FB: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Just Bill]

Courtesy of America's Finest News Source:

Darren McFadden's 4.33 40 time is the talk of this year's pre-draft workout, but it was far from the only notable moment in Indianapolis last weekend:

Hawaii QB Colt Brennan completed 17 passes out of the 20 he attempted during the bench press segment

Michigan QB Chad Henne demonstrated his ability to sing three-part harmony by himself as scouts looked on in consternation and growing horror

DE Vernon Gholston put in the combine's strongest showing with a 4.6 40 time, five-second cone drill, 48-inch vertical, laser vision, the ability to fuel cars with his urine, and a broad jump from which he has not yet come down

QB prospect Joe Flacco is being called the next Tom Brady for his chiseled jaw, soulful eyes, tousled hair and roguish grin

Everyone except Michigan running back Mike Hart finished 40-yard dash this year

N.C. State defensive lineman Tank Tyler ate the entire pile of Wonderlic tests in under 12 minutes

Virginia offensive guard Branden Albert just stretched for three days, then left

OT Ryan Clady goes from underrated to top prospect to bust to underrated again in less than five minutes (My personal favorite)

After a one-handed catch, the coaches ranked Virginia Tech's Justin Harper the greatest player of all time

Louisville's Harry Douglas couldn't understand why every time he took a step, people began writing furiously in their notebooks

[Old Indian]

My guess would be that "The Beav" will not be drafted. More than one team, however, will pursue him as a Free Agent. His size will probably be the factor that will allow most teams to take a pass on him. The NFL is stuck in a mindset that says they won't "waste" a Draft Choice on a D III player, since they will be able to get him cheaply into camp and take a look at him that way. It has always bothered me that being able to Play The Game matters so little. I have alluded to this before, but maybe not here, that this happens in all sports, and I notice it in hockey all too often. Guys like Gionta, St Louis, et. al. always have a giant strike against them because of their size. It isn't enough to prove that you were able to compete against the same players that are in the NHL in college or juniors. Makes no sense to me, but they make the big bucks, so they must know what they're doing. Bu!!$#1t

Great Point - One problem.
Name one player whom Beaver has played against who is in or will make the NFL.

For example, Mike Hart ran a slow 40, but he has shown he can compete against linebackers who will be in the NFL, like Connor, Laurinaitis, and Lehman.   Guys like Stenbroten, Dohr and Baillargeon will be selling insurance.

[oshfb]

Found the JSOnline article:

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=725075

[Barber Greene]

Found the JSOnline article:

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=725075

Beaver= the incredible Hulk version of Wes Welker. Good luck Justin!

[badgerwarhawk]

Great Point - One problem.
Name one player whom Beaver has played against who is in or will make the NFL

I tend to agree that Beaver is an unlikely draft pick though I also think he's a lock to be in someone's camp as a free agent.  That being said I'm pretty sure Derek Stanley never played against anyone who had or would play in the NFL until he actually played in the NFL and once he did he competed very well.  How about Tom Newberry?  How many NFL level players he play against in LaCrosse?  There are other examples as well. 

Justin is a long shot to make the NFL but he is very talented and now he's shown that he has physical qualities which are at the level of other NFL prospects.  I wouldn't put anything past him.  He's thrived despite adversity and if there is anyone who's work ethic and will to succeed can overcome the obstacles faced by a DIII athlete it's him.

[stealth]

Freeman the LB from MHB possibly the closest.

My guess would be that "The Beav" will not be drafted. More than one team, however, will pursue him as a Free Agent. His size will probably be the factor that will allow most teams to take a pass on him. The NFL is stuck in a mindset that says they won't "waste" a Draft Choice on a D III player, since they will be able to get him cheaply into camp and take a look at him that way. It has always bothered me that being able to Play The Game matters so little. I have alluded to this before, but maybe not here, that this happens in all sports, and I notice it in hockey all too often. Guys like Gionta, St Louis, et. al. always have a giant strike against them because of their size. It isn't enough to prove that you were able to compete against the same players that are in the NHL in college or juniors. Makes no sense to me, but they make the big bucks, so they must know what they're doing. Bu!!$#1t

Great Point - One problem.
Name one player whom Beaver has played against who is in or will make the NFL.

For example, Mike Hart ran a slow 40, but he has shown he can compete against linebackers who will be in the NFL, like Connor, Laurinaitis, and Lehman.   Guys like Stenbroten, Dohr and Baillargeon will be selling insurance.

[Old Indian]

Let's recap...

Retagent said about the probabilty that Justin Beaver won't get drafted, "It isn't enough to prove that you were able to compete against the same players that are in the NHL in college or juniors."

I merely said, Beaver didn't "compete against the same players that are in the NHL in college or juniors."

Never said Beaver would not make it. 

[Goo 62]

Lets break it down here Beaver could easily be drafted.  Combine does matter and so does size.  If the combine was so stupid why would they have it?  Dont compare hockey players to football players its not fair.  Are there any hockey players over 6'2."
There are 755 or so picks.  And who cares if he doesnt get drafted.  He will 100% be in a camp and on an NFL team.   

[OzJohnnie]

Well, there's only one bad thing I can think of about Beaver doing well in his workout: I find that for the second time in a week, I'm quietly cheering a Wisconsin football player (Favre being the other).  Will wonders never cease?  I hope no one I know hears me.

Go Beaver.

[BoBo]

Name one player whom Beaver has played against who is in or will make the NFL.

Taking this one step further, anybody today knowing who will make an NFL roster sometime in the future, please send me a PM and maybe we can go into business together...I'll put up the capital if you give me the answers to my questions.  If your name happens to be Biff I'll consider it to be a major plus. 

[BoBo]

Just talked to Beaver....What a day he had yesterday!!  40 yd - 4.41, Bench - 24 reps at 225, 3 cone drill - 6.7 (higher than any RB at the combine in Indy), pro agility - 3.9, and a 33 on his vert.  His agent said one of the most impressive combines he has seen, and that his phone hasn't stopped ringing all day!! Beaver you better keep draft weekend open for a DRAFT PARTY!!

The numbers you list differ slightly than those published on NFLdraftscout.com.  However, they do show the Beaver's stock on the rise.  He is listed as 53 out of 187 RB's on their list.  They also list a second positon as kick returner. To put this into perspective, they say the current trend has 52 RB's making it to an NFL camp. But, I agree, it's looking rather obvious that he is positioning himself well after this outstanding performance.

Anybody hear any news about Pete Schmidt possibly re-signing and going back to a NFL camp?  Has he recovered from the injury that derailed his attempt to make the Redskins last season?

[retagent]

Goo - You've got to get out more, and also to learn to understand our language. I was not comparing football players to hockey players, I was comparing the mindset of those who evaluate athletic talent in both sports, and their similarity. Sheesh!

For your information, on the Washington Capitals, a team I follow, and, admittedly, a fairly large team even by NHL standards, there are 19 of 27 players on the current roster listed at 6' 2" or taller. 12 are 6' 3" or taller. So, in answer to your question, Yes, there are plenty of hockey players over 6' 2".

[Champs07]

Hey retagent...go back to Canada!! Comparing Hockey players to football players is absolutely ridiculous.  You play hockey in America because you aren't good enough to shine in Americas greatest sport...FOOTBALL!!

[footballfan413]

Been a hectic week so I have been quiet on the boards but wanted to congratulate Beaver on an awesome performance pro day.  He continue's to prove that the old adage is true. "Hard work pays off!"   He works hard and deserves everything he gets!   Go Beaver!!!!!

[WillieWarhawkforHeisman]

I believe that Justin will absolutely be in an NFL camp and might warrant a late 7th round draft pick depending on if some teams already have drafted the positions they need.....here's the only tough part about Beaver is that he never was given the chance at WW to play a significant role on special teams like Derek Stanley did.....by getting experience on special teams, Derek proved to be more versatile and I believe more NFL teams are more willing to go with a guy who has played as a Wide Receiver, Kick Returner, Running Back, Defensive Back, Punt Gunner than a guy who has only played RB....granted, i'm comparing apples to oranges, because they play two different positions, but I think with the tools that Justin had, it was stupid of the coaches not to put him on Special Teams more.....not saying that he couldn't do that at the NFL level, because I think he can, but it's unfamiliar territory for him