Predicting the Good and Bad from the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine

Predicting the Good and Bad from the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine

With the 2019 NFL Draft season in full force, we turn our complete attention to combine week. This is one of the highest anticipated events of the year for football fans, serving as a better glimpse to potential draft targets for our favorite teams.

Every year, we come away with winners and losers from each event, and the combine overall. I have decided to highlight a few of my favorite events, as well as predict a stud and dud from each drill, for every position. These predictions are purely speculation from research and evaluation I have done personally.

Do you agree or disagree with my picks? Who is going to impress this week in Indianapolis? Who is going to underwhelm? Comment below and let us hear your thoughts. As always, happy draft season my friends!

Quarterbacks:

Best 40 yard dash: Kyler Murray, Oklahoma (4.46)

If you are going to be a 5’9”, 185 pound quarterback, you better be an athlete. Kyler Murray will not disappoint in that department if he decides to run at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine. On film, he demonstrates elite burst and top end speed when choosing to tuck the football. He constantly obliterates defenders angle, boasting what I believe will be tied for the fourth best official quarterback time in NFL Scouting Combine history. Murray will be running faster than he will be back to baseball after he takes his first couple huge hits in the league. WHEEEWWWWW! He gone!

Top Contenders: Nick Fitzgerald (Mississippi State) and Trace McSorley (Penn State)

Worst 40 yard dash: Jake Browning, Washington (5.27)

Browning checks all the boxes when looking for the perfect anti-franchise quarterback prospect. You want small? He’s got it! You want a weak arm? Oh he’s got it! You want a quarterback who is terrible against pressure? Look no further! How about a quarterback with a super long looping release that speed is only rivaled by the last couple hours before Thanksgiving dinner is served? You… got… it. And most importantly for this article; you want slow? OH BOY DO YOU GOT IT! Browning runs like that white guy at the basketball court in the short shorts that nobody wants to pick. The good news is, Jake has a great career ahead of him as a quarterback coach. Kellen Moore would be proud.

Top Contenders: Kyle SHurmur (Vanderbilt) and Ryan Finley (NC State)

Best vertical jump: Trace McSorley, Penn State (36.5 inches)

When evaluating future AAF league MVP Trace McSorley, you see a very solid athlete with above average lower body explosion. His game at Penn State was predicated on making quick decisions in the RPO game and stretching the defense laterally, opening up both running and passing lanes to make up for his modest height. His compact frame, combined with excellent lower body explosion, makes for what will most certainly be very solid jumping and short area quickness testing.

Top Contenders: Nick Fitzgerald (Mississippi State), Tyree Jackson (Buffalo) and Kyler Murray (Oklahoma)

Worst vertical jump: Kyle Shurmur, Vanderbilt (22.5 inches)

*Insert a very cliche scouting term* Kyle Shurmur moves around like he has sand in his shorts. Meaning of course that athleticism is not the name of his game. A pure pocket passer who has struggled tremendously when forced off of his spot as a passer. I expect a rather pedestrian number that will most likely rival his age (22 years old).

Top Contenders: Jake Browning (Washington)

Most reps on the bench: Gardner Minshew, Washington State (17 reps)

Minshew is a little shorter than originally anticipated (south of 6’1”), but he boasts a surprisingly compact build that is pretty well put together. The young man might just be a gamer more than prototype at the quarterback position. His game screams terms like  “overachiever” and “tough guy”. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he was a bit of a gym rat. Look for Minshew to potentially set the standard in the weight room for the quarterback room.

Top Contenders: Nick Fitzgerald (Mississippi State)

Least reps on the bench: Ryan Finley, NC State (4 reps)

What do five year old DK Metcalf and Ryan Finley have in common? They both bench about one hundred pounds. The maxed out quarterback prospect (Finley) leaves a lot to be desired as far as physical stature. In fact, the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine may be the first time FInley steps into a weight room. Light frame combined with long arms, screams disaster on the bench.

Top Contenders: Tyree Jackson (Buffalo)

Running backs:

Best 40 yard dash: Dexter Williams, Notre Dame (4.45)

This one was an extremely tough call between Dexter, Trayveon Williams from Texas A&M and Memphis running back Darrell Henderson. In the end, I went for the speedy Williams, who has demonstrated legit speed when hitting an open crease. It is a rather uninspiring running back class as far as breakaway speed however, but somebody had to win out. Even this is a huge projection judging by Dexter’s pretty average track numbers I looked up. This one has me nervous.

Top Contenders: Darrell Henderson (Buffalo) and Trayveon Williams (Texas A&M)

Worst 40 yard dash: Qadree Ollison, Pittsburgh (4.73)

This one pained me to pick. I really do like Ollison for what he is, a tough physical downhill runner, who will most certainly find a role as a short yardage back in the league. However, I just can’t see him putting up anything close to resembling a good number. The word “lumbering” comes to mind when I think about Ollison, and lumbering and fast are certainly not synonymous.

Top Contenders: Devin Singletary (Florida Atlantic) and Alex Barnes (Kansas State)

Best vertical jump: Miles Sanders, Penn State (40 inches)

I have to do a lot more film study on Penn State’s Miles Sanders, but he seems to have excellent short area quickness and explosion in the lower half. This may be a slight shot in the dark but Sanders seems like the perfect candidate to dominate the agilities and jumps out of this running back group...especially since Utah State’s Darwin Thompson was snubbed a slot in the event, but i digress.

Top Contenders: Tony Pollard (Memphis)

Worst vertical jump: Qadree Ollison, Pittsburgh (30.5 inches)

Sorry Qadree, but someone has to be the designated power back with physical limitations. At one point in his career, Pitt wanted Ollison to serve more in an H-back role while featuring fellow 2019 NFL Draft prospect Darrin Hall as the featured back. This may say all you need to know about Ollison as an athlete. Good football player… below average athlete.

Top Contenders: L.J. Scott (Michigan State) and Alex Barnes (Kansas State)

Most reps on the bench: Alex Barnes, Kansas State and Qadree Ollison, Pittsburgh (29 reps)

Here you go Qadree.. I got you brother! With no true full backs in the group, I give the nod to the designated big backs in the competition. Both Ollison and Barnes stand north of 230 [pounds and boast excellent power profiles to their games. If one of these backs do not hold the title of weight room champ after the event, I will be incredibly surprised.

Top Contenders: David Montgomery (Iowa State) and Nick Brossette (LSU)

Least reps on the bench: Justice Hill, Oklahoma State (6 reps)

I picture Oklahoma State’s Justice Hill potentially showing out in most of the athletic testing, but the weight room will be a completely different story. Sitting at about 190 pounds soaking wet, Hill does not offer much power element to his game. This, like the most reps section, feels like a pretty safe bet for me.

Top Contenders: Myles Gaskin (Washington) and James Williams (Washington State)

Wide receivers:

Best 40 yard dash: Andy Isabella, UMass (4.32)

Isabella has had quite a rise in draft circles. In large due to production he accumulated while at UMass (231 receptions, 3,526 yards and 30 touchdowns), but Isabella is not your ordinary diminutive slot man. The dude has legit burners. While at Mayfield High school in Cleveland, Ohio, he was an all state sprinter with personal bests of 10.51 in the 100 meter and 21.27 in the 200. I expect Isabella to flirt with the 4.2s and to potentially have the best time of all attendees.

Top Contenders: Parris Campbell (Ohio State) and Mecole Hardman (Georgia)

Worst 40 yard dash: Miles Boykin, Notre Dame (4.76)

This pained me to rip one of my beloved Golden Domers… but let’s be honest,Boykin just isn’t fast. He has a lot of attractive traits; namely size, body control and an unmatched work ethic, but speed is just not apart of his game. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if some evaluators flirted with the idea of adding a little bulk to Boykin’s frame in hopes of making a conversion to a mismatch H-back spot… a la Niles Paul.

Top Contenders: Lil’Jordan Humphrey (Texas) and Hunter Renfrow (Clemson)

Best vertical jump: Deebo Samuel, South Carolina (41.5 inches)

I present to you ladies and gentlemen, one of my favorite players in the 2019 NFL Draft and my absolute favorite name, Mr. Deebo Samuel. Even better than his five star name, is his ability to explosively get in and out of breaks. At 5’11” and 216 pounds, he is build like a running back and boasts an insanely powerful lower half. Keeping that in mind, the vertical and broad jump seem like Deebo’s event to lose. The over-under may sit at 40.5, and I am taking the over with a huge exclamation point!

Top Contenders: N’Keal Harry (Arizona State), Hakeem Butler (Iowa State and Dillon Mitchell (Oregon)

Worst vertical jump: Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Texas (30 inches)

The only thing lil’ about Lil’Jordan Humphrey, i predict, is his ups. He is an oversized wide receiver who makes his living creating separation through size and length. Absent from his tape, however, is many examples of winning while elevated in the air. When you’re 6’5” with vines for arms, incredible vertical ability is not necessarily a must have. This is another shady one for me. I could be completely off on this prediction but I’m betting against the rebounding style of Humphrey, combined with his underdeveloped lower half.  

Top Contenders: Miles Boykin (Notre Dame)

Most reps on the bench: DK Metcalf, Ole Miss (23 reps)

Readers please do me a favor, go on twitter and search D.K. Metcalf. If you haven’t seen (I have no idea how you haven’t at this point), please take a look at the recent picture of Metcalf post workout over at EXOS in Phoenix, Arizona. Dude legitimately looks like a linebacker or edge defender. I plan on meeting him at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, but I am not going to lie… I am semi terrified. I am not sure if he is working out for his transition to the NFL or if he is planning on finding six infinity stones sometime soon. This was another slam dunk selection.

Top Contenders: J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (Stanford)

Least reps on the bench: Hunter Renfrow, Clemson (5 reps)

And now folks, I present the anti D.K. Metcalf. Renfrow is a great story and has been a consistent contributor and big game hero for Clemson during their incredible recent run. He will no doubt carve out a niche in the NFL and have a long professional career. However, Hunter is far from a physical specimen. Now let’s play the twitter game again. Go in the search bar and type in “D.K. Metcalf Hunter Renfrow”. Low and behold, a picture of Hunter Renfrow curling a bag of grapes. Another big win for me! What a pick!

Top Contenders: Alex Wesley (Northern Colorado) and Nyqwan Murray (Florida State)

Tight ends:

Best 40 yard dash: Noah Fant, Iowa (4.50)

Ughhh another tough call here. It came down between Iowa’s Noah Fant and Ole Miss’s former walk on quarterback turned tight end Dawson Knox. In the end, the ultra athletic Fant won out by just a hair. Fant boats some of the more impressive physical attributes of any tight end entering the league in recent memory. Coach Ferentz sure knows how to develop tight ends up there in Iowa. It has become a hotbed for NFL talent and even is represented by potentially the top two in this class alone (along with T.J. Hockenson). There are more than a few instances of Fant being able to win vertically outside the hashes against corners. Sign me up for this athletic upside. Kid is a freak, they both are, and luckily I had the opportunity to speak with both young men in the past! Take a listen here…

Noah Fant:https://soundcloud.com/inside-the-hashes/joah-fant

Dawson Knox: https://soundcloud.com/inside-the-hashes/dawson-knox

Top Contenders: Dawson Knox (Ole Miss)

Worst 40 yard dash:Trevon Wesco, West Virginia (4.91)

I was pretty impressed from what I saw from Wesco at senior bowl practices. There was more movement skills in short areas and acceleration out of breaks than I would have anticipated for a tight end of his size (270 pounds!). But at the end of the day, he is still a 270 pound tight end. This will surely limit any sort of long speed he possesses. I’m sure he will impress many evaluators in other areas, but this is not one of them.

Top Contenders: Tommy Sweeney (Boston College), Foster Moreau (LSU) and Drew Sample (Washington)

Best vertical jump: Noah Fant, Iowa (42 inches)

Fant is an absolute freak of an athlete. There has been some cool off as far as draft hype is concerned, partly due to being teammates with fellow first round prospect T.J. Hockenson. Word on the street, however, is that Fant is about to blow up several drills at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. One of those events is the vertical jump, where Fant has been reported of jumping 42+ in the past.

Top Contenders: Dawson Knox (Ole Miss) and Irv Smith Jr. (Alabama)

Worst vertical jump: CJ Conrad, Kentucky (29.5 inches)

There just isn’t a ton of lower body explosion or ability to win in the air when evaluating C.J. Conrad’s game. He seems almost destined to be a tight end two or three who handles most of the dirty work on the field, lacking any dynamic traits to make him anything more. He will find a role but this workout will be a defiant moment to solidify what we see from Conrad on film.

Top Contenders: Foster Moreau (LSU)

Most reps on the bench: Drew Sample, Washington (28 reps)

I’m a fan of Drew Sample. Like Conrad, there are no dynamic moments on film that suggest much untapped potential as far as projection. However, Sample gets busy down in the trenches. He clearly understands leverage points and will make a living as a blocking tight end at the next level. The 2019 NFL Scouting Combine will be a reaffirmation of the kind of point of attack power Sample possesses. I will be shocked if he does not finish within the top two or three in his position group.  

Top Contenders: Trevon Wesco (West Virginia) and Tommy Sweeney (Boston College)

Least reps on the bench: Caleb Wilson, UCLA (11 reps)

I really want to love Caleb Wilson as a prospect. This former high school quarterback clearly has an understanding of soft spots in zones, and shows an ability to attack defenders leverage; and boy is he productive (98 receptions for 1,455 yards in his last sixteen games)… but his frame is just so underdeveloped and I do not think he is anything more than an average athlete. I would be very comfortable taking a flyer on WIlson late to develop and find a niche role as a receiving threat against heavy zone teams. For now though, I will pass on his combine testing numbers, specifically the bench press. At least not until he works on his dad bod a bit.

Top Contenders: Keenen Brown (Texas State)

Offensive lineman:

Best 40 yard dash: Garrett Bradbury, NC State (4.87)

Tight end turned potential first round center Garrett Bradbury is a smooth mover on film. He shows short area quickness and body flexibility to consistently reach three techs. His short area quickness testing like the shuttle and three cone drill are going to be fantastic, as should be his 40 yard dash time. Despite some concerns with his anchor at the point of attack, look for Bradbury to cement himself as a first round NFL draft prospect, with the upside of becoming potentially the best center in the National Football League within 2-3 seasons.  

Top Contenders: Andre DIllard (Washington State) and Chuma Edoga (USC)

Worst 40 yard dash: Nate Herbig, Stanford (5.54)

Nate Herbig is very big and very slow on tape. His size, coupled with very heavy feet, is a recipe for combine disaster. This will not quite be an Orlando Brown type of run, but it definitely will not be pretty. Good thing forty times don’t matter slightly when evaluating offensive lineman. In fact, it is typically nothing but trouble if an offensive lineman is running anywhere close to that distance in an actual game.

Top Contenders: Beau Benzschawal (Wisconsin)

Best vertical jump: Andre Dillard, Washington State (34.5 inches)

Andre Dillard has had a huge off season so far, seeing his stock continue to rise dramatically in large to his showing during Senior Bowl Week. He is a smooth mover at the offensive tackle position who I envision to show out in multiple drills. Predicting good verticals for offensive lineman is a complete crap shoot but Dillard shows plus lateral explosion and very flexible hips to flip and carry defensive lineman passed the arc. Look for Dillard to dominate the combine and firmly entrench his name as a potential day one prospect.

Top Contenders: Jawaan Taylor (Florida) and Yodny Cajuste (West Virginia)

Worst vertical jump: Beau Benzschawal, Wisconsin (20.5 inches)

Wisconsin’s offensive guard prospect Beau Benzschawal is a physical drive blocker who will transition well to a gap power scheme that values big, nasty road graders with a edge. That is all the University of Wisconsin seems to develop in recent years, physical offensive lineman who exert their will on defensive lineman. That aside, explosion is not apart of Beau’s game. He is not a terrible athlete but there is a lack of explosion in short areas. Do not expect a great number in this area!

Top Contenders: Nate Herbig (Stanford) and Ben Powers (Oklahoma)

Most reps on the bench: Ben Powers, Oklahoma (37 reps)

How could you not pick a guy named Powers in a drill that involves raw power? Ben is a power plug at the offensive guard position, listed at a rock solid 6’4” and 313 pounds. Specializing in all the dirty work associated with offensive line play, Powers is a dominant drive/down blocker who makes his money driving guys to the echo of the whistle. In the end, I just couldn’t pass up on the name, and Oklahoma’s offensive line needed to get some love with just how dominant they were this past season. They have a legitimate chance to have four of five starters drafted at this year’s NFL Draft, with the one (starting center Creed Humphrey) returning to school, who just might be the best of the bunch when it is all said and done.

Top Contenders: Beau Benzschawal (Wisconsin) and Phil Haynes (Wake Forest)

Least reps on the bench: Chuma Edoga, USC (17 reps)

The darling of the 2019 Reese's Senior Bowl, USC’s Chuma Edoga flashed the high end athleticism and lateral movement that is needed to survive as a blindside protector at the next level. The undersized Edoga (6’4” and 290 pounds) is going to face some questions regarding consistency on film, combined with a lack of anchor at the position. His body remains severely underdeveloped, and at this point, must be looked at as a developmental prospect with a high upside moving forward. Edoga’s lack of functional anchor ability is consistently a problem on film, and unfortunately may show up in the all important combine bench press session. In  the end, his movement skills and lateral ability will press a team to overdraft him, salivating over just how good he can be.

Top Contenders: Garrett Bradbury (NC State), Bobby Evans (Oklahoma) and David Edwards (WIsconsin)

Edge:

Best 40 yard dash: Jachai Polite, Florida (4.55)

The transition from the first to second/third steps up the arc, is phenomenal when evaluating Florida edge rusher Jachai Polite. This allows the junior early entry to corner easily with speed/burst. This first steps will surely translate well to Polite’s ten yard split to begin what I’m sure will be quite an impressive forty yard dash time. I currently have Polite rated as the fourth best edge in the class outside of Nick Bosa, Josh Allen and Brian Burns. Due to size, he may be limited to a role as an outside backer in a 3-4 alignment, but speed and overall athleticism is certainly no limitation.

Top Contenders: Josh Allen (Kentucky) and Sutton Smith (Northern Illinois)

Worst 40 yard dash: Austin Bryant, Clemson (4.93)

Austin Bryant was the least talked about player on a defensive line with three potential first round draft picks (Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins), and rightfully so. Bryant projects as a rotational piece on the next level with outstanding length, but he clearly lacks desired athleticism to be able to take advantage of one on one opportunities consistently. The overlooked Bryant will continue to be just that after what I invision will be a painfully slow 40 yard dash time, cementing Bryant’s late round projection/window.

Top Contenders: Chase Winovich (Michigan) and Jaylon Ferguson (Louisiana Tech)

Best vertical jump: Sutton Smith, Northern Illinois (39.5)

This one is almost cheating. Northern Illinois’ Sutton Smith was a prolific pass rusher at the college level, but due to size/length limitations, he will more than likely have to transition to an off ball role while making the jump to the next level. The former running back is super explosive and will almost certainly pace the edge group in most categories during the combine testing. This athletic profile will, however, fail to answer many of the concerns for Sutton Smith’s transition to the next level.

Top Contenders: Josh Allen (Kentucky), Porter Gustin (USC) and Jachai Polite (Florida)

Worst vertical jump: Montez Sweat, Mississippi State (31)

Montez Sweat is a super long, physical rusher who wins with power and ability to counter due to oversetting offensive tackles looking to cut off his length. Sweat has a tough time with cornering/transitions due to his long legged body and consistent pad level. His Gumby like composition is going to severely hurt any lower body explosion test he partakes in. He is a linear athlete who will need to consistently take advantage of speed to power conversion on top of his god given length.  

Top Contenders: Chase Winovich (Michigan) and Shareef Miller (Penn State)

Most reps on the bench: Porter Gustin, USC (34)

Aptly nicknamed “Thor” by his teammates, Porter Gustin is a powerful athlete who has clearly spent a ton of time in the weight room (just google pictures of him working out… sheeeeeeeshhhhhh). The bench section of the 2019 Scouting Combine will provide Gustin his best chance to preserve whatever draft projection he possessed before his recent run of injuries. This may perhaps even provide one of the greatest pictures of draft season, seeing Porter Gustin throw some weights around with his long, blonde flowing lox flow through the wind. EPIC!

Top Contenders: Chase Winovich (Michigan) and Montez Sweat (Mississippi State)

Least reps on the bench: Jordan Brailford, Oklahoma State (16)

Brailford possesses one of the better pass rush plans in the entire draft class, showing a great feel for mixing up different variety of rushes; while also showing a great ability to hit inside counters. For all the good Brailford possesses, he is a very underdeveloped player, specifically in the chest. He will have a great opportunity to develop as a situational rusher at the next level. The 2019 NFL Scouting Combine will provide some insight into just how far the development will have to go for Brailford to be functional enough for anything more than a part time role.

Top Contendenders: Sutton Smith (Northern Illinois) and Ben Banogu (TCU)

Interior Defensive lineman:

Best 40 yard dash: Rashan Gary, Michigan (4.58)

Finally, Rashan Gary is placed exactly where he should be as an interior defensive lineman prospect. He is an absolute freak athlete, but there is simply not enough bend in his lower half (both hips and ankles) to justify him being used exclusively. Regardless, he is about to absolutely dominate the combine no matter what position he works out at. He has rare closing burst for a player of his size and length. He will no doubt leave Indianapolis as a major winner, and possibly cementing himself as a top five prospect due to his limitless upside. His career success however, will be in large decided by his potential landing spot and where they decide to line him up on a snap to snap basis.

Top Contenders: Nick Bosa (Ohio State) and Joe Jackson (Miami)

Worst 40 yard dash: Greg Gaines, Washington (5.41)

Over the last couple of seasons, Greg Gaines has been a consistent contributor amongst much more talented players along the Washington Huskies defense. Gaines is what you would picture as a prototypical two gap nose tackle, with the ability to provide snaps as a one teach in a 4-3 scheme. Make no mistake about it though, shade nose in an odd man front is by far his best scheme fit. He shows great leverage points, and hand strike to be an asset as a two gap player. That being said, Greg Gaines is a very limited athlete who has virtually no chance to impress in any testing area, outside of one… but let’s save that for a little later shall we?

Top Contenders: Demarcus Christmas (Florida State) and Dontavius Russell (Auburn)

Best vertical jump: Nick Bosa, Ohio State (38.5 inches)

I have no idea why Ohio State’s Nick Bosa is not listed as an edge, but regardless, he has been preparing for this a long time after missing a large section of his junior year with a core muscle injury. He is more of a short term explosion athlete than a player who may dominate a 40 yard dash. This powerful lower half, evidenced by his first step quickness off of the line, should provide an impressive vertical leap and three cone drill. It has been a long time since we have seen the best player in the 2019 NFL Draft on the field. I predict a dominant performance by Bosa, to once again, reaffirm himself as the premier prospect come April.

Top Contenders: Joe Jackson (Miami) and Rashan Gary (Michigan)

Worst vertical jump: Trysten Hill, Central Florida (21 inches)

Central Florida has developed a culture as a scrappy football team, that plays extremely hard from position to position for the betterment of the team success/culture. Perhaps one of the biggest symbols for this effort is defensive tackle Trysten Hill. After a ton of starting experience, Hill came off the bench this season in favor of a strong rotation up front. There is some quickness in short areas with Hill, who boasts a prototypical nose tackle body. His build does provide some limitations for Hill however, as he is just a very limited athlete. What Hill lacks in athletic profile (explosiveness, body flexibility), he makes up for in effort. The young man’s motor never stops. He is what coaches preach about as far as motor. It never runs cold, or even luke warm for that matter. Hill is going to run relatively slow in a vacuum, and he is not going to jump very well, but he is a good football player who will be able to garner some reps as a rotational piece in either an even or odd front.

Top Contenders: Greg Gaines (Washington) and Daylon Mack (Texas A&M)

Most reps on the bench: Greg Gaines, Washington (42 reps)

The athletic concerns I highlighted above about Greg Gaines’ athletic profile, is not shared in the weight room. The dude is an ox at the point of attack. Look for him to dominate the lifting section of the combine, cementing himself as a first and second down run stopper.

Top Contenders: Khalen Saunders (Western Illinois) and Quinnen Williams (Alabama)

Least reps on the bench: Joe Jackson, Miami (Fl.) (17 reps)

Another head scratcher is Joe Jackson being listed as a defensive lineman, rather than an edge player. He is a player who wins using his quick twitch ability and flexibility around the arc. What is missing from Jackson’s game besides consistency, is a strength element to consistently hold the point of attack and set a powerful edge. That lack of power will show heavily in his bench press numbers. There is plenty of room for Jackson to grow in his transition to the next level, technically and physically.

Top Contenders: Maxx Crosby (Eastern Michigan)

Linebackers:

Best 40 yard dash: Gary Johnson, Texas (4.47)

After leading the Longhorns in tackles this past season with 90 tackles, including 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, Johnson is seemingly being overlooked consistently throughout the draft process. A lightly build, run and chase backer at 6’0” and 230 pounds, Johnson displays plus sideline to sideline speed with an explosive first step. The 2019 NFL Scouting Combine could be the first step for Johnson to gain some traction as a legitimate prospect, capable of making an impact in a pass happy NFL. Johnson also posted an impressive 100 meter dash time of 10.59 while a senior at Douglass High School, claiming a 2015 Alabama Class 5A state title. An incredible mark for anyone, especially a linebacker.

Top Contenders: Terrill Hanks (New Mexico State), Germaine Pratt (NC State), Vosean Joseph (Florida) and Devin White (LSU)

Worst 40 yard dash: Tre Lamar, Clemson (5.03)

Man, oh man… why did Tre Lamar leave school early? He sports some fantastic size at 6’4” and 250 pounds, but he is super stiff. It was painful to see Lamar change directions, or even run on film. He is super limited to a first and second down run stopper who isn’t even that great in that role. He is long legged, mega awkward, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re looking at a Vontaze Burfict type of performance from him at the Combine.

Top Contenders: Jeffery Allison (Fresno State) and Ty Summers (TCU)

Best vertical jump: Devin White, LSU (39.5 inches)

It is no secret that Devin White is my favorite prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft. White is a rare athlete at the position that is just barely scratching the surface of just how good he can be. A true sideline to sideline inside linebacker who possesses some of the best closing speed I’ve seen at the position, perhaps in my lifetime. He should test well in every athletic test, but I believe the jumps will be where he makes his money. The lower body explosiveness is a generational gift. Look for White to cement himself as a top 10 player for this year’s draft, or maybe even top 5 where he currently sits on my board.

Top Contenders: Terrill Hanks (New Mexico State) and Devin Bush (Michigan)  

Worst vertical jump: Andrew Van Ginkle, Wisconsin (28.5 inches)

Andrew Van Ginkle was a very likeable player during his badgers career. He plays super hard, has vines for arms, has a first round name and has that same Clay Matthews look at the outside linebacker position. The problem is I just don’t think he’s athletic, like at all. Every step on film seems heavily calculated on film, knowingly aware of just what he can and can’t get away with. Nothing he does at the 2019 Scouting Combine will change my option of him and potential fit, but it will work to solidify the physical limitations of his game.

Top Contenders: Ryan Connelly (Wisconsin) and Deshaun Davis (Auburn)

Most reps on the bench: Te’Von Coney, Notre Dame

And the best biceps in the entire 2019 NFL Draft go to… easy money: Te’Von Coney. Dude is an absolute monster, who boasts one of the more powerful frames at any position. The Notre Dame strength program under Coach Balis has done wonders for the football program and Coney is one of the biggest success stories so far. His transformation in two years is astounding and he is ready to put on a show in the weight room.

Top Contenders: T.J. Edwards (Wisconsin) and Deshaun Davis (Auburn)

Least reps on the bench: Terrill Hanks, New Mexico State

Terrill Hanks will without a doubt be one of the biggest overall winners from the 2019 NFL Scouting combine, as far as athletic testing. He is a former safety who is a phenomenal athlete, capable of getting down hill, as well as attacking laterally at an elite level. The problem is that Hanks has some concerns as far as functional strength. This absence or power comes up with his ability to stack and shed blockers, lacking an aggressive punch and lockout. This is one drill that may show Hanks might be further from being a contributor than his athletic numbers might suggest.

Top Contenders: Vosean Joseph (Florida)

Defensive backs:

Best 40 yard dash: Kendall Sheffield, Ohio State (4.30)

Every year the talk of the weeks leading up to the NFL Scouting Combine is, is anyone going to take down the 40 yard dash record? We were given an extraordinary show two years ago, when John Ross posted a ridiculous 4.22 official time. It’s getting to the point now, that the new question should be whether someone could ever break 4.20. Such a feat has never been accomplished officially. Can this be the year? Probably not, but there is someone in particular we should all keep an eye on. Ohio State cornerback Kendall Sheffield has a long way to go as a football player to reach his potential, but man can the young man fly. Sheffield is a track star, who has posted some exceptional times in the 110 high hurdles over the years. His speed is evident on the field and it may end up being a battle with fellow Buckeye Parris Campbell to decide who is the fastest player at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine.

Top Contenders: Justin Layne (Michigan State) and Greedy Williams (LSU)

Worst 40 yard dash: Sheldrick Redwine (4.78)

I’m a fan of Miami (Fl.) safety Jaquan Johnson. Through this process I’ve heard a bit of buzz about his running mate on the back end, Sheldrick Redwine. Redwine is billed as a versatile chess piece who has spent some time at cornerback early in his career. Having dove into his film, I do not see anything more than an unathletic player who is playing completely out of position as a true free safety. His movements are clunky/awkward, taking forever to get to his spot, rarely ever making a play on the football in the air. Having dug even further, Redwine posted some pretty pedestrian track times while in high school. This may be slight hyperbole for a prediction on his time, but either way it won’t be very good.

Top Contenders: Khari Willis (Michigan State) and Andrew Wingard (Wyoming)

Best vertical jump: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida

No player in the 2019 NFL Draft class has seen as big a turnaround as a prospect as Florida defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. His 2017 tape left a lot to be desired as far as run support. His ability in man to man coverage has always been apparent, due to his incredible quickness out of breaks and overall fluidity. He is a tremendous athlete who took a huge step forward in 2018 as a whole, and now there are whispers about a potential first round selection in his very near future. Chauncey is going to show out in several drills in Indianapolis, cementing the meteoric ride for the safety/nickel prospect.

Top Contenders: Kendall Sheffield (Ohio State) and Greedy Williams (LSU)

Worst vertical jump: Khari Willis, Michigan State (30.5 inches)

I did not know a ton about Michigan State’s Khari Willis entering shrine week. I left incredibly underwhelmed by WIllis as an athlete. He struggled to demonstrate any type of range in the back end, and seemed to be “running in mud” at times when running the alley against outside zone. I think his feet are going to be even further entrenched in the mud when trying to show any type of vertical ability. Hard pass on Willis as a prospect for me.

Top Contenders: Darius West (Kentucky), Mark McLaurin (Mississippi State) and John Battle (LSU)

Most reps on the bench: Taylor Rapp, Washington (24 reps)

Welcome to the most underappreciated prospect possibly in all of the 2019 NFL Draft. On tape, Taylor Rapp demonstrates a nice blend of smoothness as an athlete and physicality. Built like a true strong safety, Rapp has some scheme versatility to play anywhere from an alley defender, two high, box enforcer, slot defender, blitzer or even dime linebacker. Well built, I anticipate Rapp putting up some very solid numbers in the weight room. If the rest of his athletic testing is up to par for a safety of his stature, I am sold on Rapp being a late first-early second round prospect and one of the safest bet in this draft at any position.

Top Contenders: Jaquan Johnson (Miami) and Johnathan Abram (Mississippi State)

Least reps on the bench: Greedy Williams, LSU (8 reps)

So here is a really good questions. Which is more, Greedy Williams’ career interception or the number of reps he can put up at 225? I’m going with a push here. Williams just strikes me as an ultra athletic player who has just been able to coast on natural ability for the majority of his career. Couple that with his frame at 6’3” 184 pounds listed, I have serious concerns about what kind of numbers good ole’ Greedy can put up in the weight room. Luckily for him, he has some of the most fluid hips and man turns I have seen. Other testing and on field drills are sure to wow evaluators looking on.

Top Contenders: Hamp Cheevers (Boston College) and Rashad Fenton (South Carolina)

Happy Draft Season Everyone!

Check out my live analysis on the latest podcast of the RPO Podcast; Episode 36!

-By: Ryan Roberts