NFL Combine Recap: Defense Ducks Have Work To Do
Fisher and Mariota went Friday and Saturday and faired well against their contemporaries, over the last two days the defensive Ducks Combine results are somewhat underwhelming. Armstead still seems to be a likely first round pick and very well could go top ten, but this is based primarily on projections. His results and film analysis seems to suggest another day in Eugene could have helped his development.
That being said it’s hard to argue he could improve his draft stock much more. Washington and Hill’s numbers didn’t necessarily surprise anyone but both could have used a surprise to move up in some analysts eyes.
Ducks Combine: Armstead’s Size Has NFL Scouts Salivating
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
I think the two most surprising things that have happened with the Ducks in Indy both occurred with Arik Armstead in my opinion. His 40 yard dash and bench press both seemed worse than they should have been. Running a 5.10 forty isn’t bad, but it isn’t anything that makes you raise your eyebrows. His 24 reps on the bench disappointed me, even though it was far from being low. For me I think his position should be around 30, 24 seems too low for a guy of his size and strength.
Despite the underwhelming day, NFL scouts are infatuated with Armstead. Most of what you hear from Indianapolis is he has everything you want with regards to body type and physical ability but he is very raw. So it seems he’ll go to someone who thinks they can mold him into exactly what they believe he can be.
Ducks Combine: Tony Washington Hurt His Draft Stock
Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Tony Washington (91) during the post-game press conference after the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Oregon Ducks defeated Florida State Seminoles 59-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Washington worked out in every event, that’s the good news. The bad news is he was at or near the bottom of every drill. His 40 yard dash was the worst amount LBs, his bench press was staggeringly low at 17. Washington’s day didn’t do anything to make him seem like he’s close to a starter. He will fit in on someones special teams and make solid depth, but there wasn’t anything about this workout that suggests he could be anything more than that anytime soon.
Ducks Combine: Troy Hill Has Work To Do
Oct 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Troy Hill (13) is unable to make an interception against the California Golden Bears in the first quarter at Levi
Troy Hill’s performance on the field opposite of Ifo this year makes you think he’ll land somewhere in the NFL. He played very well, as did Dargan which makes you wonder why he didn’t get an invite. Hill’s performance at the combine did nothing to stand out. He ran a 4.55 40 which isn’t bad but isn’t really good for a corner. That makes you think he’d have to land on someone’s squad as either a nickel or dime back. But with the increased talent being shuffled into the slot receiver position you have to think he’ll fit into a zone scheme and struggle to find a place on a team that uses man to man. His size suggests a move to safety wouldn’t work very well either.
Of the five Ducks that took part in the on-field workout I think Jake Fisher improved his draft position the most. I think Mariota solidified his. With Tampa seeming to be leaning towards Winston, Mariota seems likely to be gone by the 6th pick at the latest, regardless of who’s picking there. You would think the Jets would take Mariota if they couldn’t get a king’s ransom from Chip and the Eagles. It will be interesting to see just how far Ifo will slide after his late season injury, he could be the most impactful player drafted since whoever ends up taking him will seemingly get a steal.