Davis could get up to 4.55 but is another example of a guy behind an incredible offensive line/system. Look at how every single RB in Denver the last 15 years has been successful. Hart can be a good back if put behind a dominant line... but so could alot of other guys. If you take Hart in the 6th or 7th round and put him back there, I don't have a problem with that. He's just not going to do diddly behind an average or worse offensive line. Same for Terrell Davis and Emmitt Smith as far as I'm concerned. Not bad RBs by any stretch, but they need that offensive line push or they wouldn't be considered greats right now.
having a high opinion of hart does not mean i do not have a high opinion of mendenhall.
mendenhall is going to be a good pro.
hart should be a better pro.
agree with fair warning that felix jones is a big time wild card. could be another steal as well.
everyone is looking for a reason to knock hart. doesnt make sense.
he plays with an obvious chip on his shoulder and does nothing but produce. hes an outstanding football player.
he was supposed to lose his job plenty of times at michigan to blue chip recruits. it never happened.
he does all the things you look for in a back that is going to excel at the next level. lots of young backs think its all about taking a handoff and getting 5 yards every time. but theres so much more than that. especially in blitz pickup. not to mention being reliable esp in cold weather.
mendenhall is going to be a good pro.
hart should be a better pro.
agree with fair warning that felix jones is a big time wild card. could be another steal as well.
everyone is looking for a reason to knock hart. doesnt make sense.
he plays with an obvious chip on his shoulder and does nothing but produce. hes an outstanding football player.
he was supposed to lose his job plenty of times at michigan to blue chip recruits. it never happened.
he does all the things you look for in a back that is going to excel at the next level. lots of young backs think its all about taking a handoff and getting 5 yards every time. but theres so much more than that. especially in blitz pickup. not to mention being reliable esp in cold weather.
Just another thing to throw out there... Hart has really struggled against quality defenses. This last game against Florida where he got 4 yards a pop was his best offensive output. Other than that, he's had poor game after poor game for the most part when good defenses are opposite him.
I do like a guy that can pass protect, and I'll give Hart that, but I'd much rather get a guy like Joseph Addai who can carry the rock and pass protect. I don't think Hart is anything more than a 3rd down back in passing situations for the most part, and I'm not even sold on that.
I do like a guy that can pass protect, and I'll give Hart that, but I'd much rather get a guy like Joseph Addai who can carry the rock and pass protect. I don't think Hart is anything more than a 3rd down back in passing situations for the most part, and I'm not even sold on that.
William Franklin of Missouri (4.35) and Devin Thomas of Michigan St (4.40) are the two WRs who improved their stock significantly. I think both make good NFL WRs.
Franklin is 6'0" and Thomas is 6'1". Not great pros but good picks who will contribute. Thomas has the higher ceiling to be a star, but Franklin has NFL size and speed and should develop into a nice #2.
Franklin is 6'0" and Thomas is 6'1". Not great pros but good picks who will contribute. Thomas has the higher ceiling to be a star, but Franklin has NFL size and speed and should develop into a nice #2.
The steal of the draft will be colt brennan. He is smart, accurate, and competitive. He is a well-liked guy and has the leadership qualities needed in a QB.
His only question mark is his durability....can he consistently get back up when being tackled NFL-style. Maybe speed as well (pretty slow), but he has presense which kind of negates it (like Dan Marino had)
Arm strength is another, but his arm is good enough (some say this is overrated)
His sugar bowl performance was very weak, but once he has a professional offensive line (not the undersized Hawaii line), he should be fine.
His only question mark is his durability....can he consistently get back up when being tackled NFL-style. Maybe speed as well (pretty slow), but he has presense which kind of negates it (like Dan Marino had)
Arm strength is another, but his arm is good enough (some say this is overrated)
His sugar bowl performance was very weak, but once he has a professional offensive line (not the undersized Hawaii line), he should be fine.
If Hart doesnt run faster at his NFL pro day he will fall FAR DOWN off of this performance. Only 1 back has ran that slow in the past 8 years and been drafted before the the 4th round (Clarett) and only 1 other back that slow has went before the 7th round.
Bottom line this killed him. I am a big Michigan fan and I love what Mike Hart did. I have defended him to alot of people thru the last few years. He ran with more Heart (no pun intended) than anyone I have ever seen but sooner or later talent catches up to you.
The rumor all along was he was a little slow but I think this was stunning. There is slow but that is too damn slow for a back and espically one that small.
Bottom line this killed him. I am a big Michigan fan and I love what Mike Hart did. I have defended him to alot of people thru the last few years. He ran with more Heart (no pun intended) than anyone I have ever seen but sooner or later talent catches up to you.
The rumor all along was he was a little slow but I think this was stunning. There is slow but that is too damn slow for a back and espically one that small.
Sporting News War Room top 10:
<table class="statTable" onclick="rollstick(event)" onmouseover="rollto(event, 'dcdcdc')" onmouseout="rollback(event, 'ffffff')" bgcolor="#dcdcdc" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr id="stick" style="background-color: rgb(214, 219, 224);" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"><td class="V10">Darren McFadden*, Arkansas</td> <td class="V10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">6-1 </td> <td class="V11"> 211</td> <td class="V11"> 4.45</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">2</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7951)</script>
Rashard Mendenhall*, Illinois</td> <td class="V10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">5-11 </td> <td class="V11"> 210</td> <td class="V11"> 4.50</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">3</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7920)</script>
Felix Jones*, Arkansas</td> <td class="V10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">5-10 </td> <td class="V11"> 207</td> <td class="V11"> 4.50</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">4</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7692)</script>
Ray Rice*, Rutgers</td> <td class="V10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">5-9 </td> <td class="V11"> 200</td> <td class="V11"> 4.50</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">5</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7992)</script>
Jonathan Stewart*, Oregon</td> <td class="V10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">5-10 </td> <td class="V11"> 235</td> <td class="V11"> 4.50</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">6</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7885)</script>
Kevin Smith*, Central Fla.</td> <td class="V10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">6-1 </td> <td class="V11"> 211</td> <td class="V11"> 4.55</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">7</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7716)</script>
Chris Johnson, E. Carolina</td> <td class="V10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">5-11 </td> <td class="V11"> 197</td> <td class="V11"> 4.32</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">8</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7928)</script>
Jamaal Charles*, Texas</td> <td class="V10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">5-11 </td> <td class="V11"> 200</td> <td class="V11"> 4.50</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">9</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7645)</script>
Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech</td> <td class="V10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">5-10
</td> <td class="V11"> 215</td> <td class="V11"> 4.55</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">10</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7654)</script>
Mike Hart, Michigan</td> <td class="V10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">5-8
</td> <td class="V11"> 206</td> <td class="V11"> 4.55</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table class="statTable" onclick="rollstick(event)" onmouseover="rollto(event, 'dcdcdc')" onmouseout="rollback(event, 'ffffff')" bgcolor="#dcdcdc" border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr id="stick" style="background-color: rgb(214, 219, 224);" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"><td class="V10">Darren McFadden*, Arkansas</td> <td class="V10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="v10"> -- </td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">6-1 </td> <td class="V11"> 211</td> <td class="V11"> 4.45</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">2</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7951)</script>
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">3</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7920)</script>
</td> <td class="V11" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">4</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7692)</script>
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</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">5</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7992)</script>
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</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">6</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7885)</script>
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</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> <td class="V11"> --</td> </tr> <tr style="" bgcolor="#ffffff" valign="top"> <td class="V10">7</td> <td class="V10"> <script>showDraftIcons(7716)</script>
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the combine is a JOKE!
watch some game film people please, yes i can see the combine for players from smaller schools non D1 but , i dont care what Mike Hart runs his forty in, he can play. Funny thing is some less productive backs who had a "great" combine will get picked ahead of him, but didnt produce on the field like hart. All i know is I am a PSU fan and Hart never seemed to get stopped for a loss and it took a handful of guys to bring him down. Also, who cares what alex brink ran the 40 in, if he can sit in the pocket n throw he will be given a chance, you think some scout will say dont draft him cuz a OL beat him the 40?? Umm he passes the ball, as long as he has a pocket presence I am sure he will be fine.
watch some game film people please, yes i can see the combine for players from smaller schools non D1 but , i dont care what Mike Hart runs his forty in, he can play. Funny thing is some less productive backs who had a "great" combine will get picked ahead of him, but didnt produce on the field like hart. All i know is I am a PSU fan and Hart never seemed to get stopped for a loss and it took a handful of guys to bring him down. Also, who cares what alex brink ran the 40 in, if he can sit in the pocket n throw he will be given a chance, you think some scout will say dont draft him cuz a OL beat him the 40?? Umm he passes the ball, as long as he has a pocket presence I am sure he will be fine.
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="50%"> <tbody><tr> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr bgcolor="#ccd4cc"> <td class="v10" align="center" width="88">PROJECTION:
</td> <td width="40">
</td> <td class="v12" width="212"> Indianapolis Colts
</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3" class="v11"> Round 3, Pick 30
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td class="v10"> Overall grade: 6.5
Position rank: 10 <script>showDraftIcons(7654, true, false)</script>
NFL comparison:
Warrick Dunn, Falcons
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td align="center">
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table class="statTable" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr class="statTableHeader"> <td colspan="2" align="center"> MIKE HART MEASURABLES </td> </tr> <tr class="statTableRow"> <td> Height: 5-8
</td> </tr> <tr> <td> <iframe style="background-color: rgb(204, 212, 204);" src="http://warroom.sportingnews.com/nfl/masterPlayerList/draft/posQB.html" frameborder="0" height="205" scrolling="no" width="100%"></iframe>
</td> </tr> <tr class="v11"> <td align="right"> KEY » *
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> Mike HartRB, Michigan War Room analysis
Strengths: Shows great instincts and vision to find the correct hole, and makes the quick cut to get through it. Changes directions quickly to make would-be tacklers miss. Is competitive, and works for every last yard. Is tough, and plays through pain. Runs stronger and more aggressively than expected. As a receiver, shows good hands and is dangerous after the catch. As pass blocker, steps up strong and works hard.
Weaknesses: Looks small on film, and lacks ideal bulk. Has struggled to stay healthy, and missed two games as a senior with an ankle injury. Must add 15-20 pounds to hold up as an NFL feature back. Shows more quickness than pure speed, and can't run away from defenders. Gets driven backward in pass protection by strong blitzers. Lacks the strength to consistently break tackles.
Bottom line: Hart was highly productive in college when healthy but has battled injuries throughout his career. We like his competitive running style. He has nearly all the tools to be an NFL starter, but his lack of bulk likely will prevent him from being durable enough to be a full-time starter. Hart likely will end up being a third-down back who contributes immediately as a receiver out of the backfield.
If Hart has the career of Warrick Dunn, someone got a very nice pick. Not sure he will be that good.
