.3s, although again that will be factored up to the low 4.4s, but impressive for a player that size. For the record, Ginn was quoted as saying he hopes to finally run at a private workout early in April, but it does not appear anything has been formally scheduled at this point......

Denver DT Dan Wilkinson, who was traded to the Broncos from Miami for a sixth-round draft pick, is considering retirement. Should Wilkinson retire, the Dolphins likely would have to return the pick to the Broncos. Meanwhile, Baltimore Pro Bowl LT Jonathan Ogden is contemplating whether he will come back for another season. Ogden has said he will let the team know about his plans before the draft in April, in case the team has to select a replacement. However, whether Ogden returns for another season or not the Ravens are expected to have to look at the offensive front at this year's draft after RT Tony Pashos left for free agency, while OG Edwin Mutilalo, Ogden's long-time partner on the right side, was released last week......

Multiple sources report that the Giants and Browns have struck a deal where RB Reuben Droughns will go to New York in exchange for WR Tim Carter. Droughns was expendable after the Browns signed Jamal Lewis. In 14 games last year, the 28-year-old Droughns had 220 carries for 758 yards and four touchdowns with 169 receiving yards on 27 catches. "Reuben rushed for 1,200 yards in '04 and '05 and 750 last year," Giants GM Jerry Reese said. "We think he gives us a nice veteran presence and compliments Brandon Jacobs and the rest of our running back group nicely.".....


The Newark Star-Ledger is among those reporting that a source close to the negotiations confirms that free-agent RB Dominic Rhodes has agreed to terms on a contract with the Raiders. It's believed to be a two-year deal.....

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Dolphins RB Ricky Williams plans on asking for reinstatement into the NFL and would like to continue his football career. Last year, he sat out of the NFL while playing for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.....

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