Kevin Hanson takes us through the recent NFL combine.

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Beginning last week, I started posting a weekly roundup of NFL Draft news on FantasyPros with the primary focus being offensive skill (and fantasy-relevant) positions: QBs, RBs, WRs and TEs.

With the offense completing their on-field workout portion at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday and Saturday, the majority of the news this week comes from what has happened in Indianapolis (home of the combine).

Mariucci on Winston: “Most astute X’s and O’s guy”

Despite any off-the-field and immaturity issues, Florida State’s Jameis Winston has long been viewed as someone with high football intelligence. According to NFL Network’s Steve Mariucci, Winston is “the most astute X’s and O’s guy that he’s ever put on the board” (View video of Mariucci-Winston interview). Per Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman, Winston has been “doing incredibly well” in combine interviews this week. There was plenty of attention given to the “weakness” in his shoulder, but Winston threw, and threw well, on Saturday and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted yesterday that he “checked out fine” at the hospital.

Mariota “absolutely killing it” in interviews

Not only did Winston throw, but so did Oregon’s Marcus Mariota, who also posted a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash. Of course, there are no defenders in these passing drills, but CBS Sports’ Rob Rang described both quarterbacks as “dazzling with their accuracy and arm strength” during the on-field throwing drills that had scouts “buzzing”. And while Mariota’s intangibles are squeaky clean, Louis Riddick tweeted earlier in the week that Mariota was “absolutely killing it” in interviews and has been “as/more impressive” as/than Russell Wilson was. Based on offensive schemes, Mariota, who took only five snaps from under center last season, may have a more challenging transition than Winston, but there is an increasing likelihood that these two quarterbacks will go first and second overall on April 30th.

Schefter: Browns would have considered Brett Hundley in top 10 last year

ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted the Cleveland Browns would have “considered” UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley with a top-10 pick last year. Although Hundley is viewed by some, not all, as the third-best quarterback behind Winston and Mariota, there is no chance that Hundley is selected in the top-10 picks this year. And although the Browns have a pair of first-rounders (12th and 19th overall), I doubt Hundley is selected in the first round. With that said, perhaps the Browns will “consider” him with the 43rd overall pick when they are on the clock.

Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon runs 4.52 forty

Slower than expected, Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon ran a 4.52 40-yard dash, but as Marshall Faulk said on Saturday’s Combine coverage, Gordon “has enough speed — he can break the long run“. Gordon’s time was the fifth-fastest among running backs (Michigan State’s Jeremy Langford turned in the fastest time at 4.43). Gordon led all offensive prospects in the 60-yard shuttle (11.00 seconds).

Jeremiah’s Mock: Todd Gurley to Lions

Both Gordon and Georgia’s Todd Gurley, who is recovering from a torn ACL, are likely to be first-round running backs. In his latest mock draft, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah slotted Gurley to the Lions. Several teams in the second half of Round 1 could consider either Gordon or Gurley, but Jeremiah’s mock is the first that I’ve seen with one of those two backs going to the Lions.

Strong day for Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah

Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah ran a 4.6 forty, which wasn’t great, but he otherwise was one of the stars of Saturday’s workouts finishing as one of the top performers in the vertical jump (42.5 inches), broad jump (10-10), 3-cone drill (6.79), 20-yard shuttle (3.95) and 60-yard shuttle (11.18). Abdullah’s 3.95 time in the 20-yard shuttle led all performers on Saturday and the only running back with a faster time since 2006 was Chris Rainey (3.93, 2012).

Indiana’s Tevin Coleman (foot) didn’t work out at Combine.

Indiana’s Tevin Coleman did not workout at the Combine with his foot in a boot following offseason surgery, but he will work out at his Pro Day on April 15th. A home-run threat that led college football with eight 60-yard runs and rushed for 2,036 yards last season, Coleman will likely be drafted in Round 2 and as one of the top-five running backs.

Kevin White runs 4.35 40-yard dash.

If there was any concern from scouts regarding West Virginia’s Kevin White, it was his long speed. Those concerns have been put to rest with a 4.35 40-yard dash. Coming into Saturday’s workout, White was the top-ranked wide receiver prospect by several analysts including NFL Network’s Mike Mayock and Daniel Jeremiah, who had compared White to Julio Jones. After Saturday’s workout, opinion of White as the top receiver in this year’s class may develop into a consensus over the next two months. That said, both Alabama’s Amari Cooper and Louisville’s DeVante Parker had impressive days as well and it wouldn’t be a surprise if all three were off the board by the 11th pick (Minnesota’s).

Jaelen Strong runs a faster-than-expected 4.44 forty

Regardless of how he tested on Saturday, Strong has excellent size and a strong ability to make contested catches and was going to be a potential late first-round pick. Like White, however, the biggest knock on Strong was his speed, but he impressed in that area with a 4.44 40-yard dash in Indy. He also finished second among wide receivers in the vertical jump (42 inches).

Chris Conley impresses with strong workout

Georgia wide receiver Chris Conley made some money on Saturday. Conley (6-2, 213, 34-inch arms) ran a blazing 4.35 forty, third-fastest among wide receivers, with a 45-inch vertical jump and 11-foot-7 broad jump. Both jumps were the highest among all participants thus far. That said, Conley has had modest production in his four years at Georgia with no more than 45 receptions, 657 yards or eight touchdowns in any season. Conley could still end up being a Day 3 selection (Rounds 4-7), but his strong workout will certainly prompt teams to take a much closer look at him over the next two months.

Phillip Dorsett runs 4.33 forty, J.J. Nelson runs 4.28

Among the prospects that worked out on Saturday, the favorite to beat Chris Johnson’s 40-yard dash time was Miami’s Phillip Dorsett, who reportedly set a school record for the fastest 40-yard dash. Dorsett posted an official 4.33 forty, which was the second fastest of the day after UAB’s J.J. Nelson who ran a 4.28. Nelson is also the lightest wide receiver at only 156 pounds. Dorsett has shown up in some mocks near the end of Round 1, but more than likely, he’ll be a Day 2 selection.

Marcus Peters to work out at Washington’s Pro Day

Cornerback Marcus Peters, who was kicked off Washington’s football team, was invited to participate at the school’s Pro Day following a “sincere apology” to coach Chris Petersen. Based on talent, Peters should be the first cornerback off the board, but character concerns could keep that from happening. That said, it’s a positive sign that Peters seems to be addressing the issues head on. Of course, there is plenty of motivation for him to do so.

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Kevin is the founder of EDSFootball. You can follow him on Twitter @EDSFootball.

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