The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/465847
INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS "People are going to look at that size-speed combination and say, 'We can't pass on that,'" CBSSports.com NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler said. "He passes the eye test. "Funchess has that size, length and athleticism to create mismatches and play above the rim. He shows out- standing athletic gifts for that body type that are really impressive. Long stride, speed, natural flexibility to make adjustments on the ball. He can do it on every level of the field, whether that's the flat, intermediary routes or even deep, going vertically. "Too many balls hit his hands and end up on the ground, though. He has that soft-spoken, go-with-the-flow personality, and I think he needs to improve his intensity for the next level. "He's more of a high-risk, high-re- ward type of talent. You see the first- round tools and he has the potential to be a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver in the NFL, but his inconsistencies drive me nuts. That's why I think some teams will have him in the third or fourth round on their draft board. "But it only takes one team, and if he performs well at the Combine, I could see him move up to that late first or early second on their draft board." Funchess will participate in work- outs at the Combine Feb. 21, given the chance to show off his athletic ability in the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill, 20- yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle. Linebacker Ryan and defensive end Clark will both compete in workouts Feb. 22. The 6-3, 236-pound Ryan finished his career with 45.5 tackles for loss among 267 career stops. His tenacity and work ethic will be evident in workouts, but there is more to Ryan than just attitude, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein argues. "He's got the size, physicality and commitment to film work to play in- side, but his instincts still need work," Zierlein wrote. "Ryan is a little stiff and stays blocked for too long, but his disengagement from blocks will im- prove with more reps inside. Faster than quick, he is scheme versatile and can fit inside or at the Sam linebacker spot in a 4-3. "Ryan's productivity comes from toughness, play demeanor and physi- cal tools. Teams could pigeonhole him as a 'try-hard' linebacker, but they shouldn't. He's a highly productive downhill tackler. Has burst to the ball. Gap-responsible and tackles through his targets. Possesses straight-line speed to chase from sideline to side- line." The 6-2, 277-pound Clark presents a conundrum for NFL brass. Possessing outstanding athleticism, Clark racked up 11 sacks and 35 tackles for loss dur- ing his career, but he was kicked off the team in November following a domes- tic-abuse arrest. "Clark has mid-round talent, but his arrest and prior indiscretions make it unlikely that teams will be willing to draft him," Zierlein writes. "If he gets everything sorted out, he has a shot at getting into a camp." Michigan has not announced its 2015 Pro Day, but the event, which allows all of its seniors to work out for NFL scouts, usually takes place in April.