Drills at the 2022 NFL combine concluded on Sunday in Indianapolis, with the top defensive backs and special teams players in the 2022 NFL draft class showcasing their skills in front of all 32 teams. The quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends worked out on Thursday, and the offensive linemen and running backs followed on Friday evening. The defensive linemen and linebackers hit the turf on Saturday night.
Yet again, speed was on full display on Sunday. The cornerback group presented two of the five best 40-yard dash times in the history of the combine, including a scorching 4.23 from Baylor's Kalon Barnes. Top cornerback prospect Ahmad Gardner had an excellent workout, and scouts were happy to see Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton back on the field after a knee injury ended his final college season in October.
Who ran well in the 40-yard dash, and who dominated in the rest of the on-field work? ESPN NFL draft experts Jordan Reid, Matt Miller and Todd McShay recap Days 1-4 of the combine, evaluating the top performances from each position, picking prospects who are rising (and potentially falling) and breaking down notable under-the-radar performances. Let's get into it with breakdowns for all four days of action at Lucas Oil Stadium.
QB/WR/TE: Takeaways | Risers | Notables
OL/RB: Takeaways | Risers | Notables
DL/LB: Takeaways | Risers | Notables
CB/S: Takeaways | Risers | Notables
DAY 4: DEFENSIVE BACKS
Notables who did not work out: Derek Stingley Jr., Andrew Booth Jr., Jalen Pitre
What's your biggest takeaway from Sunday's workouts?
McShay: I love UTSA cornerback Tariq Woolen's tape, and he was expected to run well in Indianapolis -- but wow, that was something. A 6-foot-4, 205-pound corner with 33 5/8-inch arms running a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash? That's incredible. Length and speed are so crucial for cornerbacks, and Woolen's combo is elite. He has only played the position for two years, but he got more physical and more technically sound in Year 2, improving and getting more aggressive as a tackler. With Woolen's ball skills (he's a former receiver), length and speed, there's no chance he gets out of the second round -- and it wouldn't even totally shock me if he went on Day 1 (though Day 2 makes more sense, given he is still learning the nuances of the position). It was a great weekend for my No. 40 prospect, who will continue to rise in my next rankings update.
Miller: Baylor cornerback Kalon Barnes was billed before the draft as the fastest player in the group. He backed up that hype with a near-record-setting run of 4.23 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Barnes had already jumpstarted his NFL draft hype with a very good week at the East-West Shrine Game in Las Vegas, where scouts raved about his explosiveness and ability to recover with exceptional speed in coverage. Barnes has the ideal size (5-foot-11) and length (31 3/4-inch arms) to match up in man coverage. And with rare speed, his stock is sure to rise from a potential late-rounder to a Day 2 prospect for a team with a need for speed.
Reid: I can't stop talking about the depth of this safety class. Notre Dame's Kyle Hamilton sits in his own stratosphere in this class, but we could see a lot of the others come off of the board in a hurry during the second round. Prospects like Jaquan Brisker (Penn State), Lewis Cine (Georgia), Daxton Hill (Michigan) and Jalen Pitre (Baylor) are all likely top-50 selections, but the depth of this class even goes well into Day 3, with players like Markquese Bell (Florida A&M), Nick Cross (Maryland) and Percy Butler (Louisiana). Safety has become a vital position in the NFL because of how much defenses are asking from their players at the third level. It pays off to have a versatile safety who can cover up mistakes throughout the defense. In this class, there are a lot of guys who can be instant-impact contributors on defense and special teams.
Biggest risers from Day 4
Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA: As Todd mentioned above, Woolen could not have done a better job at the 2022 combine. It all started with the measurables, where he came in with elite height, length and overall size. That's not coachable, but as a scout once lectured me, "size is a trait." Woolen isn't just a long body, though, as the former wide receiver is one of the best all-around players in terms of physical tools. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds and with unreal 33 5/8-inch arms, Woolen has the size of an elite receiver. But even more rare is the 4.26 speed. Some may say he's just straight-line fast, but Woolen silenced those concerns with a 42-inch vertical jump that also shows off his explosiveness. Woolen was my sleeper prospect in December, but a strong pre-draft process could very well land him inside the top-75 picks. -- Miller
Lewis Cine, S, Georgia: Cine is one of the few single-high free safeties in this class, and he brings a combination of speed, physicality and range. He's a closer as a run defender, and he runs the alley with bad intentions, with multiple jarring hits last season. And his 4.38-second speed in the 40 matched up with his speed on tape. Cine will be coveted by many teams on Day 2, when most of the top safeties are expected to go. Because of his ability to step down in run support and display consistency as a tackler, he could be the second safety off of the board. But he still needs to prove his reliability in coverage, though his warts in that area can be somewhat hidden as long as he's allowed to be a roof player who sits atop the defense and roams the back end. -- Reid
How other top prospects fared on Day 4
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati: Gardner -- at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds -- had one of the best workouts of the day from start to finish. A 4.41-second official time in the 40 helped his case to be the first corner off of the board in April, especially with LSU's Derek Stingley Jr. still recovering from foot surgery. Gardner took advantage of the moment, displaying loose hips, great ball skills and good feet despite being a bigger corner. After catapulting himself into contention for CB1 throughout an impressive junior campaign, "Sauce" has continued to strengthen his resume throughout the pre-draft process. -- Reid
Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame: The top safety prospect in the draft, Hamilton is a tough study at an event like the combine. At 6-foot-4, he's not a great short-area quickness player, and at 220 pounds, he's not exactly built for events like the explosive 40-yard dash. He did wow with a 38-inch vertical jump, but his 4.59-second run in the 40-yard dash wasn't ideal. Still, let's be real: Hamilton's football instincts, leadership and playmaking ability can't be judged in the 40-yard dash. Just as some players will run great times and not be great football players, some great football players aren't going to run fast 40 times. Hamilton falls into that category, and any team that overthinks his ability as a Day 1 impact defensive player is doing it wrong. -- Miller
Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington: His on-field performance held true to what showed up on tape. McDuffie showed quick feet and easy transition skills, and a 4.44-second 40 helped his case to be a top-15 pick. Measuring at 5-foot-11, 193 pounds, he might be viewed by some teams as a nickel corner, but he proved throughout his career with the Huskies that he can play inside or outside. His football instincts routinely show in both pass coverage and in run support. And as consistent tackler, he has a much bigger presence as a run defender than his frame would indicate. -- Reid
Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington: Gordon was billed as one of the potential top performers in the 2022 combine class. Unfortunately, that hype didn't match up with the performance he put on display on Sunday. Gordon turned in a sub-par 4.52-second run in the 40-yard-dash and opted not to jump in the vertical or broad jumps. Had Gordon not been expected to test in the upper ranges of the cornerback position, this would be seen as a poor time but not a huge stock dropper. But because he was expected to do so well, the 4.52 time at 5-foot-11 and 194 pounds is a concern. With fellow cornerbacks Gardner, Kaiir Elam and McDuffie all posting better all-around workouts and much better 40 times, Gordon unfortunately looks like the biggest "faller" of the cornerback class. Once seen as a potential late first-rounder, that standing is now in jeopardy. -- Miller
Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn: Nickel or outside? That remains as the biggest question with McCreary entering the next level. He played mostly on the outside at Auburn, but teams requested for him to take some reps at nickel during the Senior Bowl. And after he ran a 4.50-second 40 time and checked in with 29-inch arms, teams will likely feel more comfortable with him at nickel. -- Reid
Daxton Hill, S, Michigan: My top-rated free safety prospect, Hill put on a show to remember on Sunday. Scouts have long been billing Hill as one of the best runners in the entire draft class, and he displayed elite speed with a 4.38-second run in the 40-yard dash. Doing so at 6-foot and 191 pounds is exactly what we wanted to see. Hill's range on tape matches the explosiveness he showed in his workouts. As I've mentioned before, scouts love Hill's pure speed, and some have even mentioned moving him to cornerback because of how unique his skillset is in coverage thanks to his quickness and long speed. Considering the top of the secondary group seemed to underperform overall, Hill's stock is one on the rise. -- Miller
More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 4 of workouts
Miller
LSU cornerback Stingley opted to not workout at the combine as he works his way back from a foot injury suffered in Week 3 of the 2021 season. That's a long rehab time, but it's even more concerning given Stingley's lack of an impact during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. In the past two years, he has played 10 games and hasn't recorded a single interception after being arguably the best cornerback in college football during his 2019 true freshman season. As one scout texted me during Sunday's workouts: "Stingley might go closer to 20 than 10 [overall] since he's still not working out." He is expected to do a full workout at LSU's pro day, and his entire draft stock will be riding on that event.
We've talked so much about the depth in this draft at multiple positions, but let's hear it for the safeties. Kyle Hamilton is expected to be a top-five draft pick, but once he's off the board there are still many high-impact safeties available. Hill, Cine, Pitre, Brisker, Cross and Bryan Cook (Cincinnati) could all hear their names called in the first third rounds. And these are players with starter-level traits. It's a good year to need a wide receiver, offensive tackle or edge-rusher. But it's also a good year to need a safety.
Want to see why Georgia won the national championship? The Bulldogs had the third-fastest 40-yard dash by a defensive end (Travon Walker), the fastest and second-fastest by a defensive tackle (Devonte Wyatt, Jordan Davis), the third- and sixth-fastest for a linebacker (Channing Tindall, Quay Walker) and the fifth-fastest for a safety (Cine). That's absolutely incredible.
My sleeper cornerback for you post-combine: Zyon McCollum from Sam Houston State. An area scout raved to me midseason about McCollum's ability and his pure speed that easily stood out against lower-level wide receiver competition. McCollum lived up to his reputation with a 4.33-second run in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-2 and 199 pounds. He's a natural ballhawk on tape and has all the tools and traits to be able to hang in man coverage against NFL-sized wide receivers. A likely Day 3 selection, McCollum should be a target for teams like the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers who have needs at cornerback and like to develop late-round stars.
Reid
In what is a very deep cornerback class, the player who is somewhat forgotten is Elam of Florida. At 6-foot-2 and 194 pounds, he's a big and physical press-man corner who has the speed to match. Clocking a 4.39-second 40 time was a big boost for his stock. Elam's short-area quickness is among the best of any player in this class, and he enjoys the process of getting hands-on wide receivers at the line, but some evaluators wanted to see his true long speed. For teams that run a lot of Cover 1, he has the potential to be a starting corner at the next level.
During the on-field drill portion of the workout, Fayetteville State cornerback Joshua Williams looked fluid for a bigger corner. One of the best small school prospects in the entire draft, he backed up his solid performance at the Senior Bowl with an adequate workout. Likely a fourth- or fifth-round pick, he has the potential to turn into a No. 2 corner at the next level, but he will likely be a welcome addition on special teams in the early going as he adjusts to the speed of the pro game and sharpens his technique.
After talking to scouts throughout the week, one of the names many were excited to see was Kyler Gordon of Washington. A disappointing 4.52-second 40 time was completely unexpected and didn't match what we saw on tape. Gordon's on-field drills were clean, and he did show off his hip mobility and ball skills. He will likely re-run his 40-yard dash at the Huskies' pro day, and scouts will be interested to see if his times improve.
In a class that lacks nickel corners, South Carolina State's Decobie Durant continues to stand out. He has a lot of promising reps during the week of practices during the East-West Shrine Bowl. With FCS prospects, it's important to watch games where they face their best competition. And matched up against Clemson, Durant recorded two interceptions. That type of output certainly put him on the radar of many scouts throughout the season. Likely a nickel at the next level, he is a player that teams could target in the fourth round, where the run on slot defenders usually begins.
McShay
Baylor's Barnes is an interesting case. His 4.23 40 time was obviously outstanding. But on tape, he's probably a sixth- or seventh-rounder. He gets pushed around at times by more physical receivers, and he's not a great tackler. So the question becomes: How early will a team be willing to take a chance on his speed and try to develop him?
Washington's Gordon is one of the top corners in the class, getting first-round buzz, and many thought he might be one of the fastest defensive backs to run on Sunday. So his 40 was an eyebrow-raiser. Factor in shorter-than-desired 31-inch arms, and it's fair to say that Gordon's combine at least places a seed of doubt in the minds of NFL team scouts. How much do you weigh that length-speed combination, which isn't of first-round caliber on its own? How much do you trust his fantastic tape and put aside the middling testing numbers? A lot of eyes will be on Gordon's pro day run at the end of the month to see if there's an improvement.
DAY 3: DEFENSIVE LINEMEN AND LINEBACKERS
Notables who did not work out: Nakobe Dean
What's your biggest takeaway from Saturday's workouts?
McShay: Whenever I am asked about the combine and all the performances I've seen at it over the years, three guy stand out: Calvin Johnson, Vernon Davis and Adrian Peterson. They all had complete performances with eye-popping numbers. But my Combine Mount Rushmore added another name on Saturday: Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis. It was honestly one of the most amazing workouts I've ever seen. His 4.78-second time in the 40-yard dash -- at 341 pounds -- doesn't even seem possible. And his 10-foot-3 broad jump set a combine record for players weighing in over 300 pounds. There will be questions about whether he can stay in that 340-pound range and what his role might be if he can't, but let's put it this way: It's obvious that if he does, a team will be getting a truly special player with what seems to undoubtedly be a top-20 pick.
Miller: It feels like we're saying this every night after the position groups work out, but this has to be the fastest draft on record. We saw it with the wide receivers. We were wowed by the offensive tackles. And then the defensive linemen and linebackers put on a show on Saturday. Davis running a 4.78 at 341 pounds. Teammate Devonte Wyatt running a 4.77 at 304 pounds. Virginia Tech's Amare Barno blazing the track with a 4.36. And it wasn't just the 40-yard dash. The defensive linemen and linebackers were just as impressive in the vertical jump, broad jump and field drills. Might as well go ahead and put my notes down for Sunday night about how fast the defensive backs are, too. Kudos to these athletes and their trainers. This has been an event worthy of prime time.
Reid: I wouldn't call it a rise, but Georgia's Travon Walker confirmed the traits we saw on tape. At 6-foot-5 and 272 pounds, he put on a show inside of Lucas Oil Stadium. From start to finish, he helped his stock soar through the roof. A classic case of satisfying roles that were asked of him on a specific defense, he has more tools to unlock in his toolbox. He wasn't afforded many opportunities to rush the passer and was strictly utilized in tight techniques on the outside shoulder of offensive tackles and inside. At the next level, he could be presented with more of those chances. Walker announced his presence in the first tier of this class, and there could be whispers about him entering the top five of the draft. His combination of size, speed, mobility and upside could push him that high.
Biggest risers from Day 3
Nik Bonitto, DE, Oklahoma: An area scout who covers Oklahoma has been telling me for weeks that I'm too low on Bonitto. I think he was right. The Big 12 leader in pass rush win rate turned heads with a 1.54-second 10-yard split and a 4.54-second run in the 40-yard dash at an impressive 6-foot-3 and 254 pounds. The flashes on tape are there for Bonitto, but now he has the numbers to back up his production against Big 12 offensive tackles. Bonitto best projects as a wide-9 or 3-4 pass-rusher coming off the edge. Following a strong workout, he's one of the big moneymakers from the combine. -- Miller
Boye Mafe, DE, Minnesota: After a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, Mafe put his pass-rush prowess and quickness on display again. At 6-foot-4 and 261 pounds, he recorded a 4.53-second 40 time. He marries his hands with his feet and displays a full rolodex of moves, and his upside as a pass-rusher is through the roof. He still has some room to improve, but because of explosiveness and ability to get to the quarterback, he's a candidate to be selected at the back end of the first round. -- Reid
How other top prospects fared on Day 3
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan: A lot of eyes were on Hutchinson to see how he would test. Known for his effort and up-the-field urgency, he checked the straight-ahead speed box after running a 4.74-second 40. But the number that was most important for him was the 10-yard split. Recording a 1.62 is right in the neighborhood of many of the top edge rushers in the league. The area where scouts were intrigued the most with Hutchinson was his agility. Many wanted to see how well he could bend and corner to the quarterback and if those times showed more flexibility than he might have shown on tape. -- Reid
Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon: Thibodeaux might have compared himself to Jadeveon Clowney during his news conferences this week, but his 6-foot-4, 250-pound build is more Von Miller-like. Thibodeaux's combine mostly consisted of answering questions about an injury that put him in a walking boot following Oregon's Week 1 game and rumors of a lack of competitive fire. I've not seen that issue on tape, and Thibodeaux's willingness to test at the combine as a presumptive top-five pick seems to show just how competitive he is. With a 4.58-second run in the 40-yard dash, including a 1.62-second 10-yard split, he has answered questions that popped up after the season. Go back to Thibodeaux's healthy seasons in 2019 and 2020, and you'll see a dominant pass-rusher with solid inside and outside production. He's not built like a Bosa brother or Chase Young -- he is a throwback to the early-2010s version of stand-up pass-rushers. That mold will fit what the New York Jets, New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons want to do on the outside of their defenses. Talent, upside and overall ability will keep Thibodeaux in the top 10. -- Miller
Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia: At 6-foot-6 and 341 pounds, Davis ran an eye-popping 4.78-second 40-yard dash. That's an unheard-of number for a player of his size. He's a massive human being who has unique movement skills at that size. Davis' impact didn't always show up in the box score, but he did a lot of things that went unseen. The label of being a two-down player was hanging over Davis' résumé, but he has the potential to change the run defense of a team from day one. He also can push the pocket when allowed to operate in between the A-gaps. Prior to the combine, he seemed to be a player whose value was questioned, but it's important to remember that he played alongside Devonte Wyatt, another player who's likely going to be a first-round pick, and Jalen Carter, who has a chance of being a top-15 pick in the 2023 draft. Davis' low snap count on third down likely came because of the plethora of pass-rush options that Kirby Smart had at his disposal. It's hard to see Davis lasting past the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 17. -- Reid
David Ojabo, DE, Michigan: Yes, Jordan Davis stole the show, but Ojabo did his part too, with an awesome 4.55-second run in the 40-yard dash and a "wow" moment with a 10-foot-2 broad jump. Ojabo is a raw prospect, but his length and quickness off the edge are ideal for a stand-up pass-rusher role. That makes him a candidate for the top 12 picks. Ojabo's ceiling is as high as that of any pass-rusher in the class. His speed, first-step quickness and pass-rushing tool set that features a wicked spin move are very exciting. While most of the attention in the class is paid to Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Ojabo is very much in that same picture as a pass-rusher. -- Miller
Travon Walker, DE, Georgia: Walker is one of the more polarizing prospects in this year's draft class, but he was easily one of the biggest winners among the defensive linemen. At Georgia, he played every position up front and was even asked to drop in coverage at times. Walker is a bit of a projection, but based on the traits and how he performed last season, he could go in the top five. After he ran the 40 in 4.51 seconds -- including a 1.61-second 10-yard split -- there were lots of whispers among scouts. At 6-foot-5 and 272 pounds, Walker will have the "boom or bust" label plastered beside his name, but he's a seasoned run defender who still has plenty of room to grow as a pass-rusher. It's fair to put him in the first tier of edge rushers in this class alongside Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Teams that aren't shy with betting on traits could be enamored with Walker and what he could turn into after gaining more exposure as a true pass-rusher. The biggest question on his résumé is the lack of sack production, but he wasn't afforded true opportunities to hunt passers in college. -- Reid
Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia: My No. 1 defensive tackle prospect, Wyatt was expected to leave his mark on the combine -- and he did just that. Weighing in at 304 pounds, Wyatt turned in 4.77-second run in the 40-yard dash. That was good enough that he ran only once. While often overshadowed by the hulking Jordan Davis, Wyatt projects as a day one starter as a 3-technique interior pass-rusher. The value of that position plus Wyatt's overall talent make him a strong candidate to still be the first defensive tackle drafted. -- Miller
Devin Lloyd, ILB, Utah: Measuring at 6-foot-3 and 237 pounds, Lloyd is a long and rangy second-level defender. His days as a safety were on full display as he went through backpedal drills on Saturday. He had a disappointing 4.71-second 40 time, but he plays much faster than what he tested, and he's likely to run again at his pro day. Scouts will be paying close attention to see if he improves. Lloyd has experience at all three levels of the defense, and while he still has some underdeveloped aspects to his game, he could continue to grow as a middle linebacker in both run support and coverage with more reps. -- Reid
Arnold Ebiketie, DE, Penn State: Ebiketie jumped 38 inches in the vertical and 10-foot-8 in the broad jump, but he opted not to participate in the 40-yard dash. His movement skills were easy to see as he went through multiple on-field drills. Staying tight to the bags, he was able to show off his ankle flexion and loose hips when turning. He's another prospect who can play from both a two- and three-point stance but seems to be the most comfortable with standing up. Likely a 3-4 outside linebacker, he understands how to generate constant pressure even though he doesn't always finish plays with sacks. The Nittany Lions have been known to produce high-level players, and Ebiketie seems to be the next one in line. -- Reid
George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue: Karlaftis came out red-hot to start the 2021 season but did fade down the stretch. Now scouts will have to decide which player he is. An impressive combine performance should help his cause. A 38-inch vertical and a 10-foot-1 broad jump were great starts to highlight his explosion. His 21 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press pointed to his strength. And while he chose to not run a 40-yard dash at the combine, his position drills showed a smooth mover who looked more like the pass-rusher who had eight pressures in Week 1. Other pass-rushers have received more buzz, but if you watched the NFL playoffs, you saw the impact someone like Trey Hendrickson can have. That's my player comparison for Karlaftis, and it's why I think he can have a huge Year 1 impact. -- Miller
Jermaine Johnson II, DE, Florida State: Continuing to build off his momentum from the Senior Bowl, Johnson showed off his explosiveness with a 4.58-second 40 time that included a 1.55 10-yard split. His quick first step out of the starting blocks held true. His value will come with rushing the passer, but one of the best parts of his game is his run defense. Outside of Travon Walker, Johnson is the best run defender of this year's edge crop. But he entered foreign territory with the wave drill and others where he was tested with dropping in coverage on Saturday. With a blend of versatility as a pass-rusher as well as remaining firm at the point of attack, he is likely to be a top-15 pick. -- Reid
Boye Mafe, DE, Minnesota: Mafe was expected to put on a show, and he answered the call. At 261 pounds, he turned in a 4.53-second run in the 40-yard dash. That backs up what was seen on tape, as Mafe has one of the best first steps in the entire draft class. Mafe is seen as an outside pass-rusher better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker than a traditional 4-3 defensive end thanks to his speed. And while he might be a situational pass-rusher in his first season, he has built himself quite the draft profile this offseason with a very strong Senior Bowl and now a great combine. The first round is calling. -- Miller
More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 3 of workouts
Miller:
It's no wonder Georgia was able to shut down Alabama and win a national title under Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Dan Lanning this year. The two men tasked with stopping the Bama running game -- Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt -- both dropped jaws on Saturday when they turned in scorching times in the 40-yard dash. Wyatt and Davis were already locks for the first round, but they are entrenched as top-15 players now. Wyatt's fit as a 3-technique is a little easier projection than Davis' as a nose tackle, but the upside for each is through the roof.
My favorite "non-first-rounder" on the defensive line is UConn's Travis Jones. He might be a first-rounder after a strong Senior Bowl performance and a huge evening at the combine. Jones, at 325 pounds, ran a 4.92 in the 40-yard dash. No, that wasn't as impressive as Davis defying the laws of physics, but for a nose tackle prospect who is built like a brick wall in the middle of the defense, it's very good. Jones is a top-50 player on my board and is a great option for teams like the Baltimore Ravens or Los Angeles Chargers if they bypass defensive tackle in the first round.
Last year, there was a high-potential pass-rusher named Odafe Oweh from Penn State who didn't have a ton of college production, but scouts knew he had the tools and upside to have an impact in the pros thanks to his first-step quickness and ability to get better. He would become the No. 31 overall pick in the draft by the Ravens and have five sacks in a high-impact rookie season. Virginia Tech's Amare Barno could be a similar riser and threat thanks to his 4.36 run in the 40-yard dash. His tape shows a quick edge defender who flashed at times but didn't dominate in college. A team looking for a standup or wide-9 pass-rusher could be all over his upside.
For as impressive as Davis and Wyatt were, their Georgia teammate Travon Walker's 4.51 in the 40 might be the most impressive time of the trio, given the size-to-speed ratio that the 272-pound Walker presents. Seen as a high-upside player and less of an NFL-ready prospect, Walker should come into play in the Nos. 10-15 range in the first round.
You have to be concerned with Myjai Sanders weighing in at only 228 pounds. The Cincinnati pass-rusher had a very good week at the Senior Bowl a month ago, but he weighed in at 242 pounds there. Losing weight is common as players prepare for the combine, as they want to run fast -- and some players simply struggle to keep weight on -- but losing 14 pounds in that amount of time is a concern, especially for a player who was already seen as undersized.
Sometimes measurements alone can dictate the buzz around a player at the combine. That's the case for Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean, who came in at 5-foot-11 and 229 pounds, and has an arm length under 32 inches. Dean does compare to guys like Jonathan Vilma and Lavonte David from a size standpoint, but as one NFL scout texted me on Saturday, there is an expectation that this will hurt the stock of one of college football's best defenders. Length has become a focal point of decision-makers at the linebacker position, thanks to the play of Darius Leonard and others. Dean lacks the length needed to shed blocks and is not seen as an overly fast runner, a trait he makes up for with his amazing processing skills. The NFL is still a size and speed league, though, at least on three days in late April. Dean is a candidate to outplay his draft positioning, but teams running a defensive scheme that puts linebackers on an island and asks them to shed blocks could prefer the bigger Devin Lloyd (Utah) to the smaller Dean.
Reid:
A strong argument could be made that UConn interior defensive lineman Travis Jones has helped himself the most of all the prospects during the pre-draft process. After a standout week of practices at the Senior Bowl, he followed up by running a 4.92 at 6-foot-4 and 326 pounds. His first-step quickness, power and ability to create stalemates as a run defender have him trending toward a top-40 pick. A brick house in the middle of the defense, he creates ample opportunities for second- and third-level defenders because of his ability to suffocate the A-gaps. He has a versatile game that enables him to be a space-eater, but he also shows glimpses of being an impact penetrator. Because of his combination of power and mobility, he can play in either a three- or four-man defensive front. The way he reduced his weight and bent during the hoop drill was one of the best that I saw of the interior defensive line group.
Georgia linebacker Quay Walker looked outstanding from start to finish. He's only a one-year starter, but he has the size profile, physicality and potential, and teams would have few problems betting on the upside. His length shows up as a run defender, and he provides blitz value both from the middle and on the perimeter. In a linebacker class that contains a lot of depth in the second and third rounds, he could be at the top of the list. At 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds, he recorded a 4.52-second 40 time. As a run defender, he still feels his way around gaps prior to stepping downhill, but as he gains more experience, that should continue to improve. It wouldn't be surprising to see Walker start to creep into the first round.
After seeing Tennessee defensive tackle Matthew Butler go through his first few reps at the East-West Shrine Bowl, I immediately circled his name. His success continued throughout the week of practices, as he displayed short-area quickness, strength and natural penetration ability. A true 3-technique on the next level, Butler is likely a fourth-round pick who could go on to play some snaps early as a rookie because of his ability to disrupt the pocket and create leaks in run-game schemes.
One of my favorite later-round prospects in this draft class is Georgia linebacker Channing Tindall. Playing alongside Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, he never started a game during his Bulldogs career but ended last season as the team's leading tackler. He jumped 42 inches in the vertical and 10-foot-9 in the broad jump, and his explosiveness matches what I saw on tape. Tindall's range and straight-ahead speed are among the best of any player at the position in this class, and his best football is still ahead of him. Tindall is consistent as a downhill plugger, but he still needs to clean up his vision in pass coverage.
Based on the buzz from the combine and what I heard from scouts, one name that the NFL is higher on than the media is LSU linebacker Damone Clark, who recorded a 4.57-second 40. His performance against Alabama last season was one of the better games that I saw on film of any linebacker this year. At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, I was floored at his size after standing next to him in Mobile. He's the definition of "looking the part." With a lot of teams in search of help at middle linebacker, it's hard to see Clark getting out of the second round.
It might have been by design, but two players whose body types stood out were outside linebackers Drake Jackson (USC) and Myjai Sanders (Cincinnati). Jackson looked much thicker than his playing weight from the season. He carried what seemed like a more filled-out upper body well during the on-field workouts, with minimal signs of the added weight slowing him down. On the flip side, Sanders weighing in at only 228 pounds was surprising after he weighed 242 pounds a month ago at the Senior Bowl. Scouts will be searching for an explanation about his significant drop in weight.
McShay:
We've covered Travon Walker plenty here, but I want to make a special mention of his arm length, in addition to the fantastic testing numbers. He measured 35½ inches. That'd be exceptional for an offensive tackle, let alone a defensive end.
I think we've all been underrating this off-the-ball linebacker group. Yes, Georgia's Nakobe Dean didn't work out, and Utah's Devin Lloyd had a disappointing 40 time. I'm not worried about either. Dean's tape is incredible, and Lloyd plays fast. Then Wisconsin's Leo Chenal had a 4.57 in the 40 and 40½-inch vertical jump. That's awesome. Montana State's Troy Andersen is one of the top risers of the week, and I really think he can be a second-round pick. Despite changing positions multiple times, he impressed at the FCS level, dominated at the Senior Bowl and then posted a 4.42 in the 40 at the combine. He's potentially a day one starter. Seriously. And say what you want about Alabama's Christian Harris and his instincts -- he flies in a little hot sometimes -- but he is coming off the best game of his career and he wowed with a 4.44-second 40 and a 11-foot broad jump. Finally, Quay Walker (Georgia), Chad Muma (Wyoming) and Channing Tindall (Georgia) also had good workouts. Each has an argument to go in the first two rounds.
It has been pointed out by both Jordan and Matt, but I'll say it again: Boye Mafe's 4.53 in the 40 at 261 pounds is silly.
Virginia Tech's Amare Barno made himself some money this weekend. I had him ranked at No. 91 overall, but I don't see how he falls to Round 3 after what he did on Saturday. Remember when receivers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave ran a 4.38 and 4.39, respectively, on Thursday and everyone was raving about those performances? Well, Barno is a 246-pound defensive end and just ran faster at 4.36 seconds. Plus, he turned in a 10-foot-11 broad jump and a 37-inch vertical. You don't often find guys with that kind of explosion and speed.
DAY 2: OFFENSIVE LINEMEN AND RUNNING BACKS
Notables who did not workout: Evan Neal, Tyler Linderbaum
What's your biggest takeaway from Friday's workouts?
McShay: For me, Iowa State running back Breece Hall was the story on Friday night. The explosion was off the charts for the 217-pound back. He posted a 10-foot-6 broad jump and a position-best 40-inch vertical. Then he ran a solid 4.39-second 40-yard dash. In a running back class that lacks a first-rounder and is searching for someone to stand out from the rest, Hall helped himself out a great deal in his workout. He is a bit of an overly patient runner, but I love his contact balance, and he's a solid receiver out of backfield. And he was just shy of 4,000 rushing yards in his three-year career at Iowa State. Hall certainly exceeded expectations and made a statement on Friday, as he continues to battle with Michigan State's Kenneth Walker III and Georgia's James Cook to be the top back selected in April.
Miller: The 2022 draft is not said to be very top-heavy in terms of talent. Someone forgot to tell the offensive tackles. Four of them projected to go in the first 15 picks were on-hand in Indianapolis, with three opting to work out. Evan Neal (Alabama) showed off an improved and impressive physique at 337 pounds on a 6-foot-7 frame, but he will wait for his pro day to work out. The rest of the group stood out, as Ikem Ekwonu (NC State), Charles Cross (Mississippi State) and Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa) all performed exceptionally in the 40-yard dash, positional work and agility drills. With the presumptive top tackle not on the field at Lucas Oil, his competitors made themselves money. And with talk that Ekwonu could be the No. 1 overall pick, a workout like the one he put on display on Friday in front of Jacksonville Jaguars' general manager Trent Baalke could leave a lasting impression.
Reid: The movement skills of Cross were as good as advertised. I still believe that the No. 1 overall pick will be between Alabama's Neal and NC State's Ekwonu, but Cross is right there in that first tier of tackles. What makes him so intriguing is that he has improved every year. Entering Mississippi State at 260 pounds, he's now 307 and has lots of room to grow. Cross is the best pass-protecting tackle in this class, so if he's able to improve his run blocking, he has a chance to be a long-term answer for a team at left tackle.
Biggest risers from Day 2
Zion Johnson, G/C, Boston College: I was regrettably late to the party on Johnson, but I'm here with snacks to share with my friends who beat me to the festivities. Johnson flashed big time with a great Senior Bowl week and continued his ascent up draft boards with a flawless workout in Indy. His 33 bench press reps were the most among offensive linemen, and his field work showed balance, poise, flexibility and quickness. He's a powerful blocker with positional versatility as a guard or center, and he has the look of a Day 1 starter. Johnson moved himself into what I consider Round 1-lock territory. Teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looking for an interior lineman at the end of the first round should be very interested. -- Miller
Cameron Jurgens, G/C, Nebraska: Jurgens really caught my eye in every phase of the on-field workout. During the wave drill -- which tests the change-of-direction skills for blockers -- he displayed lots of fluidity. A strong and athletic player, Jurgens is a developmental center who could go on to become a contributor later on down the line. I had him in the fourth-round range, but he could go higher after his workout. -- Reid
How other top prospects fared on Day 2
Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State: With Evan Neal deciding to only do interviews, Ekwonu was presented with an opportunity to gain momentum as the favorite to become the No. 1 overall pick. And he did exactly that, running a 4.93-second 40-yard dash and showing adequate movements in all drills. And measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds proved that he has the size to stay at offensive tackle. Ekwonu is an engaging personality with great traits and mobility, and he made the decision for the Jaguars that much harder at the top of the draft after his Friday night workout. -- Reid
Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State: There's a tendency in the draft community to knock Cross for playing in an Air Raid offense that didn't give him many opportunities to run block. But there is a difference in not being asked to do something because of the scheme and not being able to do something. That's how I see Cross, who as a redshirt sophomore has fantastic movement skills, explosiveness and agility. And at 307 pounds, Cross even showed an improved physique in terms of the power he'll bring to the league. Cross can't boast the run-blocking tape of Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu, but he showed he has the tools to develop into an elite run blocker, especially in a zone-blocking scheme. The Carolina Panthers are a perfect pairing for Cross in Round 1 with the sixth-overall pick. -- Miller
Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan: Raimann has a good frame and measured at 6-foot-6 and 303 pounds, and he has room to tack on more. He's a converted wide receiver who is still in the early stages of transitioning different aspects of his body. His performance during the on-field drills stood out, as he showed a smooth kick slide and easy movement skills in all directions. He has a strong initial punch as a pass protector and continues that throughout the process of his pass protection reps, giving him a solid foundation to build on. He will be a 25-year-old rookie, but scouts I talked to don't see that as a negative because of the possible longevity of the position. Raimann's newness to the position presents some areas where he needs to improve on, such as driving and sticking on his run blocks, but what's already present has him trending toward being a top-40 pick. -- Reid
Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa: Following a week at the Senior Bowl in which he pancaked so many defenders that he should have received a marketing deal with IHOP, Penning continued to impress with his on-field workouts at the combine. He is a thickly built lineman with surprising fluidity and movement, which we saw with his 4.89-second run in the 40-yard dash. I was fortunate enough to watch him workout as he prepared for the combine, and his quickness and balance were super impressive. That matched up with what we saw in Indy, as Penning proved that while he's the meanest mauler in the offensive line class, he also has the agility to close down the edge in pass protection. Penning, my No. 4 offensive tackle, has a chance to be a top-10 selection. -- Miller
Zion Johnson, G/C, Boston College: Johnson is at the top of the list of the prospects that I've been most impressed with throughout the pre-draft process. He played both guard and tackle throughout his career at Boston College, and he gained experience at center at the Senior Bowl. His first reps taken at the position came in Mobile, and there weren't any signs of drop-off. Johnson's versatility to play all five spots up front is one of his greatest assets, but he projects best as a center or guard on the next level. And repping a combine-high 32 reps for offensive lineman is another box checked to strengthen his resume. The Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, who hold the 24th and 31st overall selections, respectively, could be circled as possible landing spots. -- Reid
Kenyon Green, G/C, Texas A&M: Some football players aren't made to stand out while working out in spandex. Green is a very good football player who at times struggled with the on-field drills. But throughout the day, you saw the power, agility and burst that make Green so fun as a blocker. What the combine doesn't show, unfortunately, is his versatility after playing all five positions on the offensive line in college. Green's drills were sloppy at times, but scouts will go back to the tape and see a polished lineman who I project as a Round 1 pick and a Day 1 starter at either guard spot or center. -- Miller
Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State: Hall began the event with a bang, as he recorded a 10-foot-6 broad jump and 40 inches in the vertical jump. A RB1 candidate, the former Cyclone is an upright but smooth runner whose speciality is attacking on perimeter runs. He also has the capability of turning nothing runs into positive gains with his short-area quickness. -- Reid
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State: After transferring from Wake Forest, Walker became one of the most productive backs in college football for the Spartans. His tough, patient running style made him a fan favorite, and his punishing power combined with just one fumble all season made him a coach's dream. Walker's workout was a dream for him, though, with a 4.38 posting in the 40-yard dash, a time better than expected. While he's not as flashy as some of the smaller backs in the class, Walker is very much a Round 2 candidate and has the look of an immediate impact NFL running back. -- Miller
More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 2 of workouts
Miller:
There is so much talk surrounding the Carolina Panthers and the quarterback position, but buzz around the combine was that the offensive line is considered the most likely selection for the team at No. 6 overall in the first round. That's Charles Cross and Trevor Penning territory.
I'm going "stock up" on Nebraska interior lineman Cameron Jurgens based on his workout but also based on the fact that he made his own beef jerky and brought bags of it for NFL teams he interviewed with. Jurgens' on-field workout and agility numbers backed up the Round 2 grade I have on him, and our mutual love of beef jerky has Jurgens marked as one of my favorite players in the class.
South Dakota State running back Pierre Strong Jr. has put on a display in 2022. Following a great week at the Shrine Game, Strong wowed with a 4.37-second run in the 40-yard dash. His powerful inside running style and vision are ideal for a zone-blocking scheme. And while he isn't a natural pass-catcher, he did look better in workouts than his tape had looked -- which points to big-time effort to improve a weakness in his game.
Iowa State running back Breece Hall should put his name in ink as RB1 of the 2022 draft class with his workouts complete. On tape, he was the best back in the class, but a workout that showed off his explosiveness is the icing on the cake. Couple the strong showing with natural running ability, soft hands and very good production in the Big 12, and you have a top-50 pick.
While I can't boast as many combines under my belt as Mel Kiper Jr. or Todd McShay, this was my 10th. And it's the most athletic offensive line class I've seen here. With 12 linemen running sub-5.00 times in the 40-yard dash, it's easy to look at the 2022 group and be wowed by their overall agility, speed and power. This is a very good offensive line class -- I have seven in my top 32 players -- and one that packs not just top-end talent but also a ton of depth.
Reid:
After running a 4.89 in the 40 and recording a 7.25-second three-cone at 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning stamped his status as a top-20 selection. It's easy to see how offensive line coaches will fall in love with his play temperament and physicality. And he's still continuing to grow at the position. The Baltimore Ravens with the 14th overall pick make a lot of sense for the former FCS All-American. I have a hard time seeing him linger past that selection, especially with their needs along the offensive line. Dominating the line of scrimmage has historically been their identity. Penning is a perfect match opposite of Ronnie Stanley in order to fit that reputation.
For teams looking for a developmental offensive tackle, Kellen Diesch from Arizona State is a name to circle. I saw him during the week of practices at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and his body lacks mass and is underdeveloped, but he's a project who could be a down-the-line starter after his frame matures. Measuring at 6-foot-7 and 301 pounds, he's a fit for teams that execute zone-run principles. Diesch is an easy-mover in pass protection but will need to continue to add weight in order to withstand rushers that opt to attack the middle of his frame.
Since Senior Bowl practices, Memphis interior offensive lineman Dylan Parham has steadily improved. Displaying a sufficient anchor, control at the point of attack and lots of mobility, he is a third- or fourth-round target for teams that deploy multiple variances of schemes in their running attack. Parham is also a consistent pass protector, and his stock continues to rise.
I came away really impressed by both of the Georgia running backs, James Cook and Zamir White. White wasn't involved much in the passing game at Georgia, but he proved to catch the ball comfortably during each drill. And Cook blew me away with how smooth his footwork, hands and acceleration were on Friday. He really shined during the pass-catching portion of the on-field workout. Cook showed strong hands, framed the ball with ease and immediately turned on the speed. His play speed and burst are instant, just like his brother, Dalvin. Cook should be a prime target for teams in the third or fourth round that are looking for a weapon as both a runner and pass-catcher.
If you're looking for an underrated running back who could be a late-round selection and go on to experience success early on, South Dakota State's Pierre Strong Jr. and Isaih Pacheco of Rutgers are two viable options. I happened to see both at the East-West Shrine Game and had both in my biggest standouts from the event. They are two different types of backs, though. Strong Jr. has more of a linear build but is an instant-acceleration type of runner who provides tremendous value in the passing game. Pacheco is more of a between-the-tackles banger who can be a part of a committee. Both should be prime targets for teams searching for options to add to the backfield.
McShay:
Georgia running back James Cook went through the drills on Friday night with a different level of quickness. He has the soft hands of a receiver, and his on-field workouts were just terrific. And 4.42 is a great time for him in the 40-yard dash. He's my third-ranked back right now.
North Carolina running back Ty Chandler is going to be an absolute steal on Day 3 for some team. He has great hands and flew in the 40, turning in a 4.38.
Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr. pulled up in the 40-yard dash before ultimately running again, and he posted a 4.53. But he didn't continue his workout and was seen icing his right hamstring. It's unclear the extent of the injury or if it was merely a precaution, but it was a tough night for my No. 7 running back, despite a solid 40 time. Alabama's pro day is March 30, so we'll see if he works out there. Robinson is a downhill runner with great instincts and excellent size.
DAY 1: QUARTERBACKS, WIDE RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS
Notables who did not workout: Matt Corral, Drake London, Jameson Williams
What's your biggest takeaway from Thursday's workouts?
McShay: At least six Day 2 receivers helped themselves a great deal on Thursday night. Western Michigan's Skyy Moore was the highlight for me, turning in a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and putting on a show all night long. But Memphis' Calvin Austin III, Tennessee's Velus Jones Jr., North Dakota State's Christian Watson, Boise State's Khalil Shakir and Cincinnati's Alec Pierce all turned in top-notch performances. Pierce not only ran a 4.41 in the 40 but also had a 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-9 broad jump.
Miller: The 2015 World Series champion Kansas City Royals had a saying: "That's what speed do!" The 2022 combine should adopt it, too. This is a blazing-fast class of wide receivers, tight ends and even quarterbacks. For all the talk about the '22 draft class being weak, it proved tonight to be a very fast and very explosive group -- and not just on Day 1.
Reid: This group of wide receivers was labeled as not having a top-end talent like we saw a year ago, but the speed that they displayed during both groups was record-setting. Ohio State receiver Chris Olave's unofficial 4.39 time in the 40-yard dash was the talk inside of Lucas Oil Stadium, but only for a brief moment, as Baylor's Tyquan Thornton turned in a 4.28 shortly after. It was a fast group overall, and plenty of prospects were able to answer some of the lingering speed questions about their games.
Biggest risers from Day 1
Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA: For months it seemed like Colorado State tight end Trey McBride was a lock to be the top tight end in the class. But Dulcich has an argument to join him in that conversation after his performance on the Lucas Oil turf. Dulcich ran a 4.70 in the 40-yard dash but also showed off impressive hands and overall high-end traits in the field drills. With more teams eyeing tight ends, Dulcich's rise up boards firmly places him in the TE1 conversation. -- Miller
Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan: Moore was the most impressive from start to finish, and his 4.41-second 40 time quieted some speed concerns about his game. A natural route runner with plenty of quickness, he was consistent throughout the on-field workout. He proved to have consistent hands and a wide catch radius, plucking the ball out of the air consistently. Coming into the combine, he straddled the line between third- or fourth-round pick, but now it would be surprising to see Moore get outside of the second round. Moore also stayed after the workout concluded, looking comfortable catching punts. -- Reid
How other top prospects fared on Day 1
Malik Willis, QB, Liberty: Similar to practices at the Senior Bowl, Willis showed off his arm strength at the combine. He had lots of velocity behind his throws and accuracy over the middle, and he even connected on some deep shots. His best throw of the evening was on a go ball to Garrett Wilson down the left sideline, putting enough touch on it so that the Ohio State receiver could run under it. But Willis still must continue to work on his consistency, as he tends to sail passes in all directions. He is still learning ball speeds and why it leads to a lot of his inaccurate tosses, but he has continued to show progress over the past two months. Willis currently stands as my QB1, and because of his tools and potential, I still believe that he will be a top-10 selection. -- Reid
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh: The talk surrounding Pickett's hand measurement -- a historically low 8½ inches -- dominated the early conversation, but once he was on the field throwing, those comments seemed to be forgotten. Speaking with NFL scouts and decision-makers, they quickly dismissed concerns surrounding Pickett's hand size. Throwing to unfamiliar wide receivers in position drills, Pickett showed polished ball control and anticipation. He did leave a few deep throws hanging, but we've seen on tape and in person before that he has the arm strength to push the ball vertically. Now, he doesn't have the arm strength of Willis, and he can't change that, but Pickett makes up for it with catchability, accuracy and consistency. For teams eyeing a "win-now" approach, Pickett is still the best quarterback in the 2022 class for them. Interviews will ultimately be more important than the on-field work we saw Thursday night, but by all appearances, Pickett is still very much a Round 1 talent and candidate to start Week 1. -- Miller
Sam Howell, QB, UNC: I thought the ball jumped off Howell's hand consistently. Deep accuracy is the top trait of his game, and the on-field workout allowed him to show off that attribute frequently. Howell spun the ball well and accurately to his targets on vertical patterns, showing beautiful touch throws. The part that remains a constant challenge for Howell is taking snaps from under center. He has minimal experience with the pre-snap mechanics there. But based on what evaluators have told me, I'm still of the belief that Howell will be a first-round pick in April. -- Reid
Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati: Our eyes generally float to the throwing drills when it comes to quarterbacks, but Ridder running a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash has reignited conversations about his ability to step in as a rookie starter in a creative scheme. Yes, there are accuracy issues on tape, but those can be corrected with improved mechanics. What can't be coached is that kind of speed. With the quarterback talent pool expected to dry out in the first 20 selections, we might have another passer arriving on the Round 1 stage. -- Miller
Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State: Wilson answered every question that existed from his game tape when he turned in a 4.38 40-yard dash time. Wilson's route running and his ability after the catch already placed him in the running for WR1, but with a jaw-dropping run in the 40, he has a legitimate chance to be the first receiver off the board. -- Miller
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State: A strong argument could be made that Olave had the best workout of any wide receiver outside of Skyy Moore. With plenty of speed to burn, he showed off his downfield capabilities, and his ability to track the ball is what makes him so dangerous. He displayed fluidity in and out of breaks during intermediate routes and showed that he's not just a third-level threat. A 4.39 time in the 40 was the highlight of his workout, but Olave exhibited why he's projected to be a first-round pick. He helped himself a lot after a strong workout. -- Reid
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas: Running a 4.55 earned him mixed reviews from evaluators, but it was in the neighborhood of what most expected from him. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, he's a rock-solid threat who possesses build-up speed. Once he got comfortable, he gained momentum, and his speed appeared to pick up. The biggest question surrounding Burks is his route-running ability, and on vertical routes, he showed straight-line speed. But the raw aspect of his game was clear when he was asked to run the out and corner routes. The details of route running will likely be a challenge for him during the early portions of his career, and it's a large reason he must be paired with a creative offensive coordinator in order to utilize all the departments of his skill set. -- Reid
Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State: On a night that saw many receivers run blazing times in the 40-yard dash, Dotson failed to move the needle with a 4.43 run at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds. Dotson was billed as a burner, but his timed speed failed to match his tape, which showed a vertical route runner with over-the-top speed. His overall workout will send scouts back to reevaluate his tape. -- Miller
Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis: It took only one run of the 40-yard dash for Austin to cement himself as one of the biggest winners from the combine so far. Austin's 4.32-second run had the crowd in awe at Lucas Oil Stadium, but his 39-inch vertical jump and 11-foot-3 broad jump are even more impressive for the 5-foot-8, 170-pound receiver. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, just two players since 2006 have posted marks that strong in all three of those drills: Denzel Ward (2018) and Parris Campbell (2019). Austin might not be a Round 1 lock, but he's at least moving into the early-Round 2 range. -- Miller
Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State: A TE1 candidate, McBride caught the ball well, which is at the top of the positive column on his scouting report. A compact-built tight end, he provides value in the running game as an in-line blocker, but the bulk of his success has come as a pass-catcher. During the gauntlet portion of the on-field workout, he displayed strong hands, adequate speed and the ability to turn up the field in order to gain yards after the catch. In a tight end class lacking a true first-round lock, McBride is a candidate to be the top player selected. -- Reid
More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 1 of workouts
Miller:
This is an incredibly deep class of wide receivers, but a few stood out during workouts on Thursday night. North Dakota State's Christian Watson, Western Michigan's Skyy Moore and Memphis' Calvin Austin III all made money while improving their draft stock.
Can I call Watson my favorite non-first-rounder? The North Dakota State product already had phenomenal game film and a great week at the Senior Bowl. But his overall performance in Indianapolis was legendary. Watson has a rare size-to-quickness ratio to go along with some of the most versatile wide receiver tape in the draft.
There is a reason Alec Pierce was the go-to target for Cincinnati. We saw it on Thursday with a 4.41 time from a 6-foot-3, 211-pound frame. Teams looking for a vertical stretch receiver outside of the top two rounds should be all over his tape.
Welcome back, George Pickens! The Georgia receiver crashed back onto the scene during the Bulldogs' national title run following an ACL tear. He did his part on the field during the season and then put an exclamation point on his scouting report with a 4.47 40 time. That's moving for the 6-foot-3, 195-pounder.
Reid:
I came away impressed with Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson. He reminds me a lot of Emmanuel Sanders, with a similar build, strong hands and a wide catch radius. Dotson projects best as a high-end No. 2 receiver who can be a solid complement to a top option.
Garrett Wilson strengthened his case to be the top WR in this draft class. My current WR1, he has a lot of parallels to Stefon Diggs when he was coming out of Maryland -- though Wilson will obviously be drafted higher than Diggs (fifth round in 2015).
I was impressed with Virginia tight end Jelani Woods during the week of practices at the East-West Shrine Bowl, and he continued to show signs of growth on Thursday. At 6-foot-7 and 253 pounds, his 24 reps in the bench press were the best among all tight ends who participated, and he caught the ball well during the on-field portion of the workout. Woods originally started his career at Oklahoma State but transferred and played one season with the Cavaliers. He was projected as an early Day 3 selection, but after his combine performance, he could be a third-round target for teams in need of a versatile big threat in the passing game.
A name that I immediately wrote down after watching the tight ends perform the on-field workout was Maryland's Chigoziem Okonkwo. He measured at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds, and his 4.52 40 time was the fastest among all tight ends. He has experience with playing multiple roles, including tight end, H-back and some reps as a fullback. He's a late-round name to file away after a strong combine performance.
McShay:
We've mentioned this at length, but I want to drive home the theme of the night: These receivers are F-A-S-T. Per ESPN Stats & Information research, the most receivers in a single combine to turn in a sub-4.4 time in the 40-yard dash was eight in 2007. On Thursday night, we saw eight more. If you want a burner, you'll have options.
Of the next tier of quarterbacks, Cole Kelley (SE Louisiana) stood out on Thursday night. He is an efficient passer with a big arm and some good mobility. I want to dig in a little more on the 6-foot-7, 249-pound quarterback's tape.