2014 NFL Scouting Combine: Dee Ford held out Monday due to back issue
By Chase Ruttig
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) is tackled by Auburn Tigers defensive end Dee Ford (30) during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
After dominating the 2013 NCAA football season on the way to an SEC Championship at Auburn and an appearance in the BCS National Championship in a heartbreaking final drive loss to Florida State before becoming the star of the 2014 Senior Bowl, Dee Ford was expected to be one of the players to watch at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Now on Monday morning it appears that draftniks will have to wait to see what Ford can do in his combine workouts as Pro Football Talk has reported that Ford has been held out due to an old back issue.
"We’ve found out why Dee Ford’s not working out today, and it’s something he’ll have a chance to prove himself recovered from later.According to Steve Wyche of the NFL Network, Ford was flagged by league doctors because of a lower back issue, related to a 2011 procedure for a herniated disc.While Auburn’s pro day is just more than a week away (March 4), Ford has plenty of time to prove himself well in a private workout, considering the NFL Draft has been pushed to May 8-10.Doctors assembled in Indianapolis probably lean toward caution anyway, and being held out of workouts isn’t a killer."
Ford’s medical absence will be a disappointment for both interested fans who were watching the combine and wanting to see if Ford’s explosiveness compared to top defensive linemen Jadeveon Clowney and for Ford himself who is continuing his attempt to work his way into the Top 15 of the draft. Ford has some concerns that have him graded below the likes of Clowney and Khalil Mack and this injury won’t help. Still his impressive highlight reel and accomplishments in his final year at Auburn have nearly solidified him as a first round talent, expect Ford to bounce back at his pro day and continue to be a popular name inside of the first round for teams in need of a speed pass rusher outside of the Top 10.