Five players from the state of Maryland will be participating in the 2015 NFL Combine. While it’s too soon to tell which team might draft them or how they will fare in the NFL, these next four days will certainly draw interest from many local football fans.
Perhaps national scouts and the national media look at players from Maryland and see decent talent that lacks desirable NFL traits. But, having graduated from Towson and having covered Maryland Terrapins football, I can tell you that the one thing these players don’t lack is confidence. They know what it’s like to fight against the odds, personally and athletically. They hear the criticisms, and though the criticisms may be warranted (sometimes), these players don’t let negativity define them.
Two years ago, Towson’s season ended in a national championship appearance. Last year, the Terps won on the road at Penn State and at Michigan–two legendary college football venues.
These players have been in the spotlight before, but the key for them now is how they handle more pressure on a more frequent basis. Their on-field performances will tell us A) How prepared they are, and B) If they stand out, or if they’re just average.
Here are the five players participating in this year’s combine that played their college football in Maryland.
University of Maryland
Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil
Combine number: LB04
Workout day: Sunday 2/22
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 250 pounds
NFL Grade: 4.8 (should be in an NFL training camp)
Projected NFL position: Outside (Rush) linebacker in a 3-4 scheme
Analysis: Cudjoe-Virgil is a player that has earned everything he’s gotten. He’s a very hard worker and will make the most of his opportunity this weekend. Having transferred from Seton Hill and endured major injuries at Maryland, the pressure isn’t likely to get to him. I expect him to perform well on Sunday.
Cudjoe-Virgil has the potential to be an explosive edge rusher and a good edge-setter in the run game, but he will need to stay committed to improving his burst and technique in the coming months if he wants to make a NFL roster.
Stefon Diggs
Combine number: WO15
Workout: Saturday 2/21
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 195 pounds
Arm length: 31 1/4″
Hands: 10″
NFL Grade: 5.58 (chance to become NFL starter)
Projected NFL position: Slot (Y) receiver and kick returner
Analysis:Â Like fellow former Terp Cudjoe-Virgil (Towson), Diggs (Good Counsel) played his high school and college football in the state of Maryland, so the attention local fans pay to his performance will certainly be high.
Diggs is an explosive football player that should thrive at the combine. When he gets the ball in the open field, not many players in this draft are better. However, his blocking needs work. He needs to get better at the point of attack to complete his game.
Deon Long
Combine number: WO28
Workout: Saturday 2/21
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 192 pounds
Arm length: 31″
Hands: 9 1/2″
NFL Grade: 5.1 (better-than-average chance to make NFL roster)
Projected NFL position: Split end (X receiver)
Analysis: Long plays with good strength, maneuvers the sideline well, and can high-point the ball despite only being 6-0. When he sees a tackler approaching, he goes north and south instead of trying to go east and west. He also showed good toughness and balance during his time in College Park.
The knock on Long is his work ethic, which coaches have questioned in the past (according to his NFL.com profile). When that topic comes up in his meetings, the candor in his answers could make or break his draft status.
Towson University
Ryan Delaire
Combine number: DL15
Workout: Sunday 2/22
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 250 pounds
NFL Grade: 5.0 (50-50 chance to make NFL roster)
Projected NFL position: Outside (Rush) linebacker in 3-4 scheme/(Seven technique) defensive end on 3rd-and-long
Analysis: This former Tiger made a living in the opponents’ backfield, racking up 22 1/2 sacks over the past two seasons. He rushes from either side and can use multiple moves effectively while working against opposing lineman. Delaire is particularly effective when he sinks his hips during a speed rush. On run plays, he shows a good motor in pursuit and is able to sort out blocks from pulling guards and fullbacks.
One source close to Delaire told me the following: “He is a naturally great pass rusher. He has a plethora of moves. Weakness: [He] needs to continue to learn football and grasp concepts.”
Tye Smith
Combine number: DB47
Workout day: Monday 2/23
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 170 pounds
NFL Grade: 4.9 (should be in a NFL training camp)
Projected NFL Position: Nickel or dime (Sub) cornerback
Analysis: This North Carolina native earned Third-Team All-America status for his performance in 2014. In 2012 at 3rd-ranked LSU, Smith sacked Zach Mettenberger twice and forced one fumble. He shows good anticipation and ball skills, and while his speed isn’t elite, it’s good enough.
The downside to Smith is his (lack of) size. He doesn’t shy away from hits, but at only 170 pounds, he can only be so effective. Whether it be lack of execution or durability, Smith could be seen as too much of a risk.
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