Pre-combine draft boards seem to have been dismissed, as players continue to have their draft stock rise and fall based on their Combine results.  It almost makes you wonder whether you should simply sit back, watch games, and not bother generating a draft board until March.  Then again, that’s no fun, its not really football unless you have salsa stained papers scattered around the couch.

So, how has the latest installment of the NFL combine affected the status of prospects?  The draft can be described in one word – Freakish.  How else do you explain a 254 lb TE running quicker than some of the highest WR prospects?  Vernon Davis sure made the best of his 4.37 seconds of fame.  A month ago, everyone was singing the praises of Marcedes Lewis as the top TE in the draft.  Chad Jackson and Jay Cutler also made bold statements.  Both should easily penetrate the top 32 in the April draft. 

The next question for NFL scouts is who’s stock has diminished since the combine.  We have all spent countless hours generating mock drafts and at the end been left wondering how to squeeze 32 names into their respective slots.  This year is no different. It’s simple mathematics, Leonard Pope, Manny Lawson have also increased their stock lately, which brings us to the million dollar question; Who will be dropped from the first round on draft weekend.  Last year was a prime example.  I remember sitting on the couch, watching Aaron Rodgers wait for his name to be called at #24.  I didn’t see that one coming.  Nor did I envision Antaj Hawthorne becoming a 6^th round selection.

Not taking anything from his talent and abilities on the field, but I believe this unfortunate distinction will go to Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa.  Now please, don’t bombard me with e-mails, I like this guy and believe he will be a solid NFL player, I just see him as the casualty of several other prospects making a surge just before the finish line and as a Packers fan, I would be equally delighted to see him available at the top of the second round. 

Perhaps his fate may be similar to Mr Hawthorne, let’s face it, Greenway’s performance at the combine was less than stellar and in the highly competitive LB corps available in this year’s draft, he could easily be swallowed by his peers; DeMeco Ryans, Kamerion Wimbley, Thomas Howard and teammate Abdul Hodge.

Sure, his personal statistics speak for himself, but we often hear the term “system quarterback, well I am begin to wonder if Chad Greenway is a “system linebacker”.  His speed, which has been touted as his greatest strength is now questionable.  This eliminates any thought of his ability to plan Cornerback.  Not to mention his physical strength is also questioned, based on a poor combine result.