R44 Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 I've liked this player a lot and always ranked him way higher than others......He finally fought off the injury bug in 2005 and shined....Could be an ideal 3-4 linebacker. He WILL MOVE up the charts next week. Count on that. He's npt of nowhere, he wasone of the top (if not THE TOP) high school defenders in the nation. Marla Ridenour Beacon Journal sportswriter By the middle of next week, Mike Kudla might be rising on NFL Draft boards faster than anyone in the country. The Ohio State defensive end from Highland High (R44: Isn't that where Beavis & Butt-head went?) hopes to dazzle scouts with his workout numbers at the NFL combine. He reports today to Indianapolis as one of 12 Buckeyes among about 325 players invited. Kudla, 6-foot-2 and 272 pounds, could be the talk of the town in the bench press, where prospects lift 225 pounds as many times as they can without a break. The unofficial record is 45. Kudla has hit 52 twice. "For me benching is like second-nature, I've been doing it for so long,'' he said last month. "For me it's something easy. Some guys can squat the world, for me it's the bench. Hopefully I can get up there in the 45 to 50 range. Anything over 30 is phenomenal.'' The bench test, which Kudla is scheduled to take Saturday, isn't what has piqued teammate Rob Sims' curiosity. The guard from Nordonia thinks that Kudla has a chance to run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. "His 40 is real impressive. A lot more impressive than his bench to me,'' Sims said. "I'm not up where he is, but I'm strong enough where we can be bench partners. Watching him run the way he runs.... Mike's numbers are going to be ridiculous.'' Kudla turned down an invitation to play in the Hula Bowl in January in Hawaii so he could concentrate on training for the combine. He remained at Ohio State to work with director of strength and conditioning Allan Johnson and his assistant Butch Reynolds, the Akron native who once held the world record in the 400-yard dash. Kudla has said his best time in the 40 came the summer after his senior year in high school. He was clocked at 4.49 seconds when he was 35 pounds lighter. He's concentrated on working with Reynolds since the Fiesta Bowl. "He's tweaking things here and there,'' Kudla said of Reynolds. "You really can't change the way you've ran for the last 20-something years. He does a good job switching things up. Something real subtle can make a big difference. We're doing shuttle, three-cone drills, a lot of stuff for speed and agility.'' Kudla had his best season as a senior, accumulating 41 tackles, 11.5 tackles for losses and 9.5 sacks, three against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. His signature play came at Minnesota, when he ran down running back Laurence Maroney, who has 4.3 speed, and grabbed his jersey to stop him for no gain on fourth-and-2. This could be Kudla's real time to shine. "That's where I kind of excel,'' Kudla said of the combine workouts. "I did a good job on the field. I need to go here and kind of hype the deal. I'm excited.'' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVM Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 hmm...mangini needs more linebackers, and this guy looks pretty impressive...got any highlight video by any chance R44? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 R44, no chance of him playing DE or is he viewed strictly as a 3-4 OLB? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R44 Posted February 22, 2006 Author Share Posted February 22, 2006 A-V-M, the JN poster MeRcuRy MoRRiS does all our video stuff, I'd love to get a hold off him here, because Ohio State puts out a lot of video.... I'll tell you this, he was simply dominate in 2005, on the tapes I have. Remember, he had a similar amount of career sacks as Tamba Hali, so he's not a unknown. Just overshadowed by the LB's. Section, I don't think he could play DE in a 3-4. No way, unless he adds at least 20 to 30 pounds, which would take away his best assett -- speed. He might fit at DE in 4-3, though. I think Kudla is strictly a 3-4 OLB, who rushes the QB....And if he really runs a 4.5 or below, he sky-rockets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillerPaul Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 A-V-M, the JN poster MeRcuRy MoRRiS does all our video stuff, I'd love to get a hold off him here, because Ohio State puts out a lot of video.... I'll tell you this, he was simply dominate in 2005, on the tapes I have. Remember, he had a similar amount of career sacks as Tamba Hali, so he's not a unknown. Just overshadowed by the LB's. Section, I don't think he could play DE in a 3-4. No way, unless he adds at least 20 to 30 pounds, which would take away his best assett -- speed. He might fit at DE in 4-3, though. I think Kudla is strictly a 3-4 OLB, who rushes the QB....And if he really runs a 4.5 or below, he sky-rockets Sounds like a Cowher kind of guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxman Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 To bench 225 pounds 52 times is just SICK. I can't even imagine that such a thing is possible. Hell Smizzy can't even do it once. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R44 Posted February 22, 2006 Author Share Posted February 22, 2006 He does Paul, but let's be honest: Cowher pegged fellow OSU star Mike Vrabel as a "career backup"....and Kudla is similar -- although Vrabel had a better college career. If Vrabel didn't get out of Pittsburgh, he'd be telling his freinds he had a 5 year NFL career covering kicks, instead of winning titles, catching TD's and playing at a Pro Bowl level as a starter Point? If I'm Kudla, I might not want to go Pittsburgh.... Paul, I wrote to you on this board in February of 2005 that I thought Brett Keisel could possibly make an impact? After watching the Denver title game, he looked like he deserves more chances....your answer may already be on the roster....maybe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillerPaul Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 He does Paul, but let's be honest: Cowher pegged fellow OSU star Mike Vrabel as a "career backup"....and Kudla is similar -- although Vrabel had a better college career. If Vrabel didn't get out of Pittsburgh, he'd be telling his freinds he had a 5 year NFL career covering kicks, instead of winning titles, catching TD's and playing at a Pro Bowl level as a starter Point? If I'm Kudla, I might not want to go Pittsburgh.... Paul, I wrote to you on this board in February of 2005 that I thought Brett Keisel could possibly make an impact? After watching the Denver title game, he looked like he deserves more chances....your answer may already be on the roster....maybe? Man, you sure know how to get me to make longgggggg posts. Here goes..... Cowher thought highly of Vrabel, it's the salary he wanted that he did not like. At the time, he was backing up Jason Gildon, who is the Steelers all-time leading sacker BTW. Gildon had just been given an extension by the team which in turn made Vrabel expendable. Despite popular belief, the Steelers didn't lose much by losing Vrabel. The Patriots just did a damn good job putting him to use (ex: as a freakin' goal line reciever). He still is not an upper echelon LB in my book. You were right on about Brett Keisel. But he'll probably remain Aaron Smith's backup, unless the team doesn't re-sign Kimo Von Olhoffen. Then they may decide to switch him to Kimo's side and draft another DE for depth and to be part of the rotation. Brett is one of those high motor type guys that never gives up on a play. But is he durable enough and built to stand up to the challenge of being a starting 3-4 DE? While i'm at it, i may as well try to pick your brain on a couple other players. CB Bryant McFadden. We drafted him in round 2 last year from FSU. This kid had about as good a rookie campaign as any Steeler CB that i can remember (aside from Rod Woodson). He even passed Ricardo Colclough on the depth chart. What are your thoughts on why he lasted until round 2 last year? Was it a speed issue? Bad combine, etc.? OLB Ryan Wallace. I hadn't heard a thing about him leading up to last years draft. Whats his deal? Ya think he'll become something in this league? DE Travis Kirske (SP?). I've only seen him on ST and limited action. Any info on him? I believe he was drafted a couple years ago. CB Chidi Owouma. Has been one of our standouts on ST's the last 3 years. What's the book on him? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R44 Posted February 22, 2006 Author Share Posted February 22, 2006 Paul, the Steelers had 4 starting linebacking spots available, if they liked Vrabel a lot they would've found a spot for him. He had to get out of Pittsburgh, because Cowher had him pidgeon-holed as a backup-try hard type. But you are right, it was more of Patriots gain than a Steelers loss.... I agree with Kiesel's size making him less than for a 3-4 defensive end, but he's a player. **** A man claiming McFadden was his son kept E-Mailing DD.com in 2005 with the same words every time --"He's the best CB in the draft" or "Rank him higher, you'll look smart"....Actually, pretty comical, looking back. I thought he was a great pick for the Steelers. I wouldn't have been surprised if he was 1st rounder. He's short, but makes up for it with leaping ability. Wallace isn't a player I loved....He was OKay as sophomore, but did almost nothing as a junior in 2004....He's got some ability, but mostly he was "Net hype"....Probably left Temple early because he feared they were going to drop to D1-AA, but they didn't.....He doesn't even look the part -- seems kind of pudgy and and not super athletic to me. If he got in better shape, maybe? Kirschke, has to be in his 30's.....I remember he was an absolute high school superstar, who had his photo in national publication when he was 18....He was never a star at USC, but he made something out of himself after not being drafted as an NFL backup. Good role player for the Steelers, but ultimate back-up....now Cowher got this one right: Kirsche's a try-hard, backup type, not Vrabel Chidi Iwuoma has over come the odds (real small) to have a fairly long NFL career....Not sure he's anything better than a dime back/ special teams ace. But players like him and Sean Morey are a major reason the Steelers special teams is so solid. They add a lot there. Good teams find these players. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Troll Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Mike Kudla will be a better pro linebacker than AJ Hawk. Although, he will not bang as many Catholics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharrow Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 What does Hawk run, A 4.4? If this guy is even close to that, I'd rather have him than Hawk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greensince69 Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Do you think he will slip to round 3? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Papi Green Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 To bench 225 pounds 52 times is just SICK. I can't even imagine that such a thing is possible. Hell Smizzy can't even do it once. he could do it if it were a 225 pound twinkie... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxman Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 he could do it if it were a 225 pound twinkie... I said bench it, not suck the cream out of it. Smizzy certainly has no equal when it comes to that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thor99 Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 he could do it if it were a 225 pound twinkie... He'd go Kobayashi on that b!tch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R44 Posted February 22, 2006 Author Share Posted February 22, 2006 Green, as of now, I think he can get into round 3, maybe even beyond. Just seems to be little buzz regarding Kudla....despite the monster season (11.5 tackles for losses and 9.5 sacks) and the monster tools. Maybe that changes at the Combine and personal workouts. This is one player I've been high on for a while, while many in the draft site world have ignored in total. Don't ask me why they slobber all over a workout warrior like Thom Howard of UTEP, who disappears in games and dropped 3 easy Int's in the Senior Bowl, while they rank this cat like the 35st DE.... I guess, like the Cutler thing, I'm ahead of curve again.... But, seriously, as of now, he should be there in round 3 and he'd be a nice fit in green and white. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mean Papi Green Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 R44 Is the sterotype going to come into play or has it allready-he is not prototype outside linebacker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R44 Posted February 22, 2006 Author Share Posted February 22, 2006 Faba, if he does real well at the Combine the first thing you'll see/read is he's Mike Mamula 2X It's inevitable some moron will do this for several reasons -- names are even similar. But it's not fair because 1) They aren't related at all. And, in a football sense, they are a generation apart. 2) I think Mamula wasn't as bad as people thought. He started in the NFL for 5 season before a major injury.....Had a decent amount of career sacks (had 3 sacks @ Roaf and 2 @ Jumbo Elliott as a rookie).....Players like Ryan Leaf and Jamal Reynolds are TRUE 1st round busts, who can't even be used as backups they are so bad. Mamula flying up the draft charts was terrible for him. Jacksonville had his former BC coach waiting for him with the last pick of round 1 in 1995 and he would've made the 245 pounds Mamula a 3-4 OLB....If he had, he might still be playing.... Instead, the Eagles got him 7th overall and stuck him in as a 4-3 DE and he simply got worn down after 5 seasons of double teams at 245 pounds. He was shot. In 2001, when he retired in his 20's, NFL teams still tried to sign him but he walked away. Point? Not sure, but expect to see the name Kudla and Mamula juxtaposed quite a bit....fair or not. Although, let me repeat, Kudla will not got any where near as high as Mamula -- maybe 3rd round for Kudla. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greensince69 Posted February 27, 2006 Share Posted February 27, 2006 He did 45 reps at the combine. He was on NFL network on SIrius this weekend, sounds like a good kid. THey mentioned that Mumbles was very interested in him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted February 27, 2006 Share Posted February 27, 2006 State's Kudla matches Combine bench press record Monday, February 27, 2006 Ohio State defensive end Mike Kudla tied the Indianapolis Combine record in the bench press with 45 reps of 225 pounds Sunday. That tied a mark set by University of Texas-El Paso defensive tackle Leif Larsen in 2000. But Kudla had been told, heading in the record was 43, so he thought he only needed 44. Misinformation about the record abounds and Kudla said 43 "was the consensus in our databases by our strength coaches." Even Sunday, after Kudla tied, officials had him matching the wrong guy at first. So when did he find out it was a tie? "Right after," he said. "The guy from Denver was like I actually tied it. I didn't know. Yeah, it's kind of weird." Could he have gotten 46 if he had known? "I don't know," he said. "I'm just happy with that effort. I was able to get that up that many times. What can you say? I'm just lucky to be here." He said he had 46 "right there. I just couldn't get that last inch on that right arm. It just kind of gave way." Teammate A.J. Hawk has no doubt Kudla could have gotten to 46 if it meant breaking the record. "I'm glad he tied it, but 45 is a bad day for Kudla," Hawk said. R44 you called Kudla out- he set combine record Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R44 Posted February 27, 2006 Author Share Posted February 27, 2006 Thanks Men....Now, lets see how he runs the 40 yard dash...It's been said he's a 4.6 or better at 275 pounds... By the way, I like Kudla a lot, but for the Patriots the better "Vrabel Clone" is Ninkovich from Purdue....even caught some TD's at Tight end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.