Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
Brooks was the only prospect chosen on July 13th
Ahmad Brooks - 6’ 3� 260 lbs. - LB - Sp. 4.65 - Virginia
A former national defensive player of the year coming out of high school, Brooks was dismissed from the club by HC Al Groh for violations of team rules. He had an outstanding start of his career for the Cavaliers over his first two seasons in ’03 and ’04. He totaled 12 sacks and 20 TFL as a true freshman and sophomore. He was hurt last fall and missed six games with a right knee injury. He visited Dr. James Andrews on early June for the knee to be examined and that report was made available to all NFL teams. He lost over 30 pounds this spring and came in at 6’3� and 260 lbs. He passed five drug tests in the last 10 weeks. On June 22 at University of Virginia on a 96 degree day, he worked out for 31 NFL clubs with only the Vikings (that figures) absent. He ran three times and timed at 4.68, 4.75 and 4.74 in the 40, with 10-yard splits of 1.53, 1.58 and 1.58 and 20-yard splits of 2.73, 2.75 and 2.75. His arm span measured 33½ inches and his hands measured 9½. He had a 32� VJ, a 9’8� BJ, 4.43 short shuttle, an 11.84 long shuttle, a 7.43 three-cone drill and 19 reps in the lifting. The workout was good, but certainly not up to expectations. NFL brass in attendance at the Virginia workouts was Randy Mueller of the Dolphins, Mike Murphy from the Cowboys and Calvin Branch from the Raiders. He worked out for the 49ers in San Fran in late June. He is an experienced defender in the 3-4 scheme with playing time both inside and outside, with more reps on the inside. He is very athletic and could easily adjust to a 4-3 defensive set at any position. He is a tackling machine with fine instincts, technique and speed to go sideline to sideline. He has flashed big play ability since his true freshman season as both a pass rusher, run stuffer or coverage defender. He is a first round talent with definite medical and durability issues, in addition to several off the field problems. As a result of these two areas, he most likely would not be selected in the first two rounds, though clearly an athlete with top 20 talent. He is very similar to the Dolphins rookie last season LB Channing Crowder who was selected on the 3rd round of the NFL Draft ’05. He is also similar to the Giants Lavar Arrington in size, speed and overall athleticism. In this lottery draft, he would be excellent value in the 3rd-4th rounds, though a risky prospect. He has the AA and production to become a major steal if his off the field problems are behind him and he shows he can stay on the field a full schedule. Teams like the Jets and 49ers would be fine fits in the first tier of the selection process with clubs like the Browns, Ravens and Dolphins with the defensive schemes that would be best suitable. This guy is capable of being a Pro-Bowl performer, though a definite risk in several key areas. His upside potential is so enormous, he would be an excellent gamble in the 3rd round.