Five Takeaways from NFL Combine
This year’s NFL Combine certainly had its great moments and moments that will be remembered for years to come including John Ross’s record 4.22 40-yard dash, but what storylines from the combine could have the biggest impact leading into the NFL Draft. Well here are my five biggest takeaways from this year’s combine:
Mitch Trubisky and DeShaun Watson separated themselves from the pack
Heading into the combine the biggest questions marks about this draft class surrounded the QB class but after the combine, it’s clear who made the best impressions. Both Mitch Trubisky and DeShaun Watson made the most of their opportunity and seem to be the top 2 QB’s as of right now. Patrick Mahomes, Brad Kaaya and Davis Webb also had nice performances but the biggest surprise may have been the inconsistent performance by DeShone Kizer. Even though Kizer may have the best potential out of the group, his throws were questionable at times and did not show the consistency that teams want from a potential top 10 pick.
Leonard Fournette is the top RB but Christian McCaffrey may be the second RB
There seem to be a growing consensus among many individuals that Leonard Fournette may be overtaken by fellow RB Dalvin Cook, but after running a 4.51 in the 40-yard dash at close to 240 lbs. there should be no more debate. Not only did Fournette run a great 40-yard dash, but he showed his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, something many people were questioning during his time at LSU. While Fournette may have cemented his status at the top RB, Christian McCaffrey may not be far behind and may even pass Cook as the second RB taken in the draft. McCaffrey is not only bigger than Cook but he ran a faster 40-yard dash and is arguably the most versatile RB in this draft. Do not be surprised if Dalvin Cook is the third RB taken when it’s all said and done.
Jonathan Allen may fall out of the top 5
Over the last year, whenever the top defenders in the draft are brought up, the three names that are usually discussed are Myles Garrett, Jamal Adams and Jonathan Allen. After the combine, I’m not so sure Allen’s name will remain in that conversation for too long and while he is considered the top interior defensive lineman in the draft, he not did help himself this past week. Not only did Allen somewhat disappoint in the combine (5.00 40-yard dash) but he recently had surgery on his shoulder and that may scare teams away if surgery has long-term ramifications on his health. If his shoulders are of no concern long-term and he performs better in his pro day, Allen may jump back up into the top 5 but if not I could see a draft day slide out of the top 5.
Solomon Thomas may leap into the top 5
While Jonathan Allen may have lost some value in the combine, Solomon Thomas certainly helped his value and may pass Allen as the top defender drafted outside of Myles Garrett. Some think Thomas is undersized (6’3, 270 lbs.) to play inside but when you watch him play, he plays bigger than his size and he uses his incredible strength to power through linemen with ease. Pair that with his quickness (4.69 40-yard dash time) and some team will be getting themselves one of the more versatile defensive lineman in the entire draft and someone who can play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.
This year’s CB and S class may be the best in a decade
As we all probably know by now this year’s CB and S class is shaping up to be one of the best classes we have seen in a long time and maybe one of the deepest classes as well. This year we could see upwards of 7-8 defensive backs drafted in the first round but the more impressive part about this class is the physical size of this year’s defensive backs. Many of the top defensive backs are over 6’ feet tall but some being over 6-2 or even 6-3. With the way the NFL is going in terms of it being a more pass happy league with bigger receivers, its seems like the secondary is finally catching up with this year’s draft class and more teams could be building their own secondary to match that of Seattle or Atlanta.