NFL Scouting Combine 2016: Who to watch at every position
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NFL Scouting Combine 2016: Who to watch at every position
By Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News
POSTED: 02/22/16, 10:59 AM PST
Call it the National Football League’s version of an annual job fair, but every February 300 or so of the top college football players in the country descend upon Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. This year’s combine begins on Wednesday.
What unfolds is a week-long job interview in which the players are tested, probed, evaluated, dissected and judged by all 32 NFL teams coaches, general managers, scouts and medical staffs
It’s an intense, thorough and relentless process that taps into players’ physical and mental make-ups, with their ability to run and jump and throw and catch as valuable as their capacity to connect, excel and demonstrate in classroom and interview settings.
For the top prospects in the country, it’s an opportunity to validate or refute positive or negative aspects of their scouting breakdowns, or to flash in a way that sends them surging up draft boards.
Although the high point for fans and scouts are the on-field drills – a series of universal agility tests applicable to all participants and drills specific to each player’s position – the behind-the-scenes interview sessions with each team can sometimes make or break a prospect in the eyes of certain clubs.
Here is a look at the top prospects to keep an eye on at each position over the next week and some of the key drills in which they’ll be evaluated.
QUARTERBACK
JARED GOFF, CALIFORNIA
Goff ended his career at Cal by setting Pac-12 conference records with 4,719 passing yards and 43 touchdowns during a stellar senior year. Having played almost exclusively in the shotgun, he needs to show he can adapt to the footwork of playing under center and also clean up mechanics that caused accuracy issues.
Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
Despite his small-school upbringing Wentz is surging up draft boards due to his prototypical size (6-5, 232), arm strength and passing-game aptitude. Has a chance to develop into a franchise quarterback. Long ball accuracy, polished footwork and adapting to the enhanced speed of the NFL game are concerns he can help alleviate in Indianapolis.
PAXTON LYNCH, MEMPHIS
More of a dual-threat quarterback than a conventional pocket passer, Lynch might need a year of grooming. But if a team is willing to be patient, the payoff is a ceiling is as high as any quarterback in the draft. Accuracy on the run was a problem, and needs to show improvement in that area this week.
RUNNING BACK
EZEKIEL ELLIOTT, OHIO STATE
Rushed for 1,821 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2015. A tremendous athlete, he won four Missouri state track and field titles in the 100 and 200 meters and the 110 high hurdles and 300 hurdles. Can really help himself this week with a positive showing in pass-catching drills.
DERRICK HENRY, ALABAMA
Won the Heisman Trophy last year while rushing for a national best 2,219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. A bit of a sluggish athlete, his footwork isn’t top end. Speed and agility tests could push him up or down the draft board.
DEVONTAE BOOKER, UTAH
Ran for 1,261 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games in 2015, but also had 80 receptions over his junior and senior years. Needs to show improved speed this week.
WIDE RECEIVER
LAQUON TREADWELL, MISSISSIPPI
Despite coming off a serious knee injury in 2015, Treadwell finished his senior year with 82 catches, 1,153 yards, and 11 scores and was as a Biletnikoff Award finalist,and first-team All-SEC selection. Not a speed guy by any means, so he can help himself considerably with a great 40 time.
COREY COLEMAN, BAYLOR
The Biletnikoff Award winner, Coleman caught 74 passes for 1,363 yards and led the country with 20 touchdown receptions in 2015. Dropped 10 passes a year ago, so his hands will be under a microscope at the combine.
MICHAEL THOMAS, OHIO STATE
Still a developing prospect, Thomas finished with 56 catches, 781 yards, and nine touchdowns last season. Footwork getting off the line of scrimmage and polished route running are areas scouts will be scrutinizing.
TIGHT END
AUSTIN HOOPER, STANFORD
An effective run blocker who can also line up wide, Hooper caught 34 passes for 438 yards and six touchdowns last year. Top-end athletic ability and quickness has been a concern, so a good agility showing will help.
HUNTER HENRY, ARKANSAS
A PREMIER, PHYSICAL, INTENSE RUN BLOCKER, HENRY IS NO SLOUCH IN THE PASS GAME AND FINISHED LAST SEASON WITH 51 CATCHES FOR 739 YARDS. NOT MUCH BY WAY OF WEAKNESSES, BUT DOES NEED TO SHARPEN HIS PASS ROUTES. JERRELL ADAMS, SOUTH CAROLINA
More of a pass-game threat then a sure blocker, Adams has enough athletic ability to be a down-field threat and finished with 28 catches for 421 yards and three touchdowns last year. Can really help himself by answering questions about his hands.
OFFENSIVE LINE
LAREMY TUNSIL MISSISSIPPI
Generally regarded as the top pick in the draft. His elite footwork, agility and athletic ability are reflective of a franchise altering left tackle. More of a finesse blocker than a pure power blocker, but whatever weaknesses he has are minimal at best. Merely needs to show a clean bill of health to solidify his spot atop the draft.
RONNIE STANLEY, NOTRE DAME
A technically sound pass blocker with a quality motor. Very well coached with great hands and awareness. Has prevailed with technique and acumen, but can really help himself by showing better core power.
JACK CONKLIN, MICHIGAN STATE
A polished, sound pass blocker who can also mix it up in the run game. Showed average foot speed, which could be an issue against top-end edge pass rushers. Can enhance his status with a solid athletic showing.
DEFENSIVE LINE
JOEY BOSA, DE, OHIO STATE
Among defensive lineman, has the best hand coordination and power combination in the draft. A relentless pass rusher and to-the-whistler player. Needs to show improved athletic ability, strength and technique.
DEFOREST BUCKNER, DE, OREGON
Long armed pass rusher who plays with great effort and is a surprisingly good run defender. His technique is still a work in progress, and needs to show he’s cleaned up that part of his game.
NOAH SPENCE, DE, EASTERN KENTUCKY
There is no questioning his on-field talent. He is an elite pass rusher who can create havoc. The issue is off the field, where two failed drug tests at Ohio State earned him a lifetime ban from the Big 10 and resulted in treatment for drug addition, He was also arrested in 2015 for alcohol intoxication and second-degree disorderly conduct. Spence has owned up to his past issues, and had a great season in 2015 at Eastern Kentucky. He will be scrutinized this week about his past digressions and subsequent recovery, which by all measures has been a success.
SHAQ LAWSON, DE-OLB, CLEMSON
Played as a stand-up five technique defensive end last season, and some see him as an outside linebacker in the NFL. Consistently made plays behind the line of scrimmage while finishing with 25.5 tackles for losses and 12.5 sacks. Needs to show better athletic ability and endurance – the later of which was noticeable as games wore on.
ROBERT NKEMDICHE, DE, MISSISSIPPI
Looks the part of an NFL All-Pro, but it’s difficult getting past the lack of productivity as he produced just 6.5 sacks over three seasons. Needs to show better technique and position nuance. Scouts and coaches will want answers why the production never matched the obvious physical tools.
CHRIS JONES, DT, MISSISSIPPI STATE
Tremendously powerful interior player who can also create a formidable pass pocket push. Still a work in progress but his needle is pointed up. Endurance can be a problem, as is technique
LINEBACKER
JAYLON SMITH, NOTRE DAME
At 6-3, 245 pounds Smith was one of the elite prospects throughout the 2015 season but tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee during Notre Dame’s Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State. Smith won’t be available to do on-field activities, but teams will take a close look at the progress of his knee.
MYLES JACK, UCLA
As versatile, productive and dynamic a player in the country the last three years, a torn anterior meniscus knee injury ended his junior season after three games. Jack, who is ideally suited as an NFL weak inside backer, will be limited this week to the bench press testing, interviews and medical examinations as he isn’t yet cleared for full agility participation.
REGGIE RAGLAND, ALABAMA
Emerged as a run-stopping MLB while leading Alabama with with 97 tackles to earn EC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Speed and coverage skills will be under the microscope this week.
DARRON LEE, OHIO STATE
A fluid linebacker with tremendous instincts, Lee plays well in the run game and is an apt pass coverage defender. NFL scouts want him to bulk up and add strength, as his ability to stand up and withstand the pro game is a question.
CORNERBACKS
JALEN RAMSEY, FLORIDA STATE
A world-class athlete with the necessary size, strength and savvy to completely disrupt an opponent’s passing game. Needs to show better footwork, as NFL teams will make him prove he can match up to quicker receivers.
VERNON HARGREAVES, FLORIDA A SMOOTH, ATHLETIC, INSTINCTIVE CORNERBACK WHO AMASSED 38 PASSES DEFENSED AND 10 INTERCEPTIONS OVER LAST THREE YEARS. ALTHOUGH NO ONE QUESTIONS HIS COMPETITIVENESS, HIS CLOSING SPEED WASN’T IDEAL SO A GOOD 40 TIME CAN SEND HIM SOARING UP THE DRAFT BOARD.
MACKENSIE ALEXANDER, CLEMSON
A lock down cornerback at Clemson who teams rarely challenged, Alexander is a film room junkie and a mentally sound and apt corner. His mental acumen hides average footwork and technique – an area scouts will be scrutinizing this week.
SAFETY
KARL JOSEPH, WEST VIRGINIA
A devastating knee injury suffered during practice at West Virginia last year cut short a terrific season, but Joseph is regarded as the top safety in the draft class. A clean medical report will determine just how high he goes in the draft.
VONN BELL, OHIO STATE
An instinctive player in the pass game who shows great feel for the game at free safety. His speed didn’t always show up on the field, but he can dispel some of those concerns this week with a good workout.
DARIEN THOMPSON, BOISE STATE
A big, physical, productive ball-hawker who is also an intimidating player on the back end of a defense. However, instincts, awareness and technique were lacking and it’s an area scouts will scrutinize this week.
DRILLS
• 40-yard dash Over the years – and for better or worse - the 40-yard dash has grown into the signature event at the NFL scouting combine, providing a glimpse at players explosion from a set position and straight ahead speed while being timed at 10, 20 and 40-yard intervals. With so much of football played in short spaces, the 10-yard interval readings are more applicable for some positions compared to others. Nevertheless, a player’s stock can soar or fall based on the final numbers.
BEST MARK: (electrical timing didn’t begin until 1999) 4.24 Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina 2008
• Vertical jump From a flat-footed stance, players explode upward and reach as high as possible to measure his vertical jump. The objective is to assess a player’s lower-body power through his explosion out of a stance. Any mark in the 40 inch range is considered top-end athleticism.
BEST MARK: 46.0 Gerald Sensabaugh, S, North Carolina 2005
• Bench press This is all about strength and endurance as players bench press 225 pounds as many times as possible. Somewhat flawed as it’s suited better for shorter-armed players than longer armed, it does offer insight into a players strength and conditioning.
BEST MARK: 51 Justin Ernest, E. Kentucky DT 1999
• Broad jump From a set position, the player explodes forward as far as possible. The key is sticking the landing without moving or falling. The objective is assessing a players balance and lower-body power. A jump of 10 feet is considered top-end athleticism
BEST MARK: 12-3 Byron Jones, Connecticut, CB 2016
•3-cone drill With three cones set up as an L, the player sprints five yards to the first cone and then back before turning back to the second cone, curling around the third cone and then back around the second before finishing. The objective is to test a players ability to reach peak speed then change direction and get back to peak speed as quickly as possible. Scouts put a high emphasis on this drill as it emulates movement and body positioning applicable of football. Any mark under seven seconds represents great agility.
Best Mark: 6.42 Jeff Maehl, Oregon WR 2011
• Shuttle run Staring from a three-point stance, the player maneuvers five yards to his right and touches a line then pushes 10 yards to his left and touches a line before pivoting and maneuvering five yards back to his right. The objective is to assess short-area explosion, lateral quickness and change of direction. Scouts consider four seconds the optimal mark high-end agility.
Best Mark: 3.73 Kevin Kasper, Iowa WR 2001
NFL Scouting Combine 2016: Who to watch at every position
By Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News
POSTED: 02/22/16, 10:59 AM PST
Call it the National Football League’s version of an annual job fair, but every February 300 or so of the top college football players in the country descend upon Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. This year’s combine begins on Wednesday.
What unfolds is a week-long job interview in which the players are tested, probed, evaluated, dissected and judged by all 32 NFL teams coaches, general managers, scouts and medical staffs
It’s an intense, thorough and relentless process that taps into players’ physical and mental make-ups, with their ability to run and jump and throw and catch as valuable as their capacity to connect, excel and demonstrate in classroom and interview settings.
For the top prospects in the country, it’s an opportunity to validate or refute positive or negative aspects of their scouting breakdowns, or to flash in a way that sends them surging up draft boards.
Although the high point for fans and scouts are the on-field drills – a series of universal agility tests applicable to all participants and drills specific to each player’s position – the behind-the-scenes interview sessions with each team can sometimes make or break a prospect in the eyes of certain clubs.
Here is a look at the top prospects to keep an eye on at each position over the next week and some of the key drills in which they’ll be evaluated.
QUARTERBACK
JARED GOFF, CALIFORNIA
Goff ended his career at Cal by setting Pac-12 conference records with 4,719 passing yards and 43 touchdowns during a stellar senior year. Having played almost exclusively in the shotgun, he needs to show he can adapt to the footwork of playing under center and also clean up mechanics that caused accuracy issues.
Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
Despite his small-school upbringing Wentz is surging up draft boards due to his prototypical size (6-5, 232), arm strength and passing-game aptitude. Has a chance to develop into a franchise quarterback. Long ball accuracy, polished footwork and adapting to the enhanced speed of the NFL game are concerns he can help alleviate in Indianapolis.
PAXTON LYNCH, MEMPHIS
More of a dual-threat quarterback than a conventional pocket passer, Lynch might need a year of grooming. But if a team is willing to be patient, the payoff is a ceiling is as high as any quarterback in the draft. Accuracy on the run was a problem, and needs to show improvement in that area this week.
RUNNING BACK
EZEKIEL ELLIOTT, OHIO STATE
Rushed for 1,821 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2015. A tremendous athlete, he won four Missouri state track and field titles in the 100 and 200 meters and the 110 high hurdles and 300 hurdles. Can really help himself this week with a positive showing in pass-catching drills.
DERRICK HENRY, ALABAMA
Won the Heisman Trophy last year while rushing for a national best 2,219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. A bit of a sluggish athlete, his footwork isn’t top end. Speed and agility tests could push him up or down the draft board.
DEVONTAE BOOKER, UTAH
Ran for 1,261 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games in 2015, but also had 80 receptions over his junior and senior years. Needs to show improved speed this week.
WIDE RECEIVER
LAQUON TREADWELL, MISSISSIPPI
Despite coming off a serious knee injury in 2015, Treadwell finished his senior year with 82 catches, 1,153 yards, and 11 scores and was as a Biletnikoff Award finalist,and first-team All-SEC selection. Not a speed guy by any means, so he can help himself considerably with a great 40 time.
COREY COLEMAN, BAYLOR
The Biletnikoff Award winner, Coleman caught 74 passes for 1,363 yards and led the country with 20 touchdown receptions in 2015. Dropped 10 passes a year ago, so his hands will be under a microscope at the combine.
MICHAEL THOMAS, OHIO STATE
Still a developing prospect, Thomas finished with 56 catches, 781 yards, and nine touchdowns last season. Footwork getting off the line of scrimmage and polished route running are areas scouts will be scrutinizing.
TIGHT END
AUSTIN HOOPER, STANFORD
An effective run blocker who can also line up wide, Hooper caught 34 passes for 438 yards and six touchdowns last year. Top-end athletic ability and quickness has been a concern, so a good agility showing will help.
HUNTER HENRY, ARKANSAS
A PREMIER, PHYSICAL, INTENSE RUN BLOCKER, HENRY IS NO SLOUCH IN THE PASS GAME AND FINISHED LAST SEASON WITH 51 CATCHES FOR 739 YARDS. NOT MUCH BY WAY OF WEAKNESSES, BUT DOES NEED TO SHARPEN HIS PASS ROUTES. JERRELL ADAMS, SOUTH CAROLINA
More of a pass-game threat then a sure blocker, Adams has enough athletic ability to be a down-field threat and finished with 28 catches for 421 yards and three touchdowns last year. Can really help himself by answering questions about his hands.
OFFENSIVE LINE
LAREMY TUNSIL MISSISSIPPI
Generally regarded as the top pick in the draft. His elite footwork, agility and athletic ability are reflective of a franchise altering left tackle. More of a finesse blocker than a pure power blocker, but whatever weaknesses he has are minimal at best. Merely needs to show a clean bill of health to solidify his spot atop the draft.
RONNIE STANLEY, NOTRE DAME
A technically sound pass blocker with a quality motor. Very well coached with great hands and awareness. Has prevailed with technique and acumen, but can really help himself by showing better core power.
JACK CONKLIN, MICHIGAN STATE
A polished, sound pass blocker who can also mix it up in the run game. Showed average foot speed, which could be an issue against top-end edge pass rushers. Can enhance his status with a solid athletic showing.
DEFENSIVE LINE
JOEY BOSA, DE, OHIO STATE
Among defensive lineman, has the best hand coordination and power combination in the draft. A relentless pass rusher and to-the-whistler player. Needs to show improved athletic ability, strength and technique.
DEFOREST BUCKNER, DE, OREGON
Long armed pass rusher who plays with great effort and is a surprisingly good run defender. His technique is still a work in progress, and needs to show he’s cleaned up that part of his game.
NOAH SPENCE, DE, EASTERN KENTUCKY
There is no questioning his on-field talent. He is an elite pass rusher who can create havoc. The issue is off the field, where two failed drug tests at Ohio State earned him a lifetime ban from the Big 10 and resulted in treatment for drug addition, He was also arrested in 2015 for alcohol intoxication and second-degree disorderly conduct. Spence has owned up to his past issues, and had a great season in 2015 at Eastern Kentucky. He will be scrutinized this week about his past digressions and subsequent recovery, which by all measures has been a success.
SHAQ LAWSON, DE-OLB, CLEMSON
Played as a stand-up five technique defensive end last season, and some see him as an outside linebacker in the NFL. Consistently made plays behind the line of scrimmage while finishing with 25.5 tackles for losses and 12.5 sacks. Needs to show better athletic ability and endurance – the later of which was noticeable as games wore on.
ROBERT NKEMDICHE, DE, MISSISSIPPI
Looks the part of an NFL All-Pro, but it’s difficult getting past the lack of productivity as he produced just 6.5 sacks over three seasons. Needs to show better technique and position nuance. Scouts and coaches will want answers why the production never matched the obvious physical tools.
CHRIS JONES, DT, MISSISSIPPI STATE
Tremendously powerful interior player who can also create a formidable pass pocket push. Still a work in progress but his needle is pointed up. Endurance can be a problem, as is technique
LINEBACKER
JAYLON SMITH, NOTRE DAME
At 6-3, 245 pounds Smith was one of the elite prospects throughout the 2015 season but tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee during Notre Dame’s Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State. Smith won’t be available to do on-field activities, but teams will take a close look at the progress of his knee.
MYLES JACK, UCLA
As versatile, productive and dynamic a player in the country the last three years, a torn anterior meniscus knee injury ended his junior season after three games. Jack, who is ideally suited as an NFL weak inside backer, will be limited this week to the bench press testing, interviews and medical examinations as he isn’t yet cleared for full agility participation.
REGGIE RAGLAND, ALABAMA
Emerged as a run-stopping MLB while leading Alabama with with 97 tackles to earn EC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Speed and coverage skills will be under the microscope this week.
DARRON LEE, OHIO STATE
A fluid linebacker with tremendous instincts, Lee plays well in the run game and is an apt pass coverage defender. NFL scouts want him to bulk up and add strength, as his ability to stand up and withstand the pro game is a question.
CORNERBACKS
JALEN RAMSEY, FLORIDA STATE
A world-class athlete with the necessary size, strength and savvy to completely disrupt an opponent’s passing game. Needs to show better footwork, as NFL teams will make him prove he can match up to quicker receivers.
VERNON HARGREAVES, FLORIDA A SMOOTH, ATHLETIC, INSTINCTIVE CORNERBACK WHO AMASSED 38 PASSES DEFENSED AND 10 INTERCEPTIONS OVER LAST THREE YEARS. ALTHOUGH NO ONE QUESTIONS HIS COMPETITIVENESS, HIS CLOSING SPEED WASN’T IDEAL SO A GOOD 40 TIME CAN SEND HIM SOARING UP THE DRAFT BOARD.
MACKENSIE ALEXANDER, CLEMSON
A lock down cornerback at Clemson who teams rarely challenged, Alexander is a film room junkie and a mentally sound and apt corner. His mental acumen hides average footwork and technique – an area scouts will be scrutinizing this week.
SAFETY
KARL JOSEPH, WEST VIRGINIA
A devastating knee injury suffered during practice at West Virginia last year cut short a terrific season, but Joseph is regarded as the top safety in the draft class. A clean medical report will determine just how high he goes in the draft.
VONN BELL, OHIO STATE
An instinctive player in the pass game who shows great feel for the game at free safety. His speed didn’t always show up on the field, but he can dispel some of those concerns this week with a good workout.
DARIEN THOMPSON, BOISE STATE
A big, physical, productive ball-hawker who is also an intimidating player on the back end of a defense. However, instincts, awareness and technique were lacking and it’s an area scouts will scrutinize this week.
DRILLS
• 40-yard dash Over the years – and for better or worse - the 40-yard dash has grown into the signature event at the NFL scouting combine, providing a glimpse at players explosion from a set position and straight ahead speed while being timed at 10, 20 and 40-yard intervals. With so much of football played in short spaces, the 10-yard interval readings are more applicable for some positions compared to others. Nevertheless, a player’s stock can soar or fall based on the final numbers.
BEST MARK: (electrical timing didn’t begin until 1999) 4.24 Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina 2008
• Vertical jump From a flat-footed stance, players explode upward and reach as high as possible to measure his vertical jump. The objective is to assess a player’s lower-body power through his explosion out of a stance. Any mark in the 40 inch range is considered top-end athleticism.
BEST MARK: 46.0 Gerald Sensabaugh, S, North Carolina 2005
• Bench press This is all about strength and endurance as players bench press 225 pounds as many times as possible. Somewhat flawed as it’s suited better for shorter-armed players than longer armed, it does offer insight into a players strength and conditioning.
BEST MARK: 51 Justin Ernest, E. Kentucky DT 1999
• Broad jump From a set position, the player explodes forward as far as possible. The key is sticking the landing without moving or falling. The objective is assessing a players balance and lower-body power. A jump of 10 feet is considered top-end athleticism
BEST MARK: 12-3 Byron Jones, Connecticut, CB 2016
•3-cone drill With three cones set up as an L, the player sprints five yards to the first cone and then back before turning back to the second cone, curling around the third cone and then back around the second before finishing. The objective is to test a players ability to reach peak speed then change direction and get back to peak speed as quickly as possible. Scouts put a high emphasis on this drill as it emulates movement and body positioning applicable of football. Any mark under seven seconds represents great agility.
Best Mark: 6.42 Jeff Maehl, Oregon WR 2011
• Shuttle run Staring from a three-point stance, the player maneuvers five yards to his right and touches a line then pushes 10 yards to his left and touches a line before pivoting and maneuvering five yards back to his right. The objective is to assess short-area explosion, lateral quickness and change of direction. Scouts consider four seconds the optimal mark high-end agility.
Best Mark: 3.73 Kevin Kasper, Iowa WR 2001