The leap could be dramatic, depending on what happens this weekend. H.D. Woodson graduate Josh Morgan entered the NFL Scouting Combine as a potential low-round pick. With a good showing, one draft service predicts he could end up a first-day pick.
Such is the importance of the combine, which began Wednesday in Indianapolis.
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In most cases, players don’t rise and fall based on one good showing. However, it certainly can help, or hurt, a player’s standing. Morgan is a prime example. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound wide receiver flashed his ability on occasion at Virginia Tech. But, for now, he probably won’t get picked until the sixth round. Unless, that is, he wows scouts with his time in the 40-yard dash.
Morgan isn’t the only local player hoping to boost his stock:
Derrick Harvey (Florida/E. Roosevelt), DE » He’s projected as a first-round pick — and some peg him as a possible choice for Washington at No. 21. At 254 pounds, he can add about 15 pounds. He was productive at Florida, with 20 1/2 sacks and 30 tackles for a loss the past two seasons. He’s athletic enough to drop into coverage.
Eddie Royal (Virginia Tech/Westfield), WR » Nobody questions Royal’s speed; he was timed at 4.39 in the 40 in college. If he runs a similar time this weekend, he could move up. But scouts want to see more consistency with his hands, which is why he’s projected as a third-round pick. He had a good week during the Senior Bowl. He can also return punts.
Erin Henderson (Maryland/Aberdeen), LB » He’ll be among the most scrutinized at the combine because of his past injuries. If he can prove he’s healthy, he’ll likely go in the second or third round. Scouts like his productivity and consider him a good fit for a team that plays a 4-3 front.
Owen Schmitt (West Virginia/Fairfax), FB » He’s considered the top fullback available, projected in the fourth round. In some systems, he could play fullback and/or tight end. He’s a terrific blocker and sturdy ballcarrier; only four of his 353 career tackles resulted in a loss.
Joey Haynos (Maryland/Gonzaga), TE » At 6-foot-8, 262 pounds, he could probably get a little bigger. Still, scouts like his blocking ability, projecting him as a sixth- or seventh-round selection. Haynos, a former walk-on who was recruited to play basketball at lower-level Division I schools, was Maryland’s second-leading receiver with 30 receptions.
Players from area colleges
Maryland
Andrew Crummey, OG
Joey Haynos, TE
*Erin Henderson, LB
Dre Moore, DT
Virginia
*Branden Albert, OG
Chris Long, DE
Nate Lyles, SS
Virginia Tech
Xavier Adibi, LB
Barry Booker, DT
Duane Brown, OT
Chris Ellis, DE
*Brandon Flowers, CB
Vince Hall, LB
Josh Morgan, WR
D.J. Parker, FS
Carlton Powell, DT
Eddie Royal, WR
* — juniors
