If you watched any of the four days of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium you know that much of it can be quite tedious. And that it takes a trained eye to evaluate these large young men as they run, jump, throw, catch, hop, and kick during their various drills. Most were impressive as they worked out and a few were stellar. Even then this does not always translate to on the field success in the NFL.
Much of the action is not even at the stadium as the athletes and their agents meet with scouts, media, and team officials to discuss the draft and compare notes. As one reporter noted “the steaks flew off the menus at St. Elmo’s and Ruth’s Chris Steak House” during the week that the various participants were in town. The event brings an estimated $8 million to the local economy. Not bad for a week and the prime reason why so many other potential venues are so envious of Indianapolis for getting to host the Combine.
As far as Combine winners were concerned, perhaps the biggest winner was Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs. Wirfs was off the charts with a record-setting performance in the offensive line drills. According to one scout, he moved himself up from a mid-first round pick to top five consideration. At wide receiver, Alabama’s Henry Ruggs blazingly fast 4:27 in the 40 yard dash caught everyone’s attention. At edge rusher Alex Highsmith from Charlotte University had scouts taking notice with his speed, strength, and hard-nosed attitude. At linebacker Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons displayed Pro Bowl chops with perhaps the most impressive performance of any of the defenders. He will contribute from day one for what ever team he plays for.
Utah State quarterback Jordan Love impressed experts with his eye-catching workout including the Colts GM Chris Ballard. Several draft experts are now penciling in Love as the Colts first round pick at position 13. Love is big, 6’ 4” and 225 pounds and athletic and he can move. The downside is his 17 interceptions last season. He will need some development.
It’s still a month before the draft and player pro days at their various schools and individual interviews with respective teams will come into play, but the 2020 Combine was a big success.
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