Random information from the Combine

What is one to do on a rainy, blustery Saturday? Why, watch coverage from the NFL Combine on the NFL Network, of course! As part of that coverage they just showed taped highlights of the bench press workout by some of the offensive linemen; and since the Steelers are always looking for offensive linemen it seemed worthwhile to pass along the numbers:

Bryan Bulaga, Iowa, Tackle, 26 repetitions
Mike Iupati, Idaho, Guard, 27 repetitions
Vladimir Ducasse, UMass, Tackle, 30 repetitions
Bruce Campbell, Maryland, Tackle, 34 repetitions
Eric Olsen, Notre Dame, Center, 35 repetitions
Russell Okung, Oklahoma State, Tackle, 38 repetitions
Mitch Petrus, Arkansas, Guard, 45 repetitions

Of these players a couple things stood out:

• Bruce Campbell is a physical specimen ~ very reminiscent of Orland Magic forward Dwight Howard. Additionally, he had the best time amongst offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (4.78)


• The Steelers need a center ~ seeing as how A.Q. Shipley decided to leave for Philadelphia ~ and Notre Dame's Mr. Olsen distinguished himself in this particular drill.


• Mike Iupati is this Combine's trendy pick, but he was outlifted by tight ends! The lifting is only a small part of what goes on at the Combine, much less the evaluation of each player's overall potential, but for those considering him as a possible pick that performance had to be a disappointment. To add insult to injury, his 40 time (5.26) was a disappointment