Drills at the 2024 NFL combine finished Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis, with the top offensive linemen in the 2024 draft class showcasing their skills in front of all 32 teams. The defensive linemen and linebackers got things started Thursday, and defensive backs and tight ends followed Friday. Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs had their turn Saturday.
Who ran well in the 40-yard dash? Who dominated in the rest of the on-field work? NFL draft experts Jordan Reid, Matt Miller and Field Yates recap all four days of the combine workouts, evaluating the top performances from every position, picking prospects who are rising (or potentially falling) and addressing notable under-the-radar showings. Let's get into it with a breakdown of all the action at Lucas Oil Stadium.
OL: Takeaways | Risers | Top players
QB/WR/RB: Takeaways | Risers | Top players
DB/TE: Takeaways | Risers | Top players
DL/LB: Takeaways | Risers | Top players
DAY 4: OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
What's your biggest takeaway from Sunday's workouts?
Yates: In a league starving for quality offensive linemen, teams might be hitting the jackpot with the 2024 draft. The top-end talent and depth are remarkable. We've felt a movement leaguewide toward bigger, faster and stronger players at edge rusher, and it now seems like the offensive line following that lead. Notre Dame's Joe Alt is the clear best offensive tackle in this class, but teams will have options with the next wave of prospects. If you're looking for power, right tackles JC Latham (Alabama) and Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State) are there. If you're looking for size and length, the class has Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma) and Amarius Mims (Georgia). It's a great group, and we got a good look at it on Sunday.
Who are the biggest risers from Day 4?
Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin: At 6-foot-4, 303 pounds, Bortolini has put together a strong pre-draft process. First, he had a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Then he came to Indy, ran a 4.94-second 40-yard dash and looked fluid in positional drills at the combine. He displayed quick feet and active hands, and teams will love that he has experience at all three interior spots. For NFL teams that deploy zone-blocking schemes, Bortolini could develop into a starter. He was a mid-to-late Day 3 pick, but the fourth round might be in play now. -- Reid
Brandon Coleman, G, TCU: It took one 40-yard dash run and two excellent jumping numbers to remind me that Coleman is an elite mover on his tape. Before seeming to injure a hamstring and missing his second 40 attempt, Coleman posted a 4.99-second run at 6-foot-4 and 313 pounds. That explosion was also evident in his 34-inch vertical and 9-foot-6 broad jump. Coleman is a solid Day 3 prospect, but I'll be moving him into Round 4 after his testing confirmed the tape. -- Miller
Mason McCormick, G/C, South Dakota State: I was a big fan of McCormick's film, and he has stacked a strong week at the East-West Shrine Bowl with a great performance at the combine. He posted a terrific 35.5-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-9 broad jump (best among OL) and a 5.08-second 40. McCormick has loads of experience after arriving at college as a zero-star recruit and plays with an intense physicality. Part of the process in evaluating FCS-level prospects is seeing how frequently they look a cut above the competition, which was pretty much all of the time for McCormick. He could be a late-Day 2 or early-Day 3 player. -- Yates
Christian Jones, OT, Texas: Jones keeps impressing me. At 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, he followed a solid Senior Bowl with some standout combine testing, running a 5.05 in the 40 and looking smooth during the positional drills. Jones also has great tape, and he held his own during an early-season matchup against Alabama. It wouldn't be surprising to see him sneak into Round 3. -- Reid
Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College: This week was a great reminder of Mahogany's overwhelming physical profile. While he's only 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds, he has 10.5-inch hands and 33.5-inch arms, and he showed terrific explosion in the vertical (32.5 inches) and broad (9-foot-1) jumps. When Mahogany gets his hands on you in the running game, it's over. He's another prospect who has a chance to sneak into the later parts of Day 2 -- but he also shouldn't last long on Day 3 if he makes it there. -- Yates
How did other top prospects look on Day 4?
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame: Alt checked in at a massive 6-foot-8⅝ and 321 pounds, a great start to the combine for my OT1. But I was keeping a closer eye on the former tight end's testing numbers, and I came away most impressed with his 5.05-second run on the 40. Most offensive tackles that are that tall don't move that well. But Alt is flexible, and it's part of the reason he has been able so consistent as a pass protector. During the "wave" drill, Alt's light feet were exceptional. He's likely a top-10 pick, and I think the Titans (No. 7) or Jets (No. 10) would be great landing spots. -- Reid
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State: It was an interesting day on the whole for Fashanu, one cut short due to a thigh injury suffered during his first attempt at the 40. He checked in at 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, and then ran a very solid 5.11 in the 40. Fashanu was also impressive in the broad (9-foot-1) and vertical (32 inches) jumps prior to the injury but had just 8.5-inch hands. That's not necessarily a big issue, but it's certainly a data point that will come up when discussing exactly where Fashanu (my OT2) fits in this excellent tackle class. -- Yates
JC Latham, OT, Alabama: Latham took part only in the on-field work, but he helped himself before it even began. The weigh-in was a huge win for Latham, as he measured 6-foot-5 and 342 pounds after being originally listed at 360. And he seemed lighter on his feet during the workout. Watching him in the "mirror" drill was one of my favorite parts of the day -- it tests lateral agility and reactive skills, and Latham was quick and didn't waste much movement. Those movements skills at his weight -- combined with his power -- make him a lock for Day 1. Considering their needs at tackle, the Bengals (No. 18) and Steelers (No. 20) would be great fits for him. -- Reid
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State: The draft is an inherently unpredictable process, but it does feel like Fuaga is a "what you see is what you get" prospect. He is a massive human at 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds but also an extremely fluid mover. He ran a 5.13 in the 40, posted a 9-foot-3 broad jump and jumped 32 inches in the vert. The only surprising measurement was his 33⅛-inch arms, which are shorter than anticipated. But that feels incongruent to how he plays, as Fuaga shows good ability to redirect players in pass protection. Fuaga has stated his case as a top-20 talent. -- Yates
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma: Known for his great physical traits at 6-foot-7, 322 pounds, Guyton ran a 5.19-second 40-yard dash and posted an impressive 34.5-inch vertical leap, likely solidifying himself as a first-round pick. He still needs refinement with his technique and hand placement, but after his combine workout, his draft stock floor is probably the Cowboys at No. 24. -- Reid
Troy Fautanu, G/OT, Washington: Fautanu has commonly been projected at guard, and he has embraced his positional versatility despite playing tackle in college. That said, Fautanu's arm length being at 34½ inches and his wingspan being 81½ inches sure gives me confidence that he could play left tackle in the NFL. The 6-foot-4, 317-pounder went on to dazzle in the on-field drills with his footwork, showing the movement traits we saw on his tape. After a great 5.01-second run in the 40-yard dash, a 9-foot-5 broad jump and a 32.5-inch vertical, he's a potential top-15 pick in my opinion. -- Yates
More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 4 of workouts
Reid:
Washington offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten (6-foot-5, 308 pounds) caught my eye during the second group of offensive linemen. He ran a 4.92-second 40-yard dash (best among the OL) and showed quickness and balance in the positional drills. There were questions about his best position projection at the next level and whether he would have to move to guard, but based on what he showed Sunday and throughout last season, I would leave him at tackle.
Georgia's Amarius Mims suffered a right hamstring injury and didn't return. But he had some excellent measurables earlier in the day: 6-foot-8, 340 pounds, 36⅛-inch arms and 11¼-inch hands. He's my OT5.
Yates:
Bravo, Zach Frazier. The West Virginia center suffered a broken leg just about four months ago, something that prevented him from playing in the Duke's Mayo Bowl and the Senior Bowl. It would have been understandable if Frazier had spent the week in Indianapolis just doing interviews and the medical checks on that leg, yet he actually took part in much of the on-field work. While he did not look quite like the player we saw on film during the fall, the fact that he was out there speaks to the type of player he is: competitive and fearless. Frazier will merit late-Round 1 consideration.
UConn's Christian Haynes continues to catch my eye, as he looked fluid and powerful during on-field work. While the Huskies' schedule didn't include many showcase games, Haynes did look the part against Tennessee this past season and during Senior Bowl week. He has 49 career starts (all at right guard) under his belt and has the goods to become a starter for a team that relies on a zone running scheme.
DAY 3: QUARTERBACKS, WIDE RECEIVERS, RUNNING BACKS
Notables who did not work out: Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (North Carolina), Jayden Daniels (LSU), Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State), Malik Nabers (LSU), Jonathon Brooks (Texas)
What's your biggest takeaway from Saturday's workouts?
Miller: We weren't sure what we would get with the top three quarterbacks and two of the top three wide receivers not working out, but a record-setting performance and exceptional on-field work from multiple wide receivers drive home the point that this is one of the most talented and deepest classes for the position in some time. Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy's record-setting 4.21-second run in the 40-yard dash will be the lasting memory of the evening, but let's not sleep on standout performances from a bunch of other potential Round 1 candidates.
The strength of the 2024 draft is the wide receiver class, and that was evident on Saturday night -- nine wideouts timed under 4.4 seconds, the most since at least 2003 according to ESPN Stats & Information. And I think we could see a record eight WRs drafted in the first round, besting the seven who went on Day 1 in 2004.
Who are the biggest risers from Day 3?
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas: Worthy's combine-record 40-yard dash had Lucas Oil Stadium buzzing. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound receiver blazed down the sideline for a 4.21-second run, the best at the combine since at least 2003. It wasn't just his speed, though; his explosiveness was also on display. Worthy jumped 41.5 inches in the vertical and 10-foot-11 in the broad jump. I recently ranked him as my No. 35 overall prospect due to concerns about his frame, but record-setting speed will ease any concerns about his weight. He is one of the most electric players I've had the pleasure of scouting in person, and he has easily earned the right to be drafted in the first round to one lucky team. -- Miller
Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina: Rattler has an effortless throwing motion, and the ball came out of his hand with accuracy. At 6 feet and 211 pounds, he consistently showed that he can control the ball with touch but also crank up the velocity when necessary, making multiple standout passes. Rattler is my favorite developmental option at the position and could be picked as high as the third round. There's work still to do with his game, but he has traits that could eventually lead him to a spot-starter role or more in the pros. -- Reid
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina: Legette got knocked for a slow start to the week when we were at the Senior Bowl -- I even dropped him outside my top 50 after practices didn't show the same burst as his game tape did and he measured 6-1 (after being listed at 6-3). Legette is back, though! A 4.39-second run in the 40-yard dash matches the tape and makes me think the early Senior Bowl struggles were just Legette shaking off the rust of the postseason. Testing as well as he did -- 40 inches in the vertical and 10-6 in the broad jump at 221 pounds -- has him climbing back up the board, and he looks like a true first-rounder. -- Miller
Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida: Pearsall followed a great performance at the Senior Bowl by making a strong impression at the combine. At 6-1 and 189 pounds, he jumped 42 inches on the vertical and ran a 4.41 in the 40. Then he caught everything thrown his direction during the route-running portion of the workout, displaying the hands we already saw on tape. Pearsall has continued to help his draft stock in the pre-draft process, and while he was largely seen as an early-Day 3 pick coming into the process, it shouldn't come as a surprise if he's selected in the top 75. -- Reid
Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville: Why does the combine matter? It allows players to test and prove their position-specific traits and upside. That's the case for Guerendo, who transferred to Louisville from Wisconsin and has limited college production; the 2023 season was his only year with over 100 carries. Guerendo bested all running backs with a 4.33-second run in the 40-yard dash and a 41.5-inch vertical jump. He grabbed second place with a 10-9 broad jump, as well. His tape showed burst, and his testing backed that up. Guerendo (6 feet, 221 pounds) was ranked in Round 6 for me before the combine, but this display of speed and explosive burst will move him up my board, with Round 4 now a possibility. -- Miller
Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee: Wright jumped 11-2 in the broad jump and 38 inches in the vertical before running a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. He was considered a sleeper coming into the combine, but he's far from that now. Wright shows home run speed on tape and plays even faster than his timed speed. He led the nation in yards per carry last season (7.4), and while the 5-10 210-pounder was viewed as a fourth- or fifth-round pick a week ago, I think he could now go inside the top 100. -- Reid
How did other top prospects look on Day 3?
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan: Measuring 6-2½ and 219 pounds was a positive start to the day for McCarthy, who came in much heavier than his listed 202 pounds. But he participated in only the throwing portion of the workout, and McCarthy was inconsistent in spots -- most notably on outbreaking routes. He couldn't seem to connect with targets there, but we have to remember that he was throwing to unfamiliar targets. McCarthy was far more consistent on throws over the middle of the field, routinely setting his feet underneath his body and operating from an efficient base. He is still a raw passer, and that was seen throughout the throwing session. McCarthy will need to clean up his lower-body mechanics to improve his accuracy toward the sideline and on deep passes. But I still don't see him lasting past the Raiders at No. 13 overall. -- Reid
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon: The 6-2, 214-pounder opted to just throw at the combine, bypassing the 40-yard dash and other agility drills, and the performance failed to answer the questions I had about his arm strength and ability to drive passes into tight windows. Nix has a good arm, but it didn't stand out as noticeably strong. He often left passes sailing high when the ball needed to be driven on a line to the receiver. That shows up on tape when he's asked to complete passes behind 20 yards. Nix did settle down, though, and he flashed really pretty touch and timing later in the throwing session. I still think his 61 starts and above-average mobility get him into late-Round 1, even after an uneven throwing performance on Saturday. Oregon's pro day on March 12 is his next chance to impress scouts. -- Miller
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington: Penix also participated in only the throwing portion of the workout, but he looked very sharp. I saw plenty of arm strength, and his best part of the session was making throws to the sideline. At 6-2 and 216 pounds, Penix drove the ball accurately and on time. He also showcased good ball placement and touch on his deep passes, which is what we saw over the past two seasons while at Washington. Likely a Day 2 pick, Penix should come off the board inside the top 45, and the Giants at No. 39 and the Raiders at No. 44 are two landing spots that make sense. -- Reid
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington: Odunze was a masterful technician in position drills and showed why he's my No. 2 wide receiver in this class. During the gauntlet drill, when receivers need to hold the line while sprinting horizontally across the field and catching alternating passes, Odunze showcased body control, balance and concentration. During testing, he was equally impressive at 6-3 and 212 pounds with a 4.45-second run in the 40-yard dash, a 39-inch vertical and a 10-4 broad jump. Odunze looks the part of a future All-Pro and backed up my pro player comparison of Ja'Marr Chase with his workout. -- Miller
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU: At 6-2 and 209 pounds, Thomas jumped a 38.5-inch vertical and then followed that up with a 4.33-second run in the 40. That type of speed is frequently seen on tape from him, and it's a big reason 10 of his FBS-leading 17 touchdown receptions came on vertical patterns. Thomas' range as a pass-catcher was seen on various routes on Saturday, though he did struggle on slant routes with two easy drops. Showing more consistency in the underneath areas will be needed. But Thomas is worthy of a top-25 pick and could be the fourth wide receiver off the board. -- Reid
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas: Mitchell's draft range improved after his impressive day, as he ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, posted a vertical of 39.5 inches and leaped 11-4 at 6-2 and 205 pounds in the broad jump. I put him at No. 38 overall in my most recent mock, but I'm not sure he'll make it there in the real draft. He's the fifth wide receiver since 2003 to run a 4.34 or better at 6-2 or taller, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Notably, all four of the previous players to hit those marks were drafted in the second round. But Mitchell's explosive speed, huge catch radius and 11 touchdown catches in 2023 should make him a first-round selection. I see him as a top-20 player in the class at this point. -- Miller
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State: The 4.61-second run in the 40-yard dash was disappointing, but Coleman rebounded during the rest of the workout. At 6-3 and 213 pounds, he showed solid speed and acceleration during the gauntlet drill, catching the ball cleanly without any drops. In the positional drills, he looked good sinking his hips and redirecting on each route. I thought he finished the day very strong. Coleman's 40-time will be the biggest takeaway from his workout -- and rightfully so -- but he still remains a fringe first-round pick for me, and he's likely to be selected inside the top 40 picks. -- Reid
Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame: At 5-11 and 221 pounds, Estime wasn't expected to be a burner. But a 4.71-second time in the 40-yard dash was the slowest of any running back, and his 10-yard split of 1.58 seconds was tied for second slowest. Per ESPN Stats & Information, the only RB to be drafted in the top 100 with a slower combine time since 2003 is Stevan Ridley in 2011 -- he ran a 4.73 and got picked 73rd. Estime's game is more about inside quickness and vision, but that time doesn't match a top-100 prospect. His tape and production (1,341 yards and 18 TDs in 2023) are solid, but this workout hurt his stock, and he'll need a strong pro day to recover. He was my RB2 and a third-rounder coming in, but he might slip a little. -- Miller
More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 3 of workouts
Reid:
I came away very impressed with Florida State running back Trey Benson. At 6 feet, 216 pounds, he posted a 4.39-second run in the 40, which exceeded what he showed on tape. During the positional drills, Benson's feet were electric, his movement skills popped, and he caught the ball consistently. Considering he was already my RB2 coming into the combine behind only Texas' Jonathon Brooks, there's a real chance that Benson is the first running back off the board in April.
Miller:
Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey was nearly flawless during positional drills. His trademark start-stop quickness and explosive footwork allowed him to easily move in and out of each route. McConkey is a finished product as a route runner and adds burst with 4.39-second speed on a 6-foot, 186-pound frame. He entered the combine as my No. 36 overall player, but his pro readiness and fluid speed have me thinking he's a top-32 prospect and Round 1 target.
The 2023 draft saw 14 quarterbacks drafted, the most since 2016 (15). But after a full view of the class at the combine, I'm confident we won't see that number topped in 2024. After the top seven quarterbacks in this class, it's a big drop-off. The good news for NFL teams is that there are seven good QBs who will likely all be selected in the top three rounds (Williams, Daniels, Maye, McCarthy, Nix, Penix and Rattler). The bad news is that there is little depth and no standout developmental prospects. Maybe a team falls in love with the incredible arm strength of Joe Milton III (Tennessee) late in the draft, but it's a stretch to find 10 draftable quarterbacks in this group.
DAY 2: DEFENSIVE BACKS AND TIGHT ENDS
Notables who did not work out: Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama), Cooper DeJean (Iowa), Brock Bowers (Georgia)
What's your biggest takeaway from Friday's workouts?
Reid: I was really impressed by the nickel cornerback group. Penn State's Daequan Hardy (42.5 inches) and Kentucky's Andru Phillips (42 inches) posted exceptional numbers in the vertical, while Rutgers' Max Melton (11-foot-4) and Michigan's Mike Sainristil (10-foot-11) were the standouts of the broad jump. The run at the position could start as early as the third round, especially since the nickel spot has essentially become a starting position in most defenses. I expect these guys to fly off the board in April.
Who are the biggest risers from Day 2?
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan: The 5-foot-9, 182-pound Sainristil is at the top of that nickel cornerback group. He solidified himself as a late-Day 2 prospect on Friday, jumping 40 inches in the vertical, jumping 10-foot-11 in the broad and running a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. For a converted receiver, his ball skills and change-of-direction ability really stand out; he had six interceptions in 2023. Teams that are looking for an immediate starter at nickel have to be excited about Sainristil's workout. -- Reid
Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn: Simpson was one of the top standouts from the Senior Bowl, and his combine workout again boosted his scouting report. The 6-foot, 179-pounder can play nickel cornerback or safety, and he showed off the burst and range to do both. Simpson came in hot with a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and a 1.51-second 10-yard split. He also looked fast, fluid and aggressive attacking the ball in position drills. Simpson put a final exclamation mark on the defensive back drills after running the length of the field, followed by fellow DBs, and hit a front handspring into a backflip. A current fourth-rounder on my board, Simpson has a shot to get into Round 3 thanks to his all-around burst and aggressive play style. -- Miller
Max Melton, CB, Rutgers: Melton had himself a day, as the frisky and confident defender smashed in multiple testing components. At 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, he ran a 4.39 in the 40, had a vertical leap of 40.5 inches and posted a broad jump of 11-foot-4. Melton has excellent ball skills and plays with a fearlessness that is unmistakable. I feel confident he will be a Day 2 pick come April. -- Field Yates
Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon: Jackson ran his first 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds at 6-foot-4, and I immediately said to myself, "Time to move him up." Jackson put together a solid all-around workout with the 4.5 time, a 36.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-1 broad jump. His explosiveness was on full display throughout agility drills and position work. I have him in the fourth round, but I wouldn't be surprised if he gets into the top 100 picks. -- Miller
Ben Sinnott, TE/H-back, Kansas State: An all-around versatile player throughout his college career, Sinnott was easily one of the biggest risers on Friday. He leaped 40 inches in the vertical (highest of all tight ends) and 10-foot-6 in the broad jump, showcasing his explosiveness. Even at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Sinnott might be best used as an H-back in the NFL, but he's a natural pass-catcher and a physical blocker who could go in Round 4 at the draft. -- Reid
How did other top prospects look on Day 2?
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama: Arnold wasn't expected to be a track star at the combine, and his 40-yard dash time of 4.5 seconds (with a 1.54-second 10-yard split) is solid but not outstanding for a 6-foot, 189-pound prospect. However, my top-ranked corner was exceptional during on-field positional workouts. His quickness is a legitimate trait that allows him to match and mirror wide receivers, but it's his physicality at the line of scrimmage that you love when evaluating his tape. That doesn't show up at an event like the combine. Arnold came in as my top CB and will leave as such, even if he's now facing competition from Quinyon Mitchell. -- Miller
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson: It didn't take long for Wiggins to grab everyone's attention on Friday -- on both ends of the spectrum. First, he weighed in at a surprisingly low 173 pounds. Per ESPN Stats & Information, there have been 16 defensive backs since 2003 to weigh 175 pounds or less at the combine (entering this year). Emmanuel Forbes is the only one to be drafted before the third round, but Wiggins appears headed to Round 1 -- he's my CB3 -- and made a big statement with an outstanding 4.29-second 40-yard dash time and a 36-inch vertical jump. The agility and straight-line speed were as advertised. Wiggins' workout was cut short after he sustained a hip flexor injury, but he's expected to be ready for his pro day on April 1. -- Reid
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo: The pre-draft process matters for all players but perhaps even more so for those from non-Power 5 schools, where prospects do not see top flight competition frequently. Mitchell starred at Toledo (32 pass breakups and six picks over the past two years) and has continued to do so over the past few months. The first-rounder aced the week at the Senior Bowl and then ran a 4.33-second 40 here in Indianapolis while looking silky smooth in on-field drills. The 6-foot, 195-pound corner has a unique ability to trigger out of his backpedal back toward the football. -- Yates
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri: Rakestraw is similar in many ways to Arnold. Turn on the tape, and you will love how feisty and physical he is at the line of scrimmage and throughout coverage. He's not blazing fast -- he ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash with a 1.54-second 10-yard-split -- but he is aggressive and tough throughout the route. At 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds, Rakestraw is a strong candidate to be the third cornerback off the board and a potential top-20 selection. -- Miller
Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami: The "I didn't see that coming" moment of the day came from Kinchens, my No. 2-ranked safety. He ran a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash and jumped a disappointing 9-foot-2 in the broad jump at 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds. The broad jump result is the lowest for a defensive back since 2015, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Kinchens is known for his range on the back end of the defense, and his tape shows that he plays much faster than his testing numbers indicate, but this was a really big surprise of the day. -- Reid
Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State: Hicks didn't run the 40, but he had solid jump numbers (10-foot-2 broad, 37.5-inch vert). He also looked great during the positional drills, consistently snatching the ball out of the air. With great change-of-direction skills, he was able to sink his hips and re-direct with ease. The "W" drill was his most consistent performance -- it stresses backward movement and transition quickness coming out of a backpedal. Hicks showed urgency and finished the drill by catching the ball cleanly. A prospect who can wear multiple hats in the secondary, Hicks (6-foot-2, 211 pounds) is getting late-Day 2 to early-Day 3 buzz, and he has the potential to be a contributor early in his career. -- Reid
Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota: Nubin, who did not participate in a postseason all-star game, opted to not run a 40-yard dash at the combine but did do field work and positional drills. The 6-foot-1, 199-pound safety collected 13 interceptions in college, and that range and fluid ability showed in positional drills, but the decision to limit his participation here is disappointing for scouts who wanted to see his speed. Nubin still ranks as my top safety in the class, but his one shot at a fast 40-yard time at his pro day will loom over his draft stock. -- Miller
Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas: Sanders (6-foot-4, 245 pounds) opted not to do the jumping drills at the combine and turned in a 4.69-second run in the 40-yard dash. Where he impressed in the workouts, though, is also where he has impressed on tape: catching the ball and operating in space. Sanders showed off great arm extension and concentration on two clean runs during the gauntlet drill. He's more explosive in the short area than he is as a sprinter, which explains the slower 40 time. Sanders is my clear-cut TE2 with a Round 2 grade on tape. -- Miller
More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 2 of workouts
Reid:
Texas Tech's Dadrion Taylor-Demerson looked great, running a 4.42 in the 40 and dazzling during position drills. At 5-foot-10 and 197 pounds, he showcased good hip fluidity and comfort with attacking the ball in the air. I saw him at the Shrine Bowl last month, and he just keeps impressing -- and now Taylor-Demerson could be selected early on Day 3.
Penn State's Theo Johnson was my TE3 coming into the combine. At 6-foot-6 and 259 pounds, he jumped a 39.5-inch vertical and lept 10-foot-5 in the broad jump. And that wasn't even the most impressive part of his workout! Johnson ran a really good 4.58-second 40-yard dash time, second-best among tight ends. He finished last season with seven touchdown catches over his final eight games, and his best football is likely ahead of him. I could see Johnson getting selected in the mid-to-late parts of Day 2.
One prospect who looked really excellent throughout the full duration of Friday afternoon's workout was Georgia safety/nickel Javon Bullard. He ran a 4.47 40 time and was the most fluid of the safeties in the positional drills. After playing mostly at the STAR position in Kirby Smart's defense in 2022, he became more of an interchangeable safety last season. Bullard (5-foot-11, 198 pounds) has a lot of similarities to C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and in a class that lacks versatile and dependable safeties, it's hard to see him getting outside of Day 2. His physicality and instincts will likely give him a chance to be an instant contributor in the NFL.
Miller:
Penn State slot cornerback Daequan Hardy was one of my favorite players on tape despite less-than-ideal size at 5-foot-9 and 179 pounds with 30-inch arm length. But what shows up when you watch him play -- and what jumped out during workouts -- is his explosiveness. Hardy ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and soared with a 42.5-inch vertical jump. He's a valuable slot corner and punt returner (two TDs in 2023) who has a fourth-round grade on my board.
Texas Tech safety Tyler Owens recorded the second-best broad jump at the combine since at least 2003 at 12-foot-2 -- just one inch behind Byron Jones' 12-foot-3 leap (2015). Owens also jumped 41 inches on the vertical jump. But the Day 3 prospect appeared to pull up with an injury during his first attempt running the 40-yard dash and didn't participate in the rest of the drills.
DAY 1: DEFENSIVE LINEMEN, LINEBACKERS
Notables who did not work out: Jer'Zhan Newton (Illinois), Junior Colson (Michigan)
What's your biggest takeaway from Thursday's workouts?
Miller: The 2024 draft class' defensive talent has been billed as weak, but the defenders who are graded as first-round prospects backed up their standing during on-field workouts. Edge rushers Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Laiatu Latu and Chop Robinson all solidified Round 1 status with excellent all-around testing in speed, agility and position-specific drills. The same goes for the lone defensive tackle prospect with a first-round grade, Byron Murphy II. The times and jumps posted were exactly what we expect for Round 1 prospects.
In a class without a Myles Garrett or Nick Bosa-level prospect, there was room for disappointment, but the five front-seven guys in my top 32 prospects all backed up their rankings. There were no letdowns Thursday night.
Who are the biggest risers from Day 1?
Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State: It was widely expected that Robinson would be a standout here, and he did not disappoint. Weighing in at 254 pounds -- an early win for a player many scouts believed was sub-250 -- Robinson turned in explosive postings in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump. He started the afternoon with jumps of 34.5 inches in the vertical and 10-foot-8 in the broad, and then he posted a 4.48-second time on his first attempt at the 40-yard dash (he opted to not run a second time). His 10-yard split time of 1.54 is also an elite timing; per ESPN Stats & Information, it tied for the fourth fastest among 250-plus pound defenders since 2003. Robinson has clearly pushed himself into the first round thanks to his tape as a pass-rush specialist and his rare speed off the edge. -- Miller
Maason Smith, DT, LSU: Smith only played one game in 2022 after tearing the ACL in his left knee, and while he still entered the 2023 season as a highly touted draft prospect, he didn't really live up to the hype (2.5 sacks in 12 games). That meant the combine would be key for his stock. At 6-foot-5 and 306 pounds, he has great size for the position, and he showcased his high-end traits during position drills. Smith also ran a solid 5.01 in the 40-yard dash. But his best moment came during the four-bag agility drill, where his upfield suddenness and mobility stood out. Smith was viewed as a fourth- or fifth-round prospect coming in, but the third round isn't out of the possibility after an impressive evening. -- Reid
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State: Fiske entered the combine just outside my top 50 players, and it's already time for an update. In every opportunity to impress Thursday, Fiske put on a show. His 33.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-9 broad jump were both No. 1 among defensive tackles. Fiske also turned in a position-best 4.78-second run in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4 and 292 pounds before a "wow" performance in agility drills -- including a really good 4.37-second time in the short shuttle -- that showed off his burst and body control. He has the look of a Round 2 lock as a 3-technique pass-rushing defensive tackle ideal for a 4-3 scheme like those in Baltimore or Seattle. -- Miller
Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson: Orhorhoro made a statement Thursday in an interior defensive line class that has a lot of question marks in the second and third tiers. At 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, he ran a 4.90 in the 40 and jumped 9-foot-8 in the broad jump -- both standout numbers for him. He was an early Day 3 prospect, but I could see him going inside the top 100 after that workout. And for NFL teams that play a multiple defensive front, Orhorhoro (five sacks in 2023) is a logical fit since he can play all over the line. -- Reid
Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State: As a follow-up to his breakout performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl and 13 sacks this past season, Kamara continued his climb up draft boards with great on-field display at the combine. Measuring in at 6-foot-1 and 248 pounds, Kamara posted the third best 40-yard dash (4.57 seconds) and 10-yard split time (1.58 seconds) of the edge rushers. Kamara might lack length with 32⅜-inch arms, but his burst and pop as a pass-rusher are notable. His position work -- going through bag drills and working in pass drops -- was a treat for evaluators watching in the stands. Currently just outside my top 100 prospects, Kamara could slide into a comfortable third-round range following his workout. -- Miller
Payton Wilson, LB, NC State: My LB3 -- ranked just outside of my top 50 players -- helped himself by running a 4.44 in the 40. Wilson's speed shows up frequently on tape, and now we saw it with timed speed. The biggest question won't be what he is on the field, though. After suffering multiple season-ending injuries during his college career, Wilson likely won't be on every team's draft board, and his medicals coming out of this week will be key. But he has the potential to be a starter very early in his career, with solid instincts, range and finishing ability as a tackler. He had 130 tackles (18.5 for loss) in 2023. -- Reid
How did other top prospects look on Day 1?
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama: Turner got his workouts started with a 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-7 broad jump that had fellow linebackers clapping and cheering for his efforts. He is a lean pass-rusher at 247 pounds, but his 83-inch wingspan is an elite measurable that shows up on tape as he bends the edge and keeps offensive tackles off his frame. It helped him notch 22.5 sacks in his three seasons at Alabama. Turner's burst and upfield speed are obvious when scouting him, but the combine allowed him to put a number next to that speed: 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash. That alone should cement Turner as one of the first two defensive players off the board in the first round. -- Miller
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Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State: Finishing with a 35-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-7 broad jump and 4.59 40 time, Verse displayed the explosiveness that we have already seen on tape. After a slow start to the 2023 season, he finished with 6.5 sacks over the Seminoles' final five games, entering the pre-draft process with momentum. The most versatile edge rusher in this class, Verse (6-foot-4, 254 pounds) has powerful hands, and we saw it in the pass-rush drills. My No. 13 overall player and No. 2 edge rusher was as advertised Thursday. -- Reid
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA: Coming off two highly productive seasons at UCLA -- 23.5 sacks during that time -- Latu was expected to have a solid week but not necessarily be a standout performer in drills. But he quieted the critics who thought he lacked burst or bend coming off the edge with a 4.64-second time in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5 and 261 pounds. His 1.62-second 10-yard split start to that 40-time is equally important and impressive. The medical portion of the combine is still key after he medically retired at Washington in 2020 before transferring to UCLA in 2022, but from a workout standpoint, this was a win for the pro-ready Latu. He is my No. 19 overall player right now. -- Miller
Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas: Murphy had a tremendous amount of hype coming into combine week, and he certainly lived up to expectations. His game revolves around explosiveness, and his burst and change-of-direction skills simply looked different from his counterparts. With Jer'Zhan Newton not participating, Murphy had a prime opportunity to prove he was the top interior defender in the draft -- and that's what he did in my eyes. His 4.87 time in the 40-yard dash and 33-inch vertical jump both ranked in the top three at the position Thursday. It's unlikely Murphy -- who measured at 297 pounds and just under 6-foot-1 -- gets outside the top 20, and he could go as high as No. 13 to the Raiders. -- Reid
T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas: Sweat weighed in at 366 pounds, which is the second heaviest defensive player measurement at the combine since 2003. Even at that size, he posted a 5.27-second run in the 40-yard dash. That's good for the second-fastest time by a defensive player at 350-plus pounds since 2003, according to ESPN Stats & Information. This event isn't catered to a traditional nose tackle like Sweat, but his movement ability, power and burst at a near-record size were impressive. He's not for every NFL team or scheme, but those that value a two-down run-stuffer with occasional bursts of pass-rush ability will likely find him available in early Round 2. -- Miller
Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M: The top-ranked linebacker on my board, Cooper had a workout that can best be described as "solid." With eye-popping play speed, he has multiple plays on film that make you sit up on your chair. And at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, he has played multiple spots and even has experience rushing off the edge (eight sacks in 2023 to go with 80 tackles). And now Cooper went and posted a 4.52 40 time, which is an excellent number for him. He's likely a second-round pick -- it's a down year at linebacker -- but I could certainly see him getting drafted higher than expected after a good night in Indy. -- Reid
More notes, thoughts and things we heard and saw from Day 1 of workouts
Reid:
Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice had a rough night. At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, he ran a 4.72 and then exited the workout early. Trice also struggled going through drills correctly and had to repeat multiple reps. He is a potential top-50 prospect, but scouts will have some questions about his quickness and projection to the next level.
Houston Christian's Jalyx Hunt caught my eye. A former safety at Cornell, he made a unique transition to edge rusher. He has the size at 6-foot-2 and 252 pounds, but he's still raw in many aspects. Even so, he recorded a 37.5-inch vertical jump and leapt 10-foot-8 in the broad jump. Those are great numbers. He's a developmental guy and likely a mid-Day 3 selection, but every year, we see teams overdraft edge rushers with high-end physical traits.
A noteworthy omission from linebacker testing was Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who did positional drills but opted to wait until Clemson's pro day April 1 for the rest. He has the eyes, instincts and pursuit speed that NFL teams covet, but his ability in space has been a constant question. A lot will now be weighing on his pro day; I currently have a fourth-round grade on Trotter, but scouts want to see his testing numbers.
Miller:
Kansas pass-rusher Austin Booker, my No. 73 overall prospect entering the combine, had a head-scratching performance this week that doesn't match the ability shown on tape. Measuring in at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, he was expected to make up for his lack of size with excellent burst and speed. But a disappointing 4.79-second time in the 40-yard dash doesn't at all match what we saw during games against Texas, BYU and Illinois this season. Booker did jump well with a 10-foot broad, but even his 32.5-inch vertical was subpar for his size. This is a classic case of the tape not mirroring the numbers, which is why the combine is so important. He'll have a chance to rebound his 40-times at his pro day.
An important part of the combine is finding players who you want to evaluate more after they have standout workouts. Add Washington linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio to my list of homework. The 6-foot, 236-pounder posted jump numbers that will turn your head: a 39.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-8 broad jump. Both were best among linebackers and put him in rare air. Combine that with a solid 4.56-second time in the 40-yard dash, and Ulofoshio is at the top of my "watch again" list.