Combine re-check raises flags for Bowers, Smith

Nolan Nawrocki
nnawrocki@pfwmedia.com Senior editor

Posted April 12, 2011 @ 5:24 p.m. ET
By Nolan Nawrocki

The way we hear it, two potential top-15 picks could be significantly affected by results from the Combine re-check. According to multiple sources, Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers and USC OLT Tyron Smith both have received very concerning, low grades after having what was said to be meniscus surgery on their right knees following the season. Bowers has been very slow to recover from January surgery because he already had what three team doctors deemed to be microfracture surgery, and his knee condition is considered to be degenerative.

"He should get better with added strength," one NFL executive said. "But he will have future problems because the damage is too bad."

"He's talented," said another top executive, "but that's a lot of risk to take. You might not get much in Year One and how long is he going to last? Our doctors said he would be lucky to play out his rookie contract. He's a very humble kid. You hope he could overcome it. But we couldn't take him where we are picking (in the middle third of the first round). Someone else might. We would discuss it in the second round."

Smith had surgery on December 17 and had nearly an extra month to recover. He didn't work out at the Combine and, despite showing surprisingly well at his pro day, could also be affected by unfavorable medical grades, which every team medical staff evaluates differently.

"We've had (Smith) at the bottom of the first all along," said an NFL executive. "The media has pushed him up. No one questions the traits. But there is a miss factor. Remember everyone was surprised when Winston Justice slid. We had him (graded) in the fourth round. The medical could push (Smith) out of the first, no question. I would love for him to go in the top 10, but I'd be shocked if he came close."

Dr. Thomas Carter, who performed the surgery on Smith, told PFW that the knee is sound: "(Smith) has no chondral defects. He doesn't need to have a more aggressive procedure done now, not at this time. … It would seem that in his efforts to further expedite his recovery, it looks like (Smith) pushed himself a little too hard."

Carter conceded that different team doctors could interpret the same knee different ways.

PFW's Eric Edholm contributed to this report.

It is a few days until July 1st, but I figured I would go ahead and get this thread started on a Rangers off day. Lots of speculation going on right now...and here is the way I see this:

1. Lebron to Chicago - I think he has had his mind made up for awhile.Lots of factors lead me to thinking this way:

During the season Lebron requested a number change from 23...why do this? (cant wear 23 in Chi)

Wade's comments about Chicago not taking care of their stars....obviously meant for the ears of Lebron who has probably already told Wade his intentions...

Chicago hiring of their coach who is represented by Lebron's people

The rumors floating about Lebron eating where Jordan used to and trying to act like him.

Chicago also just dumped Hinrich to Washington probably because Lebron has requested that they get another near MAX player.

2. Wade stays in Miami - No surprise here...I do think Wade is really trying to reel in one big fish with him, but he isn't going anywhere.

3.Bosh to ?(Chi/Mia/NY) - This one I am still questioning.....Does Bosh really want to be the Robin to James or Wade? He will have his chance. I could also really see Bosh go to the Knicks to make his own name for himself and try to become more largely known (and get more endorsements)

4.Joe Johnson to the Knicks - I think Dallas has a slim chance at this one, but I think the Knicks already realize that they are not getting Lebron/Wade, so they will focus on getting Johnson and another. I really don't think Joe Johnson is a MAX guy, but he will get it. The Knicks will not go without adding a few big names as they have waited 3 years for this off-season.

Those are the top 4....so now what happens to our Mavs?

I do think Dirk signs a new contract with the Mavs fairly quickly

I think we miss out on the top 4 for sure...I just cant see it happening. Then, we start focusing in on players such as Stodamire/ Boozer/ Lee....I think the problem is that so many teams cleared cap room for a chance at the big guns, that these smaller guns will get MAX money once the other teams are left out in the cold.

I do see the Mavs moving Dampier for a better player....(either a FA or a player with a lot of money left) and then signs Damp back when he is released

I think Dallas will sign and trade Haywood for something, just because I think he left a bad taste in the Mavs mouth near the end of the season (attitude and his play)

and finally I think the Mavs ink Shaq for the MLE for a couple of years.

This will probably keep the Mavs about where they are in terms of power in the West. We will be good, but not a championship team

It should at the least be entertaining.....

Nebraska leaning toward Big 10

With the news coming out today that sources are saying Nebraska will bolt the Big 12 for the Big 10, I figured I would start an LSB thread to discuss the topic. I know that many on this board have ties to the Big 12 in one way or another. If these reports are true, then I think the next domino to fall will be a majority of the Big 12 South moving to the PAC 10 to form the PAC 16. This brings up a ton of questions:

Why does this make sense for Nebraska?

Nebraska would get a substantial pay raise in the BIG10, and it also seems to work geographically. Also Nebraska's only major rival in the Big 12 was Oklahoma, and they only get to play them every other year. Nebraska believes that the BIG 10 will add to their legacy.

What does Texas and Oklahoma gain by moving to the PAC 10?

These two schools would also see a huge jump in money, which could get even larger when the PAC 10 creates their own network like the Big 10 (which I imagine would be part of the agreement). It also makes sense recruiting wise. Texas and OU in the past have been able to cherry pick from the state of California, but merging with the PAC 10 could cause an all out blitzkrieg of recruits coming from Cali.

What about the rest of the Big 12 South?

Texas and OU would like to keep their state rivalres, so look for OSU, TT, and TAM to piggyback their way to the PAC 10. This move would be great for all of those schools.

What about Baylor?

The Texas legislature is trying to get Baylor included in this, but I have my doubts. Colorado makes much more sense. With Colorado, the PAC 10 gains the large Denver market. It also make sense geographically when Arizona and Arizona State are added to the division. Baylor has been much better than Colorado in most sports and academically, but money fuels this transition. Sorry Bears fans, you may be left in the cold.

What about the remaining teams in the Big 12?

This is an interesting question. I think Misouri will try to piggyback Nebraska to the Big 10. Kansas, K state, and Iowa State are left in the cold. I could see them being added to possibly the Mountain West. Baylor will be in a tough position if it is left out of the merger. I don't see the SEC wanting Baylor. They may have to bite the bullet and try to latch on to Conference USA with the other Texas schools...I guess the Mountain West is also a possibility.

My predicted realignment