This Indianapolis-based event might be the make-or-break chance of a lifetime for incoming rookies, but Mr. Crabtree does not need to impress any team or any scout. I'm a fan and don't be surprised to see him on my fantasy roster by the end of the summer. Sure the combine can be fun to watch and to day dream what it would be like to have that amazing athlete who runs the 40 yard dash with blazing speed and could potentially be lining up in your favorite team's backfield. But the combine, in my opinion, is a hyped up creation by the NFL to highlight the could-be stars of next season or seasons to come. This event is geared towards players who know they are going to be late 1st round picks all the way down to guys who are just trying to make a spot on any team's roster, waterboy included. I agree its fun to watch the drama unfold between two or three quarterbacks who are definite top ten overall picks battle head-to-head and see who can out-sling the other. But let's be clear about one thing, do you recall seeing Tom Brady at the combine after playing at Michigan? Didn't think so. His super bowl rings tell me he could have rookies at the combine bowing down at his feet if he wanted to. Now I'm not a Brady fan by a long-shot so don't get the wrong idea. Just stating fact here.
Crabtree is heads above the rest when it comes to wide receivers in the draft this year and rightfully so after he showed in college what it takes to be successful on the grid iron. After all, #5 in the red and black Under-Armor attire posted NCAA record setting totals as a freshman in Lubbock, Texas. How many NFL greats that you know of have those kind of accolades on their resume'?! He is a definite #1 overall pick at the wide receiver position this year and does not need to prove himself. Just ask any of the former Big 12 Conference defensive backs who had the luxury of covering Crabtree and they'll tell you: I'm right on the money.
In closing, let me make a bold prediction that he will be one of the best receivers the game has ever seen. Someone in Canton, Ohio should be molding his face as I'm writing this blog for the sculpture that will be on display at the Hall of Fame. This is a guy who has the size, speed and route running of Jerry Rice. Their catching abilities mirror each other as well. So a word of advice to NFL teams' War Rooms on draft day: don't pass on Michael Crabtree if you desperately need a wide receiver come April. I don't care if he's skipping the combine due to a doctor's diagnosis of a stress fracture. If anyone thinks he is a risk, just take into consideration one of the most talented yet risk-based wide receivers still in the league today who just happened to be selected as the 22nd overall pick some 10 years ago...Randy Moss. Need I say more?