Twice in the past two weeks we reported on the
possibility of Ted Ginn Jr. not being ready to work out prior to the
draft. Now comes word that a date of April 12th has been given at which
time Ginn will perform in front of scouts.
Sources have told us there is still a good
chance Ginn won't be 100% for his workout. Yet the April 12th date
gives him enough time to schedule a second workout before the draft if need be.
Prior to the combine
we alerted subscribers to the physical condition of Texas Tech guard Manuel Ramirez.
The big blocker was recuperating from knee
surgery which was required after a torn patella tendon was misdiagnosed by team
physicians as tendonitis. The result of playing with the injury for two
seasons was the formation of bone spurs, which required surgery to remove.
Originally the thinking was Ramirez would not
be able to complete a full workout prior to the draft. Now comes word that
Ramirez is ahead of schedule and will workout for scouts on April
21st.
Measuring in at 6-feet-3-inches and 326-pounds
at the combine, Ramirez completed 40-reps on the bench. He plans to
participate in position drills and run for scouts on the 21st.
The situation is similar for Rob Turner of
New Mexico.
Given one of the highest grades of any
offensive lineman by National Scouting and Blesto coming into the season, Turner
watched his stock steadily slip. But like Ramirez a prior injury was the
culprit.
Turner had major surgery performed on his wrist
three years ago at New Mexico. The first surgery, which was unsuccessful,
included bone grafts put into the joint. A second surgery was completed in
January '06 with no tangible results. All
throughout this period Turner was unable to lift weights due to the condition of
his wrist.
After competing in the Shrine Game last
January, Turner visited a specialist in New York city then had a third surgery
performed. This time the procedure was successful.
Turner is now scheduled to workout in front of
four teams on April 25th. They include the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, New York Jets and Detroit Lions.
Sources have told us Turner's situation could parallel
Kris Dielman's story; a lineman that slides out of the draft yet turns into a
coveted player once he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
One blocker who won't be as lucky is Arizona State's Andrew Carnahan.
The big offensive tackle underwent season
ending knee surgery last September. He is on schedule to be 100% by the
end of April yet is unlikely to workout for scouts prior to the draft.
There is a possibility Carnahan could start the season on the PUP list for
whichever team signs him.
Finally Oregon receiver Jordan Kent is
scheduled to workout for scouts on April 19th. The former basketball
player who went to the combine tore ligaments in his big toe during the Ducks
bowl game.
Solid results could secure Kent a spot in the
late rounds.