This weekend Penn State was represented at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine by offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski and running back Evan Royster. As I write this, I can't find Royster's results listed anywhere as he performed on Sunday afternoon. Once I get that I'll update you all. But let's look at how Stefen Wisniewski performed.
Stefen Wisniewski Measureables
Height/Weight: 6-3/313
Arm Length: 33 in
Bench Press: 30 reps (225 lbs.)
Vertical Jump: 28.5 inches
40 yd dash: 5.35 seconds
Shuttle Run: 4.63 seconds
Cone Drill: 7.51 seconds
Broad Jump: 8 ft 4 in
Analysis: Word out of Indianapolis is that Wisniewski did well in the team interviews. I don't think anybody is surprised there. He's a three-time academic All-American. He's bright, and he has been groomed to play offensive line in the NFL his entire life. Scouts are really impressed with his knowledge of the game and his consistency on film.
Out of 22 offensive linemen invited to participate, Wisniewksi finished in the top ten in every category except for the 40 yard dash, which scouts will tell you means nothing for offensive linemen. His weigh in drew some ooh's and aah's as the knock on Wisniewski was his inability to muscle around bigger defensive linemen. To weigh in at 313 lbs. with an arm length of 33 inches definitely helped his stock, as did showing off his lower body explosiveness by finishing fifth in the vertical jump.
Overally, Wisniewski did a lot to improve his draft status and very little, if anything, to harm it. Most experts project him as a mid-round prospect, but the draft is loaded with offensive linemen this year so a lot of teams may hold off on taking offensive line prospects until the later rounds.
Watch NFL Scouting Combine Feb 24 - Mar 1