NFL Draft Blog by Rob Rang : CBSSports.com Blogs

NFL Draft Blog has moved

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:29:05 EDT

As part of an upgrade to the entire CBSSports.com' blog system, the NFLDraftScout.com blog dedicated to the NFL Draft has been moved.

You will be able to look through past blog posts and I and the other members of NFLDraftScout.com have contributed by checking out the archived pages here but for the future postings, this is where to go.

Thanks for following along. The fun is just getting started.

~ Rob Rang

Rams get bounty, but dropping to No. 6 has risk

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 2:23:12 EDT

In the wake of the bold trade up by the Washington Redskins to secure the rights to one of the two elite quarterbacks of the 2012 draft class you can expect that there will be plenty of media speculation as to whether head coach Mike Shanahan and his staff overpayed.

The St. Louis Rams, on the other hand, are universally being lauded for their ability to pry first round picks from the Redskins in the 2013 and 2014 drafts, as well as Washington's second round pick this year for only dropping four spots.

And while I do believe that this trade could be one of the few in which both teams appear to be "winners," it isn't fair to characterize the Redskins as the only team taking a significant risk with the move.

Recent conversations with various league sources indicate that six prospects have pulled away as the elite talents of the 2012 draft. Though the order differs slightly per team, the general consensus seems to be that Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, Southern Cal offensive tackle Matt Kalil, Alabama running back Trent Richardson, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, and Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon have separated from the rest of the pack. In trading out of the second pick to the sixth, the Rams are still guaranteed to see one of these prospects still available to them. Whether it is one capable of making an immediate impact, however, is the bigger question.

Redskins trade for No. 2 pick; poised to nab RG3

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 1:12:40 EST

St. Louis Rams vice president and chief operating officer Kevin Demoff confirmed to the Sports Xchange on Friday night the agreement on a deal that should be historic for two franchises, as the Rams agreed to trade the second overall pick in this year's NFL Draft to the Washington Redskins, who are expected to use it to select Baylor's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Robert Griffin III.

In return, the Rams hope to build their way out of their 2-14 record in 2011 with the No. 6 overall pick next month, two future first-round picks and a second-round pick. The trade, first reported by FoxSports.com, cannot become official until the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET Tuesday, when free agency also begins.

It is the kind of deal the Rams needed to make after new head coach Jeff Fisher said last month that the team is committed to quarterback Sam Bradford, which put that prized No. 2 spot squarely on the trading block for anybody desiring to take "RG3." It is assumed that the Indianapolis Colts will use the first pick to take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck to replace departed Peyton Manning.

Blackmon's big Pro Day draws key decision-makers

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:40:08 EST

STILLWATER, Okla. -- When Justin Blackmon didn't run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, questions about his speed persisted.

With 62 representatives from all 32 NFL teams watching him at his pro day, Blackmon erased any lingering doubt about his timed speed in roughly 4.45 seconds.

Oklahoma State listed Blackmon's 40 time as a 4.46 Friday. Scouts attending also had him running in 4.44 seconds.

"I was trying to shoot for a 4.45," Blackmon said. "That was kind of in my head, anywhere between there and 4.5.

Top-rated WR Blackmon proves speed with 4.4 times

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:05:42 EDT

After measuring in shorter and lighter than expected and showing a lack of explosion during receiving drills at the 2012 Scouting Combine, the pressure was on Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon to perform well at his Pro Day.

It appears that he did precisely that. Former St. Louis Rams' Vice President of Player Personnel Tony Softli reported on Twitter that three separate scouts had clocked Blackmon in the low 4.4s (4.43, 4.44, 4.45) in the 40-yard dash Friday.

NFLDraftScout.com confirmed the time with one of our own sources on hand, who had Blackmon at 4.45 seconds. Our source also reports that Blackmon registered a 35.5" vertical jump.

While Blackmon, the reigning back to back Biletnikof winner as the nation's top wide receiver, had enjoyed a stellar career with the Cowboys there had been plenty of concern about his straight-line speed. Multiple scouts had estimated Blackmon in the mid 4.5s throughout this season and earlier in his career.

Georgia TE Orson Charles arrested for DUI Friday

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 9:14:58 EST

Georgia tight end Orson Charles was arrested by Athens-Clarke County Police early Friday morning for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and driving at a minimum speed, according to multiple reports.

According to the Athens-Clarke County Jail reporting log, Orson Reuben Charles, 21, was booked at 4:31 am. He was released on bond less than an hour later.

Charles, ranked as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 3 tight end for the 2012 draft, left Georgia after a junior season in which he caught 45 passes for 574 yards and five touchdowns and earned All-SEC accolades from conference coaches and media, alike. It marked the third year in a row in which Charles had been acknowledged by the SEC, as he earned Second Team honors in 2010 (26-422-2) and received a spot on the conference's All-Freshman team in 2009 with 23 catches for 374 yards and two scores.

Former 'Canes show support at Pro Day

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:13:32 EST

The Miami Hurricanes might not have any first-round prospects, but they have a solid group of draftable players, including three Top 100 prospects according to NFLDraftScout.com, who drew 66 scouts from the NFL and CFL to Thursday's Pro Day.

The Hurricanes have been known for their strong support from alumni as well, and NFL players Jimmy Graham, Reggie Wayne, Santana Moss, Antrel Rolle, Matt Bosher, Orlando Franklin, Richard Gordon and DeMarcus Van Dyke took in the workout as well, according to the school's website.

The main draw is running back Lamar Miller, who is battling with former ACC foe David Wilson to be the second back off the board behind Alabama's Trent Richardson. Miller skipped the 40-yard dash after running a blistering 4.4 at the Scouting Combine, but he did post a 35.5-inch vertical jump and a 6.94-second L Drill. He's currently the No. 40 overall prospect according to NFLDraftScout.com ratings.

TE Allen doesn't run at ProDay after slow Combine

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:57:44 EST

Top-ranked tight end Dwayne Allen didn't attract attention for what he did at Clemson's Pro Day on Thursday, but rather for what he didn't do.

Allen, who clocked an unimpressive 4.89 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis last month, didn't even run the 40 this time.

"I'm not a track guy - I'm a football player," Allen said. "Just watch me on film. If you watch me on film, I play way faster, and that's all that matters."

Many of the 44 NFL personnel on hand for Allen's workout might agree, including New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, who met with Allen at the NFL Combine and was present again at Clemson.

RB Polk measures in lighter, faster at UW Pro Day

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:35:06 EST

Seattle -- A year ago it was quarterback Jake Locker whose impressive Pro Day workout at the University of Washington served as a springboard from which he boosted his mercurial stock all the way to the No. 8 pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

This year it is running back Chris Polk who likely boosted his stock with scouts with an impressive all-around performance Thursday in front of scouts and position coaches from roughly half of the teams in the NFL. Ironically enough, he did so with Locker watching, as the Titans' 2011 first round pick returned to Washington to throw passes to Polk, wide receivers Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar and fullback Dorson Boyce.

Polk measured in at 5-10 (1/2) and 212 pounds, three pounds lighter than he'd weighed at the Combine and 12 pounds lighter than he was at the Senior Bowl. The loss of weight was noticeable in the running back's time in the 40-yard dash and his explosiveness in positional drills. Polk was credited with an "official" 4.57 second time at the Combine but came in at between 4.45-4.49 in his first attempt and 4.48-4.51 in his second. Polk also posted 16 reps on the bench press. He caught passes out of the backfield, demonstrating the soft, reliable hands and route-running ability that I believe is his most underrated quality and why the Washington running back remains in the hunt (along with Boise State's Doug Martin, Virginia Tech's David Wilson and Miami's Lamar Miller) to be the second back selected in the 2012 draft. Only Alabama's Trent Richardson, the consensus top-rated back, is viewed as a surefire first round pick.

Crick flexes muscle at Nebraska pro day

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:57:28 EST

NFLDraftScout.com's fifth-ranked defensive end Jared Crick of Nebraska, who missed most of last season because of a torn pectoral muscle that ended his season in October, proved to scouts he's fully recovered from the injury by pushing up 26 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press.

Crick, who is ranked 54th overall but has a chance to be drafted higher because of his scheme versatility and impressive production, first climbed onto the draft radar as a sidekick of Ndamukong Suh. But in 2010, with Suh in his rookie season with the Lions, Crick had a standout season.

He has shorter arms than ideal for a true power end in a 4-3 scheme, but his lower-body power, agility and hand use make him attractive as a slanting 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 defensive end.

Thompson turning heads at Clemson Pro Day

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:38:07 EST

Brandon Thompson arrived at Clemson with potential. But not much strength.

As a true freshman, Thompson was asked to perform a strength test -- pushing up 225 pounds on the bench press. He completed 13, with some degree of strain to get there.

"His development strength-wise is incredible," said coach Dabo Swinney.

Thompson, a standout defensive tackle in the ACC, is considered a fringe first-round pick as he leaves Clemson four years later. In his most recent strength test at the Scouting Combine, he did 35 reps. He also had a 9-feet, 7-inch broad jump at 6-2, 315 pounds on Thursday before he posted an unofficial time of 5.0 and 5.12 in the 40-yard dash.

WR Toon highlights "impressive" Wisconsin Pro Day

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:26:55 EST

Senior wide receiver Nick Toon shaved more than a tenth of a second off of the 4.54 second time he had posted at the Scouting Combine, ran crisp routes and plucked the ball out of the air easily, highlighting what one veteran NFL scout called an "impressive group overall" at the Wisconsin Pro Day.

The 6-2, 215 pound Toon was clocked at 4.43 seconds Wednesday. The improved time is important as average straight-line speed is considered to be Toon's biggest shorting. He also improved upon his vertical jump (39") from the Combine (37.5) and registered a 10'10" broad jump, as well. Toon is currently rated by NFLDraftScout.com as a 3rd round prospect and the No. 100 player on our board, overall.

Toon was hardly the only Wisconsin standout to enjoy a strong day.

Stars sit out USC ProDay; Armstead makes NFL jump

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:04:31 EST

LOS ANGELES -- USC's biggest stars did not do a lot of work at Pro Day on Wednesday but there was no lack of drama.

Offensive tackle Matt Kalil and defensive end Nick Perry, ranked in NFLDraftScout.com's top 32 with Kalil in the top five of Rob Rang's Big Board, did some position drills but did not replicate any of their NFL combine work because they were pleased with their initial results.

"These drills come easy to me," said Kalil, who is projected to be the third pick in the NFL draft. "It's cool to look at (mock drafts). But anything can happen on draft day."

Kalil (6-foot-6 5/8, 308 pounds) said he would take USC coach Lane Kiffin to New York as a guest for the NFL draft in April, when he'll be one of the dozen or so prospects in attendance at the Thursday primetime event.

30 teams represented at limited Alabama Pro Day

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:55:21 EST

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Something was missing. Or was it someone?

Somehow, there wasn't much of a buzz Wednesday at Alabama's Pro Day.

Running back Trent Richardson wasn't there. Neither were two former Alabama teammates: safety Mark Barron and outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw.

All but two of the 32 teams were represented at an event at which 14 members of the Crimson Tide's 2011 national championship team performed, but head coaches and all but three general managers stayed away. The Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams were the teams not represented.

With QB sidelined, Fuller steps up at A&M Pro Day

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:25:58 EST

With senior quarterback Ryan Tannehill not yet able to work out due to his recovery from a broken foot, the stage was set for several other Aggies to take advantage of the pro scouts on hand for Texas A&M's Pro Day.

Senior wide receiver Jeff Fuller offered scouts a pleasant surprise by participating in the workout. He had been expected to wait until March 29 (like Tannehill) to work out after it was discovered that he'd suffered a stress fracture in his foot at the Senior Bowl, but he elected to compete anyway. This fact was especially important because unlike most of A&M's other prominent prospects not named Tannehill, Fuller was the only Aggie invited to the Combine who wasn't able to work out in Indianapolis.

Fuller, measuring in at 6-4, 225 pounds, was clocked between 4.62-4.66 in a pair of attempts at the 40-yard dash and registered a 4.34 second time in the 20-yard short shuttle and a 7.10 second time in the three-cone drill. Fuller also had a 36" vertical jump, according to the official Twitter feed of Texas A&M Aggie Football. Fuller also participated in positional drills. The one drill he had performed in at the Scouting Combine was the bench press, where he lifted the bar 17 times.

Alabama Pro Day minus Richardson, Barron, Upshaw

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:34:21 EST

I am beginning to get some of the early results from the just concluded Alabama Pro Day but perhaps the biggest story of the day was who wasn't available to work out rather than who was.

Three of the four Crimson Tide prospects currently rated as first round caliber prospects by NFLDraftScout.com did not participate in today's workout. It had been known that running back Trent Richardson (knee) and safety Mark Barron (hernia) would not be working out today. Pass rusher Courtney Upshaw also was unable to workout today due to knee tendinitis. Each is expected to participate in Alabama's second Pro Day workout, scheduled for March 29. All 32 NFL teams were represented today. Expect all 32 to be there March 29, as well.

Of course, the defending national champions boast plenty of talent other than these three -- not the least of which is two other potential first round prospects in cornerback 'Dre Kirkpatrick and inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower.

Greg Childs lights up track at Arkansas Pro Day

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 1:17:15 EST

On a day full of interesting results from Pro Days scattered across the country (from UCLA to Illinois to Georgia Tech), it was the workout in Fayetteville, Arkansas that had scouts buzzing Tuesday night.

That's because Arkansas wideout Greg Childs stole the spotlight demonstrating much greater explosiveness in measureable and positional drills from what he showed les than two weeks ago at the Scouting Combine. In doing so Childs helped to prove that perhaps he's regained the explosiveness that made him a star in the SEC before partially injuring the patella tendon in his right knee in 2010 and reinjuring the knee last year.

The 6-3, 212 pound Childs had enjoyed a quietly solid workout at the Combine (where he weighed in seven pounds heavier), including running the 40-yard at 4.55 seconds and posting a 36.5" vertical jump. On Tuesday, Childs was clocked at 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash and also improved his vertical jump significantly, posting a 41.5" vertical that would have tied Stanford's Chris Owusu for third among all receivers tested in Indianapolis this year.

Parents banned from UCLA's Pro Day

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:49:34 EST

When UCLA closed its lightly-anticipated Pro Day, it wasn't just to fans and the media. The Bruins didn't even allow parents into Tuesday's workout, according to the L.A. Times.

"They're saying we can't watch for this reason or that reason," Harold Edison, father of Bruins defensive tackle Justin Edison, told the paper. "This is a big day for my son and they are not going to let me watch?"

Edison was told by employees of the UCLA football program that he couldn't even be in the parking structure, and that campus police would be called if parents refused to leave "and it escalates."

UCLA closed the Pro Day under the auspice of limiting "distractions."

Auburn's Pro Day lacks sizzle minus stars

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:30:13 EST

With no Cam Newton, no Nick Fairley and just three prospects among NFLDraftScout.com's top 500 rated players for the 2012 draft, Auburn's Pro Day lacked anything close to the sizzle it provided in 2011.

Nine Tigers and North Alabama running back Wes Holland worked out in front of NFL Scouts.

Brandon Mosley, NFLDraftScout.com's No. 9-rated offensive tackle, was primarily a spectator while choosing to stand on his results from the Scouting Combine. He posted a 5.21-second 40-yard dash, benched 225 pounds 30 times, had a 27-inch vertical, a 103-inch broad jump, a 7.43-second three-cone drill and a 4.78-second short shuttle in Indianapolis.

Long snapper Josh Harris stands a decent chance to get drafted, but managed only 16 bench reps at 225 pounds, although he did post an 11-foot, 5-inch broad jump, according to AL.com.

Mercilus a big draw at Illinois' Pro Day

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:56:44 EST

Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus became the first top prospect to participate in agility tests during the Pro Day season, running an impressive 4.38-second short shuttle and a 7.03-second three-cone drill, according to NFL.com.

One of 18 prospects to work out in front of representatives from all 32 NFL teams for Tuesday's indoor workout on field turf, Mercilus is trying to prove he can transition to edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme if asked. Rated as the No. 3 defensive end prospect and No. 26 overall by NFLDraftScout.com, Mercilus measured in at 6-3 7/8, 258 pounds.

Offensive tackle Jeff Allen, a rising prospect looking to crack the top three rounds, stood on his workout numbers from the Scouting Combine, although he did run a 4.78 short shuttle and 7.57 three-cone drill.

Richardson to skip Alabama's Pro Day

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:31:41 EST

ATLANTA - Tailback Trent Richardson, the consensus top-rated running back and the No. 6 overall prospect by NFLDraftScout.com, will not participate in drills at Alabama's Pro Day on Wednesday, agent Jimmy Sexton confirmed to The Sports Xchange.

It was believed by most that Richardson, who underwent minor knee surgery in the offseason and was unable to work at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, would not be fully rehabilitated from the knee surgery in time for the campus workout. Some scouts, however, held out hope that Richardson might be ready for the audition.

That will not be the case, though, and Richardson will work out for scouts in about three weeks, Sexton said.

"He just started running full speed this week (at the API facility in Phoenix), and he's close to be ready, but it's not quite there yet," Sexton said. "People should have plenty of time to see him and get a good read."

Hill shows off route-running Ga. Tech's Pro Day

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:15:35 EST

ATLANTA -- Wide receiver Stephen Hill wanted to leave a specific impression with the NFL coaches who flocked to Georgia Tech's pro day.

"I just want to show them, because those are the guys who will be drafting me, that I can do great things other than just running deep routes," said the 6-4, 215-pounder, one of the stars of the NFL Combine, where he posted an unofficial 4.36 time in the 40-yard dash.

Mission accomplished. With two head coaches -- Atlanta's Mike Smith and Lovie Smith of the Bears -- and most NFL teams in attendance, Hill did his part to continue nudging his draft stock upward.

Running a variety of short and intermediate routes, Hill got in and out of his breaks fast and caught all 12 passes, including a fingertip-grab off the turf, form quarterback Eric Ward in Tuesday's workout. Vikings wide receiver coach George Stewart ran the receiver drills and ordered Hill through the route tree.

CB Jackson, DT Meatoga impress at Hawaii Pro Day

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:42:30 EST

More than a dozen former Warriors participated in Hawaii's Pro Day workout watched by personnel from 26 NFL teams in Carson, Calif. on Monday. The school moved its annual workout to California in recent years to make it easier for more scouts to attend.

Ironically enough, arguably the the top-rated prospect at the event wasn't even a member of the Hawaii football team.

Cal-Poly cornerback Asa Jackson was allowed to participate and rewarded scouts with his performance. Jackson, who fully participated in the Scouting Combine, shaved five hundredths of a second off of his 40-yard dash (4.44) from the time he posted in Indianapolis (4.49) and added three inches to his vertical jump (34.5"-37.5"). Jackson is currently rated as the No. 25 cornerback in the 2012 draft by NFLDraftScout.com. He is amongst a strong group of so-called second and third tier prospects that make up arguably the deepest position in the draft.

UAB's McCants stands on Combine workout

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:13:07 EST

Thirteen former Blazer players joined prospects from other area schools at UAB's pro day Monday.

Offensive tackle Matt McCants, the only participant on hand who was invited to the Scouting Combine last month, stood on his Indianapolis numbers and did not go through the agility testing. He is the No. 8-rated offensive tackle prospect by NFLDraftScout.com and the 84th-rated prospect overall, projected to go in the third round.

Other former UAB players who attended the pro day included tight end Jeffery Anderson, cornerback T.J. Ballou, running back Justin Brooks, offensive lineman Greg Calhoun, offensive lineman Terence Edge, wide receiver Frantrell Forrest, defensive tackle Elliott Henigan, defensive lineman D.J. Reese, running back Pat Shed, offensive lineman Darion Smith, cornerback Terrell Springs and tight end Danny Volk.

Charles 4.7-4-88 in 40 at windy UGA pro day

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:58:03 EST

Georgia tight end Orson Charles ran two pedestrian 40 times at his Pro Day in Athens on Monday, but the 4.7-to-4.88 clockings in his shimmery gold track shoes won't be evaluated as "official times" because of wind gusts between 20-30 mph. Teams often adjust their individual 40 recordings based on the surface, environment (indoor/outdoor) and general weather conditions.

Charles, NFLDraftScout.com's third-ranked tight end, plays fast with good quickness off the snap and top-end speed for the position. His height and shorter arms are considered his greatest detriment, but his ceiling might be greater than top-ranked tight end Dwayne Allen (4.89 40 at the Combine) and Coby Fleener of Stanford, who didn't run in Indianapolis because of a high ankle sprain.

Penn State DB Lynn ran at Combine with torn calf

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:29:23 EST

Many players cite an old injury as a reason not to work out at the Combine.

Penn State's D'Anton Lynn is hoping that a disappointing performance at the Combine will be disregarded by scouts due to the fact that he was attempting to compete with a torn calf, at least according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 6-0, 206 pound Lynn was clocked at 4.77 seconds in the 40-yard dash -- the slowest time recorded by any defensive back at the Combine this year. Though he participated in the bench press (17 reps) and jumps (31.5" in the vertical and 111" in the broad jump), Lynn elected not to participate in any of the other timed events at the Combine after running the 40-yard dash.

According to Schefter's report, Lynn had planned to warm up and then decide whether to participate in drills based on how the calf felt. The injury had originally taken place during Penn State's TicketCity Bowl loss to Houston. Lynn elected to play through the injury at the Senior Bowl. He was beaten badly there, at times, any may have been wiser to take care of the injury immediately following the end of Penn State's season.

Scouts identify 5 underrated Combine performers

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:20:06 EST

Now that we've had a few days to fully digest the information overload that is the annual Scouting Combine, there are a few players who haven't received enough attention for strong efforts, according to my conversations with league personnel.

Every Combine conversation I've had with scouts has started with the obvious workout warriors -- Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe, Georgia Tech wideout Stephen Hill, Central Florida cornerback Josh Robinson and other, similarly well-publicized athletes. Considering their spectacular performances, it isn't surprising to see their stocks get a bump.

According to scouts. there are plenty of others flying under the national radar whose workouts helped solidify their grades. These are five who were mentioned multiple times.

Pead, TE Robinson impress at Cincinnati Pro Day

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:36:40 EST

Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead elected not to run the 40-yard dash again at Cincinnati's Pro Day Friday due to the fact that he'd already clocked an impressive time a week previous at the 2012 Scouting Combine but that didn't stop him from helping his cause, according to a source on hand for the workout.

Cincinnati, like an increasing number of universities, offered a handy synopsis of the Pro Day workout on their official athletic website. According to their report, 28 of the 32 NFL teams attended the workout, which was run largely by the hometown Bengals' head coaches. Head coach Marvin Lewis was not in attendance but several assistant coaches were present, as was the team's director of player personnel, Duke Tobin. Among the other teams in attendance, I've been able to confirm that the Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals, and Detroit Lions were among the teams represented.

Bounty? Saints could pay dearly in draft

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:53:15 EST

The Saints are overextended financially and don't have the salary cap space to retain key fixtures on their roster. They've backed themselves into a corner with likely franchise player Drew Brees, which might cost them free-agents-to-be Carl Nicks and Marques Colston.

What to do? Reload in the draft, of course.

Not in New Orleans.

The Saints don't have a first-round pick in 2012 draft -- dealt in 2011 to get back into the first round and draft RB Mark Ingram 28th overall.

GT's Hill rising fast, has scouts retracing steps

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:19:08 EST

The man who might have sent scouts scrambling to the videotape following the end of the combine earlier this week is Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill, regarded as among the so-called big winners from the Indy sessions.

Hill caught only 49 balls in three seasons in coach Paul Johnson's run-heavy triple-option offense, yet averaged 25.5 yards per reception, and clocked a blistering 4.36 40 at the combine, with a vertical jump of 39 1/2 inches.

Scouts are already dialing up former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Terance Mathis, the offensive coordinator at Savannah State and a guy who has worked diligently with Hill on route-running, for his take on the wideout.

And people are calling sprint coach Loren Seagraves, who also drew a Falcons paycheck and worked on explosive speed with Hill, and who has a ton of league contacts, for Hill insights.