WINNERS & LOSERS

John McClain looks at standout performers and players whose stock dropped after their time at the scouting combine in Indianapolis.

The NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis ended Monday when the defensive backs went through drills and showed they were the fastest group at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Going into Monday’s last day, LSU receiver D.J. Chark had the fastest time in the 40-yard dash, but his 4.34 was surpassed by three cornerbacks who ran 4.32 — Ohio State’s Denzel Ward, LSU’s Donte Jackson and Tulane’s Parry Nickerson.

Overall, eight defensive backs were officially timed in the 4.3s. Teams needing speed at cornerback won’t have to dig too deep to find them.

The most impressive prospect at the combine was Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, a candidate to be drafted first overall by Cleveland.

The most surprising prospect was Central Florida outside linebacker Shaquem Griffin, who also was the feel-good story of the combine.

When he impressed teams at the Senior Bowl, Griffin didn’t have a combine invitation. He was a late invitee, and he didn’t disappoint. Griffin, whose left hand was amputated when he was 4, performed so well he could go as high as the second or third round.

A lot of players improved their draft position at the combine. Some were downgraded for their performance but have a chance to rebound at their pro days.

Here are five combine winners and losers:

WINNERS

SHAQUEM GRIFFIN, OLB, CENTRAL FLORIDA Using a prosthetic left hand for the bench press, he lifted 225 pounds 20 times. He plays without the prosthesis and showed how well he can catch, too. Griffin blew away everyone with 4.38 40 and captivated everyone with his engaging personality and terrific athleticism. He could be a solid box safety, a dangerous pass rusher and a dynamite special teams player.

SAQUON BARKLEY, RB, PENN STATE At 6-0 and 233, he ran a 4.40, benched 29 times and had a 41-inch vertical. He showed quickness and strength and caught the ball well. He’s a candidate to become the first running back selected first overall since Penn State’s Ki-Jana Carter (Cincinnati) in 1995.

BRADLEY CHUBB, DE, NORTH CAROLINA STATE At 6-4 and 269, Chubb ran a 4.65, lifted 24 times, had a 36-inch vertical and a 10-1 long jump. He can play end in a 4-3 and could project to outside linebacker in a 3-4. He has top-five ability and could be the first defensive player selected. He’s easily the best pass-rush prospect.

JOSH ALLEN, QB, WYOMING Baker Mayfield had a more impressive day throwing, but Allen followed up a splendid Senior Bowl week with an excellent combine. At 6-5 and 237, he was the fastest quarterback with a 4.75 40. He showed the strongest arm. One pass traveled 70 yards, and he threw it with ease. He’s a better athlete than some scouts thought. He’s in the conversation to be the first quarterback selected.

TAVEN BRYAN, DT, FLORIDA His combine performance reminded some scouts of J.J. Watt in 2011. Bryan checked in at 6-4 and 291. He showed natural athleticism with outstanding movement skills. He ran a 4.98 40, had a 35-inch vertical, a 9-11 broad jump and 30 reps on the bench press. He’s a first-round pick whose stock is on the rise.

LOSERS

ORLANDO BROWN, OT, OKLAHOMA After protecting Baker Mayfield’s blind side and allowing no sacks last season, he had perhaps the worst combine in history for a player projected to go in the first round. He ran 5.85, benched only 14 times, had a 19½-inch vertical and a 6-10 broad jump. He’s in a free fall out of the first round.

SAM DARNOLD, QB, USC Not throwing at the combine won’t affect his draft status because he can excel at his pro day and in private workouts, but from a competitive standpoint, you’d think he would want to show the other top quarterback prospects what he’s got. He ran a 4.85 and wasn’t that impressive in the drills. He’s still a candidate to be drafted first overall.

MAURICE HURST, DT, MICHIGAN The hard-luck story of the combine. He went to Indianapolis projected to go in the bottom half of the first round and was eager to impress the scouts. When he underwent his physical, a heart condition was detected. He was sent home for more tests. Now nobody knows what his draft status will be.

JOSH JACKSON, CB, IOWA A ball hawk in college, he was projected to be the second player drafted at his position entering the combine, but his 4.56 40 will cause some teams to look closer at his tape. At 6-1 and 191, he’s got excellent size, and he played faster at Iowa than he showed Monday. He needs to run faster at his pro day.

JOSH ROSEN, QB, UCLA For a highly rated quarterback prospect with sound mechanics, his accuracy wasn’t as good as scouts wanted to see. There’s no reason for inconsistency when there’s no pressure and the receivers aren’t covered. He wasn’t bad, just not as impressive as a prospect with top-five ability should have been at the combine.