Prospects have something to prove
NFL combine the place for them to show worth
For even some of the most proven players entering the NFL draft, the scouting combine can be a critical juncture for answering pressing questions.
Giving teams cause for concern during an on-field workout, interview or medical evaluation could be the catalyst for a slide on draft day.
Here are 10 players with something to prove at this year’s combine.
1. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
In a draft defined by unpredictable passers, he might be the biggest mystery. Is Allen the franchise quarterback merely waiting for an NFL coaching staff to harness his talents? Or is he the erratic thrower he frequently was at Wyoming, where he completed just 56.2% of his passes in two years? Allen should again impress with his physical tools, but his ball placement and touch will be closely monitored.
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
He might be the inverse of Allen from a projection standpoint: a proven product at the collegiate level who nevertheless faces questions about his ability to thrive as a pro quarterback. The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner won’t be able to convince everyone about his viability as a pocket passer, even if he doesn’t receive his due for the progress he’s already made. But if Jackson can demonstrate more consistency, especially in his lower body mechanics, he’ll be an enticing option for a team willing to get creative with his unique skill set and perhaps adequate time to groom him.
3. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
After logging 758 carries, 4,769 rushing yards and 48 total touchdowns in his career, Chubb is a proven entity. But even though his savvy as a one-cut runner should earn him more than a few fans, teams will want to see how his change of direction and long speed stack up to the elite backs in the class. Medical evaluations will also be key after he tore multiple knee ligaments in 2015.
4. Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
A big-bodied (6-4, 215 pounds) boxout receiver, he left little doubt about his ability to thrive on contested catches and in the middle of the field. Yet there are significant concerns about Sutton’s ability to separate from defensive backs, which could pigeon-hole him into a role merely as a possession receiver. Slow showings in the 40-yard dash and other drills could sink his stock.
5. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
Racing past Big 12 corners became routine for Washington, who hauled in 33 touchdown passes in the past three seasons. NFL teams will want to verify his deep speed, and his 40-yard time will be one of the combine’s most scrutinized. With a squat build and lack of experience running a full route tree, Washington could see his stock drop if he doesn’t measure up to to his peers.
6. Connor Williams, OT, Texas
After a knee injury derailed much of his 2017 season, he faces skepticism about his viability as a blindside protector. Williams’ initial measurements could prove critical, as his length likely will shape the discussion of whether he is better off moving to guard. If he meets expectations and displays the lateral footwork needed for the position, he should be in the mix to be the first offensive tackle off the board.
7. Arden Key, DE, LSU
Once viewed as a potential top-five pick, he has plenty to account for from a disappointing 2017 campaign. After taking a leave of absence in the spring and missing time while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Key returned weighing as much as 280 pounds, up more than 30 from the previous season, and struggled to recapture his form. A 6-6 frame and uncanny ability to beat offensive tackles off the edge make him one of the draft’s most tantalizing pass rushers, but he must prove to teams he won’t stand in his own way.
8. Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
The Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year might not be a household name, but he is in NFL draft circles. With a muscular 6-7 build, Davenport has the physical makeup that will earn him top 10 consideration. While he works to find ways to beat linemen beyond his bull rush, he has to show the explosiveness expected of an early pick by acing the three-cone drill, which is critical for edge rushers.
9. Harold Landry, DE-OLB, Boston College
After racking up 161⁄2 sacks as a junior, he managed five last season while limited by an ankle injury. Though teams will want a closer look at how Landry has recovered, there are more worrisome considerations in his projection. With suboptimal size (6-3, 250 pounds) and strength for an edge rusher, the combine’s testing stage could provide Landry a needed opportunity to begin proving his skill set will translate to the next level.
10. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Being undersized is no disqualifying factor for success on the interior, as the likes of Aaron Donald, Geno Atkins and Grady Jarrett have shown. But a smaller frame can cost defensive tackles on draft day, and Hurst (6-2, 280) might be seen only as an option for teams that use four-man fronts. If he weighs in bulkier than expected and shows improved upper body strength, however, he could solidify his case for the first round.