NFL Combine Recap

TOP 5 SURPRISES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS FROM THE NFL COMBINE

TOP PERFORMERS

1. Margus Hunt (SMU) – Margus Hunt is an absolute freak of nature. His combine performance shouldn’t be a surprise, but he did so well he still gets my #1 ranking. At 6’8″ and 275 lbs. he ran the 40 yard dash in 4.6 seconds, a fantastic accomplishment for any lineman. He also completed 38 reps on the 225 bench press, which tied for best at the combine. He could have worked himself into the second round.

2. Terron Armstead (Arkansas Pine Bluff) – Armstead broke the combine record for Offensive Linemen in the 40 yard dash with 4.71 seconds. Not bad for a guy who is 6’5″ and weighs over 300 pounds. He’s not a big name, but his performance could have worked his way into the 2nd round just like Hunt. Some teams are even thinking of working him out as a tight end.

3. Ryan Swope (Texas A&M) – Swope had a great career at Texas A&M. Most teams already knew he was a great route runner with good hands. He is also tough as nails and is great at catching the ball in traffic. His 4.34 40 yard dash turned heads, however, and those 4.34 seconds will likely earn him an extra million dollars when he gets drafted.

4. Geno Smith (West Virginia) – Geno Smith is the favorite to be the first quarterback selected in the draft. He ran a 4.59 in the 40 yard dash and showed great accuracy in throwing drills. Smith also has a very strong arm. Reports are saying the Raiders are interested in him with the 3rd overall pick.

5. EJ Manuel (Florida State) – Manuel is another quarterback who had a great performance at the combine. Manuel at 6’5″ and 240 lbs is known as a pocket passer. But he ran his 40 yard dash in 4.65 seconds. That speed will go along nicely with his cannon for an arm. Manuel’s biggest criticism was his accuracy, but he was very accurate in throwing drills, and he likely went from a 4th round pick to a 2nd-3rd round pick.

Honorable Mention: Christine Michael, Sharrif Floyd, Marquise Goodwin, Dion Jordan, Tyler Bray, Dee Milliner, Eric Fisher, Tyrann Mathieu

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS

1. Damontre Moore (Texas A&M) – Moore was once seen as a top 5 pick. But his 4.95 40 time was disappointing for a lineman his size, and he only repped 225 lbs on the bench press 11 times. That is pathetic for a defensive lineman who is supposed to be a top 5 pick. He is going to need to improve on both of those drills at his pro day. Moore is now projected as a late 1st round pick.

2. Manti Teo (Notre Dame) – All girlfriend jokes aside Manti Teo was almost non-existent at the combine. He ran the 40 in 4.82 seconds, not very good for an inside linebacker. He performed well in the cone drill and shuttle, but he didn’t participate in the bench press. He was once ranked No. 2 on Mel Kiper’s Big Board, but he has since dropped to No.21 and might be a 2nd round pick.

3. Stepfan Taylor (Stanford) – Taylor didn’t have a terrible combine, but he also didn’t do himself any favors. He ran the 40 yard dash in 4.76 seconds and repped the bench 17 times. Not bad, but he was once seen as the top RB in the draft, but he might have dropped to mid-round status.

4. Luke Joeckel (Texas A&M) – Joeckel didnt’ have a bad combine, but he had an opportunity to solidify his status as the top pick in the draft, which he didn’t do. His 40 was 5.3 seconds which is not good. He did 27 reps on the bench press which is solid but not great. Some people think Eric Fisher will pass him up as the top Offensive Tackle taken. I am not one of those people but Joeckel will look to improve his numbers at A&M’s pro day.

5. Star Lotulelei (Utah) – It was very disappointing that Star couldn’t participate in the combine due to a heart condition. He was ranked No.1 on Mel Kiper’s Big Board, but has since dropped to No.8. You can only hope I guy with his talent gets the OK to play football next year.