We discuss some of the biggest NFL Combine Winners from Day 1 where Defensive Line, EDGE, and Linebackers all worked out.
NFL Combine Winners Defensive Line
Bryan Bresee
While talent has not really been the question, Bresee went into the combine with questions about athleticism and health. He cleared his medical and tested very well for his size. Look for him to be a top 20 pick.
Gervon Dexter
Running a 4.88 at 310 pounds is absolutely nuts. He jumped well too and showed agility in the positional drills. He could sneak into the first, but should absolutely be a second round pick at the worst.
Calijah Kancey
If Nolan Smith did not run, Kancey would be the dominating story of Day 1. He measured in a little taller than expected, and blew away the 40 time record for defensive tackles. He was unable to do drills due to a shoulder injury, but his athleticism is unreal. The comps to Donald will get louder because of size and going to Pitt, but keep Ed Oliver in mind.
Zacch Pickens
At one time, Pickens was a monster prospect. He has not lived up to the hype, but he had a lot to gain at the combine and he did just that. His athletic testing showed the potential that had him ranked as a top recruit, and the positional drills looked fluid. He could be a late day 2 selection with immense upside.
Dante Stills
A sleeper at the tackle position, Stills will probably gain momentum after this weekend. He tested very well, and looked very good in the pass rushing drills.
NFL Combine Winners EDGE
Nolan Smith
The name that no one is surprised to see. He may have had the best combine in history, let alone this year. A 4.39 40, 1.52 split, and he cleared the vert jump bar. On top of having amazing interviews, Nolan Smith could become a top 15 testing on his athletic upside alone.
Adetomiwa Adebawore
Adebawore benched 27 reps and ran a 4.54 at 282 pounds. Size speed combination alone could be worth a late first, early second selection.
Robert Beal
Kind of a forgotten player in the Georgia juggernaut. Beal tested great in the athletic drills, and should go from deep sleeper to potential day 2 selection with his athletic upside.
Byron Young
He showed he has the athleticism to play on the edge or drop back. He looked good enough in the positional drills, but really showed out in the 40 and his jumps.
NFL Combine Winners Linebacker
Jack Campbell
Campbell is rated one of the best coverage linebackers in the country, but we had questions about his athleticism. His 4.65 40 and 1.59 split are good, not elite. But, his jumps were both top three, and his 3 cone and shuttle were the best. He showed he has the short area quickness to survive and be productive at the next level.
Owen Pappoe
Poppoe is probably the biggest winner from the day 1 in terms of increasing draft stock. At 6’0, 225 Poppoe is slightly undersized. However, he showed insane versatility in skill with a 4.39 40 (1.52 split) and 29 reps on the bench. He was not highly regarded heading into this weekend, but evaluators will absolutely be looking further into his report and moving him up draft boards.