Certain players absolutely dominated, while others didn’t excel in their position’s drills during this year’s Scouting Combine. Who were these standouts? Let’s take a look.
The NFL Combine is an invitation-only event for prospective college football players where they are evaluated by NFL scouts for possible recruitment. Here, these players are pushed through physical tests to raise their draft position before the NFL Draft in April.
1. Shemar Stewart, EDGE (Defensive End), Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart was the one to watch during the Combine, as his draft stock has fluctuated in recent weeks. Despite the differing opinions, he denied any doubt in his ability with an excellent Combine. His 4.59-second 40-yard-dash was impressive, as Stewart is 6-foot-5 and weighs 267 pounds. According to Pro Football Focus, Stewart ranked in the 98th percentile in the broad jump and the 96th percentile for the vertical jump. Overall, Stewart’s freakishly athletic performance solidifies him as a first-round pick in April.
2. Tez Johnson, WR (Wide Receiver), Oregon
Tez Johnson’s Combine performance was certainly underwhelming. He ran a 4.51-second 40-yard-dash, in the 51st percentile of wide receivers. This number, along with his slim frame of 154 pounds, won’t get him drafted high in the NFL. However, Johnson’s receiving ability and college highlights might enable him to score a team.
3. Maxwell Hairston, CB (Cornerback), Kentucky
Hairston went viral for running the fastest 40-yard-dash at the Combine in 4.28 seconds. This put him on the map for sure, and the NFL’s Next Gen Stats gave him an overall rating of 78, 7th out of all the cornerback performances this year. Hairston went from being a likely late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick to a definite Day 2 selection.
4. Will Howard, QB (Quarterback), Ohio State
Howard’s Combine performance was, to put it lightly, disappointing. Howard missed his receivers many times throughout the day, at at all levels. Perhaps he didn’t have chemistry with these receivers, but at some point, that excuse runs out. Next Gen Stats gave him a Combine Grade of 5.9, an “average backup” based on that scale. Ohio State’s Pro Day, an extra day for NFL scouts to view potential draftees, is March 26. Hopefully, Howard can improve on his lackluster performance then.
5. Nick Emmanwori, S (Safety), South Carolina
Emmanwori came into the Combine as a likely Day 2 Pick, and his performance certainly boosted his chances. Emmanwori had a 43-inch vertical and a remarkable 11-foot-6 broad jump. He ranked among the highest out of the safeties. He ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash. Keep in mind that Emmanwori is 6-foot-3 and weighs 220 pounds. Simply put, he had an amazing performance, and he could be the first safety off the board in April.
6. The Faller: Tyler Booker, OG (Offensive Guard), Alabama
Booker entered the NFL Combine as a top guard prospect. His frame of 6-foot-5 and 321 pounds is perfect for any spot on the offensive line. However, his poor agility was on display with a 5.38-second 40-yard dash and a 7.96-second three-cone drill. In all likelihood, he won’t be a first-round pick. Agility is important for offensive linemen on screen plays and outside runs, where pull blocking leads running backs to the second and third level. If Booker can’t get there, he might not see the field too often.