2020 Combine Thread (1 Viewer)

Zyphros said:

I can't wait for these drills.  I need to decide between Akers and Swift at 1.01 as early as possible.  Pretty easy top4 though.  Swift/Akers/Taylor/Lamb in some order for most I would imagine.  

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Soulfly3 said:

zach moss. 

you guys loved him pre-40 time and suddenly a single test, sans pads, is more important than the tape available to see how he actually plays. 

this sums up why the performance aspect of the combine is an absolute farce. 

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Ray McKigney said:

I'm not sure what more Taylor has to do. HS, he breaks the modern era single season rushing record in New Jersey with 2,815 yards. Goes to Wisconsin and almost cracks 2,000 yards as a true freshman, goes on to compile over 6,000 rushing yards in 3 seasons. Comes to the combine and runs a 4.39 at 225 pounds. 

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Iceman03 said:

You really going to pass on JT? I was skeptical at first but I really think he’s on par with what Zeke was as a prospect. 

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Soulfly3 said:

zach moss. 

you guys loved him pre-40 time and suddenly a single test, sans pads, is more important than the tape available to see how he actually plays. 

this sums up why the performance aspect of the combine is an absolute farce. 

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Ray McKigney said:

I'm not sure what more Taylor has to do

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Soulfly3 said:

zach moss. 

you guys loved him pre-40 time and suddenly a single test, sans pads, is more important than the tape available to see how he actually plays. 

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ConnSKINS26 said:

JT has been the obvious 1.01 all year. I can see getting seduced by Swift, and Ettiene before he returned to school. But Akers? He's always been a full toolbox that has yet to really put it all together and build something. Falling in love with that kind of guy (at 1.01) is dangerous, despite the upside. Especially when someone with just as much or more upside has already done it, and in impressive fashion. Akers is like lots of high potential tools guys who don't put it all together in college--still living off his status as a blue chip 5-star devy pick for dynasty owners. He's had built-in hype since before he ever played in college due to that and it trickles down through the community narrative. Same happened with DGB, not to compare them in any other way. 

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menobrown said:

The 4.65 time is warming me back up. He will at least remain as my 6th ranked RB.

But the 4.7 time did 100% absolutely make a difference to me. Why? For me it's as simple as I'm not sticking my neck and money out for an outlier. I can find successful fantasy RB's who run in the 4.65 range. I can not find one who runs a 4.7 in today's NFL.

For me it's that simple. The fact I really liked what I saw today from the 4 RB's I got ahead of him that actually performed today did cause some separation but he was 6th coming in and he's still 6th. But that's because he's 4.65 were successful fantasy RB's run and not an absolute outlier of 4.7. I'm not trying to draft outliers as high as I have him ranked, I'm just not. I don't care so much if he was 4.6 or 4.65, it's not as simple as 5 tenths of a second. It's more about is he or is he not an outlier.

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King of the Jungle said:

Obvious all year? That is a little much. This class has a lot of talent but I disagree that there is a surefire elite talent on the list (e.g. Barkley, Zeke...etc). People (myself included) get too excited about the underwear olympics. Outside of KC drafting Taylor I don’t see how he is the obvious 1.01. A lot of talent at the top but no true generational species this year.

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Soulfly3 said:

zach moss. 

you guys loved him pre-40 time and suddenly a single test, sans pads, is more important than the tape available to see how he actually plays. 

this sums up why the performance aspect of the combine is an absolute farce. 

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ConnSKINS26 said:

A lot of people liked Swift as well (which I said) but in real devy leagues JT has been treated as a top guy in this class since he was a freshman. Maybe I went too far saying he was the "obvious" 1.01 but my post was really more about a contrast with Akers anyways. 

The concerns about Taylor being a 3 down guy are understandable. But Wisconsin RBs don't catch passes. Melvin Gordon was in the exact same situation and proved he could catch a ton of balls and be a bellcow. 

I'm not arguing JT is generational. That can't happen every year. But compared to the twitter darling Akers, to me it's not close. Akers may be more obviously suited to catching passes but he also requires more projection imo. He has the tools though. 

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barackdhouse said:

So is a tweaked hamstring during the run insignificant?

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King of the Jungle said:

Is Akers suddenly popular because he ran faster than expected?

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This year, however, we had a pair of highly touted backs back up their hype on the track. For the first time since 2011, two different backs topped a 117.0 Speed Score. The duo of Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor and Boston College's A.J. Dillon, two of the three heaviest backs at the combine, turned heads with their 40-yard dash times. With two of the 25 best Speed Scores we've ever recorded, Taylor and Dillon stole the spotlight in prime time.

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ex-ghost said:

Dobbins doesn’t run and he is now RB5. Amazing how 40 times are more important than game film. 

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Soulfly3 said:

zach moss. 

you guys loved him pre-40 time and suddenly a single test, sans pads, is more important than the tape available to see how he actually plays. 

this sums up why the performance aspect of the combine is an absolute farce. 

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ex-ghost said:

Dobbins doesn’t run and he is now RB5. Amazing how 40 times are more important than game film. 

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Dr. Dan said:

Akers is suddenly popular because people are catching up.

He ran a little slower than I expected actually...

He is very talented and should be in the top 2-3 discussion

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King of the Jungle said:

Would like for once a player show up for the forty with full gear and helmet along with a football.

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Iceman03 said:

Herbert 60 MPH Throw

Eason 62 MPH Throw

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ex-ghost said:

Dobbins doesn’t run and he is now RB5. Amazing how 40 times are more important than game film. 

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lod001 said:

And not get down in a 3 point stance. Lineup as if you are in the backfield. No one cares how fast you are in a 3 point stance. I care how you take off from the normal RB position. Probalby doesn't make too much difference in the times but we don't know for sure.

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ZWK said:

Has anyone seen more of these?

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lod001 said:

And not get down in a 3 point stance. Lineup as if you are in the backfield. No one cares how fast you are in a 3 point stance. I care how you take off from the normal RB position. Probalby doesn't make too much difference in the times but we don't know for sure.

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King of the Jungle said:

Is Akers suddenly popular because he ran faster than expected?

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voiceofunreason said:

I think there's only 2 posters in here talking about him, they just bring him up a lot. Not so sure many view him as a top 5 pick, could be wrong though.

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bicycle_seat_sniffer said:

he has been at #4 for me since Etienne dropped out.

to me Id take Taylor, JK and Swift over him. still would.

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voiceofunreason said:

4th rb, but I believe they were talking overall.

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Dr. Dan said:

Thanks. pretty much every RB was the same in the 10 split. that makes it sound like that stat is kind of worthless, but I know it's not. it's just surprising to me that everyone is practically the same. 

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menobrown said:

Looking this over and you are right most are the same. McFarland had worst split to 40 but another notch in Taylor's belt because he was the one unlike the others.

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NFL Combine winners
1. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson: Abstaining from positional workouts might typically preclude a player from being labeled the combine’s top performer, but Simmons didn’t have much to prove after his athletic testing. The 6-4, 238-pound reigning ACC defensive player of the year recorded a 4.39-second 40, the second-best time of any linebacker since 2003, along with a 39-inch vertical leap and 11-0 broad jump. Though Simmons might face a ceiling in the draft given questions of the relative value of an off-ball linebacker, he reinforced his athleticism and skill set put him in a singular class that makes him worthy of consideration in the top five picks.
2. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: So much for the questions about his athleticism. The 6-1, 202-pound target notched a sterling set of numbers in testing: a 4.43-second 40 (tied for eighth among receivers), 37 1/2-inch vertical leap and 10-4 broad jump. Jefferson also had perhaps the smoothest on-field workout of any player at his position, highlighting his primary value as a trusted outlet for any quarterback. His potential place in the first round is looking increasingly secure.
3. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin: With no real pecking order for the top running backs, Taylor made quite a case for himself to be the first ball carrier selected. His 4.39-second 40 was the best at his position and particularly impressive for someone weighing in at 226 pounds. Taylor also fared well catching the ball during drills, helping assuage some concerns about his potential limitations in the passing game.
4. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State: Wirfs grabbed the spotlight among offensive linemen as one of the biggest names in action, but Cleveland’s performance was superlative — albeit in a more subtle fashion. His 4.46-second short shuttle — typically one of the better barometers for athleticism among tackles — was easily the best of his group, as was his 7.26-second three-cone drill. Though he has to become stronger to more effectively engage pass rushers, Cleveland has substantial upside as a blindside blocker and could be selected in the second round.
5. Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State: Covering tight ends and receivers downfield is Gay’s calling card, and he showcased his highly sought-after skill set at the combine. The 6-1, 243-pound linebacker boasted outstanding numbers in the 40 (4.46 seconds), vertical leap (39 1/2 inches) and broad jump (11-4). His interview sessions were likely integral to his draft stock given some missteps at Mississippi State, including an altercation with a teammate and multiple suspensions, but Gay appears to be an ascendant prospect.
6. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa: Becton stands alone in this class when it comes to size, but Wirfs is in his own tier among offensive tackles when it comes to athleticism. The 6-5, 320-pound former high school wrestling champion set a combine record for offensive linemen with a 36 1/2-inch vertical leap and tied another with a 10-1 broad jump. Wirfs’ swift footwork was evident in his on-field workout, and a 4.85-second 40 (best of all offensive linemen) and 7.65-second three-cone drill further underscored his movement ability. All of the top offensive tackles fared well, but Wirfs might have been the biggest standout.
7. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Overdue for recognition as one of the promising receiver prospects in his class, Mims looked like one of the most athletically imposing pass catchers in Indianapolis. At 6-3 and 207 pounds, he secured a 4.38-second 40 that tied for third best among all receivers and led his position with a 6.66-second three-cone drill. Known as a great jump-ball target, he also landed a 38 1/2-inch vertical and 10-11 broad jump. Capping the night with a solid session catching the ball, Mims bolstered his case to go early in the second round.
8. Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne: Talent evaluators might question the level of competition Dugger faced in Division II, but there shouldn’t be any concerns about how he measures up to his peers after this weekend. The 6-1, 217-pound safety showed off with a 42-inch vertical, 11-2 broad jump and 4.49-second 40. Dugger might have a chance at cracking the first round and likely won’t have to wait long in the second if he has to wait another day.
9. Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame: After Claypool weighed in at 238 pounds, many observers wondered if the 6-4 target had been bulking up to play tight end. Though he later dismissed that idea, a 4.42-second 40 and fluid workout helped position him as a tantalizing hybrid option. For a team willing to be creative in his deployment, Claypool could generate significant mismatches.
10. C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida: No corner is going to come within striking distance of Jeff Okudah as the top prospect at the position, but Henderson might be pulling ahead in the race to be the second off the board after the Ohio State star. Both his 4.39-second 40 and superb workout affirmed he’s a fluid player built to handle top-tier receivers. A spot in the top 20 looks like a good bet.
11. Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville: At 6-7 and 364 pounds, the combine’s heaviest player was always bound to stand out. Becton, who later measured in at 357 pounds before his workout, created an even bigger stir when he ran a 5.10-second 40, though the test has limited relevance for offensive linemen. Becton’s unofficial 10-yard split of 1.77 seconds was also a very good time for a player of his size.
12. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: A 4.27-second 40 is hardly disappointing; the time is tied for the fourth best of any player since 2003, when the combine first began tracking data. Yet Ruggs had an even loftier goal: breaking Bengals receiver John Ross’ record of 4.22 seconds. Though he fell short of that mark, the 5-11, 188-pound speedster was clearly one of the biggest standouts in Indianapolis, as he also posted a 42-inch vertical leap and 10-11 broad jump.
13. Cam Akers, RB, Florida State: Between his 4.47-second 40 and winning performance on the field, particularly when catching passes, Akers gave plenty of reasons for teams to take an even closer look at him. The former five-star recruit had an uneven college career, but Florida State’s offensive problems might have obscured much of Akers’ potential.
14. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma: There’s not much a quarterback can prove throwing in the combine setting, but Hurts still made a solid impression with his accuracy and arm strength. Strong showings in the 40 (4.59 seconds) and broad jump (10-5) also set him apart from many of the other passers.
15. Antonio Gibson, RB/WR, Memphis: Gibson worked out with the wide receivers, but his future might be as a running back featured heavily in the passing game. Running the 40 in 4.39 seconds at 6-0 and 228 pounds, he offers intriguing potential as a big-play threat after scoring 14 touchdowns on 77 touches and averaging 11.2 yards a carry at Memphis.
16. Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois: The Football Championship Subdivision star made waves with his measurements, as he registered a 4.45-second 40, 41-inch vertical and 11-6 broad jump at 6-3 and 221 pounds. Chinn is a developmental prospect who will require patience as he improves his recognition and anticipation, but his athletic package is one teams will gamble on.
17. A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College: Let the Derrick Henry comparisons begin. Dillon is three inches shorter than the NFL’s reigning rushing champion, but both weigh 247 pounds and offer a hard-charging style as workhorse backs. Improving his agility (a 7.13-second three-cone drill was second worst among all players at his position) and pass-catching skills will be critical for Dillon to establish himself as more than a battering ram, but his 4.53-second 40 and 41-inch vertical (best of all backs) showed he’s not a plodder.
18. Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri: Amid his peers’ underwhelming workouts, Okwuegbunam clocked a 4.49-second 40, by far the fastest of any tight end. He’s still raw, but his ability to threaten down the seam could be enticing in the middle rounds.

NFL Combine losers
1. Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee: In the Southeastern Conference, Jennings regularly pulled down jump balls and racked up yards after the catch. After netting a 4.72-second 40 and a 29-inch vertical leap, both second worst at his position, the 6-3, 215-pound target will face questions about whether he can do either effectively in the NFL. In a deep receiver class, Jennings might have a hard time standing out given his disconcerting athletic profile.
2. Jared Pinkney, TE, Vanderbilt: The downward trajectory of Pinkney’s last year continued in Indianapolis, as his 4.96-second 40 was worst among all tight ends. Rigid in his on-field workout, he might be at risk of falling in the draft if his potential as a pass catcher comes under further scrutiny.
3. Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State: Given his stellar on-field workout, Dantzler fared better than some other players on this portion of this list. But a 4.64-second 40 is approaching prohibitive territory for a cornerback. Improving on that time at his pro day will be paramount to avoiding a draft-day slide in a class replete with other cornerbacks poised to be taken in the first two rounds.
4. Trey Adams, OT, Washington: Standing 6-8 and 318 pounds, Adams is in a no-man’s land as a left tackle who lacks the athletic tools needed to handle NFL pass rushers. His 5.60-second 40 was the worst of any player at the combine, and his performance during the agility portion of his workout was subpar. Any team drafting Adams will need not only to be comfortable with those shortcomings, but also his medical outlook after his torn anterior cruciate ligament in 2017 and back surgery in 2018.
5. Calvin Throckmorton, OL, Oregon: His standing was on the downswing early in the week, when his 32 1/2-inch arms portended a move to guard. The real hit, though, came in testing, as his 4.98-second short shuttle and 8.07-second three-cone drill served as red flags for any potential matchups against nimble defensive linemen. Throckmorton offers value as a versatile backup, but teams might see that as his ceiling.
6. Salvon Ahmed, RB, Washington: His 4.62-second 40 was jarring, particularly for a player said to have clocked a 4.32 mark in college. A choppy runner with questionable vision, Ahmed needed to show he offered breakaway speed to entice teams, and he instead only raised further questions.
7. Jalen Elliott, S, Notre Dame: His role at the next level is a mystery, as a 4.80-second 40 (worst among all defensive backs) eradicated what little chance he had of been given any assignments as a high safety. Yet he’s not a reliable tackler, and his stiffness signals problems with short-area work.
8. Myles Bryant, S, Washington: To be fair, Bryant excelled in the short shuttle (4.02 seconds) and three-cone drill (6.81 seconds). That agility doesn’t completely compensate, however, for a 4.62-second 40 and 31 1/2-inch vertical leap, both problematic marks for a player who stands just 5-7 7/8 with short (29 1/2-inch) arms. Bryant’s future is in the slot, and even that might prove a difficult spot for him.

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Iceman03 said:

what the hell kind of billionaires are they anyway. 

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wgoldsph said:

The kind that just made a ton of money by turning this whole thing into a prime time event.

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