[h=2]Most Athletic Freaks in NFL at every position[/h]
Hey everyone, been reading a few Daniel Jeremiah scouting reports talking about traits of certain players and he references "athletic freak" on a few players and that got me thinking.
Who are the most athletic freaks at every position?
I want this to be on players that have actually showed that they belong in the NFL and not simply an athlete that decided to try football and flamed out(i.e. Jeff Demps type players)
This will probably take me a while to finish so I will post unfinished and edit as I get more time and some suggestions.
Try to do both a past and present nominee(s)
Quarterback:
Present:
Cam Newton-6'5" 245lbs, 4.5 forty yard dash and a rocket for an arm. I found this one to fairly easy choice. If only RG3 was in rookie form he would have made it a tougher choice.
Andrew Luck is the only other QB I thought would be a good choice as his measurables(6'4" 235lbs, 4.67 forty) are close to Cam's.
Past:
Michael Vick- 6'0" 216lbs, 4.38 forty, Vicks 40 is what really stands him out here but how can you argue with the most unfair player in madden history. Too young to know many players from pre-90s nfl so if anyone does,shout some out.
Running Back:
Present:
Adrian Petersen- 6'1" 220lbs, 4.4 forty, AP may have worn some since his combine days but I still believe he is at the tops for rb's in the athleticism department. An argument could be made for quite a few players at this position but IMO
Jamaal Charles is a close second while being a little bit smaller but a step quicker(5'11" 200lbs 4.36 forty)
Past:
Bo Jackson-6'1"230 lbs 4.12* forty, Although his 40 probably wouldn't have been quite is fast in todays combine, it was still probably pretty damn close. The first player that comes to mind when I hear NFLs best athletes.
Wide Receiver:
Present:
Calvin Johnson-(6'5"240lbs 4.35 forty) Sad to say but I think CJ has actually lost his perch here but we are talking about one of the most athletic NFL specimens ever here so I had to keep him up and hopefully he bounces back this year. So many players could challenge for this spot now it is tough to point out the runner up...players that come to mind (Our very own
DT-6'3"230 4.38 forty, Julio-6'3" 220lbs 4.39 forty,Martavis Bryant 6'4" 212lbs 4.4 forty)
Past:
Randy Moss-(6'4" 210lbs 4.25 forty) Next guy to BO that comes to mind when I hear NFLs best athletes. The guy might've been a diva but man could he fly.
Tight End:
Present: TIE-
Jimmy Graham (6'7" 265lbs 4.5 forty)/
Vernon Davis (6'3" 250lbs 4.38) I couldn't decide here because on the one hand Jimmy has the extra height and weight but on the other hand Davis has the speed to rival players at any position which is crazy for a TE.
Past: I have no idea.. someone help here. My best suggestion is
Jeremy Shockey ( 6'5" 250lbs 4.58 forty) but I really have no recollection of past tight ends with stand out athleticism.
Offensive Lineman:
Present:
Tyron Smith (6'5" 320 lbs 4.95 forty) I haven't paid quite as much attention to O-Linemen measurables but Smith is big and athletic. The guys arms are ripped. The other player that really stands out to me is
Terron Armstead (6'5" 304lbs 4.7 forty) he had the fastest O-lineman time that I have ever heard of but like I said I don't watch O-lineman 40 times in April/May quite like the skill positions.
Past: I have no idea again... I know of the Hall of Famer O-linemen of the past but not sure on which ones were supremely athletic.
Defensive Tackle:
Present: Dontari Poe (6'3" 346lbs 4.98 forty)Strong argument could be made for quite a few players..namely Suh, I decided to go with poe because I remember a huge deal about him being only a workout warrior because he hadn't really produced but the 40 time and the strength (44 rep on bench) was outrageous for a man his size. His sophomore year he really came into his own and shows his strength and athleticism often, its a shame he is hurt this year...but good for us!
Past: really hard to find older players measurable to substantiate their athleticism so just gonna throw out Warren Sapp as the further back you go the smaller the DT's were. Sapp (6'2" 300lbs 4.69) was a hell of a player but I was actually surprised at how fast he was.
Defensive End:
Present: JJ Watt (6'5" 290lbs 4.8 forty) No question on the choice here. I believe when all is said and done Watt will go down as one of the best players in the history of the nfl. His production is insane for any position let alone a 3-4DE.. he has more passes batted than most DB's...one man wrecking ball. Runner up=Margus Hunt (6'8" 277lbs 4.6 forty) The guy has more impressive measurable but he hasn't shown much in the NFL so I DQed him. If he puts it together though, watch out.
Past: Reggie White(6'5" 300lbs rumored 4.6 forty) from the guy on his way to being one of the greatest ever to a guy that is already in that conversation. Reggie White had 198 careers sacks...let that sink in...still crack up hearing the soundfx or whatever its called on espn and reggie would say "here comes jesus!"
Outside Linebacker:
Present: Von Miller(6'3" 250lbs 4.49 forty) Maybe some bias here but Von really is an athletic freak. You know a player is a marvel when analysts complement other players by saying they compare to a von jr.,Khalil Mack is the prime example of this and while he has been very impressive, I still put Von ahead of him in overall play and athleticism. A player with better measurable but has yet to really play is Jadeveon Clowney (6'5" 270lbs 4.53 forty)
Past: Lawrence Taylor(6'3"237lbs 4.5 forty) one of the best ever and is remarkably similar to von in terms of measurable.
Inside Linebacker:
Present:
Alright guys well unfortunately I ran out of time today so will update with Defensive players as soon as possible.
I am really intrigued by this topic so I would appreciate as much input as possible. Would love to hear some new examples and some arguments on why you feel a player you suggest is more athletic overall than my/others suggestions.
I only listed H/W and 40 times but I am keeping in mind strength and agility...and football speed(hard to evaluate but we all know some players are much faster than their 40 indicated)