Workouts at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine got underway Thursday, with quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends taking center stage. This year the NFL reconfigured its schedule for the combine putting workouts in prime time to generate a bigger audience by making it a day early and reshuffling the order of player groupings.
So without further ado, I am going to bring you the so called “winners and losers” of day 1. Yes, I am referencing the title and yes “winners and losers” are in inverted commas because it is way too early to determine a player’s potential just buy watching them at the Combine but nevertheless it is still fun.
Henry Ruggs III: Alabama (Winner)
Henry Ruggs III, we all knew he was fast but he fast fast. He ran a disappointing 4.27 in the 40-yard dash officially (YES DISAPPOINTING). The only reason it was disappointing because I was ready to bet my February pay that he would beat John Ross’ Combine record of 4.22. Nonetheless 4.27 is still a great time and 42” on the vertical jump was just the icing on the cake. If your team needs a receiver you may want to trade up for him.
Chase Claypool: Notre Dame (Winner)
Weighing in at 238 pounds from Canada, Chase Claypool. This guy’s physique sounds like he should be going one-on-one with The Undertaker but he decided to take the football route instead. People thought he would move into the tight end position but Chase is going to stay a wide receiver. Claypool ran a 4.42 and hit a 40.5” on the vertical which are receiver numbers. Since 2003 only two wide receivers at the Combine have measured at least 6’4” weighed 235 or more and run under 4.45. One is Claypool, the other Megatron himself Calvin Johnson. So, you’ve heard it here first we’re going to have a Megatron 2.0...
Donovan Peoples-Jones: Michigan (Winner)
That jump you just saw is tied with two others for the best in Combine history with among wide receivers. He also launched for 11’7” in the broad jump and rounded off the night with a 4.48 in the 40. Peoples-Jones was heavily coveted 5-star recruit but suffered from the 4th most uncatchable targets in the class thanks to the Shea Patterson and his accuracy. This performance in the combine will undoubtedly help repair his draft stock and may get more scouts going back to his film. Overall a good day for the “Peoples-Champ” (Yeah I know another WWE reference, sorry).
Justin Jefferson: LSU (Winner)
The slot receiver with no faults to his game checked another box and reminded us why he is first round talent. A 4.43 in the 40 coming in at 6’1” and 202lbs the sure-handed Jefferson led the nation in slot receptions and yards and showed us why he is going to be a reliable slot receiver for years to come.
Tee Higgins: Clemson (Loser)
Here’s the issue, you can’t talk the talk and not back it up
He ran a 4.75 coming out of a high school so we were all expecting to see something around 4.4 but you pull out to “rest” Come on, man! Maybe we might see him run at the Clemson pro day but either way it’s a disappointment and it is only going to leave a box left unchecked for NFL scouts and me.
Jauan Jennings: Tennessee (Loser)
Now no one really expected Jennings to light up this event but a 29” vertical jump is hard to no notice. Also, a 9’1” broad jump and a 4.73 in the 40-yard dash? In a draft class loaded with athletic receivers that performance is not going to help his stock at all.
Laviska Shenault Jr: TCU (Loser)
The streets were saying ‘@hunchoviska’ could possibly run in the 4.4s but that did not come to pass and he came up with a 4.59. This could be due to injury, however that means it's another injury for a guy who had a lot to prove by clearing medical checks. Hopefully the injury does not prove to be major and he has more favor at his pro day, but this was definitely not the performance he would have wanted.
Jalen Reagor: TCU (Winner/Loser... I’m not too sure)
Expectations were high for Reagor who showed a lot on film. Showing up at 206lbs, 11lbs heavier than listed, Reagor started off with some incredible jumps. 42” on the vertical and 11’6” on the broad it all started off so well. Then things got confusing. Reagor clocked in at 4.47 in the 40 but then had a really stiff 7.31 on the 3-cone drill which was one of the worst among receivers. Which makes us think at what point do prospects needs to stop bulking before it affects their athleticism? It's obviously different with every person and not everyone can be as athletic as Megatron, but Reagor showed us although you can be explosive north of 200lbs you may not be as agile.
Tomorrow in day 2 of the Combine we got the running backs, offensive lineman, place kickers and special teams so you know I will be coming with those bench press stats.
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