The Raiders made offensive tackle Robert Gallery the number two overall pick in the 2004 draft when the 6'7" 323 lb offensive tackle followed up a stellar college career with an equally stellar combine. Most impressive was his sub five second forty-yard dash.
Center Samson Satele wasn't drafted by the Raiders but they acquired him for his athletic abilities. In the 2007 combine, he had a combine best among offensive linemen in the 20 yard shuttle (4.29) and was third in the 3 cone drills.
The 2010 combine was all about 6-foot-6, 314 pound offensive tackle, Bruce Campbell. The freakish athlete was a top performer in nearly every category. He had the top 40 yard dash time among offensive linemen with a best of 4.75, which is nearly unheard of. His other numbers include a 7.58 three-cone, 4.69 short shuttle and 34 reps on the bench press. The Raiders chose him in the fourth round though a lot of people thought they would go after him in the first or second. Dodged a bullet there.
What no one was talking about, however, was the Raiders offensive tackle pick the round prior in the same year. Jared Veldheer, bested him in nearly every category outside of the 40 yard dash. Veldheer had a better Vertical jump (33.5), Broad Jump (9'1"), 3 cone (OL combine best 7.40), and 20 yard shuttle (OL combine best 4.51). Now who's the freak?
Outside of position drills, how important do you think these drills are in measuring a prospective NFL player?
Loading comments...