NFL Combine Recap
by Luke Paul Chandler
Josh Gaier reviews the results of the Combine, and picks the big winners at each position.
By Josh Gaier
As the most eventful scouting event of the year reached its conclusion, players began to cement their position as some of the finer prospects atop of their class. The top prospects all around the nation showcased their dazzling talent in Indianapolis, and quite a few made themselves some extra cash. Below is my list of the top winner at each position along with a runner-up.
Quarterback - Josh Johnson, San Diego
Ever since his season ended, small school prospect Josh Johnson has made the most of his offseason. Already carrying momentum before landing in the RCA Dome, Johnson continued to catch speed while running a spectacular 4.55 40-yard dash, which ranked number one in the ‘08 quarterback class. Johnson also displayed a strong powerful arm and displayed good touch on his throws. With not many quarterbacks in the class possessing a scrambling mentality, Johnson’s dual-threat ability makes him an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling.
Runner-Up: Joe Flacco, Delaware
Running Back - Chris Johnson, East Carolina
General Managers yearning for a homerun threat at the running back position won’t have to look much further than East Carolina’s Chris Johnson. By running an unprecedented 4.24 40-yard dash, Johnson flashed his world class speed to scouts in attendance. In addition, Johnson also displayed his explosiveness by posting a 10′10” broad jump. Between his stellar combine numbers and his proven performance on the field, Johnson should be able to creep his way into the second round.
Runner-Up: Darren McFadden, Arkansas
Wide Receiver - Limas Sweed, Texas
Since the opening measurements of the combine, where Sweed recorded a height of 6′4 and a weight of 216 pounds, he impressed scouts with his combination of size to speed. Sweed ran a very impressive 4.46 40-yard dash, and paired that up with a 37 inch vertical jump. Many questioned Sweed’s ability to recover from his injuries, but it appeared he silenced the critics for now due to his remarkable combine.
Runner-Up: James Hardy, Indiana
Tight End - Dustin Keller, Purdue
Dustin Keller looked like a complete workout tight end that will create mismatches from day one upon his entrance into the NFL. After lifting an impressive 26 reps on the 225-pound bench press, Keller kept the scouts in awe by running a 4.53 40-yard dash, which ranked first for tight ends. Also, Keller posted a 38 inch vertical. Keller also ran crisp, smooth routes, while displaying reliable hands. If the combine is any indicator, Keller is a guy that will step in right away and be a receiving threat. Don’t be surprised if he gets selected in the second round.
Runner-Up: Craig Stevens, California
Offensive Line - Jake Long, Michigan
Jake Long looked the part of a top five pick. Simple as that. Standing tall at 6′7, 313 pounds, Long came off as an incredible hulk-type linemen as he towered over the competition from a physical standpoint. The scouts continued to be amazed as Long benched the 225-pound bar 37 times. During the three cone drill, Long looked fluid and impressive in his hips, and showed he had the ability to hit defenders in space. Collectively, Long put in a fine piece of work throughout his stay at Indianapolis, and showed that he is more than worthy of a top five selection.
Runner-Up: Carl Nicks, Nebraska
Defensive Line - Vernon Gholston, Ohio State
Already labeled a workout warrior before his job interview at the combine, Vernon Gholston certainly lived up to lofty expectations. Gholston measured in at 6′3, 266 pounds, and showed exceptional acceleration by running a 1.63 10-yard split. In addition, Gholston ran a 4.61 50-yard dash, had the most bench reps for any defensive linemen with 37 on the 225-pound bar, posted the top vertical jump results by leaping 35.5 inches, and had the best broad jump of the defensive linemen group by jumping 10.5 feet. Gholston ranked atop of nearly every positional drill, and elevated his stock into a potential top five pick.
Runner-Up: Chris Long, Virginia
Linebackers - Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
After leaving school early, many scouts become weary of Mayo’s frame and size. However, after measuring in nicely with a 242 pound frame, Mayo quickly began to silence his critics. Despite the top-tier linebackers disappointing tremendously, Mayo took advantage of the opportunity by running a 4.54 40-yard dash. In addition, Mayo posted a 32 inch vertical. However, due to an impressive 40 and an upgrade in size, Mayo raised his stock considerably after the rest of the field failed to meet 40-yard expectations.
Runner-Up: Jon Goff, Vanderbilt
Defensive Backs - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
The small school wonder continued to impress alongside the big boys. DRC continued to dazzle the NFL scouts by running a blistering 4.33 40-yard dash. Rodgers already showed the scouts his impressive 6′1 height at the senior bowl, but he impressed the brass by displaying fluid hips, feet, and explosiveness towards the ball. Lastly, to seal the deal on a phenomenal day, Rodgers jumped a remarkable 38.5 inches. As of now, Rodgers is continuing to slowly emerge from his once unknown status, and appears to be a lock as a first round selection in the upcoming April draft.
Runner-Up: Justin King, Penn State