- Joined
- Apr 7, 2013
- Messages
- 120,131
By Dane Brugler 1h ago
The National Scouting Combine is an annual invitation-only event where NFL Draft prospects are put through a grueling job interview process that tests them both physical and mentally. The combine can be broken down into four separate categories:
- Medical evaluations
- Interview process
- Agility/positional drills
- Verified measurements.
Each of the four categories is immensely important for all 327 participants, but several prospects have a little extra to prove in certain areas. Medical evaluations
Medical information is the most important step of the NFL Scouting Combine.
The Scouting Combine started in the early ‘80s as a way for each team to perform medical checks at a neutral, geographically-friendly site instead of forcing players to travel from city to city, going through the same exams. And that’s one of the main reasons why the Scouting Combine is in Indianapolis, because of the medical equipment available. Over 300 MRIs are conducted in only a handful of days, making it difficult for a host city to accommodate the demands.
NFL scouts provide the doctors and trainers with any pre-existing medical information from their school calls, giving the training staffs a starting point with each prospect. The examinations include everything from blood work to joint movement and everything in between. Drug testing is also part of the process.
Each team uses its own grading system, but a common numerical 1-through-5 system is common throughout the league (1 representing zero issues and 5 being strong red-flag concerns). Each case is different, but a “4” or “5” likely takes a prospect off draft boards.
Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State
The most important medical evaluation at this year’s Combine belongs to Bosa, the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick. He tried to push through groin and abdomen issues during the first few games of 2018 before re-aggravating those injuries vs. TCU, requiring season-ending bilateral abdominal surgery. He also suffered a “slight ACL tear” during his senior season in high school, and it will be critical that doctors give two thumbs up for Bosa to be drafted as high as his talent suggests.
Rodney Anderson, RB, Oklahoma
Aside from a remarkably productive stretch over the second half of the 2017 season, Anderson’s four seasons in Norman were marred by injury. He missed almost all of 2015 with a broken left leg on special teams. Anderson redshirted in 2016 after a freak play during practice resulted in a broken bone in his neck. And two games into the 2018 season, he injured his right knee and required surgery, ending his college career. A top-50 talent, Anderson’s final draft grade will be heavily influenced by his medical report.
Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
With his undersized build, durability was already a factor in Love’s draft evaluation, including persistent ankle injuries the past two seasons. But those worries were heightened after he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee on the final play of his college career this past December, which will sideline him for the pre-draft process. How his knee is recovering post-surgery will be crucial to his draft grade.
Jalin Moore, RB, Appalachian State
One of the most productive players in App State history, Moore was climbing the school’s all-time rushing yards list before his college career ended prematurely a month into the 2018 season. He suffered a fracture and dislocation of his right ankle and required surgery. Moore received a Senior Bowl invitation, but wasn’t medically cleared and was unable to participate.
Winston Dimel, FB, UTEP
A graduated transfer from Kansas State, Dimel is one of the few fullbacks in the 2019 draft class with a chance of being drafted. He transferred to the Miners after his father (Dana) was hired as head coach prior to the 2018 season, but only saw action in six games due to injury.
D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Two of Metcalf’s three seasons with the Rebels ended prematurely due to serious injuries. After missing almost all of the 2016 season with a broken left foot, Metcalf suffered a neck injury this past October, requiring surgery and missing the second half of 2018 season. It was a non-spinal issue and he has already been cleared by doctors, but the medical feedback will still be key.
Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
Brown put together a remarkable two-year stretch for the Sooners. Unfortunately, his All-American 2018 season didn’t end well, as he suffered a left foot injury in the Big 12 Championship Game, which rendered him ineffective in the Orange Bowl Semifinal Playoff Game against Alabama. Brown underwent Lisfranc surgery in January and will be sidelined for the pre-draft process. He is expected to be fully healthy by training camp, but Lisfranc injuries are one of the tougher lower body injuries to rehab. And doctors will receive a sneak peek of his progress at the Combine.
Emanuel Hall, WR, Missouri
Hall is arguably the best senior wide receiver in the 2019 draft class, but a history of muscle injuries in his lower body kept him sidelined for parts of his career. He missed parts of seven games this past season, including the Senior Bowl, with a nagging groin issue.
Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
A Tennessee transfer, Hurd made the switch from running back to slot receiver for the Bears and was named the Big 12’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year. However, he suffered a knee injury late in the season, which required “minor” surgery in December. Hurd said he will be “100% ready to go” for the Scouting Combine.
Felton Davis, WR, Michigan State
A projected mid-round draft pick entering the 2018 season, Davis suffered a torn Achilles tendon in his left leg in mid-October, ending his Spartan career. Will he be able to work out pre-draft? Is his rehab going well? His medical check will help answer those questions.
Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
Cajuste started double-digit games each of the last two seasons, but his history of knee injuries could alter his draft grade. He missed six games in 2015 due to a knee sprain and missed the 2016 season with a torn ACL.
Alex Bars, OG, Notre Dame
Considered a potential draft pick over the summer, Bars suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee in September, requiring surgery. After losing Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson, Bars, a senior captain, was considered the glue of the Irish’s offensive line and his absence was obvious in the second half of the season.
Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
Gary was plagued by various minor injuries over his career, including a right shoulder issue that bothered him throughout the 2018 season. The Combine will reveal if any of those nagging injuries are still lingering.
Chase Winovich, EDGE, Michigan
Over the final month of his senior season, Winovich battled foot and ankle injuries, which kept him out of the Senior Bowl. He has decided to put off surgery until after the Combine, which would suggest the injuries aren’t too serious, but the medical evaluations could reveal more.
Christian Miller, EDGE, Alabama
Unfortunately for Miller, the trajectory of his college career was heavily altered by injuries, including a sports hernia, torn left bicep and most recently a left hamstring strain that sidelined him for the National Title game and Senior Bowl.
Porter Gustin, EDGE, USC
Ironically, one of the players who takes the best care of his body also has the toughest time staying healthy. Gustin has battled bicep, toe and knee issues, and missed the second half of his senior year after ankle surgery. He would be a potential top-100 draft pick if not for the durability concerns.
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
A right knee bruise sidelined Oliver for five games in the second half of the 2018 season. It wasn’t considered a serious injury and hopefully he is 100 percent healthy for the Combine.
Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
Tavai was finishing a strong senior campaign when he suffered a right shoulder injury, ending his Hawaii career and keeping him out of the Senior Bowl. He had a grade-three AC joint sprain and required surgery and although he is close to full health, he won’t be participating in any athletic testing at the Combine.
Blake Cashman, LB, Minnesota
Over the last calendar year, Cashman underwent three separate shoulder surgeries and his long-term prognosis will be an important detail in his scouting report.
Chase Hansen, LB, Utah
An older prospect (turns 26 years old in May), Hansen’s collegiate career has been marred by various injuries, most recently a hip issue that kept him sidelined for the Senior Bowl. The medical evaluations will be paramount to his draft grade.
Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn
When healthy, Dean has freakish qualities for his size (6-1, 212). In high school at the 2013 Florida Regional meet, he ran a personal-best 10.58 in the 100-meters. Last offseason, he ran an electronically timed 4.31 in the 40-yard dash. However, Dean suffered three major knee injuries before his first collegiate game. He signed with Ohio State out of high school, but the Buckeyes’ medical staff failed his exam due to two injuries to the same knee (ACL tear, torn meniscus) from high school. Dean transferred to Auburn where he suffered another knee injury (to the other knee) and missed the 2016 season. He held up the past two seasons for the Tigers, but the status (present and future) of his knees will be something the doctors examine closely.
Blessuan Austin, CB, Rutgers
Austin showed NFL promise as a sophomore in 2016, but he suffered a torn ACL as a junior and missed most of the 2017 season. He returned in 2018, but re-injured the same knee, requiring another surgery and ending his collegiate career. Austin has NFL talent, but the medical grade on his knee is a factor in whether he is drafted.
Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
No prospect in the 2019 draft class is as contact-driven as Abram, but his physical play leads to durability concerns. He didn’t miss much time at Mississippi State, but his shoulder was flagged at the Senior Bowl and he was unable to participate. Interview process
While the medical evaluations are the most important aspect of the Combine, the interviews are a close second.
There are formal and informal interviews. Each team can schedule up to 60 formal 15-minute sit down interviews with prospects. Generally, these interviews will be the first opportunity for head coaches and general managers to speak with most prospects, especially the underclassmen. Most teams also bring psychologists and specialists to observe each interview.
The informal interviews take place after hours at the “training stations” and are a combination of the Wild West and speed dating – disorderly.
Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Quarterback is an intangible position, making interviews particularly important, but even more so for Murray. The athletic skill-set and arm talent are clear, but where is he in his mental development? Teams will press him on the baseball topic and other issues as they gauge his maturity and whether he is ready to be the CEO of a franchise.
Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
Five underclassmen quarterbacks declared early, but three (Daniel Jones, Jarrett Stidham and Tyree Jackson) had the opportunity to meet with teams at the Senior Bowl. The Combine will be the first exposure most NFL decision-makers have with Murray and Haskins – and first impressions carry a ton of weight. Haskins showed steady growth throughout his ultra-productive 2018 season, but he has only one year of starting experience and there is a sizable jump from Ohio State’s scheme and what he will be asked to do in the NFL.
Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
This is Jones’ chance to shine. While his tape and physical skillset won’t blow anyone away, it is his cerebral approach as a passer that could potentially entice a franchise to peg him as their future starter. A pupil of David Cutcliffe, Jones should impress when coaches put him on the white board.
Dexter Williams, RB, Notre Dame
Williams was a one-year wonder at Notre Dame for various reasons, one being his immature character during his first few seasons in South Bend. Not only were there issues with conditioning and grasping the playbook, but he was also arrested for marijuana possession in 2016 and failed another drug test, which led to his four-game suspension to start the 2018 season.
Jordan Scarlett, RB, Florida
After leading the Gators in rushing in 2016, Scarlett was one of several Florida players, including current Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway, busted for credit card fraud. After sitting out the 2017 season due to suspension, he returned this past season and averaged 5.9 yards per carry.
L.J. Scott, RB, Michigan State
While driving infractions aren’t usually something to worry about when it comes to NFL prospects, Scott’s citations are now in the double-digits, including driving without a license, driving with a suspended license and operating a vehicle without insurance. One citation is understandable. Even a handful is believable with the busy schedules of student-athletes. But double-digits!? That’s the type of pattern that teams won’t simply overlook.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey, WR, Texas
One of the younger players in this draft class, Humphrey had a “bumpy” beginning when he arrived in Austin, butting heads with coaches and missing time due to a failed drug test. All indications are that he is a more mature person today, but teams will use the interview session to figure that out.
Alize Mack, TE, Notre Dame
Mack has been labeled an underachiever by several scouts. His talent is clear and that should be reflected in the athletic testing. However, he struggled to cement his status as an essential part of the Notre Dame offense, finishing his career with only four touchdown catches. Mack missed the 2016 season (academic suspension) and the 2017 bowl game due to an “internal matter.”
Chuma Edoga, OT, USC
One of the players who helped themselves the most at the Senior Bowl, Edoga has the talent to start in the NFL, but scouts have questioned his football character and competitive toughness to reach his full potential.
Tyler Roemer, OT, San Diego State
After starting 23 straight games, Roemer was suspended for a violation of team rules in mid-November and then subsequently removed from the roster two weeks later. Teams will certainly press him on the details and genesis of the situation that led to his dismissal.
Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida
Polite doesn’t have a criminal background and his teammates say positive things about his influence on the team. However, the reviews haven’t been as glowing from scouts regarding his maturity. The Combine will be an opportunity for Polite to change the narrative when he sits down with teams behind closed doors.
Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State
The Mississippi State coaches and administrators speak highly of Sweat from his two seasons in Starkville, but he spent most of his two-year tenure at Michigan State in the coach’s doghouse. His case seems to be a common example of needing to grow up (like most college freshmen) and I haven’t talked to any scouts who have expressed real concern about his character.
L.J. Collier, EDGE, TCU
A first-year starter in 2018, Collier went from off-the-radar to potential top-100 draft pick over the last 12 months. However, speaking to people close to the TCU program, immaturity kept Collier off the field at times and teams will be working overtime to ensure his makeup fits an NFL locker room.
Carl Granderson, EDGE, Wyoming
In early February, Granderson was charged with sexual assault and sexual battery, involving two women and his “unwanted sexual contact” towards them, according to court documents. This development was made public after the Senior Bowl, so the Combine will be Granderson’s first opportunity to tell his side of the story to NFL teams. This is certainly a situation to monitor.
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Oliver had several immature moments in college, including a well-publicized altercation with former head coach Major Applewhite regarding a coat issue on the sideline. I haven’t spoken to anyone in the NFL who is legitimately worried about his character, but the interviews will be a way to confirm that. The most damning comment made by one the scouts made was Oliver has “growing up to do.”
Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Considered a first-round pick by some, Lawrence was suspended for the College Football Playoffs after testing positive for ostarine, a banned performance-enhancing drug. Teams will press him on the details behind the suspension and his overall accountability.
Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
On the field, Tillery has first round potential. But off the field, NFL scouts are concerned about his maturity and where football shows up on his priority list. He marches to the beat of his own drum, but at the Combine, there will be no avoiding the investigative questions, mostly regarding his accountability and commitment towards football.
Gerald Willis III, DT, Miami (Fla.)
Willis put together a strong final season at the college level, but scouts will be focused on his background of instability, including multiple incidents with teammates while at Florida. He was also suspended multiple times at Miami for minor violations and took a leave of absence from the program in 2017. With his track record, Willis likely won’t be drafted as high as his talent suggests, but the interview process will be an opportunity for him to prove his maturity, especially since he missed the Senior Bowl.
Trysten Hill, DT, UCF
Hill showed impressive flashes over his first two seasons at UCF, but he lost his starting job under the new coaching staff in 2018 and left school early. Some have questioned his maturity and attitude and it will be important for Hill to flip the script during his interviews with NFL teams.
Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
Tavai was arrested for third-degree assault last June for his role in a bar fight. He was defending his group of friends against a drunk individual, who sucker punched his friend, also striking his friend’s fiancé. His actions are defendable, but teams will be more concerned with hearing “it won’t happen again.”
Evan Worthington, SS, Colorado
Worthington missed the 2016 season due to a year-long suspension for violating team rules. While sitting out, he returned home to Denver and worked as a security guard, but now appears to be newly motivated, especially since the birth of his son. Regardless, teams will need to be convinced that his character won’t be an issue moving forward. Agility/positional drills
The sexiest aspect of the Combine: the athletic testing. The 40-yard dash, three-cone drill, short shuttle, long shuttle, vertical jump, broad jump and bench press. These drills allow NFL teams to match quantitative data with a player’s tape. The drills help provide context with each prospect participating on the same field, in the same setting and under the same circumstances (unlike campus pro days where scouts must adjust for tracks, grass, wind, weather and several other factors).
The 40-yard dash and other drills won’t make or break a prospect’s draft grade, but a surprising number will force teams to go back to the tape and do more homework. Opinions vary on the legitimacy of these drills, but the three-cone and shuttle drills, which judge short-area quickness and fluidity, are generally viewed as the most important, regardless of position.
Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
As of now, Murray is undecided on what drills (if any) he will perform at the Combine. Similar to be Lamar Jackson last year, I would be surprised if he runs, but hopefully he decides to throw. Seeing each quarterback throw in succession in the same environment is highly beneficial for evaluators.
Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic
It’s impossible to watch Singletary’s tape and not get a LeSean McCoy vibe, using shifty moves create. During his pre-draft process, McCoy ran 6.82 three-cone drill and had a 1.52 10-yard split and I’m expecting similar numbers from Singletary.
David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State
Montgomery isn’t a below average athlete by any means, but he is quicker than fast and wasn’t a big play creator in college (only two rushes of 30+ yards in 2018). It will be interesting to match his testing numbers with the tape.
Myles Gaskin, RB, Washington
If a running back is under 200 pounds, he better make up for it with his athleticism. In high school, Gaskin won the 2015 3A state title in the 100-meters (11.02) and took second in the 4×100. His athleticism also shows on film, but we’ll see where it stacks up with the other backs in this class.
Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State
When listing Harmon’s best attributes as a pass-catcher, “speed” isn’t at the top of the list. He isn’t slow, but he relies on his other strengths to be a productive wide receiver. While he is expected to run in the 4.5’s, will he be closer to 4.5 or 4.6?
N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Like Harmon, Harry has NFL-quality traits, he just isn’t a burner. Although he struggles to separate mid-route on film, positive numbers in the 40-yard dash and jumps will be important for him.
Emanuel Hall, WR, Missouri
One of the fastest receivers in this draft class, Hall should run blazing fast times in the 40-yard dash if he is healthy. He should also perform very well in the vertical and long jump, winning a high jump state championship in high school and two AAU Junior Olympic track gold medals (pentathlon and high jump).
JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
Most won’t be surprised to learn that Arcega-Whiteside earned All-State in honors in high school in football and basketball. But he also earned All-State distinction in track, finishing fourth in the 100-meters at the 2014 state meet. Arcega-Whiteside projects as an impact red zone and move-the-chains target, but strong testing numbers will help give teams optimism that he can be more.
Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia
When asked during training if he knew the record for the fastest 40-yard dash at the Combine, Hardman didn’t hesitate: “4.22, John Ross.” He clocked a personal-best 10.64 in the 100-meters in high school and ran track at Georgia, running the leadoff leg of the Bulldogs’ 4×100 meter relay. His answer to what he would run at the Combine: “I want to be the fastest there.”
Andy Isabella, WR, Massachusetts
As a senior at Mayfield High, Isabella ran the top 60-yard dash time in the nation (6.72) and won the 100-meters (10.51) and 200-meters (21.27) at regionals. His 21.27 time in the 200-meters nipped Denzel Ward (21.39), who was the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at last year’s Combine.
Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
Butler will be an interesting case. In the open field, he can stretch out his stride and should run well in the 40-yard dash. He also looks fluid in his adjustments, which should translate well to his jumps and three-cone time. However, the main issue on tape is he looks like a very different athlete as a route runner compared to the open-field. Positive numbers will help him, but will also force more work by evaluators.
Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
One of the most explosive athletes in the draft, Campbell broke the Ohio high school record in the 60-meter dash (6.85), leading St. Vincent-St. Mary to the 2013 state championship. His jumps should also be impressive.
Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
According to Bruce Feldman’s Freak List, Hurd runs a 4.45 40-yard dash, 3.87 short-shuttle and 6.60 three-cone drill, jumping 37.5-inches in the vertical and 10-10 in the broad jump. At 6-4 and 220 pounds, those types of numbers would heat up chilly Indianapolis.
Diontae Johnson, WR, Toledo
A dynamic receiver and special teams stud, Johnson has instant acceleration and excellent start/stop athleticism. He isn’t a refined player at this point in his development, but he should shine during workouts and cement top-100 grades around the league.
Darius Slayton, WR, Auburn
For some, the 40-yard dash can heavily influence a prospect’s final draft grade – Slayton is one of those players. His tape was up-and-down, but he is an ascending player with awesome speed (ran a 10.54 100-meters in high school). At 6-2 and 190 pounds, if he runs as expected (4.3 range) and looks okay performing the gauntlet drill, it won’t be a surprise if he is drafted on day two.
KeeSean Johnson, WR, Fresno State
A fleet-of-foot athlete, Johnson accelerates well into his routes with quick reflexes to stab the ball, but one of the main concerns I’ve heard from scouts is the perceived lack of speed. A 40-yard dash time in the 4.47-4.52 range would certainly help squash those worries.
Antoine Wesley, WR, Texas Tech
Wesley is a loose-jointed mover who can accelerate once he stretches out his stride, but what is his long-speed? Will he run under 4.58?
Cody Thompson, WR, Toledo
A natural pass-catcher with 30 career touchdown receptions, Thompson runs clean routes and has reliable hands, but his testing numbers will be important to his final grade for teams.
Jovon Durante, WR, Florida Atlantic
A West Virginia transfer, Durante is undersized and looks more like a track athlete than football player – but he also runs like a track athlete. Impressive numbers across the board will be important for this early draft declaration.
Ashton Dulin, WR, Malone
Dulin is a scout’s special – enough NFL scouts banged the table for this player to earn a Combine invite. And watching his film, it is easy to understand why: speed. A member of the track team during the “off-season,” Dulin has the wheels that strikes fear in defenders and opens the offense. Last spring, he ran a 10.72 100-meters at the GMAC Championships and he earned NCAA All-American honors by placing sixth in the 60-meter hurdles at nationals.
Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Fant has springs in his legs and is expected to reach 40+ inches in the vertical. He has also been clocked at 1.55 in the 10-yard split – for comparison sake, Evan Engram’s 10-yard split was 1.56.
Irv Smith, TE, Alabama
The best non-Iowa tight end in this draft, Smith is a potential first round pick himself. It will be interesting to compare his numbers to OJ Howard’s from the 2017 Scouting Combine: 40-yard dash (4.51), 10-yard split (1.55), vertical jump (30”), broad jump (10’01”), short shuttle (4.16), three-cone drill (6.85).
Isaac Nauta, TE, Georgia
Natura should look very smooth during positional drills, but evaluators are eager to see his official times. While he accelerates well in the open field, the Georgia product shows some hip/core tightness when uncovering vs. man coverage. Nauta has the talent to be among the first five tight ends drafted and strong testing times will certainly help.
Dawson Knox, TE, Ole Miss
A former quarterback, Knox was underutilized in the Rebels’ offense (39 career catches, zero touchdowns), but when given the opportunity to run routes or make plays in space, his athleticism was clear. Knox is known in scouting circles as a “traits” prospect – we’ll see if the testing numbers back up those traits.
Kahale Warring, TE, San Diego State
An under-the-radar tight end prospect, Warring doesn’t play with much burst, but he accelerates well into his routes with clean movements at the stem. With respectable testing times and a strong performance during position drills, I expect Warring to be a “riser.”
Trevon Wesco, TE, West Virginia
Primarily a blocker in the Mountaineers offense, Wesco was productive when given receiving opportunities – there just weren’t many of them (averaged 2.3 targets per game). He moves well for a 270-pounder and it will be interesting to match the testing numbers with the tape. Wesco is a diamond-in-the-rough type of prospect.
Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
A nimble left tackle, Dillard plays light on his feet and I expect the stopwatches to back that up at the Combine. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he finishes top-five at his position in all or most of the athletic testing drills.
Cody Ford, OT/G, Oklahoma
I often compare Ford to a grizzly bear in pads because of his broad shoulders and filled out frame, comfortably carrying 340 pounds. But his quickness during positional drills could be a determining factor in whether teams ultimately put him on the board as a tackle or guard. Ford handled right tackle responsibilities just fine this season, but several NFL scouts believe he projects much better inside. As one scout put it: “He’s a B+ on the edge, but he’s an A- at guard.”
Michael Jordan, OG/C, Ohio State
A former black belt in karate, Jordan is a light-footed mover at 6-6 and 312 pounds, using flexible body control to easily redirect his momentum. He should test well in the short-area quickness drills.
Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State
Bosa doesn’t need to blow everyone away with his testing results, but as the favorite to be the No. 1 pick, he will be expected to post above average numbers. For comparison sake, Joey Bosa’s results from the 2016 Combine: 4.86 40-yard dash, 1.68 10-yard split, 32-inch vertical, 10-foot broad jump, 6.89 three-cone drill, 4.21 short shuttle and 24 reps on the bench press.
Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
Although his college production didn’t match the hype, Gary has ridiculous athletic traits and the Combine will be his opportunity to show that. At 280+ pounds, Gary is expected to run a sub 4.65 40-yard dash and get under 6.9 in the three-cone drill – both would be remarkable numbers.
Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson
Ferrell has outstanding pass rush production and a keen understanding of how to break the rhythm of blockers. However, he isn’t a naturally explosive player with only average bend. I don’t think average testing numbers will preclude Ferrell from being a top-15 draft pick, but below average results might.
Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida
A quarterback assassin, Polite has an elite first step with the explosive closing burst and cornering skills that pop off the screen. It will be interesting to see how those skills translate in the drills.
Chase Winovich, EDGE, Michigan
As an edge rusher, Winovich tends to rely more on timing than natural explosiveness as a rusher, but he is a better athlete than most give him credit. He is holding off surgery on his lower body injury until after the Combine, which is admirable, but one must wonder how that will affect his testing numbers?
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Regardless of his weight, Oliver should create a buzz with his workout numbers. He has remarkable quickness for the position with the lower body twitch to be among the top performers in the vertical and broad jumps.
Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
At 340+ pounds, can Lawrence really get his 40-yard dash under 5.00 seconds? He should also shine on the bench press with 35+ reps of 225-pounds.
Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois
Known by some as the 320-pound lineman who does the back flips, Saunders has an intriguing athletic profile. He played both ways in high school: defensive line and running back. He rushed for almost 800 yards his senior season and had track scholarship offers from big-name programs (Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Missouri) for the shot put. Saunders should be among the better testers in the defensive line group.
Daylon Mack, DT, Texas A&M
With shorter arms and terrific power, Mack might be one of the few players in this class who threatens 40 reps of 225-pounds on the bench press. At 327 pounds, he might surprise some people with his 40-yard dash as well.
Daniel Wise, DT, Kansas
Growing up, Wise’s first love was track as a long-distance runner, even qualifying for the Junior Olympics. As he grew, football commanded his time and energy, but his athleticism is what makes him an intriguing mid-round NFL prospect.
Devin White, LB, LSU
Widely believed to be the first linebacker drafted in April, White is going to crush the bench press, leaping drills and 40-yard dash (4.45-4.55 range). However, I am more interested in his change of direction and redirection skills, making his shuttles and three-cone drill of particular interest.
Terrill Hanks, LB, New Mexico State
Hanks won the weigh-ins at the Senior Bowl with his broad-shouldered, chiseled physique. He should also test well at the Combine with his straight-line speed and explosive movements. I have questions about his tape and how he will translate to the NFL, but Hanks should be a “winner” in shorts.
Joe Giles-Harris, LB, Duke
A traditional MIKE linebacker, Giles-Harris isn’t a great space athlete on tape with little burst in his movements. Positive numbers during athletic testing will force evaluators to go back to the film and give him a second look.
Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
Murphy is a terrific space athlete and should do well in the shuttles and three-cone drill, but his 40-yard dash will be interesting. There are times on tape when he doesn’t have the recovery speed to make up for missteps vs. Pac-12 receivers. In my opinion, Murphy has 1st round tape, but cornerback is a stopwatch position, making his 40-yard dash important.
Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
Baker chose to sit out the Sugar Bowl and Senior Bowl, but hopefully he won’t elect to skip the Combine workouts. His results from the 40-yard dash and jumps would help cement his status as a first round player.
Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
One of the few areas keeping Ya-Sin from being mentioned among the best corners in this class is lack of elite long-speed. Obviously 4.48 and 4.58 are very different numbers when it comes to 40-yard dashes for cornerbacks and it will be interesting to see where Ya-Sin falls in that range.
Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
One of the more intriguing players in this draft, Williams has imposing size (6-2, 211 pounds) with vines for arms and foot quickness to drive on throws. But he will lose foot races on film if the receiver gains a step vertically. If he runs in the low 4.5s (compared to the high 4.5s), I think the top-32 picks is a real possibility for teams that put a premium on size and length at the position.
Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
A former wide receiver, Layne should shine during the tracking and ball-catching drills. He tends to be leggy in his transition, but he plays fast and is one of the top-eight cornerbacks in this draft. Positive times in the three-cone drill and clean reps in his pedal will only boost that opinion.
Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston
There are no questions about Johnson’s straight-line speed. He was the district champion in high school in the 200-meter dash (21.76) and finished third in states in the 110-meter hurdles (13.99). But the real test will be in positional drills when the former wide receiver will be asked to pedal-and-drive. Johnson played safety in high school and wasn’t asked to backpedal at Houston, using bail and side-saddle techniques. He is extremely talented, but raw as sushi.
Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn
While he doesn’t always play explosive, Dean should test really well in Indianapolis. He ran an electronically timed 4.3 in the 40-yard ash (at 6-1 and 215 pounds), according to Feldman’s annual Freaks List column. Dean also posted 38-inches in the vertical and 10-feet-8 in the broad jump.
Kendall Sheffield, CB, Ohio State
While his feel for the cornerback position is a concern, Sheffield has the speed that will make teams salivate. Last February, he broke the indoor Ohio State school record in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.63 seconds. That time ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten. After Denzel Ward’s 4.32 last year, we could have back-to-back years where the top 40-yard dash time comes from an Ohio State cornerback.
Nasir Adderley, FS, Delaware
A safety with a cornerback background, Adderley has impressive tape, but looking fast in the FCS isn’t the same as looking fast in the SEC. Personally, I don’t have any questions about his play speed, but some evaluators might need to see him test before putting a final grade on him. When I talked with Adderley in November, he said he expects to run in the 4.3s in the 40-yard dash.
Taylor Rapp, SS, Washington
There are more athletic safeties in this draft class, but I love what Rapp brings to the field with his smarts, toughness and ability to handle coverage responsibilities. What he must prove to teams at the Combine is his lack of elite athleticism won’t make him a liability – I think he will do that and be one of the first safeties drafted in April.
Deionte Thompson, FS, Alabama
Some defensive backs have the ability to quickly recover after false steps – Thompson isn’t one of those. No one is expecting him to test as an elite athlete, but slightly above average numbers in the 40-yard dash and agility drills will be important.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, FS, Florida
A former prep quarterback, Gardner-Johnson was also an accomplished track and field athlete in high school, setting the school-records in the 100-meters (10.38) and 200-meters (21.02). He is the ideal nickel defender for today’s NFL.
Johnathan Abram, SS, Mississippi State
Talking to those close to Abram, he is determined to run well in the 40-yard dash and wants to change the narrative that he doesn’t have the speed to hold up in coverage. However, I’m not so much worried about his play speed (see him run the alley or fly down the field on kickoffs or punts to see his speed), but rather his technique and overaggressive nature vs. the pass.
Amani Hooker, SS, Iowa
If he had better play speed, Hooker would be mentioned as a potential first rounder because his football intelligence is outstanding. He isn’t a bad athlete, but his speed and change of direction look ordinary, which limit his scheme-versatility, especially in man-coverage. Hooker’s testing numbers will be interesting. Verified measurements
The verified measurements are important, especially for the underclassmen. Scouts have official numbers for many of the seniors from all-star games and campus visits in the fall. But most teams have been using estimates for the 130+ underclassmen declarations. And at the Combine, each player is measured with the same scale and measurements and the results are much more uniform.
Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
Is he closer to 5-foot-9 or 5-foot-10? Does he weigh over 190 pounds? What does his frame look like – is their growth potential to add 10 pounds? What is his hand size – does he reach the 9 1/4-inch threshold? Murray’s measurements will be heavily scrutinized.
Trayveon Williams, RB, Texas A&M
Williams rushed for 1,760 yards in the SEC last year and often looked like a pinball between the tackles. However, some evaluators are concerned if he has the build and body type to make a living doing that for 16 games in the NFL. He has pushed his weight close to 210 pounds in the past, but was closer to 200 during his junior campaign.
Justice Hill, RB, Oklahoma State
Listed at 190 pounds, Hill doesn’t have an ideal size for an NFL running back, but he is an elusive runner who is tough to contain 1-on-1. Can his frame hold 200 pounds without sacrificing his shifty athleticism?
D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Even before his shirtless picture went viral the last few weeks, everyone knew he was a physical specimen with his bodybuilder-like frame. It will be interesting to see the exact measurements – how much weight is he carrying? It wouldn’t be a surprise if his wingspan is longer than half of the offensive linemen at the Combine.
Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
When he arrived in Norman two years ago, Brown tipped the scale at only 144 pounds. He packed on the pounds in Oklahoma’s weight room, but just how much? Will he reach 175 pounds? A candidate to be the first receiver drafted, his exact weight and build will be something to watch.
Antoine Wesley, WR, Texas Tech
Listed at 6-5 and 200 pounds, Wesley has a long, but gangly frame and his lack of play strength is a major concern for his NFL transition. How much weight can he add to his body? What is his growth potential?
Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
Talking to several coaches around the league, I get the sense it is 50-50 regarding Williams’ future being at tackle or inside at guard/center. A substantial reason for that is the college left tackle’s perceived lack of ideal arm length. Does he reach 33-inches? For some teams, it matters. For others, it won’t matter. Several tackles (notably Joe Thomas) didn’t reach the “33” number and they did just fine in the NFL.
Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida
Two years ago, Polite was a 270-pound defensive tackle. He lost 30 pounds and was an explosive sub-package pass rusher this past season. If he can keep his weight around 250 pounds without losing his instant acceleration, Polite will be in (pardon the pun) good shape.
Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
With his arc speed and flexible body type, Burns is a highly intriguing edge rusher. But on tape, he could be controlled once blockers latched onto his lanky frame, which was listed at only 236 pounds. Since the end of the Seminoles’ season, Burns has been focused on adding positive weight and it will be interesting to see his progress.
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
When scouts went through Houston during the Fall, Oliver tipped the scale at only 274 pounds. The bigger concern was his frame and whether there was room to comfortably add 10-15 pounds without losing his quickness. If he measures under 280 pounds, questions about “fit” will stay attached to his scouting report.
Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
A high school tight end and defensive end, Jones added weight and moved inside for the Buckeyes. Listed at 286 pounds this past season, he is undersized for an interior player, but just how undersized?
Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
Bush checks boxes for speed, instincts and tenacity, but he falls short in the size department, which will be critiqued differently by each NFL club and system. While there aren’t many linebackers in the NFL with shorter arms, Bush has the talent to mask his lack of length, similar to the way Chris Borland and his 29 1/4-inch arms did prior to his early retirement.
Ben Burr-Kirven, LB, Washington
The FBS-leader in tackles (176) last season, Burr-Kirven looks more like a safety and his lack of inches (height and arm length) will be an issue for NFL teams. He didn’t participate in an all-star game so the Combine will give us his exact measurements.
Deionte Thompson, FS, Alabama
Talking to NFL scouts, one of the main issues they bring up with Thompson is his slender frame. There aren’t any questions about his physicality and competitive nature, but several teams won’t draft a sub-200-pound safety. He was listed at 199 pounds at Alabama.