Comments on: Jaguars G.M. wants Combine invitees to “compete”

By: mackie66

mackie66 — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:14:37 +0000

This combine is getting a little silly. Require a RSVP that all players will have to take part or they dont come. Simple as that. If a player is injured is one thing but to simply refuse is selfish. And its not fair to the players who were not invited. And what team needs another selfish player, theres already enough to go around.

By: rollteal

rollteal — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:28:22 +0000

I understand his point. I agree but damn he does have some questionable drafting standards if I say so myself..

By: Slim Charles

Slim Charles — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 04:19:31 +0000

Total BS from Smith. The Combine is just another revenue stream for the NFL. If you want full participation, pay the players for coming.

Also, is this his excuse for drafting Gabbert? None of the good players showed and I had to pick this clown!

By: indpa67

indpa67 — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 03:04:00 +0000

It’s not a big deal, but Orson Charles from Georgia actually did do the position drills. He only ended up skipping the 40. The NFLN guys thought he may have been a little gimpy, but showed no signs of that during the drills.

By: kayakattack

kayakattack — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 02:58:38 +0000

Funny, Smith may be excited to find that Justin Blackmon isn’t performing at the combine, because that may make him fall oddly enough….
At that rate, St. Louis would be stupid to trade out of the 2nd spot, because they will lose Blackmon if they do, if not Jax than someone else.

By: tropboi11

tropboi11 — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:44:28 +0000

The combine is only useful for the players who are not at the top of their draft class, if they do well they might get drafted ahead of where they would have but for the projected top picks it can only hurt them since the only direction is down from where they are now, their college play is all the scouts needed.

By: babyhorsemorgan

babyhorsemorgan — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:38:57 +0000

Tebow killed the Combine in 2010. Wonder where Smith was when that happened?

By: babyhorsemorgan

babyhorsemorgan — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:36:57 +0000

Not only did Gabbert not work out at the Combine, the Jags didn’t even bring him in for an interview prior to the draft. They only spent 15 minutes talking to him one on one, before they drafted him. Jax was about the only team that Blaine did not meet with. Hard to figure Smith out.

By: bigblueapple

bigblueapple — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:22:15 +0000

I don’t understand why… At the very least if no one works out at the combine he has an excuse when he drafts his next big bust.

By: therillest

therillest — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:58:45 +0000

This from the guy who had Blaine Gabbert (whom did not throw at the combine last year) #1 on his draft board……wtf!

By: touchdownmypants

touchdownmypants — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:48:05 +0000

I think it’s more the agents telling them not to for risk of a lower paycheck. Problem is, it makes sense for players to do this if it saves them money. They should just make it mandatory for all players or this will never change. Why would anyone ever compromise years of work for a possible bad day at the combine that costs you serious flow.

By: afunny0

afunny0 — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:41:47 +0000

Im pretty sure every GM, wants to see players compete in everything, but too me its not that big of a deal for the players that already Know they are first rounders like Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin but for the players that are not automatic first round picks and dont do everything and it is not because of injury, then I would be a little discouraged by that.

By: selmonfan63

selmonfan63 — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:39:05 +0000

The combine is strictly for the convenience of the teams and for lower round draft picks. Any top tier player would be foolish to workout under less than ideal circumstances. It may make the teams mad, but the players can only hurt their ranking.

By: adambealyer

adambealyer — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:23:05 +0000

@jdandcoke All Gene Smith is saying is that the NFL combine is like a job interview and he values players who will take advantage of every opportunity given in order to improve their resume. If anything it shows who is self-motivated and eager to use every chance he is given to show why he is the better player.

By: billinva

billinva — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:14:05 +0000

Unless they are injured INVITEE’S should have to do every drill.

If they don’t want to, there is some other guy looking for a shot at the NFL who would gladly do so.

By: jhart615

jhart615 — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:12:12 +0000

you tell em Gene

By: therillest

therillest — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:11:53 +0000

Yeah because Gene’s ability to draft ALL PRO talent is undeniable….NOT!

By: jdandcoke

jdandcoke — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:07:39 +0000

wow….i guess none of the aforementioned players like competing. im assuming none of them are getting drafted now.

hey gene smith, the combine is nothing but a circus act. any gm with a clue knows who the players are long before now. its cool for us fans, but seriously….should it really matter that much to experienced nfl scouting departments?

By: bigdogsolec

bigdogsolec — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:04:21 +0000

I agree, anyone can “throw,catch,block,rush” on people they know best.BUT once in the NFLtere not gonna know who there gonna be “throwing to,catching from,rushing on,defending ” year after year.Rosters change almost yearly. so if you can throw to a “differnt “reciver,catch from “differnt” qb ,block a “differnt” player.that only makes you look better, if you can’t then your proday will help show what could transpire if you know the players better ” hence LONG TIME WITH THEM “

By: lombardihero

lombardihero — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:02:32 +0000

Good for him speaking his mind on this issue…

By: whoknowsnothing

whoknowsnothing — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 21:00:05 +0000

Why not only invite players who are going to participate? Those who are injured, bring them along so they can get checked by doctors. Or something along the lines, everyone knows the track at the combine is slow.

By: jaystus

jaystus — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 20:55:38 +0000

Well he got that right.

By: thejuddstir

thejuddstir — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 20:48:45 +0000

I totally agree with Smith. It’s time the NFL reminded the college players of who is in charge. If they all perform under the same conditions, there can be no better way to evaluate them. If one player runs on a fast track and the other on a slow track does that mean that one player is faster than the other? Hell no. Do these QB’s think their college teammate wr’s are going to be joining them on their pro team? Hell no. Are these players going to be playing their pro ball at their local college campuses? Hell no. It would be quite easy for the NFL to nip this crap in the bud by making it against the rules for any pro team to attend a players “Pro day workout” at their local college campus. Hell yes.