Dorsey answers health questions at Pro Day
by ROB RANG, Sports Xchange
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Tigers team doctors assured the estimated 120 representatives from all 32 teams that the report on an NFL team Web site of Dorsey undergoing a secret knee surgery in recent weeks was false, and that Dorsey has never undergone surgery. They also said Dorsey is fully recovered from the stress fracture in his right tibia first suffered in 2006 that still hindered him throughout last season.
That was enough for three teams, including one with a top five selection, to tell NFLDraftScout.com that they are confident enough in Dorsey's health to select him if he is available when it is their turn.
However, most teams are still waiting for the results of a medical review on the tibia in Indianapolis on April 4-5, when about a dozen players will be re-checked. The re-check will be attended by medical staff representing at least 30 teams.
At February's scouting combine, at least two NFL team doctors told NFLDraftScout.com that Dorsey's old injury had been red-flagged for a re-check.
Dorsey also confirmed he took painkillers before each game last year and wore a bone stimulator in the spring of 2007 for as much as 18 hours a day. Although he also insisted he was completely healed, he acknowledged doctors examined him for nine hours one day at the combine and that he was told a re-check may be scheduled.
"Yes, I took pain killers and yes, I wore the stim through the summer," Dorsey told NFLDraftScout.com at the combine. "But I played the whole season. I will take whatever tests the doctors ask, but I am telling you, I am ready to go."
Dorsey, the winner of the Outland, Lombardi, Nagurski and Lott trophies, only needs to prove his health to cement his status as a top five pick. However, he wasn't dominant in Wednesday's workout.
Scouts in attendance noted he never touched the lines during the three-cone and short shuttle drills, forcing scouts to run him through the drills numerous times. His times (7.63 in the three cone, 4.95 in the short shuttle) were solid but unspectacular. So, too, were his efforts in the bench press (27 reps), broad jump (8'4"), vertical jump (25.5 inches) and 40-yard dash (5.14).
The mediocre workout results should have no impact on Dorsey's final draft status. Anyone who watched Dorsey play throughout his illustrious LSU career knows of his ability. In answering questions about his health, Dorsey may have provided bigger news Wednesday than any time, jump or drill performance from any workout all year long. In the process, he may have re-emerged as a legitimate candidate to go first overall.
The Dolphins, owners of the No. 1 overall pick, followed their trend of not sending executive vice president Bill Parcells, general manager Jeff Ireland or head coach Tony Sparano to the workout, but Miami did have a contingent of scouts and position coaches at the LSU Pro Day. They may have attended mainly to see Dorsey, but performances from others also had scouts talking.
Quarterback Matt Flynn was also impressive. Unable to throw at the combine due to the shoulder injury that limited him throughout the end of the season, Flynn proved the strength and accuracy of his arm Wednesday. In doing so, he solidified his place as a quality developmental prospect likely available in the late rounds.
Rob Rang is a senior analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange. Publisher Frank Cooney contributed to this report.
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