5 risers and 3 fallers during Thursday’s NFL Combine

The NFL Combine performances were record-setting Thursday night when the group of tight ends, wide receivers, and quarterbacks performed, as a number of receivers ran the 40-yard dash under 4.40, despite the inefficiencies of the new combine format.


In addition to the 40-yard dash, players gave their measurements, and performed in the broad jump and vertical jump.

Given all of the tests, which players elevated their draft stock on Thursday and which players diminished theirs?

Risers

NDSU WR Christian Watson

Watson excelled in nearly every testing measure, jumping a 38.5 inch-vertical, as well as an 11'4 broad jump, which led all players at the Combine on Thursday. To top it off, despite being a 6'4, 208-pound receiver, Watson ran a 4.36 40-yard dash, good for sixth amongst receivers, potentially placing him in the 1st-round discussion, despite the stronger receiver class.

In addition to his testing, Watson showcased his smooth route running during drills, continuing to boost his draft stock after being the best receiver at the Senior Bowl earlier this offseason.

Maryland TE Chig Okonkwu

Similar to Watson, Okonkwu has had a strong draft process so far, shining at the Shrine Bowl as a blocking tight end, before testing strong at the Combine with a 4.52 40-yard dash, which was the best of any tight end on Thursday. While his blocking efforts are his known strong suit, Okonkwo held his own during the route-running and pass-catching drills, showcasing potential as a two-way tight end, which should raise his draft stock ahead of the process.

Virginia TE Jehlani Woods

No tight end objectively increased their stock at the Combine more than Virginia tight end Jehlani Woods, who tested extremely well, running a 4.61 40-yard dash at 6'7, 259 pounds, good for second amongst tight ends. In addition, Woods benched 24 reps, which was the best of any tight end, showcasing his athletic profile at such an imposing height. While he needs more polish as a pass-catcher and a blocker, his profile could be intriguing for teams that are looking to develop an athletic freak at the position.

Tennessee WR Velus Jones

Velus Jones shocked everyone at the combine with a blazing 4.31 official 40-yard dash, only behind Baylor's Tyquan Thornton, who ran a 4.28. While that speed may not show on tape, Jones's 40-yard dash could indicate an ability to display that elite speed in open space, adding to his versatile talents, as he can play both on the outside or in the slot with his 6'0, 204-pound frame. Jones also would be a good special-teamer, having returned kickoffs at Tennessee, and the top-end speed only adds to his talents.

Memphis WR Calvin Austin III

Austin was another receiver who tested very well at the combine, running a 4.32 40-yard dash (3rd of all receivers), with a 39" vertical (4th of all receivers), and an 11'03" broad jump (3rd of all receivers), despite measuring 5'8" and 170 pounds.

Austin solidified his potential to work out of the slot for an offense, potentially taking in a Rondale Moore-esque role as an athletically-gifted gadget weapon in an NFL-style offense.

While the frame will continue to be concerning for teams, Austin's fluidity in his movement and route-running ability can be sustained in the right offense, and that top-end speed provides the cherry on top.

Fallers

Purdue WR David Bell

Bell didn't necessarily have a bad combine; others just had a better one. Coming into the combine with athleticism concerns, Bell ran an official 4.65 40-yard dash, which was slower than expected, along with a 33" vertical and a 9'10'' broad jump, although his 7.14 3-cone time shows some optimism. Bell showcased his smooth route-running and strong hands, but with the number of explosive route-runners in this class, topped with players who produced a strong 40-time, Bell might be the biggest faller at the receiver position.

Kentucky WR Wan'Dale Robinson

Wan'Dale Robinson was believed to be around 5'11, so it was a surprise to some when the receiver measured at 5'8", 178 pounds on Thursday.

While Robinson alleviated some concerns with a strong 40-yard dash time of 4.44, the height may concern teams who originally scouted him as a potential outside receiver.

Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett

Similar to Robinson, Kenny Pickett had a measurement that was eye-popping—his hands measured in at 8.5 inches, which would be the smallest of any starting quarterback in the NFL.

While I don't necessarily believe the statistic will hinder his ability to throw consistently at the NFL level, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah noted during his draft coverage yesterday that some NFL teams do prioritize measurements like hand size, likely those that play in poor weather conditions, potentially diminishing Pickett's value on some boards.

• Rohan Chakravarthi
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  Rohan Chakravarthi
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