10 potential stars of scouting combine
The NFL scouting combine might not be the make-orbreak stage for draft prospects that some depict it as, but the event is undeniably a crucial part of the evaluation process. With workouts starting Friday in Indianapolis, scouts and general managers will get a chance to cross-reference players’ physical profiles with their work on the field while interviewing them away from it.
Here are 10 prospects who are poised to create the biggest buzz:
Sam Darnold, QB, Southern California
It was at the combine a year ago that hype around Darnold took off, as NFL personnel talked up the then-red shirt freshman after a dazzling Rose Bowl. Despite an uneven 2017 season in which he accounted for 23 turnovers, the touted dual-threat passer is in line to use this event to bolster his case to go No. 1. His elongated release and sometimes off-kilter footwork will be closely examined, but he should earn rave reviews for his arm strength, athleticism and character.
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
Despite more buzz surrounding Baker Mayfield and some of his other peers, Rosen is unmatched when assessing his footwork, mechanics and overall polish. Those assets should be readily evident in drills, though he will have to quell concerns about his outspoken personality. So long as he makes the right impressions in interviews, Rosen should solidify his status as a potential top-five pick.
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Already the top running back in his class, Barkley might have his sights set on a higher prize. The do-everything threat could become the first running back taken in the first two picks since Reggie Bush in 2006, and the combine could serve as a launching pad. Though his outstanding athleticism was readily apparent throughout his prolific career, expect the buzz around him to only grow louder after his performance in Indianapolis.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
There’s little certainty about the wide receiver class, but Ridley might be the most reliable option. Even amid Alabama’s uneven passing performances, he proved to be one of the smoothest and most natural players at his position. Though he might draw scrutiny for a slender frame, his work in drills should give him a chance to stand out from the crowd.
Vita Vea, DT, Washington
Nose tackles are seldom among the biggest stars of the combine, but few players at the position resemble Vea. At 6-5 and 340 pounds, he has shown rare ability as a run stuffer. Vea’s power and overall physical ability should entice teams and serve as a reminder that he has ample potential to unlock.
Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
Though he might be a year or two away from being able to hold his own against NFL start- ers, Bryan has traits that are hard to find from linemen with his build (6-4, 290). His best fit might be as a 3-4 defensive end, as he can wriggle past blockers and disrupt against the pass and the run. His burst and overall movement skills should turn heads.
Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
At 6-5 and 250 pounds with rare speed and athleticism, he is a singular prospect in this class. His instincts are raw, but he has proved capable of compensating for them with his physical tools.
Derwin James, S, Florida State
Two years after Jalen Ramsey was drafted, another Seminoles defensive back is poised to be one of the combine’s biggest standouts. At 6-3 and 215, James has the range and physical approach to make plays at any level of the field. Teams will want to evaluate how he has recovered from a torn lateral meniscus suffered in 2016, but he should win them over with a tone-setting confidence similar to the one Ramsey brings.
Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
Weigh-ins could be the only hit to his stock. The former track star should notch one of the fastest 40 times. Jackson still requires tutelage on route recognition and the finer points of the position, but he should have little trouble landing with a team willing to develop his substantial skill set.
Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
The Buckeyes have produced three first-round cornerbacks in the past two years, yet Ward has already distinguished himself. Though former teammate Marshon Lattimore had better playmaking skills at this stage, Ward is difficult for receivers to shake thanks to his fluid hips and expert route recognition. Expectations are high for his 40-yard dash, and he could firm up his place as the top option at his position.