pakowitz

LOS ANGELES (April 2, 2006) -- It is said that the city of Los Angeles has always had a professional football franchise: the University of Southern California. Coached by former Jets and Patriots head man Pete Carroll, the Trojans have become the most dominant team in college football the past few years with two national titles in a row and falling just short of a third this past January.

That kind of program has some of the best players at every position every year. And the 2005 team was no different. Led by the last two Heisman trophy winners, Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, these players are ready to hit the NFL scene. But before they will be drafted, about 150 representatives from every club were on campus for USC's Pro Day. It was an event that was an unbelievable production, one that was bigger than USC had ever put forth before. Just a few in attendance were Packers GM Ted Thompson, Rams coach Scott Linehan, Panthers coach John Fox, Texans coach Gary Kubiak, Giants VP of player evaluation Chris Mara, Eagles VP of player personnel Jason Licht, Vikings director of college scouting Scott Studwell, and the entire Titans coaching staff, including GM Floyd Reese.

The schedule ...
There were 19 draft-eligible players that took part in the workout. The following is a breakdown of their day:

The team representatives started arriving at 7:30 a.m. to an extremely well-organized event. From 8-10 they had a facility for anyone who wanted to study tapes on any of the players. From 10-10:15 they had a mandatory agent meeting. The agents are there, but they don't have access to the field. At 10:15 Carroll spent 30 minutes talking about players in a Q&A session. He took time out to praise his guys on an individual basis. One example was for fullback David Kirtman: "Kirtman came to us as a tailback. A very hard worker who does an excellent job on special teams, he has very good hands, and will block in pass protection. He does everything you want him to do every day of the week."

Players started getting measured for their height, weight, arm length and everything else at 10:45 in Norris Theater. Then at11:30 lunch was available. Following a good meal, the players started their jumps, weight lifting and running. They were broken down into two groups -- A-L and M-Z. That way guys like Reggie Bush would only have to wait about 10 minutes in between 40-yard dashes instead of 20 minutes. Then came the agility drills -- short shuttle and three-cone. Finally at 1 p.m. they started with individual position drills. These players were once again broken down in groups, this time five of them -- DB/LB, QB/WR/TE, RB, OL/DL and P. Punter Tom Malone got his own little workout.

There were about 300 kids and their parents are watching the Pro Day from the stands. If you have ever been to a Hollywood production, this might upstage it. Carroll said the only thing USC wanted to do is make this day better than it's ever been before.


The results …


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http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/9353513

papz

With the first pick in the draft, the New York Jets select Reggie Bush... or the Texans. I'm sticking to my guns that the Jets and Texans will swap spots. Well whoever it is, it's Bush all the way.

Wow out of all these years, this is the first time I've ever heard of William Buchanon. His size and speed looks interesting... could be a nice 2nd day addition.

BiggPoppaFro4

Yeah, Bush just settled the debate. I thought the Texans were fools for going after him instead of their OL needs, but you really can't get what he brings with just anyone. These numbers prove he's #1 pick mos def. Now it's just a matter of who gets him...I still say Texans.

I also like the numbers of Justice at OL. I questioned his makeup due to his bad choices in the past, but he ain't too shabby

......still like Brick better though

LivnaLieTimay

Looks like Reggie and Leinart both had nice days. Reggie pretty much secured the top spot today (not like he wasn't going 1 before). I'm curious to know why LenDale didn't run or jump, injured? That could hurt his stock. Winston Justice put up some numbers, wouldn't mind seeing him either if we didn't take Brick. Either way, I'm hoping the Jets came away salivating over Leinart and we can get their 2 first rounders and maybe an extra later round pick or 2. Seems like we should be able to get a good lb and ot with our first 2 picks that can come in and start right away. I really want a lb, ot, and a center (mangold) with our first 3 picks, that's why if the Jets offer both their first rounders, they are the ideal trading partner.

TIGERSAINT31

LenDale had hamstring problems according to sirius nfl radio

BiggPoppaFro4

Heard that, but to me all that means is he ends up a steal for some team in the late 1st or early 2nd.

He's got talent and some team is gonna say we were so lucky to get a player of his caliber, but how is it that people question DeAngelo Williams but not White? I don't think he's nearly the back he's getting ink for. Lots of TDs, but lots of Bettis-like short and goal situations.

ssmitty

i've said this many times, i think white is the steal of the draft...........
over the long haul, i think you're looking at another bus.......imho..........smitty
and, i would love to see the saints (waste) a pick on him..............

BiggPoppaFro4

true..he is gonna be a decent back

Bettis, no..but he will have a better career than a lot of folks are giving him credit for. I'm coming at it from the stance that I hear alot of folks talk down williams, a back that has proven his worth just as much if not more, and talk up white because of his size.

He's gonna be good, and these numbers = steal for some team in the late 1st that is already rich as hell (maybe colts).

pakowitz

i just dont think u can call a guy a steal when he is expected to be takin in the first round.... if you cant get a good starter out of the first round then what would be the point.... a real steal would be a guy in the 5th round who becomes a pro bowler... thats a steal!