Herzlich, Devlin, and Scott set for NFL combine
For area prospects Mark Herzlich, Pat Devlin, and Da'Rel Scott, the difficult work of training for this week's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis is complete and the task of impressing the draft day decision-makers is about to begin.
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For area prospects Mark Herzlich, Pat Devlin, and Da'Rel Scott, the difficult work of training for this week's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis is complete and the task of impressing the draft day decision-makers is about to begin.
Herzlich, a linebacker from Boston College who was a standout at Conestoga High School, had the more difficult road among the three. The career of the 6-foot-4, 244-pound Herzlich was threatened when a rare form of bone cancer was diagnosed after his junior season at BC. After missing the 2009 season while undergoing treatments, Herzlich returned last season and became one of college football's most inspiring stories.
He is known for his aggression, football savvy, and ability to blow up running plays. Most projections have Herzlich going from the mid-second round to the third round. By most accounts, Herzlich has all the physical tools to be an every-down linebacker in the NFL, but some teams may view his medical history as a red flag.
The 6-4, 220-pound Devlin, a product of Downingtown West High who led Delaware to the Football Bowl Championship title game, may be the top non-BCS quarterback in the draft. He has frequently been compared to Joe Flacco because like Flacco, he transferred to Delaware from a BCS school (Penn State). Devlin was named Colonial Athletic Association offensive player of the year.
Flacco's stock rose dramatically at the combine. Devlin is known for his intelligence, quick release, and leadership. "He doesn't have Flacco's arm strength, but who does?" said Mike Mayock, draft analyst at NFL.com.
Devlin's task is to use the combine to improve his draft status, in which he is currently projected as a fourth-rounder by NFLDraftScout.com.
Scott, a running back from Maryland and Plymouth Whitemarsh High, was MVP at the Military Bowl. The 5-11, 205-pound Scott is projected as a seventh-rounder by NFLDraftScout.com. Scott does not possess blazing speed. His 40-yard dash times have ranged from 4.34 to 4.52 seconds.