01/23/2012 - TOP TEN PROSPECTS WHO HELPED THEMSELVES AT THE EAST-WEST SHRINE: TE Chase Ford, Miami (Fla.): With only 16 career catches at Miami the past two years, Ford was a bit of an unknown entering this week. But he quickly showed off his skills as a natural pass catcher with fluid body control and terrific hand/eye coordination. At 6-feet-6 and 258 pounds, Ford has the size and frame for the position with reliable hands, especially in traffic. He is a bit one-dimensional as a pass-catcher and needs a lot of work as a blocker, but certainly put his name on the draftable radar after his work this week. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
Ford survive a life-threatening staph infection at 14, was not recruited but landed at Miami as a Juco All-American in 2009. He had poor production and only seven starts with the Hurricanes. His prototypical size, length and reliable hands push him into the developmental prospect category but he carries plenty of question marks.
Analysis
Positives: Tall, with NFL measurable -- 33-inch arms, 10 1/4-inch hands -- with a filled-out, thick frame. Works hard on and off the field. Good strength throughout, fluid body control and natural movement skills. Soft hands and good concentration level with obvious toughness in congested areas.
Negatives: Lacks the bulk strength to lock on and control NFL defensive linemen. Lower-body strength is questionable and limits his in-line blocking. Not physical and lacks a killer instinct. Not a quick-twitch athlete or polished route runner. Unproven with limited on-field experience. Sixteen career receptions at Miami.
