http://orthopedics.about.com/od/sportsinjuries/a/hernia.htm

"There are no treatments that have been shown to be effective for sports hernia other than surgery. That said, the initial treatment of a sports hernia is always conservative in hopes that the symptoms will resolve. Resting from activity, anti-inflammatory medications, ice treatments, and physical therapy can all be tried in an effort to alleviate the patient's symptoms.

"If these measures do not relieve the symptoms of a sports hernia, surgery may be recommended to repair the weakened area of the abdominal wall. In number of studies have shown between 65% and 90% of athletes are able to return to their activity after surgery for a sports hernia. Rehabilitation from surgery for a sports hernia usually takes about eight weeks. "

Philip Merling has just recently had surgery for his sports hernia. 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ys-prospectsurgeries&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

GIVEN THESE FACTS, would you take a chance on Philip Merling with the #26 pick in the draft?

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Given a 10-35% chance of his NOT being able to return, coupled with him not being a significant pass rush threat in college, I'd say NO.  Even if he were healthy, I'd be reluctant to draft a Spicer-type DE in the 1st round.

 

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I wouldn't say hes not a "significant pass rush threat".  I know he didn't have "wow" sack numbers in college, but he did have 7 sacks and 17 TFL's last season out of the weird hybid defense they were playing.  The real question for me is if he holds more value than Lawrence Jackson in the top of the 2nd or Jason Jones in the bottom of the 2nd.  They are all in the same height/weight range and are similar athletically (with Jackson being significantly stronger)

Those Who Stay Will Be Champions

I'm certain that if those three were available, Campbell would be the pick.  He's the one, out of those three, that has absolutely shown the ability to be dominant.  Besides, our DL is really coached up on ball awareness...batted balls are something out staff looks for and at 6'8" tall and long arms, Campbell should certainly have that covered. 

Those Who Stay Will Be Champions

I was thinking the same about the batted balls.  I am beginning to lean towards Campbell being the pick at #26.  His long arms also come in handy because if he does not get to the QB for a sack, he has a great chance of reaching out and swatting the ball to cause a turnover.  That is almost better than a sack, because the defense may recover the ball. 

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In this article about Merling, they say in undergoing surgery on March 12th, "Stewart should be healed in time for the start of training camp." Why so long? Training camp starts in late July, so they're saying he's projected to heal up over five months time. But the prior article is saying it should only take two months to heal up from a sports hernia injury.

I presume it's just that a typical person would be able to return to normal duties after two months, but it takes five months total to recover and get back into football shape. Frankly, if he does work out prior to the draft that would be quite an accomplishment. If he were to work out one week prior to the draft, that would mean he's working out a mere five weeks after his surgery.

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