How far is Andre Smith falling after his flabulous pro-day workout this week in Alabama? Probably not as far as you think. No, his numbers weren't stellar. The offensive tackle weighed in at 325 pounds, his fastest 40 time was an unofficial 5.28, he hoisted 225 pounds 19 times and he had a 25-inch vertical jump. The real calamity, however, was Smith's decision to take off his shirt during the workout. Let's just say Smith doesn't have a beach body. James Gandolfini looks ripped by comparison. In fact, the image of Smith spilling across the finish line like he was made of custard may make his actual numbers seem worse than they were.
Here's a look at some of the times posted by some of the top o-line draft choices in recent years:
*Andre Smith:...weight: 325, 40: 5.28, bench: 19, vertical: 25
Levi Brown:...... weight: 323, 40: 5.40, bench: 31, vertical: 25.5
Jake Long: .......weight: 313, 40: 5.22, bench: 37, vertical: 27.5
Ryan Clady:......weight: 309, 40: 5.18, bench: 24
Branden Albert:.weight: 309, 40: 5.17, bench: 23, vertical: 26
Chris Williams:..weight: 315, 40: 5.13, bench: 21, vertical: 25
*Michael Oher:. weight: 309, 40: 5.34, bench: 21, vertical 30.5
*2009 draft class
The real question is, does Smith get past San Francisco at No. 10? He certainly would fill a need for the 49ers at right tackle. He'd provide value because first-round offensive linemen usually start right away. His game-day tape from Alabama is so good that before the combine all the "experts" had him as the top-rated tackle in the draft. And then there's the Mike Singletary factor. Singletary believes he can - and moreover he should - set wayward young men on the right course. It's the reason he won't close the door on Michael Vick and why he considered Terrell Owens when the receiver hit the free-agent market. Bad attitudes don't scare Singletary. Smith had an undisclosed transgression at Alabama that kept him out of the team's bowl game. He bolted from the scouting combine prematurely. And he obviously is not a guy who's dedicated to the weight room. If the 49ers select Smith, there will be a leap of faith that Singletary can provide the motivation and discipline he needs.
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One free-agent cornerback the 49ers were eying, Eric Green, signed with the Dolphins. Another, Karl Paymah, is interviewing with the Vikings, the fifth team he has visited. Why don't the 49ers just re-sign Donald Strickland, who by all accounts has had a quiet offseason?
-- Matt Barrows
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