WNF Speaks With Syracuse OT Justin Pugh

Name: Justin Pugh
School: Syracuse
Position: OT
Height: 6'4
Weight: 307 lbs

Combine Results:

40 Yard Dash: 5.14 seconds
Vertical: 28.5 inches 
Broad Jump: 103 inches
3 Cone Drill: 74.5 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.63 seconds

What would you say is your greatest strength on the field?

I would say my athleticism, whether i'm pass blocking or run blocking. At left tackle, I go up against the best defensive lineman every game and my athleticism allows me to be able to excel at the position. Every day I would go up against Chandler Jones at practice and that more helped me prepare for who I was facing that week.

What is one area where you think you could improve on the most heading to the next level?

Technique. You can always work on technique to try and perfect the little things. In the NFL, every player is faster, bigger, and stronger and you have to be technically sound in order to be successful.

If I was an NFL coach, why would I want Justin Pugh on my team?

I'm the type of guy who is going to give it his all in every aspect of the game. It is just how I was raised. If you work hard and leave it on the field then good things will happen. I'm also a guy who is going to lead by example at first and eventually overtime aspire to be the leader of the team. I know that the NFL is a business and that it is important to carry yourself with class and be a good example on the field and in the community.

What teams have you had one on one workouts with?

I have worked out with the Patriots, Eagles, Titans, Jaguars, and Ravens. I also have more work outs setup in April as well.

What one NFL player do you think your game resembles the most?

Former Saints OT Jon Stinchcomb. He helped me out a ton when we worked out in Atlanta. He was a very smart player and he used it to his advantage. It's tough to say what OT I resemble because I mostly only get to see the NFL tackles play on the CBS broadcast and not through coaches film.

How do you feel about your performance at the NFL Combine?

I felt I did really well. I would've liked to run a sub 5, forty yard dash but my 10 yard split was among the best for the tackles. I think that really demonstrates my overall athleticism. I also kept slipping on the 5 cone and I think If I hadn't I would've been in the top 2. Overall, though I was very pleased with my performance.

Who is the best Defensive Lineman you faced in college?

Day in and day out I got to go up against current Patriots DE Chandler Jones. He was the best that I faced. Other than him I would have to say top 15 pick Seahawk's Bruce Irvin.

What do you think will be the toughest part about the transition from College to the NFL?

I think you have to realize now that football is your profession and that any day these teams can cut you with out even thinking twice. It's a business for them. That's why you need to carry yourself with professionalism and watch who you associate yourself with.

Is there anything that the average fan might not know about you?

I love to play video games. Madden and Fifa mostly. Up at school we get really competitive and keep track of our records and everything.

WNF Chats With Northern Iowa Sleeper WR Terrell Sinkfield

Name: Terrell Sinkfield

Position: Wide Receiver

School: Northern Iowa

Height: 6'1

Weight: 192

40 time: 4.19 (Pro Day)

2012 Stats: 43 recs, 499 yards, 4 TDs 

Terrell, you were clocked at a 4.19 in the forty yard dash at your Pro-day. Coming into your Pro-day, did you think you’d be running that fast? How fast were you running the 40 during training? What was your reaction when you were told you ran a 4.19?

I wasn’t sure exactly how fast I was going to run but I knew I had been training extremely hard and continuously working on my technique and footwork. During training I was running in the 4.2s and when I heard my time I was excited but knew there was a lot more work to be done.

 How do you plan to assure NFL teams that you can be an impact player at the next level? What would you tell an NFL Head coach that you could bring to the table for their team?

I’d tell them that I am an extremely versatile player and there’s a lot more to my game than just my speed. I have great body control, strong hands, can run after the catch and have no issue playing special teams to make a team.

What was the interest levels from NFL teams  for you as a prospect before you ran the 4.19 and after? Have you seen a large fluctuation in interest post Pro-day?

I can't really say, that  is something that you would have to ask my agent, Mitch Chargo of @AMI_Sports, or my coach in college. I just go out and compete and try to do my best in everything I take part in.

You weren’t a heralded player coming out of high-school. Did that put a chip on your shoulder to prove to yourself and others that you can play with the best of the best?

I use a lot of things for motivation. That is an aspect that does push me to be my best and does make me go out and show I belong.

What would you say is the strongest facet of your game?

Obviously I would have to say my speed is the strongest facet of my game. I can get in the open field and make things happen once the ball is in my hands, I also use it to my advantage to create separation and to get open.

 What is one area that you believe you need to improve on?

The one aspect of my game I could improve on is polishing my route running. Every receiver can always work on their route running to make them a better player. And just try to improve on everything to be the best player that I can possibly be.

 If you had to compare your style of play to one NFL receiver, who would it be?

Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald. We both grew up in Minnesota, he demonstrates high intensity, works harder than any receiver out there, has great hands, runs solid routes, and is a good person on and off the field. Those are some attributes that I like to compare with myself.

A lot of my followers want to know how you got so fast. Is it a gift or is there any type of training you prefer that has helped you increase your speed?

I’m blessed that It’s a gift from God but I also train very hard to maximize my speed. I have a great trainer named , Mark Ellis, and we focus on working out legs, especially the glutes and hamstrings. He also has had me continuously working on my footwork and technique to run as fast as I possibly can.

If you had to rank yourself amongst the receivers in this year’s class, where do you feel you fall?

I can’t really say, I think I am as talented as anyone, but I will leave that up to the scouts to determine. I just want to make the league and be the best player I can be.

Who has been your role model throughout your career ? What have he or she done to influence you?

My Mother has been my role model my whole life. She has taught me to be disciplined, work hard, set goals, and to put God first. I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today without my Mother.

Check out video captured on a cell phone of Terrell Sinkfield's 40 yard dash below:

WNF Chats With Texas A&M WR Ryan Swope

Name: Ryan Swope
School: Texas AM
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6'0
Weight: 205 lbs
40 Yard Dash: 4.34 seconds (tied for second fastest at the NFL Combine)
Vertical Jump: 37 inches
Bench Reps: 16

2012 Stats: 72 Recs - 913 yards - 8 TDs

The Interview:


You surprised a lot of people at the draft when you ran a 4.34 40 yard dash. Were you a little surprised yourself  with that time? 

No I wasn't. I have had great trainers all along the way and they prepared me really well for the combine.  We continuously worked on technique, footwork, and speed and I give them the credit. When I posted that time I was real excited.

How did you feel you did at all the other combine events? Any events you wish you performed better at?

Overall I thought I had a pretty good day. I got to showcase my speed. It was a great experience being able to hang out with all the guys and speak to a number coaches. No, I wouldn't say there is anything I would change but I know I can run an improved shuttle time. I was little worn down after the 4 hours of field drills and I'm looking forward to improving that time at my pro-day, along with some position work.

Swope Turns Heads With His 4.34 40 Yard Dash

Have you spoken to Ryan Tannehill during the draft process? What would it be like to be reunited with him in the NFL?

Ryan is a great friend, we have spoken on a number of occasions. He has been like a mentor to me and has walked me through the draft process so far. It would be really cool if I played with him in the NFL, on the field we share a special chemistry.

What would you say is you greatest strength on the football field?

I would say it's that I'm a tough football player, I have the mentality to be a physical player. I'm never going to shy away from being hit after the catch. Also I think it's my ability to read defenses and find the void in a defense to make the catch and get up field.

One is one area of the game that you feel you can improve on most as you make the transition to the NFL?

It would be learning to play the outside receiver position. At Texas AM, I played nothing but slot, so the outside receiver position was almost foreign to me. I feel that improving that aspect of my game with help my draft stock and help me immensely at the next level.

Where do you rank yourself in this year's WR class?

There are so many great wide receivers this year with tremendous speed, as you saw at the combine. You guys have your rankings and what not but for me I just come out and try to be my best and compete. They are all a really great group of guys and we all share the ultimate goal of making it to the next level and winning Super Bowls.

If you had to compare yourself to one NFL wide receiver, who would it be?

I'd go with Packer's WR Jordy Nelson

What NFL teams are showing the most interest after your combine performance?

I can't really say right now but I should have a better feel for it within the next couple weeks.

As a former RB coming out of High School, how tough was the transition RB to WR at Texas AM?

It went pretty smooth. It took me about 3 month to learn how to read defenses and Tannehill helped me a lot with the adjustment since he played WR at that time as well. After that, it really became natural and Coach Sherman and all the coaches really helped mold me to were I am today. 

Who was the toughest defensive back you faced in college?

I'm not going to pick one player but instead go with the LSU defensive backfield

Some Ryan Swope Highlights Below:

Don't Forget to Vote for Ryan Swope to be on the cover of NCAA Football 2014 Here -->  http://ow.ly/i4lNH 

Make sure to follow us on twitter as well: @NFLDRAFTINSIDER

WNF Checks in with Charleston Southern CB Charles James

Name: Charles James
School: Charleston Southern
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'10
Weight: 190 lbs

Player Bio: Charles James is a small school corner that has been turning heads as a potential 2013 NFL Draft sleeper. After walking on to Charleston Southern, Charles amassed a total of 12 interceptions in his 4 years at CSU. James pairs his dangerous return skills along with his cornerback ability and has gone from a walk-on at a D1AA school to an All-American NFL Draft CB prospect. WNF chats with Charles James below.

What would you say is your biggest strength on the field?

I would say I am a technically sound corner back. I have great awareness and feel for the game. I always know where the marker is on 3rd and 4th downs and try to do all the little things right to be the best cornerback I can be. I would also say my footwork and turn & run ability are a strength of mine that sticks out. I am constantly working day in and day out to be the best CB I can possibly be.

What is one area of your game where you can improve?

In the NFL, you can't bump WRs after 5 yards and that is something I will have to get acclimated to. I try to master my craft and do everything well to be the best I possibly can be.

Do you feel you were snubbed by not being invited to the NFL Combine?

Most definitely. I am not so sure how the selection process is carried out but I'll let my resume speak for itself. If it has to do with playing for a smaller school, I feel I proved myself in the games vs. the bigger teams like Illinois, Hawaii, and Florida. Im not too concerned about it. My focus is on being ready to perform on my pro-day.

What 40 yard dash time and you looking to run at your pro-day?

I am not going to put a specific time down. I am a football player. I've been training hard and at the end of the day I plan on running as fast as I possibly can.

If you could compare your game to one NFL CB, who would it be?

If I had to choose one I would go with CB Ladarius Webb of the Ravens. He is a small school guy like me and brings a lot to the table, just like me. He has quick hips, feet, and is always making big plays.

Do you feel like you have more to prove coming from a small school like Charleston Southern?

I didn't get offered a scholarship coming out of high school. Some thought I was too short or too slow. It gives me a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. However, i'm here now to prove I can play with the big guys and that I belong in the NFL.

Who is the best WR you faced in College?

I would say current Packer WR Randall Cobb. He is fast, shifty and im not surprised with the success he is having at the next level.

Have you been in contact with many NFL teams?

At the Raycom Bowl (where Charles received defensive MVP honors) I spoke with about 20 teams which include the Vikings, Steelers, Jaguars, Raiders, and Bengals. It will be a blessing wherever I end up. I'm enjoying the whole process.

Tell us about how you ended up at Charleston Southern?

Well, coming out of high school, I had no offers. My head coach had just passed away so I had to send out the majority of the film by myself to gain interest. I didn't get a lot of responses. However, my HS QB had gone to Charleston Southern and encouraged me to send my film and walk on. I started on the practice squad and by my red-shirt freshmen year, I had worked my way up to a starting position. From there, I just worked hard and earned All-American honors.

What is one thing the average person might not know about Charles James?

I am ranked in the top 100 in the country in Madden online. I am a big gamer.


Check out 2012 Highlights of Charles James below:

WNF Chats with the Top WR of the 2013 NFL Draft, CAL's Keenan Allen

                           K E E N A N       A L L E N


Name: Keenan Allen
School: California
Position: WR
Height: 6'2
Weight: 215 lbs
Projected Draft Spot: Top 20

2012 Stats: 61 Rec - 737 yards - 21.1 yards per catch - 7 TDs (1 rushing) in 9 Games

Scouting Report: Keenan began turning heads as soon as he enrolled at CAL. As a freshmen he snagged an impressive 46 catches for 409 yards and 5 TDs. He followed up his freshmen year by dominating the Pac-12 with a staggering 98 Recs for 1,342 yards and 6 TDs. Keenan saw his production dip a little his Junior year due to sub-par quarterback play. 

He has emerged as one of the top 2013 WR prospects on many of the scout's draft boards.Allen posses many strong qualities that make him the cream of this years WR crop. His ability to elude defenders and break tackles after the catch is extremely impressive. He does an execptional job of controlling his body, positioning himself to make the catch, and isn't afraid to run over the middle. All these traits make CAL WR Keenan Allen the most complete WR in this year's draft class and a potential Top 20 pick.


Potential Landing Spots for Keenan Allen:

Mel Kiper (ESPN) - 22nd Pick - St. Louis Rams
Todd McShay (ESPN) - 27th Pick - Houston Texans
Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) - 25th Pick - Seattle Seahawks
Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) - 23rd Pick - Minnesota Vikings 
Gil Brandt (NFL.com) - 22nd Pick - St. Louis Rams
Charles Davis (NFL.com) - 22nd pick - St. Louis Rams



Interview: 

What is your biggest strength on the field?

I would have to say my overall knowledge of the game is my biggest strength on the field.

What is one area that you believe you need to improve on?

I could always improve on the fundamentals of the game and my blocking. Those are two things that i'm constantly aiming to better myself in.

Who is one NFL player that you would say you are similar to?

I would have to go with Baltimore Ravens WR Anquan Boldin.

What have you been doing in preparation for the NFL Combine?

I've been constantly training to prepare for the Combine. I've been really focusing on my speed, quickness off the ball, and just being a more explosive player. I've also been working hard on upper body strength to perform well in the bench press.

What are you shooting to run in the 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine?

I'm looking to run in the 4.4s

Who is the best CB you faced during your time at CAL?

Former Colorado CB Jimmy Smith (now with the Baltimore Ravens)

What are you going to do with your first NFL paycheck?

I haven't really thought about that yet. I'm probably just going save it and put it away in the bank

Keenan Allen 2012 Highlights

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WNF Chats with Fresno State WR Devon Wylie

Name: Devon Wylie
School: Fresno State
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5'9
Weight: 197
40 yard dash: 4.37
Vertical: 39"
(All numbers from NFL Combine)

WNF: What would you say is your greatest strength on the field?
DW: I would say it would be my explosiveness with ball, whether it be in the return game or after breaking from a route and catching the ball. I like to think im very elusive once I get the ball in my hands. That would be my greatest strength.

WNF: What is one area of your game you feel you need to improve on?
DW: I'd say I could work on my patience in my route running and not breaking from a route too early.

WNF: How do you feel about your combine performance?
DW: I feel like I did pretty well. I could barely sleep the night before due to the change in time zones so I worked out on very little sleep. I think I could've run a little better on my 40 and would've like to get 40 inches on my vertical which I have gotten while at Fresno State. Other than that, I feel like I performed pretty well.

WNF: Have you met with any NFL teams? Are you meeting with any teams before the Draft?
DW: I fly out soon to meet with some East Coast teams. Other than that I can't really say.

WNF: If you could compare yourself to an NFL player who would it be?
DW: Well since i'm a slot receiver, i've heard the Wes Welker comparisons. In the return game I like to compare myself to a Dante Hall or even Devin Hester. When it comes to play-making ability, I like to think of myself of the Steve Smith type.

WNF: What will you bring to the team that drafts you?
DW: A total versatile player that is dangerous in all aspects, whether it be at gunner, kick returner, punt returner, or wide receiver. They are going to get an overall athlete who gives 100 percent of what he has when the ball is in his hands.

WNF: This WR class is loaded, where do you feel you rank?
DW: I definitely think I'm top 5 but everyone has their own way of looking at it. I feel like I'm a complete receiver that can help a team out in many ways so i'd like to think I am in the top 5.

WNF: What is one thing that the average fan might not know about Devon Wylie.
DW: I consider myself a talented musician. I like to play the guitar and write my own music.

QUICK HITS

Where will you be watching the draft?: My sister's house in CA
Favorite Pre-game music?: AudioSlave
Favorite Food: Mexican
What will you do with your first NFL paycheck: I feel like I am going to put it right in my savings. That will be my first instinct, im kindof stingy. Other than that, maybe a new guitar.

WNF Chats with the TOP NFL Draft LB Prospect BC LB Luke Kuechly

Name: Luke Kuechly
School: Boston College
Height: 6'3
Weight: 242 lbs
40 Yard Dash: 4.5
Bench Reps: 27 Reps

2011 Stats: 191 Tackles, 102 Solo, 2 Ints, 1 TD, Averaged 15.92 tackles a game.


WNF: How do you feel about your overall performance at the NFL Combine?
LK: In my opinion it went really well. All of the time drills I feel that i excelled at and performed real well. I proved myself at the combine and at the BC pro day all I participated in were the position drills.


WNF: What is your greatest strength on the field? 
LK: I would have to say my preparation for games. I love to prepare and watch tape of my opponent. This allows me to react quicker to the plays and enables me to play at a much faster pace. 


WNF: What is one area of your game where you feel you can improve on the most? 
LK: I feel like I can improve on my man coverage only because we ran mainly zone coverage at Boston College. That is the one area where I can see myself making  some significant improvements.

Luke Kuechly Performs position drills at the combine

WNF: If you had to compare yourself to one NFL LB who would it be?
LK: Ive seen a lot of people compare myself to former Dolphin LB Zach Thomas and Cowboy LB Sean Lee. However, my favorite player has always been Ravens LB Ray Lewis. 


WNF: What NFL teams have you met or are meeting with?
LK: I met with the Carolina Panthers last week. I am meeting with the Titans this week (8/1/2012) and I'm meeting with the Bengals in April. 


WNF: What are you going to do with your first NFL paycheck?
LK: I haven't really put much thought into that. Probably not a whole lot, maybe buy a big ol' couch.


WNF: What are some of the best memories at Boston College? What were some of your best memories with the team?
LK: I would say just being around the guys on the team the whole time. We went to class together, we trained together, we played together. You did almost every single thing with those guys and being around them is something I will carry with me. 


WNF: Growing up, who was you favorite player and team.
LK: Growing up in Ohio my favorite team was the Cincinnati Bengals and my favorite player has always been the great Ray Lewis.

Check out highlights of  Luke's final game as an Eagle above. Luke has a great INT for a touchdown.