As you have probably heard by now, NFLDraftBible.com is reporting that USC linebackers Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing tested positive for steroids at the Scouting Combine. They are also reporting that Vontae Davis and Percy Harvin tested positive for marijuana. Please note, however, that none of these tests have been confirmed by any other source other than that one website.
With that said, however, it'll be very interesting to see how these reports affect each of these prospect's draft stock. Keep in mind, of course, that while we may not know if these reports are accurate, the teams do get an official list of players who have tested positive for any illegal substance. So each team will know if these claims are accurate or not.
Assuming they are accurate, you have to imagine the draft stocks of both Matthews and Cushing take a big hit. Personally, I wouldn't touch either one of these players if they tested positive for steroids.
However, I don't feel the same way about the positive marijuana tests. Yes - it's true that testing positive for pot really makes you question the character, judgment, and maturity of each of these players. After all, these guys were basically attending the world's largest and most important "job interview" when they went to Indianapolis for the Combine. Knowing that you will be tested once you get there, it's hard to fathom how anyone could be dumb enough to use a banned substance in the weeks leading up to the event.
With that said, though, I'm not one who would instantly write off drafting either Percy Harvin or Vontae Davis in terms of Miami's 25th pick just because they smoked weed. Some teams might feel differently. But I think the Dolphins are different. They have strong leadership from the top down - and it all starts with Bill Parcells. The Dolphins also have Ricky Williams - a guy who has been through a similar situation. Davis or Harvin could come to Miami and lean on Ricky for advice and leadership in terms of their "off the field" issues.
The Sun-Sentinel's Omar Kelly, however, feels differently than I do. He thinks that these issues could eliminate them as potential draft picks with that 25th pick. He writes:
Finally, I have gotten word from two good sources that Florida receiver Percy Harvin and Illinois cornerback Vontae Davis are about to see their stocks plummet for "character concerns" that would just about eliminate them from being considered options for the Dolphins with pick No. 25. Second-round, where the financial investment is much less, maybe. But first-round is now a long shot.
This could be another team trying to tank their stock, which does happen. But I've heard too many whispers about Harvin for months to ignore these red flags, and Davis' troubles (or bad habits) just puts his known issues in big bold lettering.
The one thing the Trifecta has been very clear on is they don't want "druggies, divas, and players with character concerns" because they could create a toxic mix inside the locker room. The Trifecta will only take players with the "right makeup."
So my question to you all is if you would still be willing to draft Percy Harvin or Vontae Davis if indeed this report is true and they did test positive for marijuana at the Combine?
(Hat tip to cbdolphin for his fanpost)