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2015 NFL Combine: Five Bold Predictions
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
February 16, 2015 4:20 pm ET
The NFL Combine, better known as the “Underwear Olympics” according to some, is arguably the most important step in the NFL Draft process. It's just one piece to the overall puzzle, but it's an extremely essential piece that helps evaluators learn more about each prospect.
From the medical evaluations to the team interviews and all the on-field drills, the NFL Combine puts 323 prospects under the same microscope. Indianapolis becomes NFL headquarters for a week and pro hopefuls are put through an intense ringer that is a 24/7 job interview. Lives will change at the NFL Combine, some positively and others negatively. Of the 335 players invited to the Combine last year, only 224 were draft picks, leaving 111 (33.1%) undrafted.
Time will tell which players are drafted or not, but in the meantime, here are five NFL Combine predictions that are sure to be wrong:
5. Fastest 40-yard dash
By now, everyone knows that Miami WR Phillip Dorsett and Auburn WR Sammie Coates are the favorites to run the fastest 40-yard dash in Indianapolis. Dorsett has the type of speed that could set records and is my personal pick to run the fastest time. But who are a few underdogs who could steal the crown?
Florida State CB Ronald Darby led his high school to the Maryland 3A state championship in track, winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes, also earning a gold medal in the relay at the 2011 World Youth Championships in France. He has some mechanical issues as a prospect, but there is no questioning his speed. Miami RB Duke Johnson is so talented maneuvering through traffic, showing multiple gears to erase angles and the speed to turn heads in Indianapolis. Kansas State WR Tyler Lockett is undersized and has too many drops, but he flies like the wind and will test well in the 40-yard dash.
4. Fastest quarterback 40-yard dash since RGIII
Let's be honest, the 40-yard dash has little to do with how a quarterback projects to the NFL level. But that won't stop the hype once Oregon QB Marcus Mariota steps up to the starting line. A gazelle-type of runner, Mariota has effortless strides and easy acceleration to get vertical in a hurry and if he decides to run the 40-yard dash at Lucas Oil Stadium, he will burn up the track.
Only one quarterback prospect has run a sub 4.5 40-yard dash since 2007 – Robert Griffin III in 2012 (4.33). Several quarterbacks have come close (Colin Kaepernick, 4.53), but Mariota will join Griffin in that category with a 40-yard dash time in the 4.45-4.49 range.
3. Defensive line workout warriors
We see them every year at the NFL Combine, talented defensive linemen who are pigeon-holed with the “workout warrior” label. Some of those players go on to have productive NFL careers (Mario Williams) while others (Vernon Gholston) are out of the league quicker than their short shuttle time. The 2015 NFL Draft class has several candidates for this label, but two stand out: LSU's Danielle Hunter and Oregon's Arik Armstead.
Hunter is a freakish specimen who looks the part with his tall, long frame, but he also has the quick ignition out of his stance and light feet to make easy movements. Armstead is similar, but also bigger. Both players are works-in-progress when referring to their technique and development on the defensive line, but the Combine should showcase their abilities and athletic upside. And create buzz that is sure to get out of control.
2. The best drill at the NFL Combine? The 3-cone drill.
Based on tape and skill-set, specific drills are important for different prospects and for different reasons. But the 3-cone drill, which was invented by legendary NFL scout C.O. Brocato, is universally important at every position because it's a general test of athleticism, not just straight-line speed. Also referred to as the “L-shape drill,” it helps showcase players' agility, flexibility and change of direction skills.
This drill will be especially important for conversion pass rushers who project as hybrids and need to prove they have the athleticism to stand up at linebacker and play in space. Florida's Dante Fowler, Nebraska's Randy Gregory, Clemson's Vic Beasley and Kentucky's Bud Dupree should all test well in this category. But what about Missouri DE Shane Ray? Some project him as a stand-up player, but his 3-cone drill will show that he's best with his hand on the ground.
This is the drill to pay attention to when attempting to figure out whether or not a prospect has the redirection skills to play in space.
1. The most important Combine test won't be on television
The NFL Combine is imperative to NFL prospects, but for more than just 40-yard dash times. The medical evaluations and interviews carry much more weight, although they won't grab the headlines. Florida State QB Jameis Winston might throw, he might not, but everyone knows his interviews are what will drive his draft stock. Every year there is one prospect who garners the most attention in the media room (2014: Johnny Manziel, 2013: Manti Te'o, 2012: Andrew Luck, 2011: Cam Newton, 2010: Tim Tebow, etc.) and this year there is no doubt that Winston is this year's media darling when he steps to the podium to face the music.
Georgia RB Todd Gurley won't perform any drills in Indianapolis, but after tearing his ACL in November, NFL teams are eager for an update on his rehab process. As long as Gurley receives two thumbs up from trainers that his rehab is on track, he will be drafted in the first round.
Several other players have questions that need answered. UCLA DE Owa Odighizuwa should test well, but after two hip surgeries in 2013, what is his long-term prognosis? Washington CB Marcus Peters was kicked off the team after multiple run-ins with the coaching staff, can he convince NFL teams that he's worth the risk in the first round? Not every question will be answered in Indianapolis, but several will.
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
February 16, 2015 4:20 pm ET
The NFL Combine, better known as the “Underwear Olympics” according to some, is arguably the most important step in the NFL Draft process. It's just one piece to the overall puzzle, but it's an extremely essential piece that helps evaluators learn more about each prospect.
From the medical evaluations to the team interviews and all the on-field drills, the NFL Combine puts 323 prospects under the same microscope. Indianapolis becomes NFL headquarters for a week and pro hopefuls are put through an intense ringer that is a 24/7 job interview. Lives will change at the NFL Combine, some positively and others negatively. Of the 335 players invited to the Combine last year, only 224 were draft picks, leaving 111 (33.1%) undrafted.
Time will tell which players are drafted or not, but in the meantime, here are five NFL Combine predictions that are sure to be wrong:
5. Fastest 40-yard dash
By now, everyone knows that Miami WR Phillip Dorsett and Auburn WR Sammie Coates are the favorites to run the fastest 40-yard dash in Indianapolis. Dorsett has the type of speed that could set records and is my personal pick to run the fastest time. But who are a few underdogs who could steal the crown?
Florida State CB Ronald Darby led his high school to the Maryland 3A state championship in track, winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes, also earning a gold medal in the relay at the 2011 World Youth Championships in France. He has some mechanical issues as a prospect, but there is no questioning his speed. Miami RB Duke Johnson is so talented maneuvering through traffic, showing multiple gears to erase angles and the speed to turn heads in Indianapolis. Kansas State WR Tyler Lockett is undersized and has too many drops, but he flies like the wind and will test well in the 40-yard dash.
4. Fastest quarterback 40-yard dash since RGIII
Let's be honest, the 40-yard dash has little to do with how a quarterback projects to the NFL level. But that won't stop the hype once Oregon QB Marcus Mariota steps up to the starting line. A gazelle-type of runner, Mariota has effortless strides and easy acceleration to get vertical in a hurry and if he decides to run the 40-yard dash at Lucas Oil Stadium, he will burn up the track.
Only one quarterback prospect has run a sub 4.5 40-yard dash since 2007 – Robert Griffin III in 2012 (4.33). Several quarterbacks have come close (Colin Kaepernick, 4.53), but Mariota will join Griffin in that category with a 40-yard dash time in the 4.45-4.49 range.
3. Defensive line workout warriors
We see them every year at the NFL Combine, talented defensive linemen who are pigeon-holed with the “workout warrior” label. Some of those players go on to have productive NFL careers (Mario Williams) while others (Vernon Gholston) are out of the league quicker than their short shuttle time. The 2015 NFL Draft class has several candidates for this label, but two stand out: LSU's Danielle Hunter and Oregon's Arik Armstead.
Hunter is a freakish specimen who looks the part with his tall, long frame, but he also has the quick ignition out of his stance and light feet to make easy movements. Armstead is similar, but also bigger. Both players are works-in-progress when referring to their technique and development on the defensive line, but the Combine should showcase their abilities and athletic upside. And create buzz that is sure to get out of control.
2. The best drill at the NFL Combine? The 3-cone drill.
Based on tape and skill-set, specific drills are important for different prospects and for different reasons. But the 3-cone drill, which was invented by legendary NFL scout C.O. Brocato, is universally important at every position because it's a general test of athleticism, not just straight-line speed. Also referred to as the “L-shape drill,” it helps showcase players' agility, flexibility and change of direction skills.
This drill will be especially important for conversion pass rushers who project as hybrids and need to prove they have the athleticism to stand up at linebacker and play in space. Florida's Dante Fowler, Nebraska's Randy Gregory, Clemson's Vic Beasley and Kentucky's Bud Dupree should all test well in this category. But what about Missouri DE Shane Ray? Some project him as a stand-up player, but his 3-cone drill will show that he's best with his hand on the ground.
This is the drill to pay attention to when attempting to figure out whether or not a prospect has the redirection skills to play in space.
1. The most important Combine test won't be on television
The NFL Combine is imperative to NFL prospects, but for more than just 40-yard dash times. The medical evaluations and interviews carry much more weight, although they won't grab the headlines. Florida State QB Jameis Winston might throw, he might not, but everyone knows his interviews are what will drive his draft stock. Every year there is one prospect who garners the most attention in the media room (2014: Johnny Manziel, 2013: Manti Te'o, 2012: Andrew Luck, 2011: Cam Newton, 2010: Tim Tebow, etc.) and this year there is no doubt that Winston is this year's media darling when he steps to the podium to face the music.
Georgia RB Todd Gurley won't perform any drills in Indianapolis, but after tearing his ACL in November, NFL teams are eager for an update on his rehab process. As long as Gurley receives two thumbs up from trainers that his rehab is on track, he will be drafted in the first round.
Several other players have questions that need answered. UCLA DE Owa Odighizuwa should test well, but after two hip surgeries in 2013, what is his long-term prognosis? Washington CB Marcus Peters was kicked off the team after multiple run-ins with the coaching staff, can he convince NFL teams that he's worth the risk in the first round? Not every question will be answered in Indianapolis, but several will.
