Some opinions on what has transpired on the NFL’s scouting combine so far:
- I don’t believe there is an offensive left tackle worthy of the first overall selection. Jason Smith from Baylor isn’t nearly the run blocker Jake Long was at Michigan, nor did he workout as well as Long or Joe Thomas, the left tackle from Wisconsin, the year before at the combine (Thomas ran a sub 5.0 40-yard dash). Few other than draft geeks even knew about Smith a month ago. He was a converted tight end from high school. Virginia’s Eugene Monroe is a superior pass blocker, but not a great run blocker. Both are legitimate Top 15 picks in the draft, but taking either one first overall is anything but a safe pick.
- Seems like USC quarterback Mark Sanchez has done well. His throwing has been good and he’s been pretty athletic in drills. He runs well, as does Georgia’s Matthew Stafford. Kansas State’s Josh Freeman has shown some athleticism.
- Ohio State’s Beanie Wells looks really good in the drills. Bet his stock rises as the draft nears.
- The injury to Michael Crabtree is not going to drop him that far down in the draft. He will still go in the Top 5. But it will probably stop the possibility a team like Oakland would want to trade up to No. 1 overall with the Lions for Crabtree. There is a lot of depth at the wide receiver.

Random Thoughts

- Manny Harris is a terrific talent, but his inconsistency might prove to be why Michigan doesn’t make the NCAA Tournament this year. A key for the Wolverines’ basketball future: How much Harris learns from it.

- A reason not to like the World Baseball Classic: The Tigers can’t decide whether Justin Verlander will be their opening day starter because he might be involved in the World Baseball Classic.