Feb. 26--As much as anything, Ronnie Stanley arrived at the NFL scouting combine determined to sell teams on his passion. The Notre Dame offensive tackle has absorbed the biggest criticisms he faces as the predraft process intensifies. But whether it's in interviews with teams or during the on-field drills he'll perform Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium, Stanley hopes he can offer a better glimpse into his competitive fire.
"I've heard negative things, that people think that I'm just a laid-back guy who just relies on his talent and doesn't really love the game like he should," Stanley said. "So I'm really trying to show those people what football means to me."
Even with the lingering questions about Stanley's tenacity, he's still widely expected to be a top-10 pick and is listed with Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss as one of the top two tackles in the draft. Stanley returned to Notre Dame for his senior season and was a big part of the Irish's offensive success, showcasing his nimble footwork and pass-protection awareness. Stanley said last season allowed him to improve his run blocking while also giving him a chance to evolve as a leader.
Now he's intent on debunking the notion that he's too lackadaisical to be a force at the next level.
"I can translate what I did in college to the NFL," Stanley said. "And I'm going to keep trying to get better. I never feel that I've made it to a certain point that I don't think I can get better."
Fast times: Laquon Treadwell, the Tribune's 2012 Player of the Year while at Crete-Monee, could be the first receiver to come off the board during April's draft. A long and competitive playmaker, Treadwell totaled 82 catches, 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns last season at Ole Miss after suffering a gruesome leg fracture the previous year.
Still, NFL talent evaluators are pushing to get a better feel for Treadwell's top-end speed and were eager to clock his 40-yard dash times at the combine. But Treadwell made the decision not to run in Indianapolis and will put off his 40 test until his pro day next month.
The 20-year-old receiver recently opted to change training facilities, now working with Pete Bommarito in Miami. After the switch to Bommarito's facility, Treadwell said he wanted more time to prepare for the 40.
"I just wasn't getting the work I needed to run my best time," he said. "Now I'm just getting comfortable at the new spot and learning my techniques. I figured if I have enough time to work on it, I'll get the time I want."
Treadwell said his goal is to post a time near 4.5 seconds at his pro day.
Character assessment: Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook said he has been misunderstood at times and incorrectly labeled as cocky and arrogant. He understands his personality will continue to be scrutinized in the coming months as he pushes to improve his draft stock.
"Maybe they're getting it mixed up with confidence," Cook said. "Being a quarterback, you've always got to be confident. Not just a quarterback. Any sport -- basketball, baseball, in life, if you're just a businessman -- you've got to be confident. I've always been confident in myself."
dwiederer@tribpub.com
