NFL Combine 2013 Winners: Day 5

Luke Sims — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:07:30 +0000

Could Dion Jordan have snuck into the top-5 of April’s Draft with a great combine? Source: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The linebackers and defensive linemen took to the field to workout on Monday. Missing among them was top defensive tackle prospect Star Lotulelei, due to a heart condition, which left some open room for any interior defensive linemen to really steal the spotlight. Did anybody do it? Who improved their draft stock during day three of workouts.

Here are your winners for day five of the combine:

Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

Jordan moved so well during his workouts that he may have secured his place in the top-10 or snuck into the top-5 of the draft. Jordan looked unstoppable during his workouts and proved that he is a versatile, big player who moves like someone much smaller and quicker. He could be a better prospect than the game tape is already saying.

Sio Moore, LB, Connecticutt

Moore has been having a pretty productive run up to the NFL Draft. He may have secured a second round pick with an impressive combine, following a strong East-West Shrine Game. Moore didn’t look like he was going to be a surprise first round pick, but you never know. If he continues to perform well, especially at his Pro Day, teams may continue to raise him on their draft boards.

Bjoern Werner, DE/LB, Florida State

Werner rises by virtue of Damontre Moore falling. The two have been pretty neck and neck during the lead-up to the combine, but with a disappointing performance in Indianapolis, Moore will fall a little behind Werner. Werner could very well be taken at number two or three overall and is beginning to occupy some pretty rare air compared to his competition.

Margus Hunt, DE, Southern Methodist

One of my personal favorites heading up to the draft, Hunt is a physical freak who was expected to have a good combine. Which he did. He was a top performer in the 40 yard dash and the bench press, which is particularly impressive because of his massive 6’8″ frame. Originally an early second or late first round prospect, I can see Hunt rising on some draft boards purely because of his raw potential.

- Luke N. Sims

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2013 Senior Bowl – Defensive Ends Jaguars Fans Should Watch

Luke Sims — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:08:02 +0000

The 2013 Senior Bowl is a mini-holiday in the down period following the conference championship games and the Super Bowl. NFL teams send their representatives and roll out the red carpet to those players they anticipate making a successful jump into the NFL. For some on the Senior Bowl rosters playing well will mean a jump up on teams’ big boards. Others look to continue showing off after their college careers are over.

The Jacksonville Jaguars need fresh bodies at a number of positions and the Senior Bowl offers an opportunity to look at players who could immediately contribute. One of those major needs is at defensive end. Here are a few guys we fans should keep an eye on as the week goes on.

Ezekiel Ansah, LB/DE, Brigham Young

The BYU standout was seen talking to a Jaguar representative this week. Many consider Ansah to be a first round prospect who could go in the mid-late part of the round. He may not be the pick to take at number two overall, but if the Jaguars want a player who could do well in the more hybrid scheme of head coach Gus Bradley they could always trade back to get Ansah. Ansah had a breakout year at BYU with 4.5 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, and 62 tackles while playing linebacker (listed as DL for the Senior Bowl). He also had nine passes defensed. While not a true defensive end, Ansah could bring versatility to the Jaguars’ defense.

Edwards is overshadowed at LSU but could be a good pickup in the mid rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft. Source: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Lavar Edwards, DE, Louisiana State

Edwards is not the most prolific defensive line player at the Senior Bowl, but he is a player who could grow into something big in the NFL. At 6’4″ tall and only 258 pounds, Edwards would have to add some weight in the NFL to be more effective. He posted 26 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, and 4.5 sacks during his senior season (six starts) at LSU. Edwards should be a mid-round pick and could be a developmental prospect with the Jags. I wouldn’t count on him to have an impact immediately, but he could turn it around with work in the gym and at practice. I like the potential.