2018 NFL Draft: Official NFL Combine Thread

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three defensive linemen hybrid linebackers on the rise

Sam Hubbard DE/LB Ohio State
Trevon Young DE/LB Louisiville
Anthony Winbush DE/LB Ball State

two defensive lineman on the rise

James Looney DT California
Chad Thomas DL, Miami

four edge rushers checking the boxes

Bradley Chubb DE/LB NC State
Marcus Davenport DE/LB UTSA
Arden Key DE/LB LSU
Harold Landry DE/LB BC

 

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[h=3]Shaquem Griffin runs fastest LB 40 time[/h] Shaquem Griffin continues to wow at the combine, posting a 4.38 40 time - the fastest of any LB since 2003. Follow along with all of the biggest names in the draft to see their official times and scores.

 

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[h=1]Mike Mayock's takeaways from First 3 Days of Combine[/h] DAY 1: OL, RB

Spoiler

The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine is underway, which means broad and vertical jumps, 20- and 60-yard shuttles and all the Mike Mayock insight that's fit to print.

On Day 1 of the combine drills, Mayock is taking a look at prospective offensive linemen, running backs and special teamers. Some are rising in his view. Others are falling hard.

Here are Mayock's assessments of the notable players working out in Indianapolis on Friday. All projected draft spots are for those drafted in the first two rounds of Chad Reuter's four-round mock draft:

[h=3]Offensive linemen[/h]
Orlando Brown, Oklahoma (No. 16 to Ravens): Brown has had one of the roughest combines so far. Projected as a first-rounder coming in, Brown followed up a 14-rep showing on the bench with the fifth-slowest combine 40 time since 2006; the four other players were not drafted. Mayock didn't pull punches on Brown's performance. "It's appropriate to have the conversation that that's going to hurt him," Mayock said of Brown's 40 time, "in addition to the 14 reps on the bench. ... If you look at him, he's really kind of underdeveloped in his upper body."

Alex Cappa, Humboldt State: "I've never seen an offensive lineman throw more people out of the club. ... I know it's Division II, but it pops off the tape."

Austin Corbett, Nevada: Corbett's combine performance (5.15 40) prompted Mayock to suggest he could sneak into the first round.

Desmond Harrison, West Georgia: The Texas transfer ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash of all offensive linemen (4.90). Mayock said Harrison "opened some eyes" with his combine showing.

Will Hernandez, UTEP (No. 57 to Titans): Mayock called Hernandez a "Day 1 starter in the NFL," colorfully adding, "If you want get in a fight in a phone booth, that's your guy right there."

Cole Madison, Washington State: Mayock likes how Madison pops out his stance, and said that the Air Raid veteran could "potentially start at guard" in the league.

Kolton Miller, UCLA (No. 43 to Patriots): Miller set the record in broad jump (10'1") before recording a sub-five 40. Mayock clairifed, "He's just going to keep stacking those types of performances today, but when you watch his tape, I tell you, he's up and down."

Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame (No. 7 to Buccaneers): The presumptive top offensive lineman coming out this year, Nelson was described by Mayock as a "glass eater." Nelson tweaked his hamstring and did not run the 40, but participated in every other drill.

Brian O'Neill, Pittsburgh: The former tight end ran the fastest 40 time of all offensive linemen (4.80), but Mayock admits O'Neill "needs more sand in his pants."

Billy Price, Ohio State (No. 49 to Jets): Price suffered a partially torn pec that will keep him out until training camp. Despite not participating in the drills, Price was lauded as a "really clean football player" who can play "at all three interior line positions."

Will Richardson, NC State: Mayock called him a"sloppy body," but also a "people mover."

Rod Taylor, Ole Miss: Mayock liked Taylor's movement and said he'll have to rewatch his tape after a strong combine performance.

Coleman Shelton, Washington: Mayock pointed out that Shelton reminded him of Eagles center Jason Kelce on tape.
[h=3]Running backs[/h]

Saquon Barkley, Penn State (No. 4 to Browns): The Penn State stud continued his impressive combine, running a 4.41 40-yard dash and hitting 41 inches in the vertical jump. Barkley's big day inspired Mayock to say that Barkley's 40 at 233 pounds was "more impressive" than Bengals WR John Ross' record-setting 4.22 mark at 188 pounds.

Nick Chubb, Georgia (No. 59 to 49ers): Mayock was impressed with Chubb's 4.53 40-yard dash, calling it an "outstanding" time. He warned that, while Chubb doesn't look that great while following Barkley at the combine, Chubb is a "tough north-south guy."

Shon Coleman, Washington: Mayock called him "quicker than he is fast. No long speed, but he's quick in the hole."

Chase Edwards, Fordham: Mayock pointed out that Edwards is comparable to James White in nearly every metric: Same height, weight and 40 time (4.50) as the Patriots' Super Bowl LI hero.

Derrius Guice, LSU (No. 36 to Colts): The second-best back according to Mayock's position rankings, Guice was described by the draft guru as a "north-south punishing runner."

Nyheim Hines, NC State: The fastest back in the draft, Hines ran the quickest 40-yard dash of the day (4.38). Mayock's analysis: "That's a freaky dude and an easy mover."

Kerryon Johnson, Auburn: Johnson did not run the 40-yard dash, but during RB drills Mayock described the SEC Player of the Year as a "leggy runner."

Sony Michel, Georgia: Mayock couldn't get over the comparisons between Michel and Saints rookie back Alvin Kamara. He pointed out their similar contact balance and home-run hitting ability, but wondered if can Michel be same pass receiver as Kamara. Michel is "more physical than people think," Mayock says.

Bo Scarbrough, Alabama: Mayock wanted to compare Scarbrough to his fellow Tide alumnus Derrick Henry, but found Henry quicker and called Scarbrough a more "leggy runner."

DAY 2: QB, WR, TE

Spoiler

The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off Friday with offensive linemen and running backs. Saturday, it was time for the more glamorous positions.

Quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends all worked out at the annual event, which featured broad jumps, 40-yard dashes, on-field drills and much more. As usual, Mike Mayock was there to provide insight on it all.

Take a look at how the NFL Network draft analyst broke down some of the draft's top prospects who participated in Indianapolis on Day 2 of the prestigious event.

[h=3]Quarterbacks[/h]

Sam Darnold, USC: Darnold showed off his legs with a 4.85-second, 40-yard-dash time, but Mayock was disappointed he couldn't see the quarterback's arm: "I think he is [a competitor], I just wish he was throwing today, man."

Josh Allen, Wyoming: Allen's combine measurables earlier in the week compared best with Eaglesquarterback Carson Wentz, and when the Wyoming quarterback's 40 time of 4.75 just barely beat Wentz's 4.77 in 2016, Mayock said, "Physically, what I would tell you, Allen's got a better arm and he's a better athlete, believe it or not."

Lamar Jackson, Louisville: Mayock raved over Jackson, saying he was the most "spectacular athlete in this draft" who "could be the future of the NFL." In drills, however, Mayock said Jackson was being a little too "careful" with the ball, wishing he'd stop aiming the ball and just "rip it" instead.

Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma: Mayock liked the "sauce" Mayfield displayed on some of his throws and said of the Heisman Trophy winner's overall game: "You have to take him seriously as a potential first-round quarterback."

Josh Rosen, UCLA: Mayock loved what he saw from the quarterback who's widely believed to be the purest passer in this class: "Every ball that this kid throws, he's on balance, he's got a really nice feel for touch and accuracy."

Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State: Mayock didn't have a problem with what Rudolph did Saturday: "From what I've heard, he's interviewed really well, people love his knowledge of the game ... his deep-ball accuracy is just outstanding."

[h=3]Receivers[/h]

DJ Chark, LSU: Chark's blazing 4.34 40 time impressed Mayock, but after he smoothly caught passes in the gauntlet drill, Mayock really liked what he saw: "He had a real good Senior Bowl week and he's coming out and competing today."

Michael Gallup, Colorado State: One of the question marks on the Colorado State standout, who's largely projected to land somewhere in the second round, was his top-end speed. With a 4.52 40, Mayock said the time eased some of those concerns: "That is good. At 205 pounds, he's a competitor."

Christian Kirk, Texas A&M: Mayock wondered whether Kirk would run a sub-4.5 40 time, and when both of Kirk's unofficials came in under that mark, Mayock called them "really solid." The draft analyst compared Kirk to former Green Bay Packers wideout Greg Jennings, saying they're both "tough" wideouts with "outstanding hands" who run good routes.

Calvin Ridley, Alabama: Mayock saw a "plenty fast enough" 4.43 time from Ridley and said he could see Ridley following in Julio Jones' and Amari Cooper's footsteps from Alabama to the NFL: "Obviously, Julio Jonesis the first big wide receiver coming out of there in the [Nick] Saban era and then it was Amari Cooperand now it's this guy, Calvin Ridley."

D.J. Moore, Maryland: Moore raised his stock in Indianapolis, and after running a 4.42, Mayock said Moore's tape was just as impressive as the measurables he posted: "I've got big letters at the top of my chart on this kid: 'Alert: This kid can play' in orange letters."

Cedrick Wilson, Boise State: Wilson's hands popped to Mayock in the gauntlet drill: "Very smooth, good hands ... [Smooth] is what he is on tape. He's not twitchy, he's really smooth."

Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame: Mayock on the 6-foot-5 wideout: "There's going to be a lot of intrigue because of his body type and speed."

[h=3]Tight ends[/h]

Mark Andrews, Oklahoma: Mayock "loved" the 4.67 40 that Andrews ran at 256 pounds. After Andrews' workout, Mayock summed up the TE's performance: "Boy, he can catch the football and run some routes."

Mike Gesicki, Penn State: Gesicki's 4.54 40 popped up on the screen and Mayock hardly believed it: "Woah. Woah. Woah. Woah, folks. Alert, alert, because he's going to run and jump."

Hayden Hurst, South Carolina: The No. 1 tight end on Mayock's board, the draft analyst had more praise for the South Carolina product Saturday: "He blocks in addition to catching the football."

DAY 3: DL, LB

Spoiler

The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off Friday with offensive linemen and running backs and continued Saturday with quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends. Sunday was about defense.

The interior defensive linemen were the first act, followed by edge rushers and linebackers, and Mike Mayock broke the event down as only he can. Here's what the NFL Network draft analyst had to say about some of the draft's top prospects who participated in Indianapolis on Day 3.

[h=3]Interior defensive linemen[/h]

Vita Vea, Washington: A hamstring injury cut Vea's day a bit short. But the top defensive lineman on Mayock's board made his presence felt with a 5.10 40-yard dash and 41 reps on the bench. "Do you know how freaky this kid is?" Mayock opined. "He played high school basketball, he was a running back in high school. On defense, they've used him everywhere on the front. He stands up at 347, plays the "joker," rushes the A-gap, comes off the edge. [Stanford coach] David Shaw said he's got the ability to be the best 3-4 nose tackle or 4-3 nose tackle in football."

Da'Ron Payne, Alabama: After a dominant performance in the College Football Playoff, Mayock listed Payne as the No. 2 interior lineman in the 2018 NFL Draft. Mayock seemed just as impressed with his 40 run. "Wow, wow, wow, wow -- 4.91 at 311 pounds. And he's showing people he can affect the quarterback."

Taven Bryan, Florida: Mayock said the buzz surrounding Bryan is being pegged as a defensive tackle and has the movement skills of All-Pro honorees Fletcher Cox and J.J. Watt. A 5.08 40 time was more good than great, prompting Mayock to liken him to Gerald McCoy. Then Bryan ran a 4.98. "There you go," Mayock said. "That's what I was looking for."

Harrison Phillips, Stanford: With all eyes on the 347-pound Vea, Phillips finds himself as the other Pac-12 defensive lineman. But he's not an afterthought for Mayock, especially after an impressive showing in the bench press. "You know how may reps he did? Vita Vea did 41, this young man did 42," Mayock said. "He's technically proficient, he's one of my favorite players in the draft."

Rasheem Green, USC: Green resides just outside Mayock's top-five lists but might be climbing the ladder following an impressive combine. His 4.73 40 topped all interior linemen, not to mention quarterback and college teammate Sam Darnold. Mayock believes Green will begin his NFL career as a D-end but ultimately end up a tackle. "He hasn't really filled into his body type yet. I think he's an outside player but I think he's going to grow into an inside player. And I think Green's going to be a difference-maker in the NFL."
[h=3]Edge rushers[/h]

Bradley Chubbs, North Carolina State:The deepest quarterback class in years has relegated Chubbs to a "top-five" prospect instead of potentially being the top overall pick, as we've seen with previous defensive ends. That doesn't mean Chubbs isn't of that ilk. In fact, Mayock likens him to 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year Joey Bosa, only Chubbs' 4.65 40 was markedly better than Bosa's 4.88. "How about that one, folks? I kept trying to pick his game apart, watching his film and it's really hard because a lot of these edge guys don't want to pay the run. But he's so physical and tough against the run. He flies to the football."

Marcus Davenport, UTSA: You might not have heard of him. But he was a big topic of conversation at the combine, and you'll hear of him again on Day 1 of the draft. Mayock's second-ranked edge rusher ran a 4.58 40. "I can't tell you how impressive that is. That puts him in-between [Jadeveon] Clowney (4.53) and [Ezekiel] Ansah (4.63). He's more raw than Clowney but this kid's special. ... You talk about Ansah as a freak. You've got to put Davenport, physically, in the same category."

Arden Key, LSU: He didn't run the 40 this weekend but impressed nonetheless in on-field drills. Mayock especially liked seeing him back at 238 pounds, which had been his playing weight prior to being at 265 last season. "He looks so much quicker. I put the first tape of the year on, and I didn't even recognize him."

Harold Landry, Boston College: Projections are all over the place for Landry, with some seeing him as a first round guy and others believing he could fall to Day 3. Mayock's No. 4 edge rusher certainly helped his stock by running a 4.64 in the 40. "Good time for him at 253 pounds. ... He also converts speed to power."

[h=3]Linebackers[/h]
Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech: He's 19 years old and will likely be selected higher than that figure in the first round of the draft. More fun with numbers: he's 6-foot-4, 253 pounds, and he ran the 40 in 4.55 seconds. Those are some of the reasons Edmunds is Mayock's top-rated linebacker on the board. "[He has] the skill-set of being able to be a powerful inside off the ball and an edge rusher."

Roquan Smith, Georgia: Combine the athleticism and sideline-to-sideline speed of Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones with the leadership and work ethic of former Pro Bowler Jonathan Vilma, and Mayock says you get Roquan Smith. Or maybe the version we saw at Georgia. Despite weighing in 11 pounds heavier at the combine than his listed weight last year (225), he ran an impressive 4.52 unofficial in the 40. "I think he's a plug-and-play off-the-ball linebacker. People are going to love Roquan Smith."

 

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