Isaiah Simmons stands alone among top performers at combine

The true impact from the NFL scouting combine might not be known for months – if ever. While the NFL draft’s evaluation stage in Indianapolis tends to feature a number of breakout performers, as well as players whose outings leave something to be desired, the event is still only one piece of teams’ scouting process. And with testing and on-field workouts often less important than information gleaned in interviews and medical evaluations, the full picture of

the combine’s impact on the NFL draft can remain a mystery well after the final pick is in.

But while the impact of their performances might be hard to determine, several prospects this year distinguished themselves from their peers – for better or worse. Here were the biggest winners and losers of this year’s NFL scouting combine:

WINNERS

5. Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State: Covering tight ends and receivers downfield is Gay’s calling card, and he showcased his highly sought-after skill set at the combine. The 6-1, 243-pound linebacker boasted outstanding numbers in the 40 (4.46 seconds), vertical leap (39½ inches) and broad jump (11-4). His interview sessions were likely integral to his draft stock given some missteps at Mississippi State, including an altercation with a teammate and multiple suspensions, but Gay appears to be an ascendant prospect.

4. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State: Wirfs grabbed the spotlight among offensive linemen as one of the biggest names in action, but Cleveland’s performance was superlative — albeit in a more subtle fashion. His 4.46-second short shuttle — typically one of the better barometers for athleticism among tackles — was easily the best of his group, as was his 7.26-second three-cone drill. Though he has to become stronger to more effectively engage pass rushers, Cleveland has substantial upside as a blindside blocker and could be selected in the second round.

3. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin: With no real pecking order for the top running backs, Taylor made quite a case for himself to be the first ball carrier selected. His 4.39-second 40 was the best at his position and particularly impressive for someone weighing in at 226 pounds. Taylor also fared well catching the ball during drills, helping assuage some concerns about his potential limitations in the passing game.

2. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: So much for the questions about his athleticism. The 6-1, 202pound target notched a sterling set of numbers in testing: a 4.43-second 40 (tied for eighth among receivers), 37½-inch vertical leap and 10-4 broad jump. Jefferson also had perhaps the smoothest on-field workout of any player at his position, highlighting his primary value as a trusted outlet for any quarterback. His potential place in the first round is looking increasingly secure.

1. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson: Abstaining from positional workouts might typically preclude a player from being labeled the combine’s top performer, but Simmons didn’t have much to prove after his athletic testing. The 6-4, 238pound reigning ACC defensive player of the year recorded a 4.39-second 40, the second-best time of any linebacker since 2003, along with a 39-inch vertical leap and 11-0 broad jump. Though Simmons might face a ceiling in the draft given questions of the relative value of an off-ball linebacker, he reinforced his athleticism and skill set put him in a singular class that makes him worthy of consideration in the top five picks.

LOSERS

8. Myles Bryant, S, Washington: To be fair, Bryant excelled in the short shuttle (4.02 seconds) and three-cone drill (6.81 seconds). That agility doesn’t completely compensate, however, for a 4.62-second 40 and 31½-inch vertical leap, both problematic marks for a player who stands just 5-8 with short (29½-inch) arms. Bryant’s future is in the slot, and even that might prove a difficult spot for him.

7. Jalen Elliott, S, Notre Dame: His role at the next level is a mystery, as a 4.80-second 40 (worst among all defensive backs) eradicated what little chance he had of been given any assignments as a high safety. Yet he’s not a reliable tackler, and his stiffness signals problems with short-area work.

6. Salvon Ahmed, RB, Washington: His 4.62-second 40 was jarring, particularly for a player said to have clocked a 4.32 mark in college. A choppy runner with questionable vision, Ahmed needed to show he offered breakaway speed to entice teams, and he instead only raised further questions.

5. Calvin Throckmorton, OL, Oregon: His standing was on the downswing early in the week, when his 32½-inch arms portended a move to guard. The real hit, though, came in testing, as his 4.98-second short shuttle and 8.07-second three-cone drill served as red flags for any potential matchups against nimble defensive linemen. Throckmorton offers value as a versatile backup, but teams might see that as his ceiling. 4. Trey Adams, OT, Washington: Standing 6-8 and 318 pounds, Adams is in a no-man’s land as a left tackle who lacks the athletic tools needed to handle NFL pass rushers. His 5.60-second 40 was the worst of any player at the combine, and his performance during the agility portion of his workout was subpar. Any team drafting Adams will also be wary of his medical outlook after his torn anterior cruciate ligament in 2017 and back surgery in 2018.

3. Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State: Given his stellar on-field workout, Dantzler fared better than some other players on this portion of this list. But a 4.64-second 40 is approaching prohibitive territory for a cornerback. Improving on that time at his pro day will be paramount to avoiding a draft-day slide.

2. Jared Pinkney, TE, Vanderbilt: The downward trajectory of Pinkney’s last year continued in Indianapolis, as his 4.96-second 40 was worst among all tight ends. Rigid in his on-field workout, he is at risk of falling in the draft if his potential as a pass catcher comes under further scrutiny.

1. Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee: In the SEC, Jennings regularly pulled down jump balls and racked up yards after the catch. After netting a 4.72-second 40 and a 29-inch vertical leap, both second worst at his position, the 6-3, 215-pound target will face questions about whether he can do either effectively in the NFL. In a deep receiver class, Jennings might have a hard time standing out given his disconcerting athletic profile.