Carimi ready to tackle first-round expectations

Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi is a sure-thing first-round pick, and no one knows that better than he does.

“I know I can play right away,” the 6-foot-7, 314-pounder said. “That’s my best asset. I’m a draft-ready tackle. I’ll be able to play in the National Football League (this) year.”

And, despite his Jewish faith, Carimi said he would have no problem playing on Yom Kippur, since he’s already found a creative way to honor both commitments. He said he’d abide by Israeli time, and after fasting he’d “get “IV’ed up,” to ensure against becoming dehydrated.

“I’d fast until 12 (noon) and then had like three hours to IV up and eat,” he said. “I didn’t feel any different. I’ve already looked out 15 years from now, and it doesn’t happen on Sunday.”

Carimi considers himself the best tackle in the draft, and he has plenty of ammunition to bolster his claim.

“I’ve gone against four potential first-round players last year,” he said. “I have a better resume of going against better talent than anyone else, so that makes me more (NFL) ready. I’m physically stronger and have more career starts and better knowledge of the game than any other tackle out there. That’s why I’m the No. 1 tackle out there.”

Actually, Boston College and Lake Zurich High School project Anthony Castonzo started more games than Carimi, 54-49, and Villanova’s Ben Ijalana started 53, but that was against a lower level of competition.

For the record, the four defensive ends that Carimi faced whom he considers first-round picks are: Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn, Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan, Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward and Wisconsin’s J.J Watt. Heyward might not be drafted until Round Two, but the other three are consensus first-rounders.

Over the top: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton came off as way too rehearsed, beginning his podium time with a hokey and mawkish opening statement about how lucky he was to be at the combine.He went on to thank the three #8212; that#146;s right, three #8212; coaches that he#146;s been working with in San Diego to prepare him for the combine: quarterback coach George Whitfield, trainer Doug Hicks and speed coach Ron Sheffield.It made some observers wonder how many coaches Newton would need to actually play a game.On the positive side, at least Newton committed to doing all the drills at the combine, unlike a lot of top-rated quarterbacks over the years who have refused to throw in an environment they couldn#146;t completely control.Overcoming adversity: Clemson defensive end Da#146;Quan Bowers was initially devastated by the death of former Bears defensive end Gaines Adams, who suffered a fatal heart attack cause by an enlarged heart at the age of 26.#147;Gaines was like a big brother to me,#148; said Bowers, who could be the overall No. 1 pick in the draft. #147;We were very close. He#146;s one of the reasons I chose Clemson. I was hit real hard by his death, but I had to go on.#148;Bowers said he rededicated himself to football after his father and Adams died within months of each other last year, and he produced 15frac12; sacks in 2010, the most in the country.Follow Bob#146;s Bears reports via Twitter@BobLeGere. Check out his blog, Bear Essentials, at dailyherald.com.