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Garfield grad singled out by Lions' coach after pro day workouts
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Saturday, Mar 14, 2009
COLUMBUS: Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz didn't mean to single out anyone Friday when cornered in the hallway after Ohio State's pro day workouts were complete.
But he let a little something slip anyway.
''They were all good in the drills,'' Schwartz said. ''I think 'Beanie' Wells ran better than he did at the combine. I was up front when he ran and that was impressive.''
An endorsement from the team that holds the No. 1 pick in the April 25-26 NFL Draft is encouraging, even though the chances of the junior from Garfield High School going first are extremely slim. But it also seemed significant that Chris Wells caught the eye of Schwartz, a noted numbers guy and detail freak.
Wells ran the 40-yard dash in a disappointing 4.59 seconds at the combine last month. On his home turf at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Wells clocked between 4.39 and 4.42, the median of about 20 teams' times.
Wells said he was told he went as low as 4.34.
''I definitely feel relieved,'' Wells said. ''[At the combine] I wasn't relaxed at all; I fought it the whole way. Today I was relaxed. I slept in my own bed, ran in my own backyard. I couldn't ask for any more.''
Asked what this did for his draft status, Wells said, ''I'm not sure. I hope it was a big deal.''
Wells also got a workout in the passing drills, with Jacksonville running backs coach Kennedy Pola playing quarterback.
''I definitely think it's important for me,'' Wells said. ''A lot of people tend to think Ohio State running backs can't catch the ball because they don't see us do it in the game. I went out there and proved I have really good hands.''
Wells was among 20 Ohio State players participating in pro day, which drew more than 60 coaches and scouts from 29 NFL teams. According to an OSU spokesperson, the weakest turnout was from the AFC West, with Denver, Kansas City and Oakland not represented.
The Browns' contingent was led by defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson.
That might lead some to believe the Browns could consider senior cornerback Malcolm Jenkins with the fifth overall pick. He was another who had much to gain Friday, along with senior linebacker James Laurinaitis.
Jenkins, who clocked 4.55 in the 40 at the combine, improved slightly, hitting between 4.50-4.55. Laurinaitis lowered his mark from 4.80 (combine) to 4.72-4.78.
''A lot of coaches said the time I ran at the combine was fine with them,'' said Jenkins, who might end up playing safety in the NFL. ''But for them to convince their owners, spending all this money on me, a 4.4 looks a little better than a 4.5. I wasn't worried about the 40. I knew I wasn't going to come out and run a 4.3.
''My main emphasis is always on how I play. That's the position drills. I think I did really good in that. I felt smooth; my transitions were good.''
Senior linebacker Marcus Freeman was also one of the day's stars, improving his 40 from 4.67 (combine) to 4.50-4.55.
''I talked to a lot of coaches and a lot of them said I definitely improved my draft stock today,'' Freeman said.
Freeman has workouts scheduled with the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys, but said if the Browns come calling, ''I'll be up in Cleveland.''
Laurinaitis, who will graduate a week from Sunday, seems worn out by the process. ''It's stressful,'' he said. ''It seems they're talking about the draft from bowl season until April. Whether you're the fifth pick or the 48th pick, it's all about what you do when you get there.''
Receiver Brian Robiskie, whose 40 times nearly matched his 4.48 at the combine, embraced the day and the journey.
''It's not over,'' Robiskie said. ''We're a long ways away from the draft. This is probably the last chance we'll have on a stage like this.''
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her Browns blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/browns/.
COLUMBUS: Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz didn't mean to single out anyone Friday when cornered in the hallway after Ohio State's pro day workouts were complete.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Posted 03:02 AM, 03/14/2009
Don't forget Detroit has the #20 also.
Rootstown, Oh
Posted 08:43 AM, 03/14/2009
Detroit should trade their #20 to Cleveland for Anderson! We could use that pick big time for Wells!
akron, OH
Posted 09:48 AM, 03/14/2009
freeman could be a steal in the 3rd round.he would look good on the browns D.very athletic lb, that would be a upgrade for the D.
San Diego, CA
Posted 08:42 PM, 03/14/2009
One SD scribe has the Chargers picking Wells with the 16th pick in a mock draft.
akron, oh
Posted 12:33 AM, 03/15/2009
If we get BEANNIE we already have pork chop how bout pork chop and beans? its a natural like a baby and pacifier .
Wilmington, NC
Posted 08:50 AM, 03/15/2009
Neo,
I like that idea. Stick Anderson with a team that really is beyond hope and then see how he feels about Cleveland!
newport, NC
Posted 09:39 PM, 03/17/2009
butter fingers, Gate mouth, must go "back to meatchicken". Brian Robisky from "THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY" would be my choice. First you catch the ball. THEN run!!!!
