2014 NFL Draft News: Greg Robinson, Jimmie Ward
Jimmie Ward (15) warms up. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Auburn Tigers Greg Robinson was always in the discussion with Texas A&M Aggies product Jake Matthews as the potential first offensive tackle taken off the board, and it looks like Robinson has pushed himself ahead of Johnny Manziel’s blindside protector. Matthews has excellent tape and was rated higher than Robinson for quite some time, and there are still many people who believe Matthews is better. However, others have ranked Robinson higher, and his incredible performance at the Combine on the bench press and 40-yard dash has people drooling, and his elite athleticism and perceived upside will likely cause him to be picked ahead of Matthews, who seems to be viewed as the safer prospect. I personally have Matthews and Robinson on an even level, as it’s just a matter of personal preference as to which prospect you have ranked first.
Hyperbolic comparisons to great NFL players are the hallmark of draft season, especially when Combine numbers are discussed. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last night that “some NFL scouts” are comparing Greg Robinson to former Hall of Famer Larry Allen, who is one of the best and strongest linemen in the history of the game. Robinson has elite tools and plenty of talent, but it’s definitely a stretch to compare any draft prospect to a HOFer.
Draft insider Tony Pauline reported last night that Northern Illinois safety Jimmie Ward will not be participating in defensive backs workouts today due to a foot issue that was noticed by the Combine’s medical staff. Thankfully, Pauline reports that the issue seems “relatively minor”, but the exact nature of Ward’s foot injury is unknown.
It’s a shame we won’t get to see Ward work out, because he’s one of the best safety prospects in this year’s draft class. In fact, Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton Dix is the only safety I have ranked higher than him, as I believe Ward’s coverage skills make him better than Calvin Pryor. While Pryor’s tools and playmaking ability give him more upside, his proclivity towards missing tackles severely docks him. Ward is more consistent, better in deep coverage, and is also one of the more physical DBs in this year’s class.