All eyes in the NFL are on Indianapolis right now. There will be some news that will trickle out about free agency or the franchise tag options for each team, but everything right now is centered around The NFL Scouting Combine.
Today, we got to witness the interior defensive lineman, edges, and linebackers participate in the on-field workouts. Yes, the 40-yard dash is riveting and there were certainly some standout performances, but the on-field drills also had their value as we attempt to sort and sift through what each of these prospects bring to the table.
The purpose of this article here is to provide you with the key takeaways from Saturday’s on-field workouts. If you weren’t able to watch the event, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered here at FantasyPros.
Key Takeaways
James Smith-Williams (EDGE – N.C. State) runs a 4.6 40-yard dash.
James Smith-Williams isn’t exactly rated as anyone’s number one overall prospect for the 2020 draft, but he made himself some money today with his time in the 40-yard dash. At 6’4/265, Smith-Williams clocked a 4.6 flat. For reference, that’s exactly as fast as Clyde Edwards-Helaire from last night…
Khalil Davis (iDL – Nebraska) can move for a big man.
Khalil Davis is another prospect that isn’t exactly mocked frequently in the first round, but he also made himself some money. At 6’1/308, Davis ran a 4.75 40-yard dash. He’s unlikely to rise anywhere past a 5th/6th round pick, but his time definitely showed off his overall athleticism.
Dante Olson (LB – Montana) comes out of nowhere.
Dante Olson is a linebacker out of Montana. While he wasn’t a household name coming into the NFL Combine, he left as one. At 6’2/237, Olson jumped 42 inches in the vertical jump and finishes as the highest jump of the day. Olson’s unlikely to be anywhere near a high draft pick, but he certainly put himself on the map with that vertical jump today.
Willie Gay Jr. (LB – Mississippi State) puts on a show.
Willie Gay Jr. is a linebacker out of Mississippi State and shot his stock up a couple of rounds with the athletic testing numbers he put up here on Saturday. Gay Jr. jumped 39.5 inches in the vertical jump, soared an insane 136 inches in the broad jump, and ran a blazing 4.46 40-yard dash at 243 pounds. Those numbers are ridiculous! We’ll see just how high his stock rises come draft day.
Isaiah Simmons (LB – Clemson) isn’t human.
Isaiah Simmons was projected to come into the NFL Combine and light the place on fire…and he did just that. Simmons jumped 39 inches in the vertical jump, soared 132 inches in the broad jump, and freaking stopped the internet with a 4.39 40-yard dash. Simmons is 6’4/238 pounds and cemented his stock as a Top-10 selection. If the Detroit Lions stay put and take him at No. 3 overall, I wouldn’t be shocked…
Kenneth Murray (LB – Oklahoma) elevates draft stock before his night ends early.
Kenneth Murray is a stud linebacker out of Oklahoma. His play speed is off the charts and he’s a sideline-to-sideline guardian. There were expectations that he was going to show off his top-tier athleticism at the Combine and he did just that…Murray jumped 38 inches in the vertical jump, soared 129 inches in the broad jump, and ran a 4.52 40-yard dash. Unfortunately, Murray’s night ended early. On his second 40-yard dash run, Murray pulled up with what appeared to be a torn hamstring injury. If everything checks out okay, we need to be talking about Murray as a possible target for the Cleveland Browns at 10 overall.
Other Combine Notes
- Neville Gallimore (iDL – Oklahoma) runs a 4.79 40-yard dash at 304 pounds.
- Justin Madubuike (iDL – Texas A&M) runs a 4.83 40-yard dash at 293 pounds.
- Jabari Zuniga (EDGE – Florida) runs a 4.64 40-yard dash at 264 pounds.
- Alton Robinson (EDGE – Syracuse) runs a 4.69 40-yard dash at 269 pounds.
- Jonathan Greenard (EDGE – Florida) runs a 4.87 40-yard dash at 263 pounds.
- Carlos Davis (iDL – Nebraska) runs a 4.82 40-yard dash at 313 pounds.
- A.J. Epenesa (EDGE – Iowa) runs a 5.04 40-yard dash at 275 pounds.
- Leki Fotu (iDL – Utah) runs a 5.15 40-yard dash at 330 pounds.
- Ross Blacklock (iDL – TCU) runs a 4.90 40-yard dash at 290 pounds.
- Davion Taylor (LB – Colorado) runs a 4.49 40-yard dash.
- Patrick Queen (LB – LSU) runs a 4.50 40-yard dash.
- Jordyn Brooks (LB – Texas Tech) runs a 4.54 40-yard dash.
- Carter Coughlin (LB – Minnesota) runs a 4.57 40-yard dash.
- Malik Harrison (LB – Ohio State) runs a 4.66 40-yard dash.
- Jacob Phillips (LB – LSU) jumps 39 inches in the vertical jump.
- Terrell Lewis (EDGE – Alabama) jumps 37 inches in the vertical jump.
- Malik Harrison (LB – Ohio State) jumps 36 inches in the vertical jump.
- Davion Taylor (LB – Colorado) jumps 127 inches in the broad jump.
- Jabari Zuniga (EDGE – Florida) jumps 127 inches in the broad jump.
- Jacob Phillips (LB – LSU) jumps 126 inches in the broad jump.
- Patrick Queen (LB – LSU) jumps 125 inches in the broad jump.