A look back at Day 3
Published: February 26th, 2011 | Tags: Cam Newton, 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, Cameron Heyward, Casey Matthews, Chris Neild, John Fox, Kyle Orton, Marcell Dareus, RObert Quinn, Ryan Mallett, Scot Pioli, Virgil Green, Weslye Saunders
INDIANAPOLIS — Day 3 of the NFL Scouting Combine came to an abrupt halt on Saturday, and they’re about to turn out the lights throughout Lucas Oil Stadium. The media crush subsided following Cam Newton’s news conference, and the last players left the field a few hours back.
Let’s take a look back at what went down:
- Newton made a rock star-like entrance into the media center and was peppered with questions about his character, his relationship with his father and his past transgressions. He mostly earned high remarks for how he handled his first major opportunity in the NFL world, and after opening with a prepared statement went on to say his “entertainer and icon” comments were misunderstood.
- A remorseful Robert Quinn, one of the top defensive end prospects in the draft, opened up about the mistake that he called “selfish” and cost him his senior season.
- Nevada TE Virgil Green dazzled in several of the drills, and might be the prospect who makes scouts take a second look.
- Oregon LB Casey Matthews says he’s trying to make a name for himself.
- Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett took a barrage of questions over the spinning rumors regarding his character, but opted to save his answers for NFL teams.
- It was a tough day for South Carolina TE Weslye Saunders, who aggravated a broken foot.
- Hours after players had left Lucas Oil Stadium, West Virginia NT Chris Neild was out on the field working on his starts for the 40-yard dash he will run on Sunday.
- Is there a reason why John Fox came out and said Kyle Orton is the starter for the Broncos?
- Ohio State DL Cameron Heyward had this to say about his late father, RB Craig “Ironhead” Heyward: “I can’t follow it; it’s his legacy. I want to leave a legacy of my own. I don’t want to live in his shadow, but he was a great player.”
- Chiefs GM Scot Pioli made a surprise visit to the media center.
- Alabama DE Marcell Dareus told reporters that watching Warren Sapp made him want to play football.
- With a potential lockout looming, teams that rely on the draft — such as the Steelers — figure to be at an advantage.
