NFL Combine Review: Winners and Losers

Just like that, another NFL Combine is in the books. Some guys had themselves a tremendous weekend and really helped themselves in terms of draft positions, but unfortunately for some, their weekend did not go as they would have hoped it would. As a whole, I was incredibly impressed with the wide receiver group as a whole. It has been said by many that this is one of the deepest receive groups in many years, and I have a hard time disagreeing with that. There are potentially 5 first round receivers this season, and possibly even more. While the receivers impressed, a few other players and positions disappointed.

STOCK UP–

WR Sammy Watkins– While I did not think it was possible for the former Clemson receiver to improve his stock, the star receiver found a way to do it anyway. Watkins ran a blazing 4.43 40 yard dash, and was very impressive in wide receiver drills. According to NFL Networks Bucky Brooks, Watkins “showed strong hands and excellent ball skills while snatching live throws in the position workouts.” Don’t be surprised to hear Watkins name called very early in the first round of the draft.

WR. Odell Beckham JR.- Beckham JR had a tremendous combine, that may have solidified himself as a first round pick in the draft come May. Coming in at 6’0, 198 pounds, Beckham posted a blazing time of 4.43 in the 40 yard dash, to tie Sammy Watkins. What is known about Beckham is his ability to make the big play, with the potential to blow the top off of the defense with his speed and elusiveness. Beckham JR had himself a very nice weekend, and should hear his name called at some point in round one.

OT Greg Robinson– Lets put it this way, after his performance, many scouts and teams are already comparing Robinson to former Cowboys All-Pro lineman Larry Allen. That is some high praise for a guy who has never even played a game in the NFL. Robinson is a very physical specimen, who comes in at 6’5 “and 332 pounds. The most impressive part of his weekend was his 40 yard dash time. Robinson ran an incredible 4.92 which is almost unheard of for a guy his size. Robinson has the potential to go number two overall to the St. Louis Rams.

STOCK DOWN–

TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins– A tremendous talent coming out of Washington, Seferian- Jenkins had himself a rough weekend, and a case of bad luck. Before things even got started, he was forced to withdraw from the 40 yard dash due to a foot injury. And according to Tony Pauline, he suffered a fracture in his foot, that will keep him out for a few weeks, and he is hoping to be healthy for his pro day. It was a rough weekend for him, who did everything but help his draft stock.

LT Cyrus Kouandjio– Out of all players this weekend, Kouandjio may have had the worst combine. Before this weekend, he was considered a first round talent, but afterwards, I would be shocked if he goes round 1. The main issue with Kouandijo is that he failed physicals with many teams, and there are major concerns about his surgically repaired knee. He also had the slowest time amongst all offensive lineman. It was a brutal weekend for Kouandjio.

Some players really boosted their draft stock this weekend, but some really hurt themselves as well. I reserved judgment on the QB’s who chose not to participate.