The NFL combine is officially over as day four came to a close. The offensive linemen and running backs put on quite a show in Indianapolis. Let’s take a look at the biggest winners and loser…
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The NFL combine is officially over as day four came to a close. The offensive linemen and running backs put on quite a show in Indianapolis. Let’s take a look at the biggest winners and losers of the final day of the Combine.
Winners
Bijan Robinson
Running backs have been devalued in the NFL over the past few seasons. But Robinson is almost too good to pass on. The Texas superstar put on a show at the combine. The 5’ 11”, 215 pound back jumped a 37” vertical along with a 10’ 4” broad jump. He followed that up with a 4.46 40-yard dash. Robinson proved that he’s an elite athlete and the tape certainly doesn’t lie.
Darnell Wright
The first round buzz following Wright amplified following his performance at the combine. Even with sub 34” arms, Wright measured in at 6’ 5”, 333 pounds. The big man then ran an impressive 5.01 second 40, including a 1.81 10-yard split. While he tested like an elite athlete, Wright impressed most during the drills. His footwork was impeccable and Wright looked incredibly fluid. He solidified himself as a first-round player.
Blake Freeland
Need an athletic tackle? How about the most athletic tackle in the entire class? Look no further than BYU’s Blake Freeland. At 6’ 7”, 302 pounds, Freeland posted an freakis 4.98 40-yard dash, with a 1.68 first 10. He added a 37” vertical, 10’ broad jump and an elite 7.46 second three-cone. While he isn’t a first-round prospect, Freeland’s combine may have propelled him into mid-day two territory.
Cody Mauch
Everyone wants someone like Mauch on their team. A big, burly man with lucious long hair and two missing teeth, Mauch is a the epitome of a football player. While he may not play tackle at the next level with 32 ⅛ “ arms, but his 1.78 10-yard split and 5.09 second 40-yard dash shows just how fluid and athletic the North Dakota State product is. He also posted elite shuttle and three cone times to end an fantastic combine. Mauch’s stock has never been higher.
Jon Gaines II
You cannot talk about winners without mentioning Gaines. The UCLA guard had the highest Relative Athletic Score from the position. Slightly undersized at 6’ 4”, 303 pounds, but he makes up for it with speed and athleticism. A 5.01 40, a 1.73 10-yard split, a 4.45 shuttle and 7.31 three-cone. All elite times. Add in a 36” vert and 9.5’ broad jump and you have one of the most athletic guards in recent history. Gaines made himself quite a bit of money on Sunday.
Losers
Jarrett Patterson
Patterson had a rough day all around. From his sub 32” arms to his poor agility testing, Patterson struggled at the combine. For a man who needed a big performance after a rough outing at the Senior Bowl, Patterson failed to help himself. He will almost surely be a day three pick come April.
John Michael Schmitz
Some consider Schmitz the top center in the 2023 draft class, but the Gopher struggled to live up to the hype. For a lateral, zone-scheme center, Schmitz’s 1.85 second 10-yard split was worse than many expected. With only average explosive testing in the vert and broad jump, and average height at 6’3”, Schmitz’s stock may have taken a bit of a hit.
theathletic.com
