:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2047681/GYI0063747466.jpg)
To continue with the Explosion Number formula, this time we will look at the Defensive Ends and Tackle prospects at the 2011 Combine. I had the chance to watch the Linemen run the 40-yard Dash, the Broad Jump and some position drills. I must say that this group is very impressive. The number of linemen running sub 5-second 40 Times this year is amazing. It really is a deep class. Here's hoping the Broncos can pickup a pair to help rush the opposing quarterbacks whenever the CBA mess gets cleaned up and the 2011 season becomes reality. Follow after and we will jump right in.
Once again, I am using an equation derived by Pat Kirwan and noted in his book, "Take your eyes off the Ball." The result of this number shows how explosive an athlete's first step is compared to the rest of the field of candidates. Since the rating systems for NFL teams are so sophisticated, any minuscule measurement can mean the difference in the selection preference between two virtually equal draft prospects. The Explosion Number is one of those measurements that can make that decision easier. Here is the formula:
| OVR | Name | Pos. | Bench | Vertical | Broad | Expl. No. | 40 Time | P. Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Nick Fairley | DT | DNP | 31" | 9'1" | INC | 4.87 | 1.5 |
| 5 | Marcell Dareus | DT | 24 | 27" | DNP | INC | 4.93 | .93 |
| 21 | Corey Liuget | DT | 27 | 27.5" | 8'6" | 62.9 | 4.99 | 0.94 |
| 36 | Stephen Paea | DT | 49 | DNP | DNP | INC | DNP | 1.2 |
| 39 | Phil Taylor | DT | 31 | 29.5" | 8'4" | 68.9 | 5.14 | 0.58 |
| 42 | Muhammad Wilkerson | DT | 27 | 26" | 8'9" | 61.9 | 4.96 | 1.94 |
| 49 | Drake Nevis | DT | DNP | 30.5" | 9'4" | INC | 5.06 | 0.92 |
| 64 | Marvin Austin | DT | 38 | 30.5" | 9'4" | 77.9 | 4.9 | 0.79 |
| 69 | Kenrick Ellis | DT | 26 | DNP | DNP | INC | 5.28 | 1.03 |
| 76 | Jurrell Casey | DT | 26 | 27.5" | 8'5" | 61.9 | 5.06 | 0.53 |
| 91 | Jerrell Powe | DT | DNP | 25" | 7'9" | INC | 5.29 | 0.81 |
| 101 | Jarvis Jenkins | DT | 17 | 26.5" | 7'7" | 51 | 5.08 | 0.75 |
| 119 | Lawrence Guy | DT | 28 | 29" | DNP | INC | 4.96 | 0.89 |
| 134 | Ian Williams | DT | 31 | 28.5" | 8'2" | 67.5 | 5.25 | 0.31 |
| 141 | Sione Fua | DT | 30 | 24" | 8'5" | 62.5 | 5.28 | 0.63 |
Phil Taylor and Ian Williams have low Production Ratios because they spent time as Nose Tackles and weren't charged with rushing the passer, as they were primarily lane clogging wide bodies. The top four will get closer examination and I'm betting their incomplete statistics will prove out. Marvin Austin will move up the board a few spots as well.
I made a list of some other players from the last few years so there would be a contrast. I also listed some Bronco linemen that I could find data for.
| Player | Bench | Vertical | Broad | Expl. No. | 40 Time | P. Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.J. Raji | 33 | 32" | 8'7" | 73.6 | 5.12 | 0.92 |
| Brian Orakpo | 31 | 39.5" | DNP | 75 | 4.63 | 1.17 |
| Peria Jerry | 28 | 31" | 9'6" | 68.6 | 4.98 | 1.3 |
| Evander Hood | 34 | 33" | 9'0" | 76 | 4.83 | 0.76 |
| Tyson Jackson | DNP | 28.5" | 8'6" | 57 | 4.94 | 0.86 |
| Gerald McCoy | 23 | 30.5" | 96"" | 63 | 5.04 | 1.19 |
| Ndamukong Suh | 32 | 35.5" | 8'9" | 76.3 | 5.03 | 1.53 |
| Jared Odrick | 26 | 29" | 8'10" | 63.8 | 5.03 | 1.86 |
| Tyson Alualu | 21 | 35.5" | 9'8" | 66.1 | 4.87 | 0.81 |
| Brian Price | 34 | 28.5" | 8'0" | 70.5 | 5.12 | 1.63 |
| Lamarr Houston | 30 | 33.5" | 9'6" | 73 | 4.84 | 1.16 |
| Robert Ayers | 18 | 29.5" | 8'6" | 56 | 4.78 | 0.84 |
| Kevin Vickerson | 20 | 35.5" | 9'0" | 64.5 | 5 sec. | 0.75 |
| Justin Bannan | 24 | 29 | 8'3" | 61.3 | 4.99 | 0.68 |
| Marcus Thomas | 27 | 26.5" | 8'5" | 61.8 | 5.11 | 1.05 |
| Ryan McBean | 27 | 28 | 9'0" | 64 | 4.96 | 0.94 |
| OVR | Name | Pos. | Bench | Vertical | Broad | Expl. No. | 40 Time | P. Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Da'Quan Bowers | DE | 22 | DNP | DNP | INC | DNP | 1.7 |
| 7 | Robert Quinn | DE | 22 | 34" | 9'8" | 65.7 | 4.7 | 1.54 |
| 13 | Cameron Jordan | DE | 25 | 31" | 9'11" | 65.9 | 4.78 | 1.03 |
| 17 | Adrian Clayborn | DE | DNP | 33" | 9'5" | INC | 4.83 | 1.11 |
| 18 | J.J. Watt | DE | 34 | 37" | 10'0" | 81 | 4.84 | 1.85* |
| 22 | Ryan Kerrigan | DE | 31 | 33.5" | 9'9" | 74.2 | 4.71 | 1.94 |
| 30 | Cameron Heyward | DE | DNP | 30" | DNP | INC | DNP | 1.02 |
| 41 | Jabaal Sheard | DE | DNP | 31" | 9'7" | INC | 4.69 | 1.19 |
| 45 | Christian Ballard | DE | DNP | 31.5" | 9"3" | INC | 4.8 | 0.68 |
| 62 | Allen Bailey | DE | 27 | 36.5" | 9'9" | 73.2 | 4.77 | 0.82 |
| 70 | Sam Acho | DE | 23 | 33.5" | 9'4" | 65.8 | 4.68 | 1.22 |
| 103 | Pernell McPhee | DE | DNP | 28.5" | 8'11" | INC | 4.93 | 1.16 |
| 115 | Pierre Allen | DE | DNP | DNP | DNP | INC | DNP | 0.94 |
| 124 | Greg Romeus | DE | DNP | DNP | DNP | INC | DNP | 1.53 |
| 146 | Ricky Elmore | DE | 26 | 31.5" | 8'10" | 66.3 | 4.96 | 0.93 |
Go Broncos!