NFL Combine Day 1 of testing has come to a close. Those of us hoping for a record breaking run from Henry Ruggs III were disappointed. But as a guy who probably could not even sniff a 4.8, I was thoroughly impressed.
The QBs, WRs, and TEs have finished their testing, as well as interviews with the remaining prospects. I will run through the winners and losers of today, both through testing, and in measurements and interviews.
Winners
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
40 yard dash: 4.43 | Vertical Jump: 37.5 in. | Broad Jump: 126.0 in.
Jefferson surprised a lot of scouts and executives with his 40 time. One of Joe Burrow’s favorite targets, he caught 111 passes, 19 of which went for TDs this past season.
He is known as a tough, gritty route runner, but you throw in a sub 4.5 40? The LSU WR might find himself with a draft spot in the late first round.
Chase Claypool, WR (NOT a TE), Notre Dame
40 yard dash: 4.42 | Vertical Jump: 40.5 in. | Broad Jump: 126.0 in.
In maybe one of the best WR classes ever, and no clear cut TE option, some scouts threw around the idea of making a positional switch. After he tore it up at NFL Combine Day 1, even if he does make the positional switch, he will be regarding as a solid Day 2 pick.
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
40 yard dash 4.68 | Vertical Jump: 35.5 in. | Broad Jump: 123.0 in.
After running a respectable 40 yard dash, Herbert really put on a show with his arm.
It wasn’t just one or two throws that wowed scouts, he was really connecting on a high percentage of his throws. How much it drives him up the draft board remains to be seen, but it certainly did not hurt.
Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
40 yard dash: 4.49
The Missouri TE dominated the early portion of the combine, posting a sub 4.5 40. Coming in a 258 lbs, that is unreal speed out of the TE position, in a class where no one has really solidified themselves at the top of the class.
According to the NFL Research twitter account, it is the second fastest 40 time from a player at least 6’5″ and 250 lbs (Montez Sweat).
Losers
Parking Tickets
If the internet is undefeated, so is the NFL’s scouting department. Ross Blacklock, an IDL out of TCU. During his interview with the Las Vegas Raiders, they inquired about his 37 unpaid parking tickets. He apparently did not know the number was that high.
I hope he was able to find a couple of sponsorship deals to take care of those tickets before the draft rolls around.
Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
40 yard dash: 4.47 | Vertical Jump 42.0 in. | 138.0 in.
One of the dark horse picks with Ruggs to break the 4.2 threshold, but failed to make a good showing. The 40 yard dash will not make or break your draft stock, but considering we were expecting a 4.3 at least. Daniel Jeremiah mentioned that Reagor may have put on more weight, which affected his time. He tested well in every other category, but at 5’10”, nearly everyone understands that his strength will be in the speed category.
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
40 yard dash: 4.27 | Vertical Jump: 42.0 in. | Broad Jump 131.0 in.
Like I mentioned above, Ruggs speed is incredible, and a sub 4.3 is INSANE. He makes an appearance on this list because he was unable to compete in the gauntlet and route running after apparently suffering an injury during his 40 run. We know he has speed, but trying to get his name above Jeudy and Lamb on draft night, he could used this time to show off his hands and route running ability in the Combine.
Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU
Unfortunately, Moss makes this list after not even making it through the physical. Like I mentioned before, the TE class is very crowded, with no clear TE1. A strong showing in the Combine for the LSU pass catcher would have gone a long way in boosting his draft stock. The son of Randy Moss will now focus on getting healthy, but here is a couple highlights to let you know this guy can play.