Combine Stock Up

Samuel Fung, Staff Writer

The NFL Combine has passed, stocks have risen, and stocks have fallen (especially Jalen Carter’s). Today, however, we are only focusing on the positives. These players showcased the supposed best of their physical profile and athletic abilities, wowing scouts in several various drills and thus raising their profile.

 

DJ Turner, CB, Michigan

I have to start with the fastest guy in the class. DJ Turner’s 4.26 40-yard dash is up there with the best performers in this event, being tied for 4th-fastest all-time behind only John Ross, Kalon Barnes, and Titans club legend Chris Johnson. Pair that with a decent vertical jump and broad jump and you have an elite athlete who could easily be a Day 2 selection.

Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Deonte Banks also confirmed that his athletic profile was first-round worthy. He posted a 4.35 40-yard dash, a broad jump of 11 feet and four inches, and a 42-inch vertical jump. This combine performance, plus his excellent play as a junior opposite fellow combine star Jakorian Bennett (who ran a 4.3 flat in the 40-yard dash) might make him CB1 on some boards across the league.

Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska

Trey Palmer is a raw player, but knows how to be a great vertical and speed threat. He is shifty with the ball in his hands. And considering he has proven 4.33 speed, it seems he has every physical trait checked off. All he needs to do is work on staying strong through contact and refine his route running before he becomes an elite deep threat in the NFL.

Nolan Smith, DE, Georgia
Nolan Smith may be undersized for a pass rusher, but he is speedy. A 4.39 40 time for any pass rusher, no matter what size, is insane. Also, his 41.5 inch vertical jump and 10 foot 8-inch broad jump are also quite praiseworthy. Smith (or as I call him, Slenderman) could prove to be impactful right away despite being somewhat raw.

Adetomiwa Adeboware, DE, Northwestern

280-pound defensive linemen that are insane athletes are rare and hard to come by, but we have indeed come by one. Adetomiwa Adeboware ran a sub 4.5 40-yard dash, which is sure to increase his draft stock and hype. Adeboware has a versatile frame that allows him to play inside and outside, a trait that is as valuable as athleticism. Expect him to be a potential Day 2 selection in the draft next month.

Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

Devon Achane all but confirmed he was the fastest guy in the running back class. His 4.32 40-time now seems obvious on his tape. This speed makes him very valuable as a potential change-of-pace back in a by-committee, which is becoming more and more popular in the NFL. Sure, it was Achane’s only drill, but there is still his pro day.

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

Mobile athletes are all over the NFL today. Anthony Richardson, even being among the most mobile QBs, is just built differently. For his size, a 4.43 40-yard dash is elite. His 40.5” vertical jump? Elite. 10’9” broad jump? The best among quarterbacks in the class. Considering how valuable athletic ability is at the quarterback position, this guy can easily become a top five selection.

Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami

Tyrique Stevenson’s stock has continued to rise since the turn of the calendar year. The Miami product had a productive lone season with the Hurricanes and followed it up with a solid athletic showcase at the combine. His 4.45 40 time and his 4.41 20-yard shuttle showcased adequate speed and agility, whilst his 38.5” vertical proves his worth as a guy who can contest jump balls at the next level. Along with his size, he looks like an ideal prospect in the NFL.

Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn

Top-tier athleticism will often be needed to make up for a lack of size. Thankfully, Owen Pappoe possesses that athleticism. Linebackers rarely run a sub-4.4 40, but Pappoe became just the third linebacker to run a sub-4.4 time (Shaquem Griffin and Isaiah Simmons were the two before him). He also had the most bench press reps (29) of all linebackers at the combine and placed top five in both vertical and broad jump for his position. Pappoe can easily succeed in the NFL with the right team.

Jartavius Martin, S, Illinois

Our last player dominated at his position. Illinois’ Jartavius Martin is just about good enough to be a free safety in the NFL. He is not the strongest, but his jumping and speed is among the top in the class He topped the vertical and broad jumps and finished third in the 40-yard dash. Be sure to keep an eye out for him.

 

These are just ten guys who showed well at the most important event of the draft season. A lot can change, but surprises and breakouts are bound to happen.