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Lou: KFFL.com is providing Draft King with a series of articles direct from Indianapolis, the site of the 2008 NFL Combine. Enjoy!


February 22, 2008

NFL Scouting Combine: Day 2 Tidbits
By: Cory J. Bonini and Nicholas Minnix, KFFL.com

* University of Arkansas running back Darren McFadden offered up that, although he may not go through a full workout, he will run the 40. He also stated that he felt he's the best running back in the draft. "I can do a lot of different things. I feel like I'm a very versatile player. I can go out there and line up at receiver, I can line up in the backfield and block, line up back there and run, I can throw a pass if you need me to. But like if I had to, I could play defense."

* Like several of his counterparts, University of Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco doesn't plan to do the bench press at the NFL Scouting Combine. "I'm a quarterback, man, what do you want me to do, do it one time?" joked Flacco. "Even if I was a big bench press guy I don't think I'd do it because there is a chance of you getting hurt and it's just something stupid. It's not worth it."

* University of California-Berkley wideout DeSean Jackson proclaimed himself 100 percent healthy at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also said that he had a chance to work legendary NFL receiver Jerry Rice, who Jackson now views as a mentor. Jackson said that Rice stressed the value of off-the-field conduct and relationships most to him. Jackson, by the way, measured in at a mere 5-foot-9, three inches shorter than his billed height by the university.

* Appalachian St. wide receiver Dexter M. Jackson seemed to have little doubts about his speed. When questioned about his desired time in the 40, he responded, "I'm hoping to run somewhere between 4.28 and 4.33." He felt the teams that expressed the most interest in him were the St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots. Jackson, who measured 5-foot-9 1/4 and 182 pounds, believes he's most effective in the slot because he has more room. That allows him to use what he believes are his biggest strengths: his strength and route running.

* Florida St. wide receiver De'Cody Fagg declared that he plans to do everything at the combine except the bench press. He also commented on what he felt was his biggest drawback. "The one thing I know I have to work on is my quickness out of routes. I don't explode much coming out of routes. That's one thing I've been working on."

* University of Kentucky quarterback Andre' Woodson claimed his lack of familiarity with a West Coast offense was the reason why he performed poorly during the week of the Senior Bowl practices and the game itself.

* University of Texas wide receiver Limas Sweed (wrist) said his wrist is 100 percent healthy but that only 65 percent of the range of motion has returned.

* The Atlanta Falcons won the coin toss to determine the No. 3-5 draft order. Atlanta will pick at No. 3, with the Oakland Raiders picking at No. 4 and the Kansas City Chiefs selecting at No. 5.

* University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan added 22 pounds from the Senior Bowl week to the week of the combine, clocking in at 207 pounds.

* Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn expects running back Clinton Portis to catch near 50 passes again and be the team's workhorse. He added that Portis will share the backfield in a dual set with tailback Ladell Betts. Zorn expects tight end Chris Cooley to continue to be a major factor in the offense.

* Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy reiterated what general manager Ted Thompson said earlier in the day by noting that no decision has been made by quarterback Brett Favre in regards to his return in 2008. McCarthy said the team will address the tight end position with at least one selection during the draft.

* Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy hopes to gain salary cap relief for 2008 after signing tight end Dallas Clark to a long-term deal.

* Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak doesn't foresee wholesale changes to the offense with the promotion of Kyle Shanahan to offensive coordinator. He noted that subtle changes would occur after the loss of Mike Sherman during the offseason. Sherman was hired as the head coach of Texas A&M.

* Texans general manager Rick Smith glowed about University of Houston wide receiver Donnie Avery. "I think he is fast. Boy, an electric player. Explosive. Going to be a good player in this league. One thing you can't coach is speed."

* Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis signed a three-year deal to remain with the club. He believes that he will retire upon the expiration of the contract.

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